📍 Location & Arrival Details

Tumalo State Park Group Campsites
near Bend, Oregon

📍 Google Maps: Search “Tumalo State Park Campground”

• We have the group campsites reserved.

• It is a standard non-electric site.

Getting There

• 📍 Tumalo State Park sits along the Deschutes River about four miles north of Bend — you're 10 minutes from town but it feels a world away.

• 🚗 From Bend: head north and take the O.B. Riley Road exit, then follow signs to the park. Coming from Sisters, the park is off Highway 20 — turn south on O.B. Riley Road and it's about a mile down on your left.

• ✈️ Flying in? Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is the closest airport — roughly a 25-minute drive to camp. Portland is about 3.5 hours if you'd rather make the drive part of the adventure.

• ⛺ Once you arrive, follow signs to the group camp area and look for us — we'll be the ones waving. Our team will help you unload and get your tent up.

• 📶 Tip: download or screenshot directions before you leave Bend, just in case service gets spotty near the river.

Arrival Window

Friday, Oct 16 | 12:00–4:00 PM

Arrive anytime during this window. There’s no rush—come settle in at your own pace.

You’ll be greeted, shown where to set up, and invited into the space.

✨ What Makes This Retreat Special

This isn’t a packed schedule or a traditional “camp.”

It’s a thoughtfully designed environment where:

• You don’t have to plan meals, activities, or logistics

• Your kids can roam, play, and connect naturally

• You have space to rest, breathe, and actually enjoy time together

It’s simple, beautiful, and intentional.

Think: slow mornings, kids covered in dirt (in the best way), and evenings around the fire.

🧭 What to Expect (Flow of the Weekend)

Monday — Arrival & Settle In

• Arrive + set up camp

• Welcome snacks + open play

• Welcome, safety talk, & kids crafts

• Relaxed, hot family-style dinner

• Evening campfire

• Quiet time after 8pm

Tuesday — Full Day Together

• Coffee, tea, cocoa & a hot breakfast starting at 7am

• Open-ended play, hiking, and creative stations

• Trail lunch available to make in the morning

• Scheduled art projects available for kids

• Mini photoshoot for each family at golden hour (around 4pm)

• Special chef-prepared dinner

• Campfire + golden hour

• Quiet time after 8pm

Wednesday — Slow Goodbye

• Coffee, tea, cocoa & a breakfast available starting at 7am

• Closing circle at 10am

• Departure anytime after

☀️ Daily Rhythm

• Meals: Fully provided (breakfast, lunch, dinner + snacks)

• Stations: Art, movement, and nature play available throughout the day

• Flow: Structured enough to feel supported, open enough to feel free

🌧️ What If It Rains?

We embrace the outdoors in all its moods.

• Covered gathering areas will be available

• Activities will shift to cozy, creative options

• Think: warm drinks, slower moments, and a slightly softer pace

Come prepared for a range of weather so you can stay comfortable and enjoy it fully.

🧒 Kids

• We designed camp for your kids- children are welcome from ages 0-14, but please note that most activities are tailored to the 2-10 age group

• Activities are available all day at camp: think watercolors, nature crafts, and special areas dedicated to movement

• Kids tend to naturally find each other quickly—play is organic and unstructured

• Healthy snacks are available 24/7 in addition to full meals at designated times

🍽️ Food & Dietary Needs

• All meals + snacks are included

• Food is simple, nourishing, and kid-friendly

We do our best to accommodate common dietary needs.

Please note:
This is a shared outdoor kitchen environment, and common allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten, eggs) will be present. We are not able to guarantee an allergen-free space.

❓ Additional FAQs

What exactly is Family Adventure Camp? A long weekend of camping in one of Oregon's most beautiful fall settings — made easy. Your whole crew shows up, and we handle the campsite logistics, a professional chef cooking hot meals, all-day art and nature activities for kids, and the special touches. It's real camping with the hard parts handled, in that golden October light along the Deschutes.

Who counts as "family"? Family Adventure Camp welcomes families of every configuration — moms, dads, partners, grandparents, whoever makes up your crew. If you're looking for a moms + kids experience, that's our Mom Adventure Camp (2027 dates announced later this year).

What's included in the price? Your campsite, hot chef-cooked breakfasts and dinners, a build-your-own trail lunch for your Day 2 adventures, coffee and drinks, snacks available 24/7 (we get the good snacks!), all-day open art and nature activities plus a few scheduled, guided projects, campfires and s'mores, a mini family photo session, a welcome gift, and Kelsey & Emily hosting all weekend.

How much does it cost? $600 per family of up to four people. Additional $50 per additional family member over the age of two. (Example: if you are a family of five with children all over the age of three, your total cost will be $650)

What ages is camp best for? Our activities are designed with babies through elementary-age kids in mind — but big kids make great trail buddies and s'more engineers, and every age is welcome.

Do we need camping experience? Nope. Total beginners are some of our favorite guests. If you've never pitched a tent, we've got you — our team happily helps with setup and takedown.

How many families attend? We keep camp small — up to 12 families — so it feels like a gathering of friends, not a festival. By the first campfire, the kids have a pack and the grown-ups have people.

Getting Ready

What do I need to bring? The short version: your own tent and bedding, warm layers, and closed-toe shoes for everyone. Here’s a link to our packing list page.

What's the weather like in Bend in October? Honestly? It's why we picked October. Days are typically crisp and gorgeous — flannel-and-sunshine weather, great for river walks and trails. Nights get genuinely cold, often near or below freezing, so warm sleeping bags, layers, and beanies for everyone are essential. We keep the fire going every evening, and there's nothing like October woodsmoke. Camp runs rain or shine (or frost!).

I don't own camping gear. Now what? Ask us! We can point you to affordable options, rentals in Bend, and the items truly worth buying.

Will someone help us haul gear and set up our tent? Yes. Our staff helps carry gear from your car and can help pitch your tent. Arriving should feel like being welcomed, not like a workout. At times we get busy- so just note that if someone isn’t available to help right away, we will be with you shortly to lend a hand!

Can we bring an RV, camper, or trailer? A limited number of spots can accommodate small, self-contained trailers/RVs — ask us when you register. No hookups are available at this site.

Camp Life

What does a typical day look like? Slow mornings with great coffee and a hot breakfast you didn't cook. Kids drift between art stations and nature play. On Day 2, grab your build-your-own trail lunch and choose your adventure — a riverside walk, a Bend day trip, or a slow day in camp. Evenings bring everyone back together: chef-cooked dinner, campfire, s'mores, and kids falling asleep tired and happy under a very starry Central Oregon sky.

Do we have to stay in camp all day? Not at all — that's the beauty of this one. Camp is your basecamp. Some families stay and soak it in; others head out to explore Bend, the river trail, or the mountains and roll back in for dinner. Your trail lunch travels with you.

Where do we sleep? What are the bathrooms like? You'll sleep in your own tent at our group site at Tumalo State Park, right along the Deschutes River. The bathrooms have flush toilets and running water to wash hands!

Is there cell service / can I charge devices? Camp HQ has a charging station, plus sunscreen, first aid, extra batteries, and the day's schedule.

What's the deal with the family photo session? Every family gets a mini photo session during camp — golden October light, real moments, no stiff posing. You'll receive your photos after camp.

We're not 'outdoorsy people.' Is this for us? Especially you. Camp is built so that the least outdoorsy person in your family has the best weekend.

Is this like glamping? It's real camping with the hard parts handled… and a few unexpectedly elegant touches.

Do I need to follow the schedule? Not at all. Everything is optional- however, meals are served at designated times.

Can I come alone with my kids? Without my partner? Yes; many guests do.

Kids

My kid is picky. Will they eat? Our chef feeds real families — there's always a kid-friendly option, and everyone eats the same great food. Tell us about allergies and dietary needs when you register.

Are the activities supervised? Our activity host keeps the art and nature stations fresh, inviting, and fun all day, and leads activities kids can join. That said, Family Adventure Camp isn't a drop-off program; parents are responsible for their children's supervision throughout camp.

What about babies and toddlers? So welcome. We have a designated changing station, and October's slower pace is baby-friendly. Pack extra warm layers for the littlest ones — cold nights are no joke for tiny sleepers.

Safety & Policies

What about the river? The Deschutes River is the soundtrack of this camp — and it's a real river: cold, moving water, year-round. Children must be actively supervised by their own adult anytime they're near the water, no exceptions. October is not swimming season; think riverside walks, rock skipping, and leaf races.

What's the deal with the campfire? The fire is the heart of camp, especially in October — and we take it seriously. The fire area is clearly marked, always attended when lit, and covered in our opening safety briefing. Kids must be with an adult in the fire circle.

Is there a safety briefing? Yes — a short, friendly one when camp begins, covering the fire, the river, the bathrooms, and how to find us if you need anything. Kids will be happily occupied at the craft table while we chat.

Can we bring drinks / alcohol? Adults are welcome to bring their own beverages to enjoy responsibly — and we'll have a little self-serve wine and beer at dinner for grown-ups who'd like it. This is a family camp through and through, so everything stays easygoing and kid-friendly.

Can my kid bring a bike? Tumalo has paved loops and river trails that are genuinely great for kids on bikes, so yes! Bikes are welcome; helmets required every ride, no exceptions.

Can we bring our dog? We love dogs, but with lots of littles and shared food in a tight-knit camp, this weekend is people-only. Thanks for understanding.

What if we need to cancel? Is there trip insurance? Camp runs rain or shine, and our cancellation policy is simple- we do not offer refunds once you book this trip. Some guests choose third-party travel insurance for peace of mind.

The Fine Print

Do I need to sign anything? Yes. Every adult signs our participation waiver before camp, covering camp activities, river access, and more. We'll send it with your registration confirmation.

What happens if weather cancels camp? October in Bend is usually glorious but can throw an early snow. We do not issue refunds once booked unless we cancel Camp- yes, if we cancel camp you get a 100% refund. When would we cancel camp? If an environmental concern makes Camp unsafe (blizzard, fires, etc.) we would cancel and hand your money right back!

Why October? The crowds are gone, the light is golden, it's crisp enough for a real fire every night and mild enough for trail days in a flannel. It's our favorite time to be at camp.

💛 Final Note

You don’t need to show up perfectly prepared.

You don’t need to have it all together.

Just come as you are—with your kids, your energy, your season of life.

We’ll take care of the rest.