OR · Pacific Northwest
Deschutes NF & Cascade Lakes
Oregon's volcanic Cascade Range at its best. The Cascade Lakes Highway runs through 50 miles of alpine lakes in the shadow of Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters. Free dispersed camping throughout Deschutes National Forest. Bend is 30 minutes away for resupply and coffee. The water is cold, clear, and incredibly blue.
- Portland is only 3 hours, easily the most accessible alpine wilderness from PDX
- Free dispersed camping on FS roads throughout the national forest
- Three Sisters Wilderness has zero crowds compared to Mt. Rainier or Rocky Mountain NP
- The volcanic geology is unique: lava tubes, obsidian flows, cinder cones
- Bend has excellent craft beer, coffee, and food for resupply without being annoying
Free camping near Deschutes NF & Cascade Lakes
Deschutes NF: Cascade Lakes Highway FS Road Dispersed
Deschutes National Forest (Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District)
Free dispersed camping on forest roads branching off the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Pull off the main highway onto FS roads and find a flat spot. Mountains and lake views from camp. Easy access, no permit required.
How to get there
From Bend OR, take Century Drive (OR-372) west toward the Cascade Lakes. After entering Deschutes NF, look for FS-4612, FS-4625, and similar roads branching off. Dispersed camping on any NF road.
Deschutes NF: Swamp Wells / China Hat Area Dispersed
Deschutes National Forest
Dispersed camping in the pine/juniper forest east of Bend. Lower elevation, drier terrain, excellent for star gazing in the high desert. Lava tube cave access nearby (free). Very few visitors.
How to get there
From Bend OR, take US-97 south then head east on the China Hat Road (FS-18). Dispersed camping throughout this open ponderosa pine country.
Dispersed camping ground rules
- Usually a 14-night limit in one area, then you move on
- Camp at least 200 ft from water, trails and roads
- Pack out all trash. Leave no trace.
- Check local fire restrictions before building a campfire
- No potable water: bring or filter everything you drink
Rules vary by forest and BLM field office, so check with the local ranger district or field office before you go.
Find more free spots
Get an app like iOverlander to find places to camp on public land for free in the states. Other campers post what's there, how rough the road is and whether a ranger moved them on.
- iOverlander (opens in a new tab)Free. Campsites reported by other travelers, with recent notes on access, signal and rangers.
- Campendium (opens in a new tab)Free to browse. A map of free campsites across the US, much of it on public land, with reviews.
Spots change. Read the newest reports and any posted rules before you set up, and pack out everything you bring in.
When to go
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July: best month
- August: best month
- September: best month
- October
- November
- December
WanderRank Scores
Daily Cost
$20 to $60
per day (food + transit)
Free camping available
Plus gas for the drive
Recommended Stay
2 to 5
days · moderate difficulty
Drive time from your airport
Avoid if
- July/August fire season brings smoke that blocks mountain views in some years
- Popular lakes (Elk Lake, Todd Lake) get crowded on summer weekends
- High snow year can close Cascade Lakes Hwy until late June