Big River

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD
BEND, OR 97701

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.

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.

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.

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.

Camp site features

Across 13 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 13 sites
Picnic table: 10 of 13 sites
Pets allowed: all 13 sites
Group sites: 3 of 13 sites
Longest RV: 40 ft
Largest party: 25 people

Fees

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

63 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Myrraya L

Loop:Big River

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

We loved this campground, yes there is road noise, but it’s close to town what do you expect? The bathroom was very clean when we got there. Site 8 was huge, great for kids to run and play and go down to the river if so desired. The driveway has an odd stump in it that made getting in the spot kind of awkward. 24 foot travel trailer. The lower number sites definitely had louder road noise than 8 9 and 10. Will be back

Charles B

Loop:Big River

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

It was relaxing to just sit by the river and enjoy the view.

Whitney B

Loop:Big River

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Great location for floating the river and gathering with a large group. Can be a little loud right on side of road - but not too bad.

Kristina O

Loop:Big River

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

There are only a few sites at this campground and only 2-3 that would fit a camper. The few sites that would fit a camper are really hard to back into and have super tight corners. The sites are overgrown, trash left behind from the previous campers, and overall just not our favorite spot we have been to. We were not brave enough to venture to the bathrooms and only used our camper. We were in site 3 which had the most direct access to the river which was nice. The others said they were river front, but I would not classify them as such. The location is fabulous to quickly get to Sunriver. But, I think next time we would probably stay somewhere else.

DAVID C

Loop:Big River

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

We live nearby and always wanted to experience this campgrounds, It met all are expectations of the riverside experience. David

Timothy W

Loop:Big River

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Stayed one night in site 7 and one night in site 10. Very quiet, with very little traffic at night. Vault toilet was very clean. Sites were generally large and private. Overall, a great place to camp. Site 10 (a great site) was better than site 7, in that it had river access, along with a few other sites. Site 7, like other sites which don't border directly on the river, provided no access to the river without walking through some other site, or going under the bridge to the boat ramp on the other side of the road, where river access is not that enjoyable.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve