South Twin Lake Campground

3.40

71 reviews

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, BEND, OREGON, 97701, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

407 ft

Price

$29 - $62/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Deschutes National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

407 ft

Price

$29 - $62/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Deschutes National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

South Twin Lake Campground

$29.00 - $62.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $29 to $62 per night depending on the season and site type. Holiday surcharges of $2 may apply.

Standard Site Fee$29.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-323-1746

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What Campers Say

3.40

Mixed Reviews

Based on 71 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

waterlake

"User reviews for South Twin Lake Campground are mixed. Positive aspects include the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding area, as well as recreational opportunities like fishing and kayaking. Common complaints focus on poor maintenance of facilities, such as broken toilets and insufficient garbage management, and issues with noise and overcrowding."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, BEND, OREGON, 97701, USA

South Twin Lake Campground

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, BEND, OREGON, 97701, USA

Driving directionsFrom Bend, travel 26.8 miles south on Hwy 97 to Wickiup Junction, then 11.0 miles west on County Road 43, then continue 4.6 miles west on Forest Road 42, and finally 2.0 miles south on Forest Road 4260.

Accessible via paved roads. Roads include highways and county roads, transitioning to Forest Roads that may vary in condition. Seasonal limitations may apply due to fire restrictions and weather conditions. Keep updated with road conditions at the campground and surrounding area.

Nearby places

Bend, OR: ~27 miles, ~40-minute drive

La Pine, OR: ~15 miles, ~25-minute drive.

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies available at Twin Lakes Resort (~0.5 miles away). Additional supplies available in Bend (~27 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at South Twin Lake Campground

Experience the full spectrum of Central Oregon's mountain climate at South Twin Lake. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched paradise, with long, warm days perfect for swimming and water sports under brilliantly clear skies. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, though occasional rain showers and gusty winds remind visitors to pack layers. Winter blankets the volcanic landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here, while spring's unpredictable mix of sunshine and showers breathes new life into the surrounding forest.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer offers warm water activities but reviews cite busy crowds, maintenance problems and lower water levels.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open through Oct 18; likely quieter with good scenery, but limited direct review detail for fall.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open from late May; spring-season specifics limited in descriptions and reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Oct 18 season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - October 18, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 to October 18, reservable June 24 to October 18.
Current Alerts: No current alerts listed.

About South Twin Lake Campground

Nestled along the pristine shores of South Twin Lake, this enchanting campground invites you to experience the raw beauty of Oregon's volcanic wilderness. Here, where ancient lava flows have sculpted a dramatic landscape, modern adventurers find the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and outdoor excitement. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, launching your kayak at dawn, or simply unwinding by your campfire under star-studded skies, South Twin Lake delivers an authentic Pacific Northwest escape complete with convenient amenities including fresh drinking water and modern restroom facilities.

South Twin Lake Campground offers standard nonelectric sites suitable for tents, trailers, or RVs. The sites are available for reservation during the peak season and on a first-come, first-served basis during the shoulder season. Some users reported issues with site layouts and accessibility.

Historical SignificanceStep back 20,000 years at South Twin Lake, where violent volcanic eruptions once shook the earth and reshaped the landscape forever. These cataclysmic explosions carved out the stunning lake basin you see today, leaving behind a geological time capsule that tells the explosive story of the Cascade Range's fiery past. Every rock formation and shoreline curve serves as a testament to the incredible forces that created this natural sanctuary, making your camping experience not just a getaway, but a journey through deep geological time.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Central Oregon's mountain climate at South Twin Lake. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched paradise, with long, warm days perfect for swimming and water sports under brilliantly clear skies. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, though occasional rain showers and gusty winds remind visitors to pack layers. Winter blankets the volcanic landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here, while spring's unpredictable mix of sunshine and showers breathes new life into the surrounding forest.

ElevationPerched at the ideal elevation within the Deschutes National Forest, South Twin Lake Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where summer temperatures remain delightfully comfortable. This strategic positioning provides the perfect escape from sweltering valley heat, with crisp morning air that invigorates and afternoon breezes that cool, creating an alpine atmosphere that rejuvenates both body and spirit.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where fire and water have conspired to create extraordinary beauty. The campground showcases nature's artistry through volcanic formations that rise dramatically from South Twin Lake's mirror-like surface, each rocky outcrop telling its own 20,000-year-old story. Panoramic vistas encompass not only the serene waters of your lakeside home but also stretch to include the expansive Wickiup Reservoir and the neighboring North Twin Lake, creating a water wonderland framed by ancient lava flows and verdant forest that changes with each passing hour of sunlight.

Geological RegionWelcome to one of the Pacific Northwest's most fascinating volcanic playgrounds within the majestic Deschutes National Forest. South Twin Lake stands as a shimmering jewel in a crown of volcanic peaks and ancient lava fields, its very existence a reminder of the earth-shattering eruptions that occurred here 20,000 years ago. This unique geological setting offers campers an extraordinary opportunity to sleep, play, and explore within a landscape that dramatically showcases the awesome power of our planet's volcanic forces.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Official check-in starts at noon.

Check-out

Campers must check out by noon.

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights per visit
28 total nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 2 RVs or vehicles per double site
One vehicle per single site.

Groups

No information provided on group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutOrganized in loops with sites offering varying levels of privacy and proximity to water. Some sites may be narrow or sloped.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during off-peak season (April 10 - May 21, 2026).

Cancellation PolicyCancellations before arrival incur a $10 fee, in addition to forfeiting the first night's fee for late cancellations.

AccessibilityNo specific information provided on accessibility features.

Site SizeSites can accommodate tents, trailers, or RVs. However, some users noted issues with site sizes being too narrow or sloping, particularly on the waterside.

PrivacyThe campground is heavily used with limited privacy, according to user reviews. 'The campground is very heavily used and does not offer any privacy,' one user reported.

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near water provide great views but may have leveling challenges. Sites farther from high-traffic areas offer more privacy.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

South Twin Lake Campground offers various recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, and paddling in the adjacent South Twin Lake. Motorized boating is not allowed. Hiking trails to nearby locations like North Twin Lake and Wickiup Reservoir are available. Reviewers appreciated the lake and wildlife sightings but mentioned overcrowding and noise as deterrents.

HikingHiking opportunities include trails around the lake, to North Twin Lake, and across the street at Wickiup Reservoir. 'Take the short trail to North Twin Lake for a nice view,' one user recommended.

FishingFishing is a popular activity, with good opportunities for catching trout. 'Fishing from a boat or offshore is good,' one reviewer noted.

SwimmingThe lake is suitable for swimming, though no designated swimming areas or safety measures are mentioned.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed. 'The lake was calm with some kayaks and paddleboard activities,' a user mentioned.

Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include deer, hawks, osprey, bald eagles, ducks, and geese. 'The daily sightings of eagles, osprey, deer, otter, and little critters enchanted the experience,' one reviewer shared.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters (chipmunks, bears) and water safety concerns.

Active AlertsNo current alerts listed.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed within designated fire rings except during fire restriction periods.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital: St. Charles Medical Center in Bend (~27 miles). Local police and fire services: Bend Police Department and Bend Fire Department.

Trash & RecyclingUser reviews highlight insufficient garbage service, with reports of trash bags piling up and being scavenged by wildlife.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to South Twin Lake, near Wickiup Reservoir and North Twin Lake.

Camp HostReviews vary regarding hosts; some complaints about lack of presence during incidents.

Weather at South Twin Lake Campground

Reviews

3.4

71 reviews

Mixed Reviews

South Twin Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for South Twin Lake Campground are mixed. Positive aspects include the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding area, as well as recreational opportunities like fishing and kayaking. Common complaints focus on poor maintenance of facilities, such as broken toilets and insufficient garbage management, and issues with noise and overcrowding.

Review Summaries

Based on 71 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the lake's beauty, wildlife sightings, and opportunities for water activities. 'The campground and lake are beautiful. We enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking,' one reviewer wrote.

Based on 71 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues with maintenance (e.g., broken toilets, water outages), poor management, and security concerns (e.g., thefts) are frequently mentioned. 'Trash bags everywhere, poop on the toilet seats,...

Based on 71 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and consider a solar shower. Secure your belongings to prevent theft. Be prepared for potential maintenance issues and noise from other campers.

Based on 71 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the campground's busy nature and frequent maintenance issues. Reviews indicate that the lake's water level may drop during peak season, affecting the quality of fishing and...

Based on 71 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The lake was calm with some kayaks and paddleboard activities and fishing.' 2. 'This continues to get worse year after year. Please hire another group.' 3. 'Clean and nice. Right by the beach.'

Based on 71 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #5 is noted for its proximity to an odorous outhouse. Site #4 is described as sloping and difficult for RVs. Site #10 was a favorite for its location but suffered due to noisy neighbors. 'We...

Based on 71 reviews