Reservoir Campground
3.5513 reviews63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, BEND, OREGON 97701, USA
Reservoir Campground
$8.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Reservation fees include $8 for online bookings, $9 through contact center, and $3 for in-person reservations. Additional recreation use fees vary by site and usage.
About this campground
Nestled along the scenic Cascade Lakes Highway, Reservoir Campground offers a tranquil retreat beside the shimmering waters of Wickiup Reservoir in the heart of Deschutes National Forest. This beloved camping destination provides direct access to one of Central Oregon's premier fishing lakes, where outdoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness of the Cascades. Please note: The campground is temporarily closed. Check current status before planning your visit.
Reservoir Campground offers accommodations for RV, trailer, and tent campers. The campground has primitive facilities and no modern hookups.
Historical SignificanceJust a short drive away lies the fascinating Newberry National Volcanic Monument, where ancient geological forces have sculpted an otherworldly landscape. Explore interactive exhibits that reveal the area's volcanic past, then venture into Oregon's longest lava tube at Lava River Cave—a mile-long underground passage that maintains a cool 42 degrees year-round. This region tells the story of fire and ice, where volcanic activity and glacial forces have shaped the land for millennia.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Cascade Mountains, where winter blankets the landscape in deep snow, creating a wonderland for snow enthusiasts. Spring brings moderate rainfall that awakens the forest and fills the reservoir. Summer unveils long stretches of warm, clear days perfect for water activities, though conditions can vary with changing water levels. Each season paints the landscape with its own spectacular palette, offering year-round beauty for those who venture here.
ElevationPerched in the majestic Cascade Range, this high-altitude haven offers the crisp mountain air and stunning vistas that define Oregon's volcanic peaks. The elevation provides a refreshing escape from summer heat while offering spectacular star-gazing opportunities in the thin, clear mountain atmosphere.
Natural Features and SceneryWickiup Reservoir serves as the campground's stunning centerpiece, its waters teeming with prized trout, kokanee, and Coho salmon that draw anglers from across the Pacific Northwest. The surrounding landscape unfolds like a living tapestry—verdant forests give way to rocky slopes, while pristine wetlands provide crucial habitat for elegant shorebirds. Keep your camera ready for wildlife encounters: graceful deer emerge at dawn and dusk, porcupines lumber through the underbrush, bats dance in the twilight sky, and the occasional black bear might be spotted foraging in the distance. This diverse ecosystem showcases the raw beauty of the Cascades in all its glory.
Geological RegionSituated within the vast Deschutes National Forest, the campground occupies a remarkable convergence of ecosystems where ancient volcanic activity has created a mosaic of landscapes. Crystal-clear alpine lakes dot the terrain, fed by mountain streams that wind through diverse forests of pine and fir. Rocky volcanic slopes tell the story of the region's fiery past, while lush wetlands and meadows support an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. This unique geological setting, shaped by volcanic eruptions and carved by glaciers, offers visitors a front-row seat to the dynamic forces that continue to shape the Pacific Northwest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information provided about accessibility features.
Sites SizeSite sizes are not specified, but a user review mentions issues with uneven terrain and overhanging branches.
Sites PrivacyReviews note the campground as being quiet, with some privacy from the larger, busier campgrounds, but no specific details on site layout are provided.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReview by Anna K suggests researching water levels before visiting as the reservoir may be completely dry during certain seasons.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Noon
Check-out
Noon
Stay Limit
- Maximum 14 consecutive nights per visit
- total of 28 nights per year allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- One RV with tow vehicle per site or one vehicle per tent site
- most sites can accommodate one extra vehicle for an additional fee.
Groups
No group site information is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutPrimitive sites suitable for RV, trailer, or tent camping. Includes picnic tables and campfire rings with grills.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen all year; currently closed until further notice.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov platform.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific data on walk-up availability; reserved sites are held until noon on the day following scheduled arrival date.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee if made after the cut-off window. Late cancellations and no-shows may result in additional penalties.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Reservoir Campground revolve around water-based recreation, including boating, canoeing, fishing, and swimming in Wickiup Reservoir. The reservoir's warm shallows and cool deep channels offer excellent fishing opportunities. Campers can also explore nearby trails and natural attractions.
Hiking
While not explicitly detailed, the area offers access to nearby trails as part of the broader recreational activities.Fishing
Wickiup Reservoir is a popular fishing destination for species like brown trout, kokanee, Coho salmon, rainbow trout, brook trout, whitefish, and chub.Swimming
Swimming is allowed in Wickiup Reservoir, though no specific designated swimming areas are mentioned.Boating
Both motorized and non-motorized boating is permitted on Wickiup Reservoir. The campground includes a boat ramp for easy access.Wildlife viewing
Visitors may spot shorebirds, porcupines, deer, bats, and occasionally black bears in the surrounding wetlands, forests, and rocky slopes.Winter Activities
No information about winter activities is provided.Water Sports
In addition to boating and fishing, other non-motorized water sports like canoeing are popular on the reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry weather conditions; campfires and charcoal fires may be prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM (no generator use allowed during these hours).
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include fluctuating water levels at Wickiup Reservoir (sometimes leaving it dry), wildlife such as black bears, and uneven terrain that may impact parking and accessibility.
Active alertsCampground closed until further notice.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are in Bend, OR, 58 miles away, including hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates mentioned.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available at the campground, but no recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Wickiup Reservoir, which may be dry depending on seasonal fluctuations.
Common complaintsReviews mention noise from ATVs and music during summer months, lack of water at the reservoir, and uneven terrain at campsites.
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, BEND, OREGON 97701, USA
Driving directionsFrom Bend, OR: Travel about 58 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46), then 2 miles east on Forest Road 44.
Roads are paved but primitive, and some sites may have uneven terrain with overhanging branches as noted in reviews. Seasonal closures due to weather may impact accessibility.Nearby places
Bend (58 miles, approx. 1 hour 15 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Bend, OR, approximately 58 miles away.
Camper Reviews
3.6
13 reviews
Reservoir Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the scenic beauty and tranquility of the campground but also raise concerns about its primitive facilities and fluctuating reservoir water levels. A recurring theme is the lack of water on-site and inconsistent access to the adjacent reservoir.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the quiet and scenic environment, proximity to Wickiup Reservoir, and wildlife viewing opportunities. One user noted, 'Great campground, ... quiet from the other busy campgrounds.'
Based on 13 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints often center on the lack of water in the reservoir during dry seasons, absence of potable water and toilet paper, ATV noise, and uneven campsite terrain. A reviewer mentioned, 'No fresh...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to verify reservoir water levels before visiting and to bring their own water and firewood. One reviewer emphasized researching water levels: 'I definitely recommend researching...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer sees complaints of ATVs and loud activities, whereas cooler seasons highlight the reservoir's water level fluctuations. Visitors are advised to plan based on their preferred activities.
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'The campground is nice but it can be a long way from the water.' (Brian Goldin)
- 'Quiet campground with no water at all... bring your own toilet paper because there's none there.' (M. King)
-...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One review mentions that the campsite terrain is uneven and has overhanging branches, potentially challenging for certain vehicles.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews mention accessibility for people with disabilities.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information or reviews are provided regarding pet policies or experiences.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025