On the eastern side of the Cascade Mountain Range in Central Oregon, the Deschutes National Forest is made up of 1.8 million acres of trails, mountains, and waterways. It's home to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, comprising lava flows and caves, as well as three National Scenic Byways and segments of the National Wild and Scenic River System. The forest also features many of Oregon’s prettiest rivers and lakes—including the crystalline Cascade Lakes—as well as Mt. Bachelor, one of the most popular ski resorts in the state.

• Best for jet-skiing: Cultus Lake Campground sits on one of the few lakes where motorized watersports are allowed.
• Best for backwoods biking: Indian Ford Campground offers direct access to forested biking and hiking trails.
• Best for boating: Trapper Creek Campground has direct access to Odell Lake and a boat ramp.

1. You can book campsites up to six months in advance through the Forest Service website. Reservations go live each day at 7am Pacific Time. Cabins, in particular, book up fast and are sometimes reserved immediately upon being made available.
2. If you’re looking for a first-come, first-served (FCFS) spot, try to arrive by Thursday to avoid the weekend rush.
3. Consider alternative campgrounds. If you’re having difficulty securing a reservation through the Forest Service, look into nearby Hipcamps or try your luck with FCFS camping on BLM land.

The Deschutes National Forest does not have one distinct climate, and while the western parts of the forest tend to get a lot of rainfall much of the year, other parts are hotter with less precipitation. As a general rule of thumb, July and August are the best months to visit. This is the one time of year in Oregon when rain is not regularly on the forecast and the weather is usually warm enough for boating and swimming.

• Cell service can be spotty in parts of the forest. Download offline maps before you head out of range.
• Bans on campfires and even camping stoves are common during the summer months. Make sure to check ahead and be prepared to change up your meal plans accordingly.
• There are five protected wilderness areas in the Deschutes National Forest. These areas are off limits to motorized vehicles, but can be visited on day hikes or overnight backpacking trips. To visit, you'll need to secure a permit ahead of time.