Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Flowing right through the heart of Central Oregon, the Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River area offers RV travelers a beautiful mix of crystal-clear water, outstanding recreational activities, and rugged basalt canyons. Whether you're looking for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or simply relaxing by the river, this BLM-managed destination is the perfect escape. The river corridor is easy to explore by RV, with developed recreation sites where you can spend several days enjoying the surrounding landscape. Other top Oregon camping spots, like Smith Rock State Park and Steelhead Falls, are just a short drive away.
Quick Facts About RVing in Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River
RV Friendly: Yes Max RV Length: No official maximum (varies by access site) Camping Type: Developed BLM campgrounds and day-use areas nearby Reservations: First come, first served Hookups: No Dump Station: No Potable Water: Limited (available at select recreation sites only) Cell Service: Limited to spotty Pets: Allowed (must be under control and leashed where posted) Roads: Paved and maintained gravel roads Best Season: Spring through fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Scenic riverside camping at developed BLM recreation sites • Convenient basecamp for exploring the Middle Deschutes River corridor • Easy RV access to multiple recreation sites and trailheads • Excellent trout fishing along the Middle Deschutes River • Beautiful basalt canyon views throughout the area • Peaceful high desert setting away from the crowds • Less than an hour from Bend for an easy RV getaway
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Steelhead Falls Trail
The reward for hiking this popular trail is the view of the magnificent 20-foot Steelhead Falls. You'll see the remains of an old mill as you travel along the river's edge and may also spot beavers and other wildlife. There are 25-foot cliffs near the waterfall, so the hardier souls in your travel group can go cliff jumping. The trail is multi-use and is appropriate for horseback riding in addition to hiking.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Scout Camp Trail
This dog-friendly loop trail is for hiking only and descends steeply into the river canyon. It's popular with those who like fishing and also those who enjoy rock climbing as there are boulders you need to scramble over at the river in order to make your way back up to the top. It's well worth it, though, because you'll get to see where the Deschutes River meets up with Whychus Creek, a spectacular sight.
Length: 2.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate to difficult
Fishing and Boating
Lure fishing and fly-fishing are allowed on the Middle Deschutes, and the best time for the latter is in late April and early May. You can fish for rainbow trout, brown trout, bull trout, and mountain whitefish. Crayfish are not uncommon. Due to the frequency of waterfalls along the river and the water's depth being too low in many places, there's no boating here.
Climbing
About 12 miles from the Middle Deschutes River is Smith Rock State Park, one of the top climbing destinations in the country. Hundreds of bolted routes, ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert, give climbing enthusiasts their choice for scaling the park's cliff walls.
Wildlife Viewing
Found throughout the river corridor are mule deer, grey foxes, antelopes, and beavers. It's also a great area for bird-watching, with golden and bald eagles making their nests in the cliffs along the river. You're also likely to spot ospreys, canyon wrens, and meadowlarks.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
Depending on your vehicle, BLM RV camping for a small fee is available at Steelhead Falls Campground, which accommodates tents but also small Class B campers and travel trailers no longer than 17 feet. There are only eight gravel sites, and there is no potable water, but there is a vault toilet, and pets on a leash are welcome. The campground is first-come, first-served. This is a great spot if you're inclined towards swimming, hiking, and fishing, but be aware that campers are permitted to stay for a maximum of 14 days at a time.
For a nearby RV park that has all the amenities, book a stay at Expo Center RV Park in Redmond. Located at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, the park has electric, water, and sewer hookups, as well as pull-through sites, showers, a laundry, picnic tables, and a large pet area. There's a golf course across the street, and depending on when you visit, there may be entertainment events scheduled at the Expo Center.
Developed Campgrounds
The Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River offers several different developed BLM recreation sites and campgrounds. Those campgrounds offer basic amenities like picnic tables, toilets, and fire rings. However, hookups aren't available. Campsites are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis. RV travelers looking for hiking, fishing, boating, and scenic river views while camping close to the water will find this area ideal.
Dispersed Camping
There are limited dispersed camping opportunities along the designated Wild and Scenic River corridor. This is because much of the surrounding land is managed to protect the recreational areas and natural resources. Most RV travelers opt for staying at one of the developed BLM campgrounds or a nearby public campground. If dispersed camping is available on adjacent public lands, it's important to respect the standard BLM 14-day stay limit. Campers should follow the Leave No Trace principles and opt for using previously disturbed sites.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
The Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River is a great area for RV travelers who enjoy camping near the water and exploring Central Oregon's scenic landscapes. There are several BLM campgrounds and recreation sites that offer convenient access to activities such as boating, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. While there are no hookups, most RVs can comfortably access the area using well-maintained gravel or paved roads. Camper Vans: Camper vans are a good choice for exploring this area due to their compact size. This makes them able to easily access the campgrounds, day-use areas, and scenic overlooks throughout the entire river corridor. Travel Trailers: Small and mid-sized travel trailers are best suited for the area's developed campgrounds. It's best to arrive early during the busy summer season, as campsites can fill up quickly. Fifth Wheels: Fifth wheels can easily use many of the developed campgrounds throughout the area. Most access roads are suitable, but maneuvering can be easier in campgrounds with larger parking spurs. Class A Motorhomes: Class A motorhomes can easily enjoy many of the river's developed recreation sites. Larger motorhomes should confirm campsite sizes in advance, while smaller coaches provide greater flexibility. Class B Motorhomes: Class B motorhomes are one of the best options for visiting the Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River. They offer excellent maneuverability to explore the campgrounds, trailheads, and nearby attractions. Class C Motorhomes: Class C motorhomes are perfect when you're looking for optimal comfort. They're an excellent choice for riverside camping, hiking, and fishing access.
Free Camping 
Dispersed camping is allowed just about anywhere on BLM lands. In the Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River, most dispersed camping is tent camping. There is private property located near these BLM lands, so make sure to pay attention to signage to avoid trespassing. As with stays at established BLM campgrounds, you are not allowed to spend more than 14 days at a dispersed camping site.
RV Rentals Near Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River Plan your next adventure
Planning your Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River BLM trip
Central Oregon is considered to have a high desert climate, with around 265 days of sunshine. The region experiences hot summers, with an average high of 85 degrees, and cold and sometimes snowy winters. Plan your wardrobe accordingly, and bring plenty of sunscreen.
If you're thinking of boondocking in your RV on BLM land, contact the BLM office prior to your trip for tips and advice about suitable spots for parking and, more importantly, where you can't take your RV due to private land restrictions or terrain considerations.
Rattlesnakes are common in the area and can be found hiding under brush and rocks, so tread carefully.
BLM camping in this region affords you the chance to camp in a true wilderness setting, likely for free, but before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
The Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River area offers a primitive camping experience with some limited amenities. It's important to arrive prepared. Hookups, dump stations, and potable water are generally unavailable at the BLM campgrounds. Groceries, fuel, restaurants, and RV supplies are available in nearby communities like Redmond, Bend, and Terrebonne. Most recreation sites can be accessed through well-maintained gravel or paved roads. Cell service is limited in portions of the river corridor, so you should opt for downloading maps ahead of time.
Leave No Trace 
It's important when visiting public lands to leave them as you found them in consideration of nature and of fellow campers to come. The BLM emphasizes the principles of Leave No Trace, such as planning ahead and bringing trash bags, a backpack stove, avoiding off-trail travel that can scar the landscape, and not taking plants or archaeological artifacts with you. Use fire rings if you must build a campfire, and select downed branches for firewood rather than breaking off existing branches. It goes without saying that you should always take your trash and waste with you.
Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River Location
From the city of Redmond, take US Highway 97 north past Terrebonne, turn left onto Lower Bridge Road/Lower Bridge Market Road, and proceed to NW 43rd Street, where you'll turn right. Proceed on NW 43rd Street, which becomes Flume Ranch Road, to NW Chinook Drive, where you'll turn left. Proceed to SW Badger Road and turn left. Travel on SW Badger Road to SW Quail Road and turn right. Continue until you reach SW River Road and turn left. Drive for another mile to the Steelhead Falls Trailhead parking lot.
Ready to visit Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River? 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.
Plan Your Day at Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River
Morning: Start your day by having breakfast at your RV before heading to the Steelhead Falls Trailhead. The short hike allows for scenic waterfall and impressive basalt canyon views. During the cooler morning temperatures, you can watch for birds and other wildlife along the way. Afternoon: Return to your RV for lunch before spending the afternoon fishing for redband trout or mountain whitefish along the Middle Deschutes River. If you prefer sightseeing, take a scenic drive through the river canyon, stopping at overlooks to photograph the rugged cliffs and high desert landscape. Evening: In the evening, returning to the campground to relax beside the river allows you to take in the sunset over the canyon walls. After dinner, enjoy the peaceful surroundings where you can watch for deer and other wildlife near the water. The area's dark skies make it an excellent location for stargazing.
Nearby Attractions
Surrounded by some of Central Oregon's most popular outdoor destinations, the Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River area is a must-stop. Whether you're interested in fishing, hiking, scenic viewpoints, or you want to see unique geological features, this region is for you. There are plenty of nearby attractions to explore before, during, or even after your time along the river. Steelhead Falls: Located along the scenic river corridor, Steelhead Falls is one of the area's most popular destinations. It offers a short hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall with dramatic basalt canyon walls. This is an excellent opportunity for photography as well as fishing. Smith Rock State Park: About 20 minutes from the river area, Smith Rock State Park is well known for its towering rock spires, world-class rock climbing, and scenic hiking trails. Visitors can easily enjoy wildlife viewing and spectacular views of the Crooked River Canyon. Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint: Located about 20 minutes away, Cline Falls offers a peaceful retreat to enjoy the Deschutes River. It's a popular location for fishing, picnicking, watching kayakers, and taking photographs along the river. Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint: Located about 25 minutes from the river, this overlook provides stunning views of the Crooked River Gorge. You can stand on the historic Crooked River High Bridge to enjoy sightseeing and photography. Redmond Caves Recreation Area: About 25 miles away, this recreation area features a network of lava tubes that were formed by an ancient volcano. Visitors can explore the caves and learn about the region's geology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp anywhere along the Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River? There are various camping opportunities available at the designated BLM campgrounds and recreation sites along the river. Dispersed camping is limited because much of the river corridor is managed to protect recreational areas and natural resources. What activities are popular along the Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River? The river is well known for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, and scenic sightseeing. Many visitors explore Steelhead Falls, picnic along the river, and take in the impressive basalt canyon scenery. Can I bring my RV to the recreation sites? Yes. Most developed BLM recreation sites are easily accessible to RVs using well-maintained paved or gravel roads. Smaller RVs generally have the easiest access, while larger fifth wheels and motorhomes can be a bit more challenging. Are there hookups or dump stations available? No. As with most BLM campgrounds along the Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River area, there's only primitive camping. This means camping without electrical, water, or sewer hookups. Both dump stations and potable water are typically available in nearby communities like Redmond, Bend, and Terrebonne. When is the best time to visit the Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River? Throughout spring and fall, you'll find the most comfortable weather for activities like camping, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. Spring has mild temperatures and colorful wildflowers, while summer offers longer days for exploring the river. Fall provides cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Start your adventure to the Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River by choosing an RV that's well-suited for camping without hookups. Plan your stay at one of the nearby BLM campgrounds and arrive with fresh water tanks, empty holding tanks, and the supplies that you'll need for a comfortable trip. Class B and Class C motorhomes, small to mid-size travel trailers, and truck campers are excellent options for this destination. You can start exploring the scenic river canyons, fishing access points, and hiking trails with an RV that fits your style. Plan your next trip to the Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River in Oregon by choosing your ride from these RV Rentals in Redmond.