Deschutes River State Recreation Area

Closed — Open year-round with seasonal loop closures. A Loop operates first-come, first-served December 1 through March 31. B Loop, T Loop, and group camps are closed November 1 through March 31. Water is turned off late fall through mid-March, and the main restroom building is closed during this period with port-a-potties available.

About

Deschutes River State Recreation Area sits at the dramatic confluence of the Deschutes and Columbia Rivers in north-central Oregon. The tree-shaded campground offers an overnight oasis with 32 standard sites with full hookups (water and electric), 25 primitive tent sites, 4 group camping areas, and 1 ADA-accessible site. The park serves as a hub for outdoor recreation including steelhead and trout fishing, rafting, mountain biking, and hiking along over 25 miles of trails that follow the river canyon. The campground features back-in sites with varying driveway lengths up to 62 feet, accommodating RVs and trailers. Sites include picnic tables and fire pits, though campfires are typically banned during summer and fall months due to Sherman County fire restrictions. The park provides flush toilets and showers during the main season, with port-a-potties available during winter closures. Note that the campground is located near active railroad tracks where trains sound their horns at all hours. The Deschutes River requires a boating pass, available for purchase through Oregon State Parks. During summer months, motorboat use is restricted at certain times. Horseback riding is not permitted in the overnight campground area, though day-use horse trailer parking is available. The recreation area offers excellent access to the river corridor and provides a scenic basecamp for exploring the lower Deschutes canyon.

Directions

From The Dalles, travel east on I-84 for 12 miles to exit 97. Turn right, then immediately left onto Route 206. Drive east for 3 miles, cross the Deschutes River bridge, and the park entrance is on the right.

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