South Twin Lake Campground

Open

Open for the 2026 season from April 10 through October 18. The campground is currently experiencing a temporary water outage; campers must bring all water needed for their visit. Water systems are typically activated in May and shut off by September 30.

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

South Twin Lake Campground provides a tranquil lakeside camping experience in Deschutes National Forest. The 21-site campground sits adjacent to South Twin Lake, a scenic 99-acre lake with an average depth of 33 feet and maximum depth of 58 feet. The lake was formed roughly 20,000 years ago when rising magma encountered groundwater, creating violent steam explosions that formed a broad shallow crater that later filled with water. The area is screened by dense forest, which keeps the lake relatively windless and calm, making it ideal for fishing and paddling. Motorized boats are prohibited, preserving the peaceful atmosphere. A boat launch is located adjacent to the campground for non-motorized watercraft. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring. The campground is situated near the much larger Wickiup Reservoir and offers easy access to other recreation opportunities in the area. From Bend, the drive takes about 45 minutes via Highway 97 south to Wickiup Junction, then west on County Road 43 and Forest Roads 42 and 4260.

Directions

From Bend, OR: Travel 26.8 miles south on Highway 97 to Wickiup Junction, then 11.0 miles west on County Road 43, then continue 4.6 miles west on Forest Road 42, and finally 2.0 miles south on Forest Road 4260.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $29 - $31

Vehicle

Max RV Length 40ft
Max Trailer Length 40ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Phone +1 (541) 383-5300

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

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