With ten reservable sites accessible via a dusty dirt road, Soda Creek Campground sits at the edge of a large meadow where Soda Creek flows toward Sparks Lake. The Forest Service facility charges $24-26 per night and operates from June through September, accommodating RVs up to 40 feet though the access road can be rough.
Sites line the dirt road with views of South Sister, Broken Top, and Mount Bachelor across the open terrain. The creek runs directly through the campground, providing clear, cold water that several campers use for cooling off after hiking. Sites closest to the creek at the campground's end tend to be most popular. Wildlife activity runs high here—squirrels and chipmunks actively approach campers and their vehicles seeking food.
A single pit toilet serves the campground, and trash service is provided. Verizon and AT&T cell service reaches most sites. Angela G. notes the "nice little creek running through" with "amazingly clear and nice and cool" water. Campers can paddle kayaks down the winding creek to reach Sparks Lake, though the water runs shallow. The nearby Sparks Lake Recreation Area offers additional camping on lake islands for those with watercraft.
Book reservations in advance for summer weekends, as the small campground fills quickly despite its primitive amenities.
Description
Overview
Soda Creek Campground sits adjacent to Soda Creek as it flows across an open meadow into Sparks Lake.
Recreation
Sparks Lake's clear water and mountainous backdrop make it a popular destination for paddling and photography.
Facilities
Soda Creek Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent campers, however, electric hookups are not available. There are limited sites that are RV friendly, with most of the sites suitable for smaller vehicles or tent camping. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill and the campground has vault toilets available. Campers will need to bring their own water supply.
Natural Features
Sparks Lake, fed by streams originating on the slopes of Broken Top, rests atop a porous, volcanic lakebed. Throughout the summer the lake level decreases as snowmelt declines and water seeps underground into nearby lakes and streams.
Nearby Attractions
The accessible Ray Atkeson Trailhead begins near Sparks Lake Day Use area. The trail winds through lava channels and lodgepole pines. Less than a mile in, visitors will reach the Ray Atkeson Memorial Overlook where they will find one of the most iconic views in Central Oregon. Visitors can travel the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, a 66-mile drive through the Cascade Range that weaves past snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSoda Creek Campground is located in Oregon
Directions
From Bend, travel 26.2 miles west on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46).
Address
63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD
Bend, OR 97701
Coordinates
44.0255361 N
121.7267556 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/3/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 30 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 48 min from Albany, OR
- 2 hrs 55 min from Corvallis, OR
- 3 hrs 2 min from Eugene, OR
