West South Twin Campground
3.8229 reviews63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, BEND, OR, 97701, USA
West South Twin Campground
$21.00 - $27.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$27.00
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
Fees vary per season: $27 during peak season and $21 during first-come, first-served season. Holiday rates incur a $2 surcharge.
About this campground
Nestled in the sweet spot between South Twin Lake and Wickiup Reservoir, West South Twin Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its tranquil setting and endless recreational opportunities. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring forest trails, taking a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters, or launching your boat for an afternoon adventure, this well-appointed campground serves as your perfect basecamp. Modern amenities like flush toilets blend seamlessly with classic camping comforts including sturdy picnic tables and campfire rings where stories and s'mores come to life under starlit skies.
The campground accommodates tent, trailer, and RV camping. Specific types include 'Standard Nonelectric' and 'Tent Only Nonelectric' sites.
Historical SignificanceThese lands hold deep stories within their soil. For countless generations, Native American tribes gathered here, constructing traditional wickiup shelters that gave the nearby reservoir its name. The campground sits within the culturally rich tapestry of the Deschutes River corridor, where ancient pathways and gathering places remind us that we camp where others have found sustenance and community for millennia.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives at West South Twin with gloriously warm days perfect for every outdoor pursuit imaginable. Spring visitors should come prepared for nature's tiny aviators—mosquitoes thrive during this season of renewal. As autumn approaches, the reservoir reveals a different personality as water levels recede, exposing sculptural gravel banks and creating an entirely new landscape to explore. Each season paints the campground with its own unique palette and possibilities.
ElevationPerched high in the embrace of the Deschutes National Forest, West South Twin rewards visitors with the refreshing benefits of altitude. Cool mountain breezes sweep through towering pines throughout the day, while crisp morning air invigorates early risers and makes that first cup of camp coffee taste even better. The high-altitude setting creates perfect conditions for comfortable summer camping and spectacular star gazing.
Natural Features and SceneryA natural wonderland unfolds around every campsite, where towering pines frame sandy beaches and wetlands teem with life. Rocky slopes add dramatic texture to the landscape, while the reservoir—when at full capacity—mirrors the sky in breathtaking water views. Keep your camera ready for the diverse cast of wildlife characters: elegant shorebirds patrol the water's edge, porcupines waddle through the underbrush, graceful deer appear at twilight, bats perform aerial acrobatics at dusk, and the occasional black bear reminds visitors to properly store their food.
Geological RegionYour journey here follows the spectacular Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway through the heart of the Deschutes National Forest—a geological masterpiece where pine-fringed reservoirs sparkle like jewels, wetlands burst with biodiversity, and forests showcase nature's variety. This dramatic landscape shifts from inviting sandy beaches to rugged rocky slopes, with steep banks of soil and gravel telling the ancient story of volcanic forces and glacial artistry that sculpted this magnificent corner of Oregon.
Campsite details
Total Campsites43 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites 22 and 23 have noise and dust issues due to proximity to dispersed camping areas. Site 15 is not water-adjacent despite map indications.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Reserved sites held until noon the day after arrival.
Check-out
Check-out time is noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive nights allowed per visit. A total of 28 nights per year is permitted.
Guests Allowed Per Site
One RV with tow vehicle or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites accommodate one extra vehicle, subject to additional fees.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops with individual sites featuring picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 23 to October 18. First-come, first-served sites are available off-season from April 10 to May 22.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during off-season (April 10 - May 22) at reduced rates. First-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before the arrival date. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides a range of recreational opportunities including hiking, boating, canoeing, swimming, and fishing. Wickiup Reservoir is known for its warm waters and excellent fishing, particularly for large brown trout, kokanee, and coho salmon.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available near the campground, with some trails being suitable for family recreation. One reviewer noted, 'A few decent hiking and mountain biking trails around the lakes.'Fishing
Fishing is a highlight at Wickiup Reservoir, which is known for brown trout often reaching up to 20 pounds. Other fish species include kokanee, coho salmon, rainbow trout, brook trout, whitefish, and chub.Swimming
Swimming is available, but specific safety measures or areas are not detailed.Boating
The campground has a boat launch area leading to Wickiup Reservoir, making it convenient for boating and canoeing activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire restrictions may apply during dry conditions. Fire pits and grates available at all sites.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include black bears and mosquitos. Water hazards arise from steep soil and gravel banks during low reservoir levels.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
Nearest emergency services are located in Bend, including hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - October 18
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are described as semi-maintained. One reviewer mentioned, 'The garbage was semi kept on which isn’t the usual. Normally it’s overflowing.'
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Wickiup Reservoir and South Twin Lake. Water levels may vary significantly and affect usability.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints about low water levels, lack of enforcement of noise rules, issues with bathroom maintenance, and dispersed camping creating noise and dust.
Campground Map
63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, BEND, OR, 97701, USA
Driving directionsFrom Bend, travel 26.8 miles south on Hwy 97 to Wickiup Junction, then 11.0 miles west on County Road 43, then continue 4.6 miles west on Forest Road 42, and finally 2.0 miles south on Forest Road 4260.
Accessible via paved roads for most of the trip, transitioning to unpaved Forest Roads for the final stretch. During winter or periods of heavy rain, road conditions may become challenging.Nearby places
Bend (approximately 38 miles, 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest camping supplies, groceries, and fuel can be found in Wickiup Junction (approximately 11 miles away) or Bend (approximately 38 miles away).
Camper Reviews
3.8
29 reviews
West South Twin Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, with several users praising the natural beauty and recreational opportunities, but many expressing disappointment over water levels, maintenance, and noise issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the campground's location, proximity to lakes, and spacious campsites. One reviewer stated, 'The campground was very nice and when I first arrived there was no one else there which...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include low water levels, noise from primitive campers and off-road vehicles, poorly maintained restrooms, and overcrowding. One user mentioned, 'The water faucets were shut off....
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing earplugs due to noise and packing your own water due to unreliable water availability.
Based on 29 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight high temperatures and low water levels, while spring and fall reviews note mosquito issues and cooler conditions. Off-season visits are quieter but may lack amenities.
Based on 29 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Been coming with my family for 60 summers...Love it." - Gary Bertelson. "The water faucets were shut off. The only fresh water was at the resort near by." - Rindy P. "There were constant dirt bikes,...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 015 is not a water site as the map suggests. Sites 022 and 023 were noted for noise from nearby primitive camping. Site 018 experienced overcrowding with RVs parked nearby.
Based on 29 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are limited, with some complaints about restroom conditions but no specific mentions of accessibility features.
Based on 29 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews focused on pet policies, though some mention managing pets due to wildlife and noise.
Based on 29 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025