east davis lake campground

East Davis Lake Campground offers a true back-to-basics RV camping experience in the Deschutes National Forest, where rustic charm meets stunning natural beauty. Located approximately 75 miles southeast of Bend (about 1.5 hours), this primitive campground sits at 4,400 feet elevation on the eastern shore of Davis Lake, with spectacular views of Mount Thielsen and the Cascade Range. For RVers seeking solitude and authentic wilderness camping, you can reserve your spot through Recreation.gov.

RV Sites & Accommodations: Dry Camping at Its Finest

East Davis Lake features 33 primitive campsites designed for tent campers and self-contained RVs. Here's what you need to know: there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available. This means you'll be relying entirely on your RV's fresh water tank, battery power, and generator for electricity. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, with a mix of back-in and pull-through sites on gravel pads. Most sites offer level parking, though some may require leveling blocks.

What does no hookups mean for your stay? You'll need to arrive with full fresh water tanks (plan for 20-30 gallons per person per day), fully charged house batteries, and empty gray and black water tanks. Your RV's propane will power your refrigerator, water heater, and furnace. Many RVers bring solar panels or plan to run their generator during the day (typically allowed from 7 AM to 10 PM). The good news? A dump station is available on-site for when you're ready to empty your tanks before departure, and vault toilets are provided throughout the campground.

Amenities & Services: Simple and Scenic

East Davis Lake embraces a minimalist approach to camping amenities. The campground provides vault toilets (no flush toilets or showers), picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. A boat ramp offers easy lake access for fishing and non-motorized boating. Drinking water is not available, so bring all the water you'll need for drinking, cooking, and washing. There's no camp host, general store, or restaurant on-site, so stock up on supplies in Crescent Lake Junction (20 miles away) or Bend before arriving.

The campground is pet-friendly, welcoming dogs on leash. Cell phone service is extremely limited to non-existent, making this an ideal digital detox destination. Firewood can sometimes be purchased from the camp host when present, but it's wise to bring your own. The season typically runs from late May through September, depending on snow conditions.

Activities & Recreation: An Angler's Paradise

Davis Lake is renowned as one of Central Oregon's premier trophy trout fisheries. The lake is home to massive rainbow trout and largemouth bass, with fish regularly exceeding 20 inches. Fly fishing from float tubes is particularly popular, as the shallow lake (maximum depth of 20 feet) features extensive weed beds that create perfect habitat. The lake is restricted to artificial flies and lures only, with special regulations in place to protect the fishery.

Beyond fishing, the area offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Watch for osprey diving for fish, bald eagles patrolling the shoreline, and deer grazing near camp in the early morning. The Davis Lake Trail provides a moderate 3.8-mile loop around the lake, perfect for morning walks or evening strolls. Kayaking and canoeing are popular on calm mornings, offering peaceful exploration of the lake's many coves and channels.

Natural Setting: Mountain Views and High Desert Beauty

The campground's location on the eastern shore provides stunning sunrise views over the lake, with Mount Thielsen's distinctive spire dominating the western skyline. The surrounding lodgepole pine forest creates a classic Central Oregon landscape, with the high desert just beyond. Summer temperatures are comfortable, typically ranging from highs in the 70s-80s°F to cool nights in the 40s-50s°F—perfect sleeping weather in your RV. Wildflowers bloom in June and July, adding splashes of color to the forest floor.

The area's volcanic origins are evident in the landscape, with lava flows visible in the distance. Davis Lake itself is unique—it has no natural outlet, with water levels fluctuating seasonally based on snowmelt and groundwater. This creates an ever-changing shoreline and diverse aquatic habitat. The best times to visit are June through September, with July and August offering the warmest weather and most stable lake levels for fishing.

Google Reviews AI Summary

We analyzed recent Google Reviews to understand guest experiences:

Visitors consistently praise the campground's peaceful atmosphere, stunning lake views, and excellent fishing opportunities. Many reviewers highlight the well-maintained vault toilets and spacious campsites with good privacy between neighbors. The boat ramp receives positive mentions for easy lake access. Common concerns include the rough, washboard access road (especially the last few miles), limited cell service, and the primitive nature of facilities—some visitors were unprepared for the lack of water and hookups.

Recent guests emphasize bringing everything you need, as the nearest services are 20+ miles away. Several reviews mention mosquitoes can be intense in June and early July, so bring bug spray. Photographers love the sunrise and sunset views across the lake. This campground is best suited for self-sufficient RVers who enjoy primitive camping, serious anglers seeking trophy trout, and those looking to truly unplug from modern life in a spectacular mountain setting.

Happy Campers RV Recommendations

For visiting East Davis Lake's primitive sites, we recommend RVs with strong battery capacity and dry camping capabilities. Our 2023 Thor Omni RS36 is perfect for this off-grid adventure, featuring a diesel generator, large fresh water capacity, and robust house batteries that can handle multiple days without hookups. The 4x4 capability also helps navigate the sometimes rough forest roads.

For couples seeking a more compact option, our 2024 Entegra Ethos 20D is ideal, with excellent fuel efficiency for the drive from Bend, a powerful lithium battery system for off-grid camping, and a size that's easy to maneuver on forest roads. The van's solar panels help extend your battery life during sunny Central Oregon days.

Families will appreciate our 2022 Forest River Sunseeker 2860DS, which sleeps 8 and has generous fresh water and battery capacity for comfortable dry camping. The dual slide-outs provide plenty of interior space for relaxing after a day on the lake, and the generator ensures you can run the air conditioning during warm summer afternoons.