kat_PDX

Hi - I'm planning a camping trip to the Bend area for early July.

I'm from PDX, but am not that familiar with with central Oregon - does anyone have a recommendation for a nice campsite (showers/toilets are a must) that gives us options for day-time activities? I'm thinking Tumalo right now, but am not sold on it yet. Also - what parks do you suggest we visit? We're hikers and mountain bikers and are looking for an active vacation.

Thanks for your advice! kat

beachbum

There are some nice campgrounds at Suttle Lake, but I don't remember if they have showers. Also have a look at Camp Sherman. Both are 10-15 miles west of Sisters, a great area for hiking and biking. I'd settle for either area without showers before anything around Tumalo with showers.

Fodorite018

I agree that Suttle Lake is a nice area to camp. I haven't been there in a few years though, but they didn't used to have showers. Not sure of the current situation though.

sunbum1944

I dont think Camp Sherman or Suttle Lake have showers - but they sure are beautiful spots
There are some great hiking spots close by -

sunbum1944

Elk Lake is another place you might consider - beautiful lake- canoe and kayak rental, close to Pacific Crest Trail - went kayaking there last summer
There is a store and a restaurant and it looks like they have showers available for hikers and campers

http://www.elklakeresort.net/pct.php

Its not far from SunRiver

enzian

If you enjoy mountain biking, be sure and ride the Deschutes River Trail. Lots of sweet singletrack, enough technical sections to keep it interesting, and fantastic scenery---views of the river (and rapids and waterfalls in some parts) and the lavabeds on the opposite side.

GP

Hi kat_PDX

Over the last 15 years we have done a lot of camping in that area but we camp at the camps with no water it keeps most of the people away.
The only public campgrounds with showers are the state parks at Tumalo and LaPine. The is a lot of hiking /biking off the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
here is a specific link to Mountain Biking
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centralorego...il-bikes.shtml

and general recreation in that area.

If you need showers and flush toilets why not get a cabin at Elk lake, Camp Sherman, a motel in Sisters or at Seventh Mountain Resort Make sure you bring Deet the skeeter can be a problem in a wet year like this one.

Have Fun
GP

Also google waldo lake it is real nice up there.

happytourist

Kat--
Some good ideas?

happytourist/aka msm

happytourist

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