Leave No Trace 
Consider the wildlife and human families who’ll use your campsite when you’re gone. It’s important to pitch in and make sure that your local BLM lands are preserved. Clean up after yourself.
BLM Camping
Lower Deschutes River Back Country Byway
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management camping is how millions of Americans find the most exotic places to enjoy the outdoors. In most cases, you have 14 days at any single campground before you’re required to relocate outside of a 25-mile radius. The demands of each BLM site are different, so expect to pay fees or register for reservations in some instances. The Lower Deschutes River Back Country Byway is a BLM site that can be used without reservations.
The Lower Deschutes River Back Country Byway is a trail alongside the Scenic River of Prineville, Oregon. The byway is a maintained route that wanders within the midst of deep canyons. Twelve miles of the 32-mile route are paved; the other portion is finished with gravel that hikers and bikers can use. The Lower Deschutes is recognized statewide as a premier fishery. Fishermen looking for “BLM camping near me” use the Lower Deschutes for winter salmon.
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Deschutes River Trail
There are three trails that make up this stretch of the Deschutes River Trail. One is for horses, another for bikers, and the other for hikers. Signs are designated for hiking and biking sides. You’ll make it onto the Lower Back Country Byway and the Deschutes River Trail from Meadow Day Use Area. The riverfront here would be difficult to pass without the help of this paved pathway.
Length: 12 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fishing and Boating
Fly fishing in the Deschutes River is a popular activity. The Deschutes River is ideal for boating and shore casting. Seasonally, saltwater fish spawn in these rivers where enthusiasts line up for the catch of their lives. Both steelhead and salmon migrate into these fresh waters in innumerable amounts. Fishermen have four boat launches with 140 separate campsites open to the public.
Climbing
Some climbers find adventure at the headwaters of the Deschutes River. Smith Rock State Park and Farewell Bend Park have stone structures alongside the river and are popular with boulderers.
Wildlife Viewing
The semi-arid climate of Prineville, Oregon turns the cool terrain into a desert of sorts. That terrain still holds enough vegetation to support a number of mammal species. Bald eagles fly above. Elk, bobcats, and deer are also in large numbers. Surf City Day-Use Area and White River Campground are starting points for spotting wildlife. So are Sandy Beach and Buckhollow. Throughout the Lower Deschutes River, there are golden eagles and ospreys to spot.
Picnicking
As long as you’re prepared with food and utensils, starting a fire for cooking and heating is legal in Lower Deschutes River Back Country Byway. Out of its 122 campsites, each location has unique terrains and set amenities. You’ll find stumps to sit on in some areas while composite benches exist in others. The Oasis and Blue Hole campgrounds are usable accessways into the park. The Oasis Campground has benches installed alongside the river. The visitor’s center here allows you to self-pay for any permits and dump your waste in the provided dumpsters.
Hunting
At the Columbia River, where the Deschutes Byway ends, all game inhabiting the upper part of the trail is legal to hunt. Those options include deer, and the prairies of this terrain are full of pheasants. Quail, geese, and ducks are huntable from October 9th to January 31st. You must be above the river crossing cable where it’s marked “one.”
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
Davidson Flat Campground is a suitable example of what you can find when entering your BLM campsite near the Deschutes River. Though you must camp at least 100 feet from the river, the entire park has direct access to the water. At either end, the river is met with mountain ranges and natural canyons in the distance. When RV camping, the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds offer you the choice of pitching a tent or staying in your vehicle.
Free Camping 
Bureau of Land Management free camping is found all over the Lower Deschutes River Back Country Byway. Spots are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
RV Rentals Near Lower Deschutes River Back Country Byway Plan your next adventure
Planning your Lower Deschutes River Back Country Byway BLM trip
The Deschutes River area is remote, so it may be difficult to get a signal on your cell phone. Though your phone will be usable in some areas at times, expect a spotty signal overall.
The site’s boat ramps require passes, so check with the BLM office before you launch. Keep in mind the specific routes assigned for bikers, walkers, or horses. Use designated areas to reduce confusion and minimize traffic. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for more tips on BLM camping.
Leave No Trace
Lower Deschutes River Back Country Byway Location
The Lower Deschutes River runs right through the city of Maupin, Oregon. At Maupin, the Deschutes River Access Road is found alongside the river’s east bank. This will bring you to a parking lot where the community building is located. The remaining property is the entire park.
Address: Prineville District Office, 3050 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, OR 97754
Ready to visit Lower Deschutes River Back Country Byway? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.