Big River
Open for the 2026 season. Single sites opened April 24; group sites open May 22. Season runs through October 17 (last reservable night). No potable water available. Fire danger is currently high. Generators prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
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. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions prohibit open fires, including wood stoves and charcoal briquette fires, on Deschutes National Forest lands, except within the Deschutes National Forest Wilderness areas (Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, Three Sisters, Diamond Peak and Mt. Thielsen Wildernesses)…
Cabin Butte Area Closure
The Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Project area will be closed to public access/entry to ensure public safety and support critical forest restoration efforts. The closure will restrict all access, including day use and overnight camping, while crews operate heavy machinery, conduct prescribed…
Cave Resource Protection Forest Order
Describes the prohibitions for entering or exploring caves or areas near caves on the Deschutes National Forest.
Camping & Campfire Restrictions Forest Order
This order describes designated areas where camping and/or campfires are prohibited.
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.Historically in Central Oregon small wildfires or insect infestations occurred creating a forested of different aged…
Deschutes 14-Day Camping Order
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days within Deschutes National Forest is prohibited. The order also describes the prohibition of camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any location, on…
Wilderness Permit, Camping & Fire Restrictions Order
This order provides prohibitions on specified activities with in Wilderness areas, including group size, equipment limitations, camping locations and campfires.
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. Learn to tell the difference between regular and blue-green…
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. In some cases, these hazardous conditions may persist…
About
Big River Campground is located along the scenic Deschutes River south of the resort town of Sunriver in central Oregon. The campground offers 10 single campsites and 3 large group sites (A, B, and C) suitable for family reunions or larger gatherings. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. The campground provides an excellent base for water-based recreation. A boat launch directly across the road offers easy access to the Deschutes River for canoeing and kayaking. Only non-motorized boats are permitted, and the water is Class II flatwater for approximately 6 miles downstream from Sunriver. The river is renowned for fly fishing and sustains populations of kokanee, rainbow, brown, and bull trout. The surrounding landscape features ponderosa pine stands, lava flows, and views of nearby Cascade peaks. Newberry National Volcanic Monument is a short drive away, offering Lava Lands Visitor Center, Lava River Cave, and Paulina Falls. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway provides access to numerous high lakes with views of South Sister, Broken Top, and Mt. Bachelor.
Directions
From Bend, travel south on Hwy 97 for about 17 miles. Turn right onto Vandervert Road, then left onto S Century Dr. Follow S Century Dr / NF-4205 and turn right onto Bonanza Lane, then right again to stay on Bonanza into the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| 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
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