The Ultimate Family RV Trip Itinerary: 5 Days from Bend to Crater Lake, Oregon

Why Choose an RV for Your Family's Oregon Adventure

There's something magical about exploring Oregon's diverse landscapes in an RV. The freedom to follow your own schedule, the convenience of bringing your accommodations with you, and the unique bonding opportunities make RV travel particularly special for families.

Our customers consistently tell us that their children rank RV trips among their favorite vacation memories. From playing games around the campfire to stargazing from your "home on wheels," these shared experiences create connections that last a lifetime.

For families planning this Bend to Crater Lake RV route, we recommend our spacious 2022 Forest River Sunseeker 3250DS LE. This model comfortably sleeps up to 10 people with ample storage for outdoor gear and separate sleeping areas for parents and kids.

Preparing for Your 5-Day RV Vacation

Before diving into the day-by-day itinerary, let's cover some essential preparation tips for your Oregon RV camping with kids adventure.

Choosing the Right RV for Your Family

The size of your family and your comfort preferences will determine the ideal RV. For families of 4-6, our 2022 Forest River Sunseeker 2440DS offers the perfect balance of space and maneuverability.

Larger families or those wanting more separate sleeping areas might prefer the 2021 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 31H, which features bunk beds the kids will love.

What to Pack for a Family RV Trip

• Clothing: Layers are essential in Central Oregon where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night
• Outdoor gear: Hiking boots, swimwear, sunhats, and rain jackets
• Entertainment: Board games, cards, and outdoor games for campsite fun
• Kitchen essentials: While our RVs come equipped with basic cookware, bring specialized items your family might need
• Safety items: First aid kit, flashlights, and extra batteries
• Tech: Camera for capturing memories, portable chargers, and downloaded maps (cell service can be spotty)

Making Reservations

We strongly recommend booking campsites in advance, especially during summer months when Central Oregon family attractions are at their busiest.

Some campgrounds along this route accept reservations up to six months ahead, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

When you rent with Happy Campers RV Rentals, our thorough orientation process ensures you'll feel confident handling your RV before hitting the road. Kristina, our customer service specialist, and her walkthrough technician, Zak, will guide you through a complete walkthrough and test drive, answering any questions you might have about your home on wheels.

Day 1: Bend Exploration and Departure Prep

Your adventure begins in beautiful Bend, Oregon—a perfect hub for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.

Morning: RV Pickup and Orientation

Start your day by arriving at our Happy Campers RV Rentals location at 62955 Boyd Acres Rd, Bend. Appointments are available between 11 AM and 2 PM, and we recommend allowing at least 90 minutes for your orientation.

Our team will walk you through every feature of your RV, from slide-outs to hookups, ensuring you feel comfortable before departure.

Afternoon: Stock Up and Explore Bend

After pickup, take advantage of Bend's amenities to stock your RV for the journey ahead:

• Grocery shopping: Visit Newport Avenue Market or Trader Joe's for specialty items, or larger stores like Safeway or Fred Meyer for one-stop shopping
• Last-minute gear: REI or Mountain Supply can provide any outdoor essentials you might have forgotten
• Family fun: If time allows, visit Drake Park for a scenic stroll along Mirror Pond or let the kids play at Farwell Park's accessible playground

Evening: First Night at Tumalo State Park

Just 10 minutes north of Bend, Tumalo State Park offers the perfect "shake-down" first night in your RV. This close proximity means you can easily return to our facility the next morning if you have any questions about your rental.

Tumalo features:

• Full hookup sites along the Deschutes River
• Hot showers and flush toilets
• Hiking trails suitable for all ages
• Amazing stargazing opportunities

Pro Tip: Reserve site #46-57 for the best river views, particularly if you're in one of our larger RVs like the 2022 Forest River Sunseeker 2860DS.

Day 2: Bend to La Pine State Park via the Cascade Lakes Highway

Today you'll experience one of Oregon's most scenic drives while heading toward your next destination.

Morning: Cascade Lakes Highway Scenic Drive

After a peaceful night at Tumalo, head west on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway (Highway 46). This stunning route winds through the Deschutes National Forest, offering spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains.

Key stops for families include:

• Todd Lake: An easy 1.7-mile loop trail perfect for young hikers with beautiful wildflowers in early summer
• Sparks Lake: Offering iconic views of South Sister and Broken Top mountains with calm waters perfect for paddling
• Elk Lake Resort: A great lunch stop with a restaurant, beach, and boat rentals

Afternoon: High Desert Museum

As you loop back toward Bend, make time for the High Desert Museum—a family favorite that combines wildlife exhibits with living history and interactive displays about Central Oregon's natural and cultural heritage.

The outdoor raptor exhibit and living history homestead are particularly popular with children.

Evening: La Pine State Park

Continue south on Highway 97 to La Pine State Park, home to Oregon's largest ponderosa pine (known as "Big Red").

The park offers:

• Spacious full-hookup sites suitable for any size RV
• The scenic Deschutes River flowing through the park
• Over 14 miles of hiking and biking trails
• Excellent fishing opportunities

Family Activity Idea: Take advantage of La Pine's Junior Ranger program, where kids can complete activity booklets to earn a badge while learning about local ecology.

Day 3: Newberry Volcanic National Monument

Today you'll explore one of Oregon's most fascinating geological wonders just a short drive from your campsite.

Morning: Lava Lands Visitor Center and Lava Butte

Start your day with a visit to the Lava Lands Visitor Center, the hub of the Newberry Volcanic National Monument.

Here your family can:

• Watch an educational film about the area's volcanic history
• Explore interactive exhibits that will fascinate children and adults alike
• Take the shuttle (or drive during off-peak times) to the summit of Lava Butte for panoramic views
• Walk the 1-mile rim trail around the volcanic crater

Afternoon: Lava River Cave or Paulina Lake

Choose between two amazing attractions based on your family's interests:

Option 1: Lava River Cave - Oregon's longest lava tube at nearly a mile long. Exploring this underground wonder requires warm clothing (the cave stays around 42°F year-round) and headlamps, which can be rented on-site.

Note that this activity is best for families with children over 5 who are comfortable in dark environments.

Option 2: Paulina Lake - Drive up to the Newberry Caldera to visit Paulina Lake, where you can:

• Hike to natural hot springs along the lakeshore
• Visit the impressive Paulina Falls
• Explore the Big Obsidian Flow—a massive field of volcanic glass
• Enjoy lunch at Paulina Lake Lodge

Evening: Return to La Pine State Park

Head back to your campsite for a relaxed evening. This is a perfect opportunity to use your RV's kitchen to prepare a family meal together.

Most of our RVs, including the 2021 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 31K, feature fully-equipped kitchens with 3-burner stoves, microwaves, and refrigerators/freezers.

Family Campfire Activity: Have each family member share their favorite moment from the day while enjoying s'mores around the campfire.

Day 4: La Pine to Crater Lake National Park

Today you'll arrive at the crown jewel of your journey—the awe-inspiring Crater Lake National Park.

Morning: Journey to Crater Lake

The drive from La Pine to Crater Lake takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. Head south on Highway 97, then west on Highway 138 toward the park.

Along the way, consider these family-friendly stops:

• Collier Memorial State Park: Home to an impressive outdoor logging museum with historic equipment
• Annie Creek Restaurant: Located just before the park entrance, this is a good spot for lunch before entering

Afternoon: Crater Lake Exploration

Upon entering the park, head to the Rim Village Visitor Center for orientation and to pick up Junior Ranger booklets for the kids.

Then explore this natural wonder with activities like:

• Driving the 33-mile Rim Drive, stopping at viewpoints to take in the lake's incredible blue hues
• Taking the moderate 1.1-mile Garfield Peak Trail for spectacular views (best for families with older children)
• Participating in a ranger-led program (check the visitor center for daily schedules)
• Photographing Wizard Island from various vantage points

Evening: Mazama Village Campground

Settle in at Mazama Village Campground, located 7 miles south of Rim Village within the national park.

The campground offers:

• Sites that can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet long
• Electric hookups (but no water or sewer at individual sites)
• A dump station and water fill station
• Shower facilities and a store/gas station nearby

RV Tip: Arrive with full water tanks and empty waste tanks. While the campground has a dump station, it's more convenient to arrive prepared, especially during peak season when lines can form.

Day 5: Crater Lake to Bend

Make the most of your final day before returning to Bend.

Morning: Sunrise at Crater Lake

Rise early to experience Crater Lake at its most magical—during sunrise. The early morning light creates stunning reflections on the water and offers the best opportunity for wildlife sightings.

If your family includes early risers, consider:

• Watching the sunrise from Discovery Point
• Taking the boat tour to Wizard Island (requires advance reservations and a moderate hike down to the dock)
• Hiking the easy 0.5-mile Castle Crest Wildflower Garden Trail if visiting in summer

Afternoon: Return Journey to Bend

Begin your return trip to Bend, taking a different route for new scenery. Head east on Highway 138 from the park, then north on Highway 97.

Potential stops include:

• Fort Klamath Museum: A historic military post with exhibits on local history
• Collier State Park: If you missed it on the way down, stop for a picnic lunch
• Sunriver: This resort community offers restaurants, shops, and the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory

Evening: Return to Happy Campers RV Rentals

Plan to arrive back in Bend with enough time to refuel (all rentals must be returned with a full tank) and clean up the RV. Our drop-off time is by 11 AM, but if you're returning the same day as your Crater Lake visit, contact us about late return options.

Before returning, be sure to:

• Remove all personal belongings
• Empty the refrigerator and dispose of trash
• Perform basic cleaning (though we handle the deep cleaning)
• Document your trip highlights to share with us—we love hearing about your adventures!

Family-Friendly Tips for Your Bend to Crater Lake RV Adventure

Keeping Kids Engaged

Long drives can be challenging with young children. Try these tested strategies:

• Oregon Travel Bingo: Create cards with items to spot (mountains, waterfalls, wildlife)
• Audio entertainment: Download podcasts about Oregon's geology and history
• Travel journals: Encourage kids to document their adventure with drawings and descriptions
• Frequent stops: Plan to stop every 1-2 hours for short walks and exploration

RV Living with Kids

Maximize your RV experience with these family-friendly tips:

• Establish "stations" for each child's belongings
• Create a simple chore chart for daily RV tasks
• Plan meals that can be prepared in advance
• Pack reusable containers for leftovers and snacks
• Bring outdoor games that pack down small (frisbee, collapsible cornhole, etc.)

Wildlife Viewing and Safety

This route offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, but remember:

• Keep a safe distance from all wildlife
• Never feed wild animals
• Store food securely, especially in areas with bears
• Bring binoculars for distant viewing
• Dawn and dusk are the best times for wildlife sightings

Weather Considerations: While summer offers the most reliable weather, early fall provides smaller crowds and beautiful colors. Just be prepared for cooler nights, especially at Crater Lake's elevation (7,100 feet).

Why Rent with Happy Campers RV for Your Family Oregon Adventure

Choosing Happy Campers RV Rentals for your family RV trip itinerary in Oregon means you'll enjoy:

• Well-maintained, clean RVs: Our fleet is meticulously maintained and thoroughly sanitized between rentals
• Comprehensive orientation: We ensure you feel comfortable with your RV before hitting the road
• Local expertise: As Central Oregon locals, we provide insider tips and recommendations
• Exceptional support: Our team is available to assist with any questions during your journey
• Family-friendly amenities: Options like DVD players, bike racks, and outdoor camping packages

We've helped countless families create unforgettable memories on this exact route. As one recent customer shared:

"Taking our three kids from Bend to Crater Lake in our Happy Campers RV was the highlight of our summer. The Forest River Sunseeker was perfect for our family of five, and Kristina's suggestions for family-friendly stops made the journey as exciting as the destination. The kids are already asking when we can go again!" - The Peterson Family