Deschutes River State Recreation Area
Open year-round. Campfire ban in effect May 11 through October 15, 2026; propane devices with shut-off valves are permitted. April through October all sites are reservable and may book out in advance. December 1 through March 31, only A Loop is open on a first-come, first-served basis with water and showers shut off.
Heat Advisory issued July 20 at 3:16PM PDT until July 23 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
* WHAT...Hot conditions with temperatures up to 100 to 103 degrees expected, with 101 to 105 degrees in the Columbia Basin. This will pose a moderate to major risk of heat-related illness. * WHERE...Eastern Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington, Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington, Foothills of the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon, Yakima Valley, and Foothills of the Blue Mountains of Washington. * WHEN...From 11 AM Tuesday to 9 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The heat will begin on Tuesday, with widespread moderate and locally major HeatRisk. Wednesday looks to be the hottest day, with Major HeatRisk across the Columbia Basin, Yakima Valley and portions of the Gorge and Blue Mountain Foothills. Thursday will also see widespread moderate HeatRisk and locally major HeatRisk, mainly across the Columbia Basin. Smoke from area wildfires could end up affecting how hot temperatures get.
About
Deschutes River State Recreation Area occupies a scenic stretch of canyon where the lower Deschutes River empties into the Columbia. The campground spreads across four distinct loops to accommodate different camping styles. A Loop features 34 paved electrical sites with seasonal access to flush toilets and hot showers. B Loop offers 14 primitive sites, while T Loop provides 11 tent-only sites with a 24-foot vehicle maximum. G Loop contains 4 group primitive areas, each accommodating up to 25 people across 5 sites. Every campsite includes a fire ring and picnic table, with potable water available at shared spigots throughout the campground. During winter months (mid-October through mid-March), only A Loop remains operational, and water systems are shut off except for a single frost-free spigot near the ranger station. The park has vault toilets available year-round in all loops. The location offers excellent access to the lower Deschutes River for fishing and whitewater rafting. The Deschutes River Trail provides hiking and biking opportunities along the canyon, though e-bikes are restricted to the first two miles. A boater pass is required year-round for anyone using watercraft on the river.
Directions
From I-84, take exit 97 at Celilo and follow signs east on Highway 206 for 3 miles to the park entrance.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $15 - $119 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 62ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 739-2322 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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