State: Oregon
Open: Seasonal
Number of Sites: 7
Elevation: 4226
County: Deschutes
Free: No
Offering campsites on the Wild and Scenic Deschutes River, the campground is just north of a reserved section of woodland that has been set aside as an experimental forest, and a natural research area. The campground doesn’t offer enough to draw in campers from far away, but it is a perfect locals spot.
Boat fishing or drift fishing is the best way to catch fish. The water is Class II flatwater up to about 6 miles below Sunriver, where there are a number of dangerous falls.
As you are traveling on FS Road 43 and you go over a bridge over the Deschutes River, you might notice a sign that says Pringle Falls. That sign is for the falls themselves, but the turn into the campground is about a quarter mile east of there. The campground is on a hidden part of the Deschutes River mixed in with a subdivision south of Bend. It might look like you are driving up someone’s dirt driveway as you follow the signs, but you will end up in a small little used campground that is perfect for a couple families to camp together or for a small to medium group from the area. The campground doesn’t offer enough to draw in campers from far away, but it is a perfect locals spot especially since you can almost always count on getting a site even at the last minute. The price is right, but there is no drinking water. However, stores are close by to the east.
Fees: Per night, per site fee: $10/first vehicle; $5/each additional vehicle. (2011)
Water: None
Restrooms: Vault Toilet
Restrictions: Maximum site spur length is 26 feet. Motorized boating is not permitted in the river. The road is rutted and the campground is not recommended for large RVs or trailers.
Directions:
From Bend, travel about 27 miles south on Hwy 97, then 7 miles west on County Road 43, then 1 mile north on Forest Road 4330-500