Brothers, Oregon sits at around 4,600 feet elevation in the high desert region of central Oregon where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night. The camping areas near Brothers experience intense summer heat with minimal shade, while spring and fall bring milder temperatures ideal for tent camping. Winter conditions often include freezing temperatures and occasional snow, limiting primitive camping options during colder months.
What to do
Hiking desert trails: Badlands Rock Camping provides access to juniper woodlands where visitors can explore walking paths. One camper noted, "Amazing spot beautiful and quiet. Not alot of spots but amazing walking trails" while staying at Badlands Rock Camping.
Fishing the Crooked River: Cast a line in the Crooked River at Chimney Rock Campground where the riverfront location provides easy water access. A visitor mentioned it's a "Perfect get away location for fishing" while another camper described "falling asleep with the sounds of some croaking frogs and the moving water."
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution at Jasper Point Dispersed makes it ideal for night sky viewing. According to one camper, "This spot is great for watching a meteor shower, gets a little windy and not too much shade during the day."
What campers like
River proximity: Many tent sites at Palisades Campground face the water directly. A camper reported, "We camped in tents (and a hammock) in spot #1, and we loved it! There is so much evidence of Beavers! We saw a marten and waterfowl."
Scenic canyon views: The dramatic rock formations surrounding campgrounds in the area provide impressive backdrops. At Palisades Campground, one visitor mentioned, "Beautiful, dramatic scenery that changes with the angle of the sun."
Clean facilities: Despite being remote, many BLM campgrounds maintain surprisingly clean restrooms. At Post Pile Campground, campers appreciate the maintained vault toilets, with one noting it's "One of several BLM (fee) campgrounds along the Crooked River. Post Pile is one of the smaller sites. Only 7 designated spots."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require navigating rough roads. At Jasper Point Dispersed, one camper warned that "the road up here is really tough, definitely want a high clearance vehicle if you wanna go very far along the ridge."
Weather variability: Strong winds are common, especially during mornings and evenings. A Palisades Campground visitor noted, "It gets really windy at dusk and dawn."
Campsite availability: BLM campgrounds along the Crooked River fill quickly during peak season. One camper at Palisades suggested, "You can generally find a spot if you arrive Thursday evening or before 3:00 on Friday."
Tips for camping with families
Consider established campgrounds: For families tent camping near Brothers, Oregon, the developed facilities at BLM sites provide more convenience than primitive options. A visitor at Chimney Rock Campground shared, "It's a wonderful day trip or multi day campground. Right across from the hiking trail that leads up the canyon to Chimney Rock."
Bring plenty of water: No potable water exists at most dispersed sites. At Green Mountain Campground, campers should plan accordingly, though the location offers "amazing views of the valley- gave us one of the best sunsets and moon rises that we have ever seen!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy spotting animals around campsites. A camper at Palisades Campground reported seeing "evidence of Beavers...a marten and waterfowl."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Most campgrounds have limited truly level spots for larger rigs. At Smith Rock State Park Campground, one RVer noted, "RVs will find ample parking" though the tent-only bivouac area requires a short walk to campsites.
Length restrictions: Many forest roads and campgrounds near Brothers have tight turns or low clearance issues. At Green Mountain Campground, a camper with a 21-foot caravan reported, "Two [sites] could easily accommodate our 21' caravan. Outstanding view."
Road preparation: RVers should research access routes before traveling. One Green Mountain visitor warned, "The road up to the site is washboard, so be prepared for a bumpy drive."
