In a travel economy still finding its post-pandemic footing, the RV parks and campgrounds sector continues to outperform expectations, driven by demand for open-air destinations, flexible lodging, and experience-rich stays. The recent debut of Bend RV Resort in Central Oregon stands as a clear example of this evolution. But what makes this project more than a one-off luxury play is the data behind the region: the demand is there, and supply hasn’t caught up.
A New Resort in a Market Ripe for Growth
Opened in late 2024, Bend RV Resort spans 13.5 acres at 61105 SW Silverado Springs Drive and offers 176 full hookup RV sites. Set in the heart of one of the most recreation-rich regions in the western U.S., the resort is just minutes from downtown Bend and offers quick access to Mount Bachelor, the Deschutes River, and the trails and volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range, making it a year-round basecamp for outdoor recreation.
Yet the local supply-to-demand balance remains favorable even with 41 RV parks already operating within a 50-mile radius. The Bend-area market currently has 2,104 camping spots, and according to RVParkIQ data, serves only 32.4 campers per camping spot – less than half the national average of 71.5. That low saturation ratio signals a robust opportunity for new development, especially in a city that’s rapidly becoming a national destination for outdoor tourism.
The Amenity Shift: Raising the Bar for Guest Expectations
The shift toward upscale outdoor hospitality is on full display at Bend RV Resort. Key amenities include:
- A heated seasonal pool and year-round hot tub
- Five pickleball courts
- Outdoor firepits
- Well-appointed clubhouse with a kitchen, library, fitness and business centers
- On-site laundry
- On-site general store and coffee bar
- Select sites with private “Paw Patios” for dogs
All sites are full-hookup, with rates starting at $89 per night for a back-in site. For comparison, the average nightly rate across the Bend area is $52.87, highlighting the property’s premium pricing power and market positioning.
This aligns with a broader shift in RV guest expectations where comfort, thoughtful design, and elevated amenities are no longer extras but essentials. Across the country, parks that offer premium features are not only seeing higher average daily rates (ADRs) but also longer lengths of stay, particularly among Millennial and Gen Z guests, who increasingly seek unique, experience-driven destinations over traditional campground models.
The Competitive Pipeline: More Supply Is on the Way
Local developers are taking notice. Two new RV developments are currently in the planning stages:
- A 98-acre campground within Bend city limits, which could introduce a large-scale site with recreation-oriented amenities.
- A 14-site RV park on 1.4 acres, designed as a more compact and potentially boutique offering.
If completed, these projects would help expand the region’s capacity, but they are unlikely to meaningfully shift the supply-demand balance in the short term, given the area’s ongoing tourism growth and relatively low saturation.
Why Bend’s Market Fundamentals Remain Strong
Bend isn’t just scenic – it’s strategic. Nestled at the base of the Cascades and flanked by the Deschutes River, the area offers everything from skiing on Mount Bachelor to rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The high desert climate, volcanic geography, and year-round trail access draw hikers, climbers, and vanlifers alike. With over 4 million annual visitors and consistent in-migration from urban West Coast metros, the area is now competing not only as a seasonal destination but as a national outdoor hospitality hub.
And while demand surges, supply remains underbuilt by national standards. The gap between camper density and available spots signals room for smart expansion, especially if those properties mirror what Bend RV Resort has done: blend premium amenities with location, lifestyle, and design.
Final Take
Bend RV Resort isn’t just a standout property but a case study in how elevated design and strong site selection can drive premium pricing and long-term demand. And as data from RVParkIQ shows, the local market fundamentals only reinforce the story: low saturation, high visitation, and active development interest point to a region on the rise.
For investors, operators, and developers tracking growth corridors in outdoor hospitality, Central Oregon – and Bend in particular – is one to watch.
As demand for outdoor hospitality continues to grow, understanding market dynamics is no longer optional — it’s essential. RVParkIQ’s Explorer platform gives you the insights to spot underserved regions, compare supply-demand ratios, and evaluate development potential with precision. Whether you’re acquiring, expanding, or breaking ground, Explorer helps you invest with confidence, backed by real data.
All development data reflects publicly available information as of this article’s publication date. Some projects may have since reached completion.
