Central Oregon is filled with camping options. Families can camp near mountains, lakes, rivers and canyons. In every direction, we are surrounded by lovely scenery and camping spots. But which campgrounds are the best for families? The answer, naturally, depends on what your family prefers. Some families want peace and quiet, others want to water ski (although pretty much everybody wants to toast marshmallows). The following 10 campgrounds offer a range of choices for families, from large state parks with showers to smaller campgrounds for those wanting to rough it a little more. The recommendations come from local families as well as staff members from the U.S. Forest Service.

Happy camping!

Walton Lake campground

Description: This campground northeast of Prineville has recently been remodeled. It has 16 paved sites and a small lake set amid tall ponderosa pine trees.Good for families: This is a picturesque setting with a fairly quiet vibe. Families can fish from the new pier (the lake was recently stocked) and also enjoy the renovated mile-long trail around the lake. This spot is also close to wildflower viewing and a wild horse management area.Amenities: Pit toilets; nearest store is more than 25 miles away; RVs OK, but no hookups.Reservations: Two group sites can be reserved through www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777; remainder are first come, first served.

Tumalo State Park

Description: This state park offers quiet, relaxing camping close to Bend, with 77 sites and seven yurts.Good for families: Being close to town, this campground could be great for families wanting to try camping for the first time. Yurts are also a good option for first-time campers. The state park offers nice areas for picnicking, day hiking, fishing and just lounging along the river. There is also a swimming area.Amenities: Flush toilets, showers, firewood for sale, 23 campsites with full RV hookups.Reservations: Yes, www.oregonstateparks.org or 800-452-5687.

Smiling River campground

Description: This is one of 12 campgrounds along the beautiful, bubbling Metolius River outside of Camp Sherman. This campground includes 36 sites, about half of which are located on the river.Good for families: The Metolius is a quiet, lovely place. This campground is about a mile from the Camp Sherman Store, which offers a fun, small-town feel (and chance to grab ice cream.) There are also easy hiking trails.Amenities: Pit toilets; drinking water; firewood for sale; RVs OK, but no hookups.Reservations: About 60 percent can be reserved through www.recreation.gov or 877-444-6777; remainder are first come, first served.

Spring campground

Description: The campground is located along the shore of Crescent Lake, on state Highway 58 heading toward Oakridge. The 73 campsites are large, flat and in an open environment. Campers have access to the beach.Good for families: All sorts of water play, from swimming to sailing and waterskiing. Families can also hike or ride bikes. Crescent Lake Resort isn’t far off in case families want a slice of pizza or need a bag of ice.Amenities: Pit toilets; drinking water; firewood for sale; RVs OK, but no hookups.Reservations: No, except for a large group site through www.recreation.gov or 877-444-6777.

Link Creek campground

Description: This is one of three campgrounds on the shores of Suttle Lake, west of Sisters. It offers 31 campsites and three yurts.Good for families: Easy access to the lake, which is great for boating and fishing. Families can enjoy a nice day hike around the lake. Scout Lake, about a mile away, is great for swimming.Amenities: Pit toilets; drinking water; firewood for sale; RVs OK, but no hookups.Reservations: About 60 percent can be reserved through www.recreation.gov or 877-444-6777; remainder are first come, first served.

Cinder Hill campground

Description: Located on East Lake, this campground contains 108 campsites, all either on the lakeshore or within walking distance.Good for families: There are lots of options for family fun in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, including day hikes, bird watching, biking and canoeing. East Lake has a 10-mph speed limit for boats, making this a good spot for low-key water activities.Amenities: Flush toilets; drinking water; firewood for sale; RVs and trailers OK, but no hookups.Reservations: About 60 percent can be reserved through www.recreation.gov or 877-444-6777; remainder are first come, first served.

Little Crater campground

Description: This campground has the nicest view and setting in the Deschutes National Forest, according to the U.S. Forest Service website. The campground, next to Paulina Lake, includes 49 campsites. All of the sites are within a minute’s walk of the lake. This campground is popular, so campers are advised to arrive before Friday to get a spot.Good for families: The Newberry National Volcanic Monument offers great options for families, including day hikes, biking, canoeing and boating. The lake is good for fishing.Amenities: Pit toilets; drinking water; boat ramp; RVs OK, but no hookups.Reservations: First come, first served.

North Twin Lake campground

Description: This campground on North Twin Lakeis not far from Twin Lakes Resort. The small campground has 20 fairly shady campsites and a small beach.Good for families: This lake is good for swimming, relaxing and fishing. Twin Lakes Resort is nearby for any forgotten amenities.Amenities: Pit toilets, RV dump station.Reservations: First come, first served.

Quinn River campground

Description: Located on Quinn River and Crane Prairie Reservoir, this campground offers plenty of action for families. The spot offers 41 large campsites well-spaced from one another.Good for families: Paved roads offer good opportunities for bike riding through the campground. The nearby reservoir offers fishing, hiking and bird watching. The campground has lots of trees and wildlife.Amenities: Pit toilets; drinking water; RVs OK, dump station.Reservations: Yes, through www.recreation.gov or 877-444-6777.

Coldwater Cove campground

Description: This campground sits right on Clear Lake, a gorgeous, clear lake that feeds the McKenzie River. The campground, with 31 sites, is also near lava fields.Good for families: Families can explore Clear Lake’s fishing and boating opportunities. There are also great easy day hikes in the area near the lake, including several to breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls. The campground is near a small resort, which offers boat rentals, a store and restaurant.Amenities: Pit toilets, drinking water.Reservations: Some sites can be reserved through www.recreation.gov or 877-444-6777; remainder are first come, first served.

For more info

Hoodoo:

www.hoodoo.com or 541-338-7869.

This group manages most of the campgrounds in the Deschutes and Ochoco national forests. The website offers details as well as opinions about campgrounds; it is good for doing research about specific campsites, as it offers grades for individual spots within a campground and then provides links to www.recreation.gov so individuals can reserve those specific spots, where applicable.

Deschutes and Ochoco national forests: www.fs.usda.gov/centraloregon This website offers descriptions of campgrounds within the national forests with lists of amenities and links to nearby attractions. For information about specific campgrounds, call the ranger district: Crescent Ranger District, 541-433-3200; Sisters Ranger District, 541-549-7700; Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, 541-383-4000; Ochoco National Forest, 541-416-6500.

Recreation.gov:

This is the website individuals must use to reserve campsites. It is a user-friendly searchable database of campgrounds throughout the nation. Want to find a campsite on the water available in Central Oregon for Sept. 17? This site can search for that.