How much does camping cost at Bear Springs Campground?

Camping fees at Bear Springs Campground are $21 - $78/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bear Springs Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bear Springs Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bear Springs Campground before I book?

Yes! Bear Springs Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bear Springs Campground?

Bear Springs Campground is open May 16 to September 21. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bear Springs Campground?

Bear Springs Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Bear Springs Campground have?

Bear Springs Campground has 45 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bear Springs Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Bear Springs Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Bear Springs Campground?

Bear Springs Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bear Springs Campground?

Popular activities at Bear Springs Campground include Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bear Springs Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bear Springs Campground?

Fire policies at Bear Springs Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.86

50 reviews

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$21 - $78/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open from May 16th t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$21 - $78/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open from May 16th t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Bear Springs Campground

$21.00 - $78.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A B C : $78.00; GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC: $75.00; Group D: $78.00; Single Standard Nonelectric: $21.00 (+$2.00 holiday); Single: $21.00 (+$2.00...

Group Site Fee$78.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

503-630-5721jacob@alaskarm.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Bear Springs Campground

45.1167, -121.5316

Nearby places

19 miles to Government Camp (approximately 25 minutes), 24 miles to the Deschutes River (approximately 30 minutes).

Weather at Bear Springs Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bear Springs Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest weather and full access to Bear Springs Campground (open May 16–Sept 21), making it ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, and long forest hikes. Daytime highs at ~3,000 ft are typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s °F (18–30 °C) with cool nights in the 40s–50s °F (5–12 °C), so water activities and evening campfires are comfortable. Trails, boat put-ins, and services are fully available, though expect the busiest crowds in July–early August and occasional fire or OH Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season is summer; campground open May 16–Sept 21 and summer reviews are positive.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16 to September 21. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 16th to September 21st, peak season dates are included.

About Bear Springs Campground

Bear Springs Campground sits in the Mt. Hood National Forest foothills near Maupin, operated by Vista Recreation with a 14-day stay limit. The mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, plus a day-use shelter. Visitors come for wildlife viewing and quiet forest nights away from road noise.

Bear Springs Campground accommodates a range of camping types, including tent and RV camping as well as group sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest weather and full access to Bear Springs Campground (open May 16–Sept 21), making it ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, and long forest hikes. Daytime highs at ~3,000 ft are typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s °F (18–30 °C) with cool nights in the 40s–50s °F (5–12 °C), so water activities and evening campfires are comfortable. Trails, boat put-ins, and services are fully available, though expect the busiest crowds in July–early August and occasional fire or OH Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTowering pine and fir trees create a dense canopy across the campground, providing natural shade and privacy between sites. The elevation and forest cover support deer and other wildlife, which visitors frequently spot at dawn. The surrounding terrain reflects the Cascade Range's volcanic past: ancient lava flows now buried under centuries of forest growth. Views open to the surrounding peaks and valleys through gaps in the evergreens.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no mention of hotel-style lodging or additional accommodations in either the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no details provided about cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Clustered regular campsites that may accommodate groups but are not designed as dedicated group sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via mobile app, or through the contact center.

Site SizeGroup sites can accommodate large parties, but some user reviews mentioned uneven terrain and roots that made tent placement challenging.

PrivacyThe campground is described as secluded, offering quiet nights without road noise and a peaceful atmosphere.

Total Campsites45 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with a flat surface to avoid tree roots and hilly sections. Visiting in fall offers quiet and vibrant foliage.

Best CampsitesGroup sites can handle large parties but are subdivided into smaller areas rather than one contiguous space. Some campers report uneven terrain and roots that complicate tent placement, so scouting your exact spot before unpacking helps.

Need help booking Bear Springs Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Bear Springs Campground offers single-family and group sites for tent and RV camping. Each site includes a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. The campground is equipped with vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection services. Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host, though recent reviews indicate that these facilities may not always be available. Parking surfaces are gravel and dirt, contributing to the rustic feel of the site.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Bear Springs Campground

Bear Springs Campground provides a variety of activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and water sports like rafting and kayaking. Picnicking is particularly popular due to the availability of a day-use area with a covered picnic shelter.

Boating4.0/5

Rafting and kayaking on the nearby Deschutes River are called out as excellent recreational options.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Kayaking opportunities exist on the nearby Deschutes River; water-sport access is highlighted.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography3.5/5Scenic forest, wildlife sightings and river/lake access create good photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection services are available as mentioned in the official sources. However, one user review complained about the presence of litter like plastic, cans, and cigarette butts, raising concerns about the overall cleanliness of the grounds.

Cell CoverageNo explicit details about cell phone service are provided in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

50 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Bear Springs Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews present mixed feedback regarding the campground. Some appreciate its secluded nature and peaceful environment, while others express dissatisfaction with missing advertised amenities like potable water and firewood, as well as litter on the grounds.

Review Summaries

Based on 50 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews mention the campground's beauty, quiet nights without road noise, the availability of a day-use shelter, and enjoyable nearby activities such as rafting and skiing.

Based on 50 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, firewood, and a host despite being advertised. Other issues raised involve uneven terrain at group sites and poor cleanliness, with cigarette...

Based on 50 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user review specifically praised Group Site D for being spacious and conveniently located near lakes for swimming and fishing.

Based on 50 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include visiting during fall for fewer crowds and beautiful foliage. Campers suggest confirming amenities beforehand due to discrepancies between the website and actual availability.

Based on 50 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors note that late summer vault toilets may smell unpleasant, while fall provides an empty and serene camping experience with stunning autumn colors.

Based on 50 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Lovely camp site, shady and a little cool for spring. We'll be back later this summer for sure.' - Eric Hansen 2. 'Campgrounds are well kept and clean.' - Patrick Jannsen 3. 'Do you love camping...

Based on 50 reviews