Tumalo State Park — Attraction in Bend

I’ve camped at this state park three times, and each time has been exceptionally fantastic. The first two times I camped in a travel trailer, with the last time being in a yurt. Whichever way you decide to camp, you likely will not be disappointed.

It’s easy to tell at this campground that cleanliness is a top priority. The grounds are very clean and cleared of debris, as are the yurts. The washrooms and showers, the two parts of a campground that people normally dread going to, were next to spotless. Very impressed with this aspect of staying at this state park.

Aside from the cleanliness, the geographical location of the park is also a major plus. The park is within 10-15 mins of most of downtown Bend. Other places to visit—such as Smith Rock State Park, the High Desert Museum, parts of Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Riley Ranch Nature Reserve, Tumalo Falls, and Shelvin Park are all within 30-45 mins of the campground.

The geography of the park itself is very unique, with the Deschutes River flowing right through it underneath cliffs of ancient volcanic rock. The scenes are picturesque and I can say after my third visit to the park, they never get old.

The day-use area, located right across road from the campground, has some fun activities to do. The Deschutes River provides swimming opportunities and people often bring their inner-tubes to float down the river to another spot in the day-use area. This part of the park does get extremely busy in the summer, however, so I recommend coming early in the day.

The only downside comes from my most recent stay at the park—and it’s one that is out of anybody’s control—the noise from the highway. The campground is right next to a fairly busy road, and so loud cars at night can be heard every once in a while. In particular, during my most recent stay, some moron was doing donuts down on the road at 10:30pm, well after most people are trying to sleep. Unfortunately, the hosts said that this has become a near weekly occurrence. The noise bothers me, however not nearly as much as the safety of others being compromised.

Overall, aside from this one unfortunate aspect, the camping experience here is sublime. I’ve made lots of great memories in the area and I hope to make many more...

Nice winter weekend getaway. If you're staying the night, it'll be in the B loop--RVs, car camping, and yurts (B's the only loop open for the off-season: A loop, by the river, is obviously closed for the duration due to high water risk, and I forget what the C loop caters to). Loved the electric and heat available in our yurt, and the private locked shower. Didn't love that the water was shut off: this meant we had to purchase bottled water at a convenience shop down the road, at least it was a couple minutes out by car. I can understand preventing pipes possibly bursting by shutting off the water entirely to the water spouts available in the campground, but surely they can offer water near the bathrooms and showers as water still worked there. Odd.

We walked the portion of the Deschutes river trail west from the day use parking lot clear up to the nature reserve. I especially loved the sunny, brisk winter morning and how low-key it felt to cross paths with only a few folks, possibly mostly locals. Bend, being the New California, is pretty overrun in the summer and that is precisely why we aren't there that time of year. 😁

You'll enjoy Tumalo: it's 10 minutes from anything in Bend, and recreation just outside your tent. Fall is amazing here when the A loop is open by the river, and I feel winter here is nearly as exceptional (skylight in the yurt at night: so peaceful to drift off to sleep under), but one star goes because of the water jug situation. Come prepared if you stay in winter: bring water, and it'll be a 5-star stay!

PS Before I forget: there are notices EVERYWHERE that this is NOT close to Tumalo Falls, which is about 15 minutes out by car. So do your research and don't assume that since they share the name Tumalo they're next door to each other....

Stayed 3 nights, tent camping. Camp is convenient to many sights/hikes in the area. There is a lovely shady day park across the road with a river to float down (bring an inner tube/inflatable); fun way to spend an afternoon (especially on the really hot days). The bathrooms/facilities of the park are clean and nearby the various campsites, hosts are helpful with any questions you might have.

The camp has lots of pine trees & a pretty setting. Like most state parks the sites are close together & it can be a crapshoot as to neighbors & their style. 10pm quiet time & it did turn quiet in the park.

The sites along the edges of the park & down by river seem best. #42 where we stayed not so much. Car headlights due to road setup & not a lot of shade. Finally, this park is surrounded by roads including Hwy 20, you're gonna hear road noise all the time, some of it quite obnoxious.

Nearby town of Tumalo has an outdoor food-cart park with beer & wine available which was fun; food was decent, beer really good! Nice way to spend an evening if you don't feel like cooking. General store also nearby = well stocked (in case you forget something or have a snack attack).

I wouldn't stay here again; seeking a little more "out of the city" feel when I'm in camp. Would be great for an overnite, if you're in a camper, you spend most of the day away from camp and you really aren't bothered by ...