Central Oregon offers diverse camping options around Antelope, a town situated in the high desert region. The area experiences dramatic temperature fluctuations between day and night, with summer highs reaching 90°F and evening temperatures dropping to 50°F. The terrain transitions from sagebrush plains to juniper woodland with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet across various camping locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Trout Creek Campground provides access to the Deschutes River, known for excellent fly fishing. "You can sit by the river in the shade of an ancient juniper and watch the wild horses from the Warm Springs Indian Reservation collect at the watering hole while dipping your feet in the icy rushing water," notes Lisa K. at Trout Creek Campground.
Hiking trails: The area features multiple trail systems with varying difficulty levels. At Cottonwood Canyon State Park, campers can explore the canyon landscape. "We hiked the Pinnacles Trail and Lost Corral Trail. Both of these hikes were 'moderate/difficult.' They were both a little over 8 miles roundtrip. The scenery is gorgeous on both hikes - you follow along the river (John Day River)," reports Julie P.
Stargazing: The region's minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "The beautiful moonlight set one side of the canyon aglow and the clear sky was filled with stars. I didn't need my rain fly, so could enjoy finding the constellations as I lay in my tent," writes Shawn M. about their experience at Cottonwood Canyon State Park.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "Across the river we watched wild horses. In the river there were birds. During the day rafters come down," shares Lyn V. about her stay at Trout Creek Campground.
Water access: Maupin City Park provides direct river access. "Boat tie-ups are available on the river that lead directly into the campground, so you don't have to pull up your boat for the night, and unloading is simple on the concrete dock," explains Kristina G.
Canyon views: The dramatic landscape creates unique vistas from camping areas. At Crooked River Ranch, "RV's back up against the canyon rim and have a beautiful backdrop," notes Kelsey G., who adds, "Being by the canyon is peaceful and scenic. The Terrebonne area provides a ton of hiking activities."
What you should know
Weather conditions: Strong winds can affect camping comfort in canyon areas. At Macks Canyon Recreation Site, "the only negative is that it can get super windy. At one point we were frantically trying to get our awning down from the Cricket and things were flying everywhere. The wind lasted about an hour and then things calmed down again," reports Sarah S.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require travel on rough roads. "I have never experienced a washboard road as bad as this was for 6-7 miles. I thought the doors were going to blow off the truck. Not an exaggeration," warns James W. about the access road to Macks Canyon Recreation Site.
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans are common during summer months. "Grills and campfires are prohibited during summer fire season - leave your s'mores makings at home," advises Lisa K. about regulations at Trout Creek Campground.
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak season. "This campground is popular and books up quickly," notes Eric P. about Maupin City Park.
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: Snake awareness is important in this desert region. "The only downside I would say is because it has that desert feel, you definitely have to lookout for snakes. This was my biggest fear, and we ended up seeing a few on our hikes," Julie P. warns about Clear Creek Crossing Campground.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds provide special programming for children. At The Cove Palisades State Park, "they put on a power point for the kids about local animals. There were multiple day use areas to swim at just a two minute drive from there," reports Troy B.
Site selection: Choose locations with amenities suitable for family needs. "Tent sites surround a nice green space with a covered gazebo patio," at Crooked River Ranch, according to Kelsey G., making it ideal for families seeking shared outdoor space.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Some locations have limited space between sites. "The sites are a little tight for ginormous 36 foot trailers with multiple slideouts," advises Russ H. about Maupin City Park, adding "You may have to park your tow vehicle in the overflow lot across the street."
Access limitations: Low clearance points restrict some larger RVs. Thomas B. notes that at Trout Creek Campground, they "were able to share one of the larger sites with a guy who had somehow fit his Class A motor home through the very small tunnel you have to fit through to get here."
Leveling challenges: Uneven sites may require additional equipment. "If you are bringing an RV or travel trailer, I recommend bringing blocks for your stabilizers as some of the sites have a decent slope to them," suggests Darren N. about his experience at Crooked River Ranch.
