Can you reserve a site at Big River?

Yes, Big River is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Big River?

40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Big River?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big River.

Are campfires allowed at Big River?

Campfires are allowed at Big River. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Big River, Oregon — 13 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

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.

The facts

Season: Big River Campground: Tentative Opening: April 25, 2025 Big River Group Campground: May 23, 2025 – October 19, 2025 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
13 bookable sites
Vehicles up to 40 ft
Up to 25 people per site
Loops: BIG RIVER

Site types

10 Standard Nonelectric
3 Group Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Fire pits
Picnic tables
Grills
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups.

Book on Recreation.gov

13 campsites at Big River

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Water	Max rig	People
001	BIG RIVER	Standard Nonelectric	Pull Through	Gravel	Riverfront	36 ft	6	🐾
002	BIG RIVER	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	30 ft	6	🐾
003	BIG RIVER	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	30 ft	6	🐾
004	BIG RIVER	Standard Nonelectric	Pull Through	Gravel	Riverfront	24 ft	6	🐾
005	BIG RIVER	Standard Nonelectric	Pull Through	Gravel	Riverfront	30 ft	6	🐾
006	BIG RIVER	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Riverfront	36 ft	6	🐾
007	BIG RIVER	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	36 ft	6	🐾
008	BIG RIVER	Standard Nonelectric	Pull Through	Gravel	—	36 ft	6	🐾
009	BIG RIVER	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	30 ft	6	🐾
010	BIG RIVER	Standard Nonelectric	Pull Through	Gravel	—	40 ft	6	🐾
GRP A	BIG RIVER	Group Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	36 ft	25	🐾
GRP B	BIG RIVER	Group Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	36 ft	25	🐾
GRP C	BIG RIVER	Group Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	36 ft	25	🐾

Getting there

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.

43.81833, -121.49861 · 43°49'6.0"N 121°29'55.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 84°F in Jul, down to 38°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	40	43	50	57	65	72	84	83	76	62	46	38
Low °F	20	21	24	25	33	37	41	40	34	28	24	19
Precip in	2.9	1.9	1.5	1.2	1.7	1.1	0.5	0.6	0.8	1.4	2.4	3.2

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

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

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about Big River

Can you reserve a site at Big River?: Yes, Big River is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Big River have?: 13 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Big River?: 40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Big River?: Yes, pets are allowed at Big River.
Are campfires allowed at Big River?: Campfires are allowed at Big River. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Big River also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Big River's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

Single Campsite Rate: $23/night
Group Site (A,B,C): $126/night
One vehicle included with reservation – Each Additional Vehicle: $10.00

Restrictions:

Maximum site spur length is 40 feet.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Big River

Fall River Campground 6.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Pringle Falls Campground 7.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Ogden Group 7.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Prairie Campground 7.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Fall River Guard Station 7.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Wyeth Campground - Deschutes 7.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Bull Bend Campground 9.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
McKay Crossing Campground 9.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Deschutes NF-Bend/Sunriver/La Pine Area 6.8 mi · Facility
Wyeth Boating Site 8.2 mi · Facility
Lava Cast Forest Day Use Interpretive Site 10.4 mi · Facility
Aspen Day Use Area 11.7 mi · Facility

Contact

Phone 541-323-1746
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-05.

Big River