Deschutes County in Oregon will evaluate a proposal to add up to 300 new RV camping spots near Fort Thompson Lane, just north of Bend, sparking concerns among local residents.
The proposal has surprised neighbors in the area. Gary Knight, a property owner adjacent to the proposed site, expressed frustration over the lack of communication. “Why, when I own all this property, did I not get a notice?” Knight asked, as reported by Central Oregon Daily News on May 31.
Neighbor Rich Niederhof added that the county did not inform residents in advance about the proposal. He expressed opposition to placing a campground surrounded by quality homes, and raised concerns over commissioners acting as developers.
County commissioners instructed staff to examine the economic feasibility of the proposed campground. Commissioner Tony DeBone indicated a market demand for a campground in the area a couple of miles north of Bend, between Bend and Redmond, suggesting it could present a great opportunity.
According to an article published by KBND, Commissioner Phil Chang added that the 500-acre site could accommodate up to eight or ten miles of trails. Chang believes that an RV park on the property could generate sufficient revenue to support other services and projects at the site.
However, he noted that experiences from other counties have shown that day-use-only county parks can become financial burdens, requiring constant expenditure.
In response to these concerns, Commissioner Patti Adair assured residents they would have an opportunity to voice their opinions at next week’s meeting.
The surprise and frustration expressed by neighbors, such as Gary Knight, underscore the negative consequences of insufficient notification and consultation, which provides lessons for campground operators and RV park owners.
By proactively engaging with the community, developers and owners can gather valuable feedback, address concerns, and potentially adjust plans to better align with local interests and pave the way for smoother approval.
