Camping Around Bend, OR in April

[CO_Justin]

Hey everyone. The GF and and I are heading up to Deschutes National Forest region by Bend at the beginning of April. I have a bed built in the back of my Tacoma for a sleeping platform so I don't need a tent area, just an area to park the truck and sleep/make food with a Jetboil. Any suggestions?

 

[tbisaacs]

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[OCTaconoob]

If you follow China Hat Road out of town, it'll take you to some great trails and fantastic camping spots. Tons to explore out there as well.

 

[Excursioner]

There may still be a fair amount of snow, so keep that in mind. Go prepared with communication equip. just in case you get stuck out there. Spot or deLorme both have satellite trackers that can send texts and in worse case SOS.

The metolius river has some camping options that should be outta the snow,so you might try that. About 25 miles west of Bend.

 

[raundhaus]

I'm sure that on day 1 in the area you will head SW out Cascade Lakes Hwy. toward Mt Bachelor and countless other recreational locations. You will know pretty quickly how significant a factor snow will be. You can find camping immediately out of town or 30 miles up into the mountains. China Hat will be drier and easier but you need to spend a night or two up as close as you can be to Broken Top, the Sisters and Bachelor. It's so sweet out there.

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[Billy "Poserlander" Badly]

Seconding the Cascade Lakes recommendation. The snow can definitely be an issue, but there are so many great spots out there that you shouldn't miss it.

The Metolius is a good option too- lots to explore around Camp Sherman, relatively close to the town of Sisters

Have fun, you'll be in beautiful country wherever you end up!

 

[CO_Justin]

China Hat Road.... Got it.

Man this has been super helpful thanks everyone! Since it is National Forest do I need camping/fire permits? Growing up in Colorado it was never an issue but I am not sure how Oregon is. Thanks again for all of the info.

 

[OCTaconoob]

No permits, just outright fire bans in the summer. I think this time of year you should be fine. I've never had an issue.

As for camping, you can camp up to 14 days in National Forests (in Oregon) without a permit.

 

[Excursioner]

Oregon has a road camera site called trip check that might help you plan your routes a little better. It can give you a really good ideas of road conditions, weather alerts, and highway closures etc.
Www.tripcheck.com

 

[CO_Justin]

Well we are getting ready for the trip! So far we have the bed about 80% done. Thanks again to everyone for all of the advice.

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[SGpdx]

I am going to head out there next week to test some gear and let the pup stretch her legs.