Residents near Fort Thompson Lane, just north of Bend, Oregon, expressed concerns over a proposal to establish a new recreational campground in the area. The plan, which could bring approximately 300 RV sites to 98 acres of a 500-acre parcel, sparked discussions among community residents.
Malia Mills, a resident of the area, voiced her concerns about the potential impact on her property and the surrounding infrastructure.
“We would like to know whether that campground is going to be on our property line or if it’s going to be farther up the road on the state park land and how they’re going to maintain Fort Thompson Lane because my husband and I are the ones who maintain that road,” Mills said, as reported by Central Oregon Daily News on July 30.
She further expressed uncertainty about the project’s details, mentioning that they “really want to know what’s going on” but have not received any clear answers. “Where is the campground going to be? Where are they going to get the water, and how are they going to take care of the sewage? There are no sewage pipes out there,” she added.
Another concern is that the proposed campground could potentially become a homeless encampment, driven by recent experiences with the Hunnell Road homeless camp and the nearby Dirt World encampments.
Sam David, a resident of nearby Terrebonne, expressed his concerns about fire safety and the need for better control measures. “We need to start controlling sources of combustion out there, whether it be the homeless population, people in campgrounds or fireworks,” David explained.
The Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners conducted a community conversation on July 30, to discuss potential opportunities for recreational campgrounds in the county.
According to a press release, the board authorized a Camping Feasibility Study to explore the development of private or public recreational campgrounds within Deschutes County. The study evaluated three areas, including County-owned land at Fort Thompson Lane north of Bend.
This situation underscores the importance of clear and transparent communication in proposals and dialogue with local residents. For private campground operators and RV park owners, addressing community concerns proactively can mitigate opposition and lead to smooth approval.
