Tumalo State Park

Tumalo State Park sits along the scenic Deschutes River in Central Oregon, offering a peaceful riverside retreat just 5 miles northwest of Bend. This popular state park combines convenient access to Bend's amenities with a serene natural setting, making it an ideal base camp for exploring the Cascade Lakes, Smith Rock, and the volcanic landscapes of Central Oregon.

RV Sites & Accommodations

Tumalo State Park features 54 full-hookup RV sites (water, electric, and sewer) with 30-amp service, plus 23 tent sites. The RV sites can accommodate rigs up to 44 feet in length, with several pull-through sites available for easier maneuvering. Sites are well-spaced among juniper and ponderosa pine trees, providing a balance of shade and privacy. The campground operates year-round, though some sites may close during winter months depending on weather conditions.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially from May through September, and can be made up to 9 months in advance through the Oregon State Parks reservation system. The park fills quickly on summer weekends due to its proximity to Bend and excellent amenities. Sites are paved, level, and include picnic tables and fire rings.

Amenities & Services

The park offers modern restroom facilities with flush toilets and hot showers, available 24/7 during the main season. A dump station is conveniently located for guests without full hookups. The park provides firewood for sale at the entrance station, and drinking water is available throughout the campground. While there's no on-site store or restaurant, Bend's excellent dining and shopping options are just a 10-minute drive away, including major grocery stores like Safeway and natural food markets.

Tumalo State Park is pet-friendly, welcoming dogs on leash throughout the campground and on trails. The park features a designated off-leash dog area near the day-use section, making it particularly appealing for RVers traveling with pets. WiFi is not available, encouraging guests to disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Activities & Recreation

The Deschutes River provides the park's main attraction, offering excellent fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, brown trout, and mountain whitefish. The river is accessible from multiple points throughout the park, and both bank fishing and wading are popular. Swimming is permitted in designated areas during summer months, though the water remains cold year-round due to its snowmelt origins.

Several hiking trails wind through the park, including a 2-mile loop trail along the river that's perfect for morning walks or evening strolls. The trail system connects to longer routes leading into the surrounding high desert landscape. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with frequent sightings of mule deer, river otters, bald eagles, and osprey. The park's location also makes it an ideal base for day trips to nearby attractions including the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Mount Bachelor ski area (20 miles), and Crater Lake National Park (90 miles).

Natural Setting

Tumalo State Park showcases the unique high desert ecosystem of Central Oregon, with juniper trees, sagebrush, and ponderosa pines creating a distinctive landscape. The Deschutes River flows clear and cold through the park, its waters originating from Cascade Mountain snowmelt. On clear days, you can see the Cascade peaks including Mount Bachelor, Broken Top, and the Three Sisters from various points in the park.

The park sits at approximately 3,200 feet elevation, providing mild summer temperatures (typically 75-85°F during the day) and cool evenings perfect for campfires. Spring (April-May) brings wildflowers and active wildlife, while fall (September-October) offers golden foliage and fewer crowds. Winter camping is possible but temperatures can drop below freezing at night.

Amenities

Amenity	Available
Electric Hookups (30 amp)	✓
Water Hookups	✓
Sewer Hookups	✓
RV Dump Station	✓
Bathrooms	✓
Showers	✓
General Store	✗
Restaurant	✗
Laundry	✗
WiFi	✗
Pet Friendly	✓

Google Reviews AI Summary

We analyzed recent Google Reviews to understand guest experiences:

Guests consistently praise Tumalo State Park for its excellent location near Bend, clean facilities, and beautiful riverside setting. Reviewers particularly appreciate the full hookups, well-maintained restroom facilities with hot showers, and the peaceful atmosphere despite being close to town. The level, paved sites accommodate larger RVs easily, and many guests mention the helpful, friendly camp hosts and park staff.

The most common positive comments highlight the park's proximity to Bend's restaurants and breweries while maintaining a natural, quiet environment. Guests love the river access for fishing and the dog-friendly policies, including the off-leash area. The campground's cleanliness and well-kept grounds receive consistent praise.

Some concerns mentioned include the lack of significant shade in some sites during hot summer days, occasional road noise from nearby Highway 20, and the popularity of the park making reservations difficult during peak season. A few reviewers noted that sites can feel somewhat close together compared to more remote campgrounds.

This campground is best suited for RVers who want full hookups and modern amenities while staying close to Bend's urban conveniences, families with pets who appreciate the dog-friendly facilities, and those using the park as a base camp for exploring Central Oregon's many attractions.

Happy Campers RV Recommendations

For visiting Tumalo State Park, we recommend our 2025 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB, which is perfect for families with its bunk beds and 32-foot length that fits comfortably in the park's sites. The full hookups make this an ideal match for enjoying all the amenities this Class C motorhome offers, including the full kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Couples seeking a more compact option will love our 2024 Entegra Ethos 20D, a luxury Class B that's easy to maneuver into the park's sites and perfect for exploring Bend's downtown and nearby mountain roads. Its efficient size makes parking at trailheads and in town a breeze while still providing full living amenities.

For larger groups or families wanting maximum space and comfort, our 2022 Forest River Sunseeker 3250DS LE sleeps up to 10 and fits within the park's 44-foot maximum length. The multiple slideouts provide plenty of living space for enjoying evenings by the river after days exploring Central Oregon's attractions.