Facility Details - BIG RIVER, OR

Overview

Big River Campground is located near the resort town of Sunriver, Oregon, in the lush expanses of the Deschutes National Forest.

Large, open group sites offer a perfect setting for family reunions or group gatherings.

Natural Features:

Nearby peaks, lava flows and old-growth forests throughout Deschutes National Forest provide visitors with a variety of landscapes, showcasing ecosystems typical of central Oregon.

The Deschutes River, a major tributary of the Columbia River, is central to the campground. The wide river flows through areas of old growth ponderosa and aspen, with its shoreline varying from marshy meadows to basalt bedrock. Flows fluctuate less on this part of the river because of tributaries, and the river features many deep pools, a more stable bank and rocky in-stream structure.

Wildlife found in the area include deer, porcupine, native fish and migratory birds.

Recreation:

Popular activities in the area include hiking, fishing and rafting in the summer months and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

Big River provides the perfect place to launch a canoe or kayak into the Deschutes River, and many visitors brave the waters on inner tubes. Only non-motorized boating is permitted on the river, and the water is Class II flatwater for about 6 miles below Sunriver.

The Deschutes River is renowned for its fly fishing, and sustains populations of kokanee, rainbow, bull and brown trout. Boat fishing or drift fishing is the best way to catch fish at this part of the river.

Facilities:

Big River Campground offers three group sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping. The sites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings with grills and vault toilets.

A boat ramp is provided and sites have easy access to the waterfront.

Nearby Attractions:

Visitors can explore wilderness areas, rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and approximately 1,600 miles of trails that comprise nearly 2.5 million acres the Deschutes National Forest and the adjacent Ochoco National Forest.

Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument draw visitors to the region as well.

Visitors will also enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, known as Oregon's Highway in the Sky, which climbs into the clouds on a 66-mile drive through the Cascade Mountain range, weaving through snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Biking Canoeing Entrance Station Firewood Fishing Hiking Information Station Kayaking	Parking Area Picnic Area Picnic Shelters River Access Self Pay Station Swimming Vault Toilets

Know Before You Go

No drinking water or electric hookups are available at this campground
Sites may be available on a first-come first-serve basis
Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment and tires before using lake or trails
Click here for more information about Deschutes National Forest

Due to the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect our forests by purchasing or collecting firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Click here for more information.

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
43.81833, -121.49861
43°49'6"N, 121°29'55"W

From Bend, Oregon, take Highway 97 south for 17 miles, then turn right on Vandervert Road and continue for a mile. Turn left at Century Drive and follow for about 2.6 miles, turn right on Big River Drive and continue into the campground.