Central Oregon Campgrounds: Tumalo State Park

Forested setting: Check. Gentle flowing river to cool off in: Check. Toilets: Check. Showers: Check. Access to amenities in town: Check, check and check.

Tumalo State Park is the state park in Bend’s backyard. It’s located outside the city limits but it’s just a couple of turns and a short, pretty drive from the middle of town. For locals, that means it’s the perfect place to get out into nature for a fun family staycation. For visitors, that means they can get out into nature but be close enough to restaurants, breweries, shopping and other comforts of home. Experience the city by day, sleep under the stars next to the Deschutes River by night. You can’t get much better than that.

You can read more about it and see some great photos from our Adventure Partners at the Outdoor Project.