Deschutes camping (in the wind)

[Ingraham]

I’ve camped at several BLM spots between Box Car and Beavertale but was wondering your all’s thoughts on some good campgrounds where you can get a bit more out of the wind (ten camping) but still have some good walking distance runs?

I've seen several tens, not mine, make the afternoon role from original location to the river when the wind picks up so i'm always trying to keep my ears open for less windy spots.

[Mad Mikey]

When it's blowin' on the "D" it's pretty hard to escape it at all. Some sites will be better than others, and it also depends on which direction the wind is blowing. Beavertail, downstream wind=top camp(s) as close to the hill as possible. Upstream wind=bottom camp. The float below Mack's there are some sites deffly better than others, usually near a natural wind break at a bend in the river.

Spike your tent but ALWAYS put some weight in it. I like to place a 15-20lb rock (inside) in each corner. If precipitation isn't going to be an issue, don't bother with a rain fly, those things can turn a tent into a hang glider and/or get ripped off if your tent is weighted down.

Wind is just something you'll have to deal with on the "D", sometimes it's best to work with it. Upstream wind, dry flies for trout and nymphing for steelhead. (there's actually some cool techniques for swinging flies in upstream winds though, mending is a LOT easier).

Downstream wind, swinging for steelhead. Downstream wind for trout, either swing emergers/soft hackles or say phooey and go to the tavern...

[Slow and Low]

I will echo some of what mikey said but...get a good low profile tent. I camp out of a boat many many days on the deschutes and have never had my tent do the role and i do not use weight (besides mats and bags). Go get yourself some METAL stakes a foot long, a camp axe will sufice for a hammer. Always stake your tent prior to setting it up...that part is critical for setting up in the wind and keeping your tent out of the river. It is a good idea to place a large rock over your stakes if you do not have good ground. In the event that the ground is too hard to stake use a long sturdy branch or leg from a camp kitchen to hold it down and cover it with large rocks.

You can't escape the wind. Some days are nice some days flat out suck. Any how, that's how I do it.

[Wild Chrome]

The wind has a hard time blowing away my SUV! (I usually sleep in the back with the cooler, rods, and extra spare tire on the picnic table)

[NWaddict]

all of the best spots have large trees around. They aren't going to get you out of the wind, but they can provide some protection.

Good luck getting one of those spots though. If you're like me, you're lucky if you can get over by late thursday or early friday and it is usually slim pickens by then. I love fishing the deschutes and I love being on the deschutes, but the boat camping thing can be a headache.

[Okie]

Another tip when you need wind protection for your tent. Park your vehicle on the side the wind is from and use it for a wind break. It will help when nothing else is available.

Good Luck

[Wild Chrome]

Another tip: Don't camp downwind from the latrine!

[Mad Mikey]

Originally Posted by Wild Chrome

Another tip: Don't camp downwind from the latrine!

Especially if you are still sleeping it off in the AM and the Latrine cleaning tanker truck shows up to do it's work.

Gaaaagggggg!