Brews, Bikes and Boondocking in Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon, and the surrounding area, abound in breweries, biking trails and plenty of free places to boondock.

If you love the outdoors, good food and local beer, Bend is your road trip destination! With ample camping just outside of town right on the trail system, you can enjoy boondocking and nightlife all in one trip. Plus the high desert climate allows for outdoor recreation year round. Whether it be skiing, mountain biking, water sports, hiking or exploring the area’s unique geology. 

Camping:

There are several places to camp near Bend. Free boondocking spots, state parks and first-come, first-serve forest service campgrounds. Here are a few of our favorites spots:

• Tumalo State Park just outside of Bend is a great spot for families with young kids if you’re seeking hot showers, full-hookup sites, and other amenities. Plus the ability to float the river or hike right from the campground. And if you need to restock, you can find groceries, gas and restaurants in the quaint town of Tumalo just minutes away.
• Camp Sherman on the Metolius River provides several primitive campground options through the forest service. Some sites are reservable in advance through Recreation.gov. These sites are well-suited for tent camping and small RVs, the perfect spot if you are traveling in a van. Many sites are right on the river and you have great access to the Metolius River trail for hiking (no bikes), floating and fly fishing.
• If you prefer boondocking, there are many spots along the Cascade Lakes Highway. Right on Bend’s extensive trail system where you can enjoy hiking and mountain biking. Be sure to help protect this beautiful natural area by respecting the rules of camping in a national forest area. These boondocking sites have experienced some heavy use in the past few years so let’s take good care of this natural space so others can enjoy it for years to come. 
• Many of the snow parks also offer free camping in the summer. Again, please respect the local rules for camping in these areas and pack out anything you brought with you!

Mountain biking:

If you’ve followed us for any length of time, you will know that we are avid mountain bikers. And Bend, Oregon does not disappoint. With a massive trail system just outside of town and over 100 days of sun per year, Bend is a cycling paradise. Trail systems are always expanding in the area,. And there is an emerging network of trails near Redmond, Prineville and outside of Sisters, Oregon. Gravel riders (check out Dirty Free Hub’s website) and roadies can also find endless routes to explore.

Here are a few of our favorite mountain biking trails:

• Ticket to Ride is a great beginner/family friendly trail accessible from the Cascade Lakes Highway at the Deschutes National Forest Visitor Center
• Peterson Ridge trail system outside of Sisters, Oregon, offers incredible views of the Cascade mountains
• CogWild Shuttles offers many shuttle options from Bend plus guided rides and clinics. We’ve worked with their guides and used their shuttle services many times. This is a great way to enjoy the area
• Phil’s trail system offers an extensive network of beginner friendly trails with several trailheads to choose from to start your mountain biking adventure 

Food and Drink:

Known for its breweries and food cart pods, Bend, Oregon is a foodie paradise. We love to pick a food cart pod to meet up with friends at the end of a long day mountain biking. Two of our favorites at Podski and the Midtown Yacht Club.

If the weather isn’t great for outdoor dining, Market Hall at the Grove in the NW Crossing neighborhood provides a great selection of indoor dining options in their food hall, with a full bar and several restaurants to choose from. Looking for fine dining? Washington Dining & Cocktails has an excellent menu, plus outdoor fire pits for a romantic meal under the stars on a fall night. Or head downtown for several more upscale restaurants, bars and more.