Camping at Tumalo State Park: A Riverside Retreat in Bend’s Backyard

Tumalo State Park is more than a campground—it’s an oasis. Nestled along the serene banks of the Deschutes River, just minutes from downtown Bend, this park combines the tranquility of the great outdoors with the convenience of nearby amenities. Whether you’re pitching a tent, parking an RV, or settling into one of the cozy yurts, Tumalo offers a slice of Central Oregon’s rugged beauty for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike.

As the day begins, the sun rises over the high desert, casting golden light on juniper trees and sagebrush. The Deschutes River glimmers in the early morning, its gentle current luring anglers, paddlers, and even the occasional otter. Trails beckon nearby, leading you through wildflower-studded meadows and along the river’s edge, where the sound of rushing water becomes a constant companion.

Evenings at Tumalo are magical. As the sun dips behind the Cascade Mountains, the air cools, and the scent of campfires fills the campground. Stars burst to life overhead, their brilliance amplified by the crisp, dry air of the high desert. Gather around the fire with friends or family, roast marshmallows, and share stories under the sprawling Oregon sky.

Whether you’re hiking the Deschutes River Trail, exploring Bend’s craft beer scene, or simply unwinding by the water, Tumalo State Park offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, allowing you to reconnect with nature and savor life’s simplest pleasures.

Practical Guide to Camping at Tumalo State Park

Overview:
Tumalo State Park is a picturesque campground located just 6 miles northwest of Bend. Featuring tent sites, RV spaces, and yurts, it’s an ideal basecamp for exploring Central Oregon’s outdoor attractions.

Key Highlights:

Riverside Camping: Wake up to the sound of the Deschutes River just steps from your campsite.
Recreation Options: Enjoy fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding on the river.
Trail Access: Explore the Deschutes River Trail, which offers stunning views and wildlife sightings.
Family-Friendly: The park features restrooms, showers, and picnic areas for a comfortable stay.

Camping Tips:

Reservations: Book your site in advance, especially during summer; Tumalo is a popular destination.
Gear Essentials: Pack layers; desert nights can get chilly even in summer.
Campfire Rules: Follow fire restrictions during wildfire season and use designated fire rings.
Quiet Hours: Respect the park’s quiet hours (10 PM to 7 AM) to ensure a peaceful environment for all campers.

Accessibility:
Tumalo State Park’s campsites are well-maintained, with paved paths and accessible facilities. The yurts are a great option for those who want extra comfort.

Getting There:
From downtown Bend, take Highway 20 west for about 6 miles. Turn right onto O.B. Riley Road and follow signs to Tumalo State Park. The campground is just off the main road, with parking available near the entrance.

Insider’s Note:
For an unforgettable experience, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. The park is less crowded, the weather is mild, and the vibrant colors of blooming wildflowers or autumn leaves make the scenery even more enchanting.

Adventure Map

Bend Info

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Reviews

Matthew Bergena year ago

I’ve camped at this state park three times, and each time has been exceptionally fantastic. The first two times I camped in a travel trailer, with the last time being in a yurt. Whichever way you decide to camp, you likely will not be disappointed. It’s easy to tell at this campground that cleanliness is a top priority. The grounds are very clean and cleared of debris, as are the yurts. The washrooms and showers, the two parts of a campground that people normally dread going to, were next to spotless. Very impressed with this aspect of staying at this state park. Aside from the cleanliness, the geographical location of the park is also a major plus. The park is within 10-15 mins of most of downtown Bend. Other places to visit—such as Smith Rock State Park, the High Desert Museum, parts of Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Riley Ranch Nature Reserve, Tumalo Falls, and Shelvin Park are all within 30-45 mins of the campground. The geography of the park itself is very unique, with the Deschutes River flowing right through it underneath cliffs of ancient volcanic rock. The scenes are picturesque and I can say after my third visit to the park, they never get old. The day-use area, located right across road from the campground, has some fun activities to do. The Deschutes River provides swimming opportunities and people often bring their inner-tubes to float down the river to another spot in the day-use area. This part of the park does get extremely busy in the summer, however, so I recommend coming early in the day. The only downside comes from my most recent stay at the park—and it’s one that is out of anybody’s control—the noise from the highway. The campground is right next to a fairly busy road, and so loud cars at night can be heard every once in a while. In particular, during my most recent stay, some moron was doing donuts down on the road at 10:30pm, well after most people are trying to sleep. Unfortunately, the hosts said that this has become a near weekly occurrence. The noise bothers me, however not nearly as much as the safety of others being compromised. Overall, aside from this one unfortunate aspect, the camping experience here is sublime. I’ve made lots of great memories in the area and I hope to make many more down the road!

Michael Baxter2 years ago

Had a great experience camping here. Campsites were clean and well taken care of. Bathrooms and showers were also nice and clean. About a 10 to 15 min drive to downtown Bend. Short walk to the day use area and river access. Be aware, not all sites have hookups but all hookup sites are full hook-up including sewer which was nice. They also have multiple yurts on site for rent. Will go back next time we're camping in Bend.

Shelli Myers3 months ago

Tumalo campground is flawless! The camp hosts, JR and Connie are phenomenal people. The showers and facilities are sparkling and our yurt had a ceiling fan with air purifier. This is a national park level campground! It’s the nicest state park I’ve ever stayed at and it’s perfectly rounded out our summer of adventures in the PNW.

Ed Lee3 months ago

I stopped by Tumalo on my way to Bend to hike on the Deschutes River and was not disappointed. The trail takes you along the river through a forest of Alder, Juniper, and Ponderosa Pine with open spaces. You will find a short paved section that becomes a rocky dirt trail for 1.4 miles to the Riley Ranch The trail has a viewpoint above the rapids on a long metal boardwalk with great views of the river. Riley Ranch has a number of loop trails if you want a longer hike. Located O.B. Riley Road, just off Hwy 97 about four miles north of Bend. The park has a day use fee of five dollars. A great place to camp, fish, kayak, have a picnic, and hike along the river.

Joshua Parr4 months ago

Beautiful camping area near river side. Great spot on the outskirts of Bend.