Big River
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens around late April 2025, with group sites opening May 23, 2025. Closes October 19, 2025.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
West Bend Area Trail Closures
We are restoring the forest adjacent to the City of Bend to improve forest health, create a diversity of plant and wildlife habitat and to protect our communities and quality of life.
Deschutes 14-Day Camping Order
Deschutes 14-Day Camping Order (Effective November 14, 2024, Order #06-01-25-01)Describes the prohibition of camping or otherwise occupying a single location for a period longer than 14 consecutive c
Wilderness Permit, Camping & Fire Restrictions Order
Wilderness Permit, Camping, and Fire Restrictions Order (Effective May 1, 2024, Order #06-01-24-01)Describes the special restrictions and prohibitions for Wilderness areas on the Deschutes and Willamette Natio
Blue-Green Algae Information
The Deschutes National Forest encourages people recreating on the national forest to be aware of potential blue-green algae blooms on lakes and reservoirs as the weather warms. Not all algae in lakes and reservoirs is blue-green algae.
Recreating in the Cedar Creek Fire Burned Area
Please use caution when recreating in areas that were impacted by the 2022 Cedar Creek Fire. A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or have been exacerbated by the effects of the fire.
Camping & Campfire Forest Order
Camping and Campfire Forest Order (Effective April 6, 2021, Order #06-01-21-01)Describes where camping and campfires are prohibited on the Deschutes National Forest.This Order becomes effect
Cave Resource Protection Forest Order
Cave Resource Protection Forest Order (Effective April 1, 2021 Order #06-01-21-02)Describes the prohibitions for entering or exploring caves or areas near caves on the Deschutes National Forest.This O
About
Big River Campground provides riverside camping along the Deschutes River just south of the town of Sunriver in central Oregon's Deschutes National Forest. The campground features both standard individual sites and large, open group sites that are ideal for family reunions or group gatherings. The scenic setting showcases typical central Oregon ecosystems with nearby peaks, lava flows, and ponderosa pine stands. The Deschutes River is the centerpiece of the campground experience. The campground includes a boat launch providing easy access for canoes and kayaks. Only non-motorized boating is permitted on this section of river, which features Class II flatwater for approximately 6 miles below Sunriver. The Deschutes River is renowned for its fly fishing, sustaining healthy populations of kokanee, rainbow, bull and brown trout. Boat fishing or drift fishing are the most effective methods in this area, where the river features deep pools, relatively stable banks, and rocky in-stream structure. In summer, visitors enjoy hiking, fishing, and rafting. Winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The campground offers convenient access to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and is located just 25 miles from Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Wildlife in the area includes deer, elk, native fish species, and migratory birds. The river flows through areas of ponderosa pine and aspen, with shoreline varying from marshy meadows to basalt bedrock.
Directions
From Bend travel south on Highway 97 for about 17 miles, then turn right onto Vandervert Road. Turn left onto South Century Drive, then right to stay on South Century Drive. Follow South Century Drive/Forest Road 4205, then turn right onto Bonanza Lane and another right to stay on Bonanza, which leads into the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $23 - $126 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 383-5300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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