Tumalo State Park sits just 4 miles from downtown Bend along the scenic Deschutes River. With year-round camping, 7 yurts, and easy access to the 12-mile Deschutes River Trail, it’s the perfect Central Oregon basecamp!
Camping
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| 🔌 Full Hookup | 23 sites |
| ⛺ Tent Sites | 54 sites |
| 🏠 Yurts | 7 (reservation required) |
| 👥 Group Camps | 2 seasonal areas |
Deschutes River
| River Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🛶 Kayaking/Rafting | Popular but swift currents |
| 🎣 Fishing | Trout in Deschutes |
| 🥾 River Trail | 2.4mi access to 12mi trail |
| ⚠️ Safety | Life jacket required! |
FAQ
How far ahead can I reserve?
Reservations open 6 months in advance, releasing daily at 6am. Sites fill quickly—book early!
Wildlife & Nature
Tumalo State Park along the Deschutes River just outside Bend offers one of central Oregon’s most convenient camping experiences. The park’s ponderosa pine forest and riverside setting provide excellent wildlife viewing. The Deschutes River through the park supports wild populations of redband rainbow trout — the high-desert subspecies adapted to warmer water temperatures. Osprey nest on platforms along the river. Mule deer are abundant. Western meadowlarks — Oregon’s state bird — sing their melodious songs from fence posts and sagebrush. White-tailed jackrabbits (actually hares) can reach speeds of 40 mph. The park’s position on the “dry side” of the Cascades means 300+ days of sunshine annually — a dramatic contrast to the rain-drenched coast just 100 miles west.
Nearby Attractions
Bend — Oregon’s outdoor recreation capital — offers world-class craft brewing (30+ breweries), skiing at Mt. Bachelor, and trails in the Deschutes National Forest. Smith Rock State Park — 25 minutes north — is the birthplace of American sport climbing. High Desert Museum features live animal exhibits and cultural displays. Newberry Volcanic Monument has lava caves and obsidian flows. Tumalo Falls (97 feet) is a short drive into the Cascades. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway loops past alpine lakes and volcanic peaks.
🌲 Bend’s Riverside Basecamp
Reserve at Oregon State Parks.
Location & Getting There
Tumalo State Park is located in Oregon. The park’s coordinates are 44.1269, -121.3319. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.
Quick Facts
- Location: Oregon
- Coordinates: 44.1269, -121.3319
- Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
- Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)
Things to Do
Oregon showcases the Pacific Northwest at its finest — 362 miles of public coastline, ancient forests, volcanic peaks, and high desert canyonlands. Activities include hiking old-growth forests, tide pooling, beachcombing for agates, camping oceanfront, kayaking mountain lakes, fishing for steelhead, rock climbing at Smith Rock, and cross-country skiing.
Best Time to Visit
June through September is prime season on the west side. The coast can be enjoyed year-round — winter brings storms and whale watching. Eastern Oregon enjoys more sunshine but extreme summer heat. Spring brings wildflower blooms in the Columbia River Gorge.
Visitor Tips
Oregon state parks are free to enter on foot or by bike. Vehicle access requires a $5 day-use permit or $30 annual permit. Oregon’s coastline is public by law. Camping reservations up to 9 months in advance.
Explore More Oregon State Parks
Tumalo State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Oregon. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oregon guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks nearby: Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint is a short drive away, while Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint lies a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Tumalo State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine
Are dogs allowed at Tumalo State Park?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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