BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Commissioners are looking at ways to create new R-V campgrounds for visitors in order to meet increased demand.  The county contracted with a research firm, ECO Northwest, to study three potential locations at Crooked River Ranch, just north of Bend on Fort Thompson Lane, and Drafter Road in La Pine.

During a presentation on the firm’s report, Commissioner Tony Debone said the information is useful, “It's a great starting point to really think about where are the next RV type sites possible, from a county's point of view. This could be picked up by private landowners too, and just be able to see the numbers and understand the scope and scale of what's possible.”

The Drafter Road area seems the most likely spot for a new campground at this point, mainly because of zoning and construction challenges at the other two sites.

Commissioner Patti Adair said cost is also a consideration, “Well, Drafter seems to not the most exciting place to put in an RV park, but the full ask is less than 5 million.”

Commissioner Phil Chang is also leaning that way, “I think we can explore proceeding on a Drafter Road project.”.

Commissioners called yesterday's presentation on the three sites a good starting point.