Explore Free Camping Options in McKenzie River Ranger District: Your Ultimate Guide
Discover the stunning landscapes of the McKenzie River Ranger District in the Willamette National Forest, where outdoor enthusiasts can revel in pristine camping experiences surrounded by lush forests and breathtaking river views. This remarkable area boasts over 60 miles of the scenic McKenzie River, which is home to popular campgrounds such as Paradise Campground, La Dee Campground, and Mowich Campground, each offering unique amenities and access to recreational activities. For those seeking budget-friendly options, numerous dispersed camping areas allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature without breaking the bank, providing opportunities for solitude and adventure. In recent years, McKenzie River Ranger District has seen an annual visitation of approximately 200,000 outdoor lovers, eager to explore its vast trails and crystal-clear waters. With an average elevation of 2,300 feet and a diverse ecosystem, the district features abundant wildlife and endless hiking trails like the McKenzie River Trail for all skill levels. Experience the beauty of the Willamette National Forest and create unforgettable memories while camping in the McKenzie River Ranger District, an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

















Big Lake Campground is located in the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest (59 min northwest of Bend, OR) with an elevation of 4,679 feet. There are a total of 44 campsites including 2 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of June to the beginning of November. 41 sites can accommodate RVs between 23 and 65 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $22.90 to $28.00. Some amenities include accessible, boat ramp, swimming, picnic table, restroom. Activities include biking, boating, ohv trails nearby, fishing, hiking trails, water skiing, floating sports.
Big Lake West Campground is located in the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest (59 min northwest of Bend, OR) with an elevation of 4,734 feet. There are a total of 11 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of June to the beginning of November. Max equipment length is 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Prices start at $55.00 per night. Some amenities include drinking water, boat ramp, swimming, restroom. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, water skiing, floating sports.
Cold Water Cove Campground is located in the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest (1 hr 7 min northwest of Bend, OR) with an elevation of 3,058 feet. There are a total of 33 campsites including 6 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of June to mid October. 25 sites can accommodate RVs between 18 and 55 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $20.99 to $46.00. Some amenities include boat ramp. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Cougar Crossing Campground is located in the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest (1 hr 11 min east of Springfield, OR) with an elevation of 1,698 feet. There are a total of 10 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs between 26 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $17.00 per night.
Fish Lake Remount Depot Cabins is located in the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest (1 hr 3 min northwest of Bend, OR) with an elevation of 3,366 feet. There are a total of 2 campsites including 2 cabins. The campground is open all year. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $85.00 to $95.00. Activities include hiking trails.
French Pete Campground is located in the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest (1 hr 17 min east of Springfield, OR) with an elevation of 1,808 feet. There are a total of 16 campsites including 2 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to the beginning of September. 14 sites can accommodate RVs between 24 and 42 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $21.00 to $40.00. Activities include hiking trails.
Frissell Crossing Campground is located in the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest (2 hrs 40 min west of Bend, OR) with an elevation of 2,661 feet. There are a total of 11 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to the beginning of September. Sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $17.00 to $33.00.
Ice Cap Campground is located in the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest (1 hr 8 min west of Bend, OR) with an elevation of 2,634 feet. There are a total of 20 campsites including 10 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid October. 10 sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 55 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $21.00 per night. Some amenities include restroom. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Limberlost Campground is located in the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest (1 hr 23 min west of Bend, OR) with an elevation of 1,713 feet. There are a total of 12 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to the beginning of September. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 21 and 36 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $16.00 per night. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Lookout - Willamette Campground is located in the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest (55 min east of Springfield, OR) with an elevation of 1,684 feet. There are a total of 20 campsites including 4 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 16 sites can accommodate RVs between 18 and 70 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $20.00 per night. Some amenities include boat ramp, swimming. Activities include floating sports.
Mckenzie Bridge Campground is located in the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest (59 min east of Springfield, OR) with an elevation of 1,333 feet. There are a total of 20 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid April to mid September. 18 sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 70 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $18.21 to $43.00. Some amenities include boat ramp. Activities include fishing, floating sports.
Mona Campground is located in the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest (57 min east of Springfield, OR) with an elevation of 1,377 feet. There are a total of 20 campsites including 1 tent-only site. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the beginning of September. 18 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 70 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $23.00 to $42.00. Activities include fishing, floating sports.
Olallie On Mckenzie Highway Campground is located in the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest (1 hr 13 min west of Bend, OR) with an elevation of 1,996 feet. There are a total of 15 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of April to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $23.00 per night. Some amenities include boat ramp. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
Paradise In Oregon Campground is located in the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest (1 hr 21 min west of Bend, OR) with an elevation of 1,524 feet. There are a total of 59 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 80 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $28.00 to $52.00. Some amenities include boat ramp, amphitheater, flush toilets. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Slide Creek Campground is located in the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest (1 hr 16 min east of Springfield, OR) with an elevation of 1,718 feet. There are a total of 15 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid April to the beginning of September. Sites can accommodate RVs between 15 and 90 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $21.00 to $40.00. Some amenities include boat ramp, swimming. Activities include boating, fishing, floating sports.
Sunnyside Campground is located in the McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest (1 hr 11 min east of Springfield, OR) with an elevation of 1,776 feet. There are a total of 13 campsites including 8 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid April to the beginning of September. Max equipment length is 21 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $17.00 per night.