Joining us is Kristy from Willa Wanders, an Oregon-based travel creator, photographer, and Airstream owner who has spent years exploring every corner of her home state. From alpine lakes and volcanic landscapes to charming mountain towns, incredible breweries, and some of the best state parks in America, Kristy shares her favorite places to camp, eat, and explore throughout Central Oregon.
Whether you’re planning your first Pacific Northwest RV trip or looking for new destinations beyond the region’s famous coastline, this episode is packed with practical advice and unforgettable recommendations.
To listen to our interview with Kristy please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite podcasts!
Why RVing in Central Oregon Belongs on Your Bucket List
When many people picture Oregon, they imagine towering evergreens, rugged coastlines, and months of rain.
Central Oregon tells a completely different story.
This region sits in Oregon’s high desert, offering sunny skies, volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear rivers, alpine lakes, and mountain scenery that feels unlike anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest.
It’s an outdoor playground where visitors can:
- Hike volcanic landscapes
- Paddle mountain lakes
- Float rivers
- Fish and boat
- Mountain bike
- Ski in winter
- Explore charming mountain towns
Summer and fall are especially popular seasons, although Kristy recommends keeping an eye on wildfire conditions later in the summer, as smoke can occasionally impact travel plans.
RVing in Central Oregon: One of America’s Most RV-Friendly States
photo by Kristy from @willawanders
Throughout the conversation, one thing became abundantly clear: Oregon is built for RV travel.
Not only does the state have an exceptional highway system for RVs, but it also boasts one of the finest state park systems in the country.
Jeremy even suggested Oregon belongs among America’s top ten state park systems.
Kristy took it one step further.
“I’d make the claim that we have a top five state park system.”
Considering Oregon’s abundance of affordable campgrounds, scenic public lands, and RV-friendly infrastructure, it’s hard to argue.
Prineville Reservoir State Park: A Hidden Gem
photo by Kristy from @willawonders
Kristi’s top campground recommendation is Prineville Reservoir State Park, located about an hour from Bend.
While many visitors focus exclusively on Bend itself, this state park offers a quieter experience with spectacular scenery.
Highlights include:
- Full-hookup and electric sites
- Boating and fishing
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Spacious campsites
- Beautiful reservoir views
One of the park’s newest distinctions is its designation as an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of Oregon’s best places for stargazing.
At night, the skies come alive with stars, while during the day visitors can enjoy peaceful waterfront recreation in a setting that feels wonderfully uncrowded.
Camping at Crater Lake National Park
photo by Kristy from @willawanders
If you are RVing in Central Oregon you must visit Crater Lake National Park.
For campers, the primary option inside the park is Mazama Campground, the only developed campground within the park that accommodates RVs.
Visitors should know:
- Campsites do not have hookups.
- A dump station is available.
- Reservations are strongly recommended.
- Snow can linger well into early summer.
In fact, some years portions of the park remain inaccessible into late June because of lingering snow.
Checking current road conditions before your visit is always a smart idea.
Bend Sisters Garden RV Resort
If you are RVing in Central Oregon and looking for a more traditional private campground experience, Kristy recommends Bend Sisters Garden RV Resort.
Although she typically camps in Oregon’s state parks, she says this resort consistently receives outstanding reviews.
Guests can expect:
- Full-service RV amenities
- Beautifully landscaped grounds
- Full hookups
- Propane service
- Convenient access to both Bend and Sisters
Its location makes it an excellent basecamp for exploring the entire region.
Tumalo State Park
Located just outside Bend, Tumalo State Park offers another excellent campground option.
The campground features:
- Full-hookup sites
- Access to the Deschutes River
- Walking and biking trails
- Excellent birdwatching
- Easy access to Bend’s restaurants, breweries, and shopping
Its proximity to town makes it ideal for travelers who want to balance outdoor recreation with time exploring Bend.
Why Oregon State Parks Stand Out
One theme emerged repeatedly throughout the conversation.
Oregon’s public campgrounds are simply exceptional.
Many state parks offer:
- Hookups
- Spacious campsites
- Beautiful natural settings
- Affordable nightly rates
For many RVers, that means less need for traditional RV resorts.
Instead, Oregon campers often find themselves surrounded by forests, rivers, mountains, and lakes—without sacrificing modern conveniences.
Bend: A Food Lover’s Paradise
Central Oregon isn’t just about outdoor recreation.
It’s also one of the Northwest’s best food destinations.
Kristi describes both Portland and Bend as places where locally owned restaurants far outnumber national chains.
Some favorite stops include:
Wild Rose Northern Thai Eats
One of Bend’s most beloved restaurants, Wild Rose specializes in authentic Northern Thai cuisine.
Expect bold flavors, outstanding curries, flavorful stir fries, and a menu that goes far beyond standard Americanized Thai food.
Jackson’s Corner
Part neighborhood café, part bakery, and part market, Jackson’s Corner is known for:
- Fresh bread
- Pizza
- Breakfast
- Locally sourced ingredients
It’s the kind of place that’s perfect before or after a day spent outdoors.
Sparrow Bakery
No visit to Bend is complete without stopping at Sparrow Bakery.
Their famous Ocean Roll—a buttery pastry flavored with cardamom and vanilla—has developed a devoted following.
Pair one with a locally roasted coffee, and you’ll understand why locals line up each morning.
Oregon’s Incredible Brewery Scene
Bend has earned a national reputation as one of America’s premier beer destinations.
Among the many favorites Kristi mentioned are:
- Deschutes Brewery
- Crux Fermentation Project
- Bend Brewing Company
- Boneyard Beer
- Sunriver Brewing Company
- GoodLife Brewing
- Worthy Brewing
- Monkless Belgian Ales
- Boss Rambler Beer Club
- Silver Moon Brewing
Many breweries also serve outstanding food, making them perfect stops after a day of hiking or exploring.
McMenamins: A Pacific Northwest Institution
No Oregon road trip feels complete without a visit to McMenamins.
These one-of-a-kind properties transform historic buildings into eclectic hotels, restaurants, breweries, and entertainment venues.
In Bend, the former St. Francis School has been converted into a hotel, brewery, restaurant, and gathering place full of colorful artwork and quirky character.
Whether you’re stopping for burgers, tots, local beer, or simply to soak in the atmosphere, McMenamins offers an experience that’s uniquely Pacific Northwest.
Snow Cap Drive-In
In nearby Sisters, Kristi’s nostalgic favorite is the Snow Cap Drive-In.
Operating since the mid-1900s, this classic roadside stop serves:
- Burgers
- Chicken baskets
- Soft-serve ice cream
- Milkshakes
It’s exactly the kind of place that completes a classic summer road trip.
Smith Rock State Park
photo by Kristy from @willawanders
One destination received perhaps the strongest endorsement of the entire episode.
Kristy believes Smith Rock State Park rivals many national parks in scenic beauty.
Known for:
- Towering volcanic cliffs
- The Crooked River
- World-famous rock climbing
- Stunning hiking trails
- Incredible photography opportunities
Visitors can tackle the famous Misery Ridge Trail or enjoy easier riverside walks while watching expert climbers scale the park’s dramatic rock faces.
Wildlife sightings often include hawks, eagles, river otters, and other native species.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake remains one of Oregon’s signature destinations.
The lake’s impossibly deep blue water fills the caldera of an ancient volcano, creating one of America’s most striking landscapes.
Popular activities include:
- Scenic drives around Rim Drive
- Hiking overlooks
- Photography
- Ranger programs
- Boat tours (when operating)
While lake access is temporarily limited because of dock construction, the scenery alone makes Crater Lake well worth the visit.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Area
Southwest of Bend lies a chain of beautiful alpine lakes surrounded by forests and mountain peaks.
Favorites include:
- Sparks Lake
- Elk Lake
- Suttle Lake
Visitors can:
- Paddleboard
- Kayak
- Swim
- Fish
- Picnic
- Hike
It’s easy to spend an entire day exploring multiple lakes while enjoying some of Central Oregon’s most peaceful scenery.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Another fascinating stop is Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Here visitors can explore:
- Lava flows
- Volcanic landscapes
- Lava River Cave
- Geothermal features
- Mountain lakes
- The High Desert Museum
Families especially enjoy the museum, which offers an engaging introduction to the region’s geology, wildlife, and natural history.
Float the Deschutes River
One of Bend’s signature summer activities is floating the Deschutes River.
Several outfitters rent inner tubes and provide shuttle service, making it easy to spend a relaxing afternoon drifting through the heart of downtown Bend.
Along the way you’ll pass:
- Parks
- Restaurants
- Shops
- Breweries
- Scenic riverfront views
It’s one of the most enjoyable—and uniquely Bend—ways to experience the city.
Mount Bachelor
Although famous for winter skiing and snowboarding, Mount Bachelor offers year-round recreation.
During winter it’s one of Oregon’s premier ski destinations.
During warmer months visitors can enjoy mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, hiking, and spectacular mountain views.
It’s yet another reminder that Central Oregon offers outdoor adventure during every season.
Final Thoughts
photo by Kristy from @willawanders
Central Oregon offers an incredible combination of experiences that few destinations can match.
You can spend the morning hiking volcanic landscapes.
The afternoon floating a mountain river.
The evening enjoying award-winning breweries or locally owned restaurants.
Then return to a peaceful campground beneath some of the darkest skies in the Pacific Northwest.
Whether you’re visiting Crater Lake, exploring Bend, relaxing beside an alpine lake, or discovering one of Oregon’s outstanding state parks, Central Oregon is the kind of destination that makes you want to start planning your next trip before the current one even ends.
We’ll see you at the campground.
