Sunriver, Oregon is a 3,300 acre planned residential and resort community located fifteen miles south of Bend. A small population of 1,500-ish Oregonians call Sunriver home and pay taxes that support public services including fire and police departments.
Before Sunriver was established, the Army Corps of Engineers performed World War II training exercises at what was Camp Abbot. Before Camp Abbot, American Frontiersman Kit Carson camped along Deschutes River as he mapped the Oregon Trail. Today, visitors golf on former proving grounds and enjoy s’mores on the path of pioneers.
Camp Abbot Officer’s Club is now a Sunriver Resort Event Center
By far, the largest entity within modern-day Sunriver is Sunriver Resort, Oregon’s only Destination Hotels luxury property. As the name implies, Sunriver Resort is a year-round recreation destination, with golf, skiing, biking, hiking, and birding at the top of many visitors’ bucket lists. Resort accommodations range from 212 guest rooms within the Lodge Village, 33 River Lodge guest rooms, and nearly 300 vacation homes and condominiums available for purchase or rent.
Upper Level Loft Bedroom
I visited Sunriver Resort in February, a shoulder season between peak winter skiing and tee-time reservations on one of the property’s four award-winning golf courses. Temperatures were perfect for dip in one of the many communal hot tubs scattered throughout the Lodge Village, where I enjoyed an evening in a 900-square foot, two-story open loft room with a beautiful stone gas fireplace and large kitchenette with dining room.
Lodge Village Kitchenette, Dining, and Living Rooms
On the subject of dining, nine unique restaurants, cafes, and beer gardens are located within Sunriver Resort. While the Lodge Village kitchenette does not have an oven or freezer, the amenities are ideal for heating up leftovers, snacks, or making cereal-for-breakfast or sandwiches-for-lunch. Grocery stores are located within Sunriver and in Bend.
Storytime with S’Mores Location Behind the Main Lodge Building
Guests staying at the Lodge Village with winter gear will appreciate a private ski locker and plenty of hooks and hangers for snow pants and winter jackets. Each room has a main level patio and access to green space for kids to run, but still be seen by parents. In warmer months, plan to spend hours at the property’s newest attraction, The Cove—a zero-depth entry pool with water slide, kids’ discovery area, and private cabanas.
The Cove Aquatic Facility
Guests age fourteen and over are also welcome to use the pool and fitness facilities at the Sage Springs Club & Spa. I enjoyed the steam room and hot tub located within the women’s locker room. Also worth mentioning are the many different activities, camps, and programs designed specifically for families and kids—including Fort Funnigan, a kids’ camp facility for children ages 3- to 7-years-old. Check this page for details: http://www.sunriver-resort.com/activities/bend-oregon-family-recreation
Indoor Tennis Facility at Sage Springs Club & Spa
TIP: For more family-friendly suggestions on what to do in and around Bend and Sunriver, read this story: https://www.roadtripsforfamilies.com/activities-families-bend-sunriver-oregon/
Also, before booking your own trip to Sunriver Resort, consult the resort website for special family vacation packages like the ones listed here: http://www.sunriver-resort.com/special-offers/oregon-family-vacation-packages
Thanks to Destination Hotels for one night lodging accommodation at Sunriver Resort. Happy trails!