Big River
BIG RIVER
Part of Deschutes National Forest
Overview
Big River Campground is located along the Deschutes River south of the town of Sunriver. Large, open group sites offer a perfect setting for family reunions or group gatherings.Facilities
Big River Campground offers three group sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping and 10 single sites.
The sites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings with grills and vault toilets.
A boat launch is located across the road and provides access to the waterfront.
Natural Features
Nearby peaks, lava flows and Ponderosa pine stands provide visitors with a variety of landscapes, showcasing ecosystems typical of central Oregon.
The Deschutes River, a tributary of the Columbia River, is central to the campground. The river flows through areas of 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 relatively stable bank and rocky in-stream structure.
Wildlife found in the area include deer, elk, 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. 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.Nearby Attractions
Visitors can explore wilderness areas, rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Newberry National Volcanic Monument offers a glimpse into Central Oregon's rich geologic history. Travel 12 miles to Lava Lands Visitor Center to explore exhibits at the interpretive center, attend a ranger talk, take in scenic views from the top of Lava Butte and travel one-mile underground through Lava River Cave. Travel 25 miles to Newberry Caldera to visit Paulina and East Lake, Paulina Peak and Paulina Falls. Big River Campground offers easy access to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway which weaves through multiple high lakes with views of South Sister, Broken Top and Mt. Bachelor.Important Notices
- No drinking water or electric hookups are available at this campground
- Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment and tires before using lake or trails
Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org .
Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
- Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Click here for more information about Deschutes National Forest
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited. ‘Location’ means the occupied area, the occupied campsite, and the National Forest System lands in the immediate vicinity thereof. Camping or occupying any location on all National Forest lands for more than 28 calendar days total during a calendar year is prohibited.
NO generator use is allowed in campgrounds between 10:00PM and 7:00AM (36 CFR 261.10). Silent power banks or battery powered devices are allowed.
Available Activities
- Swimming Site - Swimming Site
- Hiking - Hiking
- Fishing - Fishing
- Camping - Camping
- Boating - Boating
Directions
From Bend travel south on Hwy. 97 for about 17 miles, then make a right onto Vandervert Road. Make a left onto S. Century Dr. then another right to stay on S Century Dr. Follow S Century Dr. / NF-4205, then make a right onto Bonanza Lane, and another right to stay on Bonanza which will lead you into the campground.
Contact Information
Phone: 541-323-1746
63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROADBEND, OR 97701
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site GRP A, Loop BIG RIVER, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop BIG RIVER, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop BIG RIVER, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop BIG RIVER, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop BIG RIVER, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop BIG RIVER, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site GRP C, Loop BIG RIVER, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop BIG RIVER, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site GRP B, Loop BIG RIVER, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop BIG RIVER, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop BIG RIVER, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop BIG RIVER, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop BIG RIVER, Type Standard Nonelectric
