Are you planning a tent camping trip to Central Oregon? We've got you covered. The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Oregon tent camping excursion.
2021: Open with capacity limit due to COVID-19. If you enjoy scenic views of deep river canyons or rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park is the place for you. There are several thousand climbs in the park. More than a thousand are bolted routes. We also offer miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Along your trip through the canyon, you might see golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otter and beaver. Note: Some climbing areas are closed or have limited access from about Jan. 15 to Aug. 1 to protect nesting raptors. Drones are also not allowed during this period. Check the park advisories on this page for exact dates and affected areas. Due to the uniqueness and fragile aspect of the park, park rangers enforce the animal leash law and ask all park users to stay on trails. Bivouac Camping Camping is open early spring through late fall, as weather allows. Walk-in bivouac area for tents (No reservations) Showers (overnight guests only) RV camping, sleeping in vehicles and open fires are not allowed
$8 / night
Unlike most of the other campgrounds along the Crooked River, this 14.5-acre campground is set back some from the Lower Crooked Back Country Byway, providing some isolation. Campground facilities include fourteen mostly broad, spacious campsites, vault toilets and an accessible fishing pier. All but one of the campsites are at river level and accessed by a single-lane road.
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted. Potable water is available year-round at the upriver Chimney Rock Campground, 0.8 miles north on State HIghway 27. Cell phone service is not available in the campground. Watch for bicyclists: the section of State Highway 27 between Prineville and Bowman Dam is designated as the Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway.
The site takes its name from nearby rock outcrops composed of basaltic lava which form the steep, formidable cliff faces across the river from the campground. ADA Access: Accessible fishing pier and trail.
The Ochoco National Forest is located in Central Oregon, north and east of the City of Prineville. It encompasses 850,000 acres of rimrock, canyons, geologic oddities, dense pine forests, and high desert terrain as well as the North Fork of the Crooked River. At 155,000 acres, Crooked River Grasslands is one of the largest tracks of preserved grassland in the U.S. Visitors can find a variety of evidence of a ‘failed’ homestead attempts on the Grasslands: stone shelters, tools, cans, log cabins, barns and water troughs still remain. Please note that these items are protected by the Antiquities Act and must not be removed to preserve the historic integrity of the area.
Walton Lake Sno-Park is located off of Forest Service Road 22 and provides access to a variety of winter activities. There are two parking areas; the lower provides immediate access to the network of cross-country ski trails, and the larger upper area that provides immediate access to the warming hut and restroom. The greatest concentration of snowmobile trails on the Ochoco National Forest can be accessed from the upper parking lot. Additionally, there is a small hilly area next to the upper parking area that is good for sledding and tubing. Walton Sno-Park is ideal for snowmobile enthusiasts, as well as anyone who is looking to participate in more than one kind of winter recreation and does not mind roads that are maintained less in the winter. Be advised: Plowing of the FS 22 Road only occurs approximately once per week and there are few adequate places to turn around, so access may be difficult. In addition, early season plowing extends outside the road bed to allow room for the snow that accumulates throughout the season, so please be aware and drive with caution. View a map of Nordic ski trails at Walton Sno-Park . View the Snowmobile Trail Map .
Ochoco Forest Camp is nestled in the Ochoco Mountain range near the 6,926-foot Lookout Mountain, which is known for its unusual rock formations. The pavilion offers a large group picnic area and several campsites. A small meadow and group fire ring with BBQ is popular for weddings and family reunions. Wild horses are sometimes seen near the camp and surrounding area.
The shelter is close to the Lookout Mountain Trail, which climbs to the top of the mountain and offers terrific views of the Cascades and meadow wildflowers in the spring. This trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders. However, horses are not allowed at the pavilion and campground. Anglers can also go fishing for trout in nearby Walton Lake.
Much of the area is dominated by old-growth Ponderosa pine. Wildlife include Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer, as well as several bird species that include white-headed woodpecker, belted kingfisher, spotted sandpiper, cinnamon teal, American coot, Steller's jay, yellow-headed blackbird and Brewer's blackbird. Wild horses are commonly seen in the area. Excellent hiking, mt biking, and horse riding is available on the trails nearby.
Walton Lake offers a variety of activities for day-use visitors. There is a swimming beach, fishing pier and boat ramp, and the lake is stocked with rainbow trout. There is exellent trail hiking and mt. biking at Lookout Mt and Round Mt. trails.
$125 - $200 / night
Along the Chimney Rock segment of Central Oregon's Crooked Wild and Scenic River, Chimney Rock campground offers a relaxing woodland setting amongst Western Juniper trees and beneath massive Columbia River rock formations. Fly-fishing and hiking on the nearby Chimney Rock trail offer day-long recreational fun. Enjoy plenty of easy river access along the adjacent Crooked River Back Country Byway, State Highway 27.
Chimney Rock Campground is open year-round and is equipped with 16 campsites and vault toilets. No reservations are accepted; site is first-come, first-served only. Water is available in the campground and an accessible fishing platform is located near the campground entrance. When recreating on public lands, practice Leave-No-Trace Principles. Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination.
Check out the campground's namesake butte located prominently above highway 27 opposite the campground. Access to the trailhead is across the highway at the Chimney Rock Trailhead. For a different view, visitors can ride the 18-mile Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway from Prineville to Big Bend Campground. Designated in 2018, this moderate route takes riders from picturesque farms to towering cliffs.ADA Access: Fishing platform and vault toilets are accessible.
This campground has 7 established campsites, each which can accommodate tent camping and most which can also support RV camping.
The majority of the campsites in this facility can accommodate larger recreational vehicles; however, this campground does not offer hook-ups of any kind, so RV campers should be self-contained.
The Maury Mountains offer solitude and relaxation to those in search of it. There are four campgrounds in the area including one situated on the shore of Antelope Flat Reservoir (a little known fishing hole), and the agate beds near Elkhorn Campground have also been known to attract rock hounds. This beautiful, secluded area is a great place to find your own adventure!
Scout
Great spot for tent camping, friendly people.
Guide
This is a simple, wide open tent camping area and it's really close to Smith Rock. You can wake up early to see the sun on the rock formations and then hike to the climbs in approximately 20-30 minutes.
Scout
This is located just out of Prineville and can get a lot of local traffic in the summer months. It is a fairly nice CG, with bathrooms and hot water. CG is set up for RV or tent camping. Primary feature is access to the water.
Scout
great campsites and frIendly host. $13 a night, tent sites were super dusty but not much of the dust came with us. The sites are visually stunning with all the Pondarosa’s (we’re not used to big trees) 10/10
Guide
This tent-only site is often overlooked because it does not really have any amenities. It is super cheap though, and gives the vibe of a backcountry experience while still having tent sites a short walking distance from your car. This is a perfect spot if you want to catch a stunning sunrise!
Guide
One of The nicest glamping trips I have had! the cabins were amazing and the tent sites looked great too. stay in the cabins on the hill above the lake! seriously! The past k even has a amphitheater and cabins with workshops for kids. Fishing at the lake too!
TravelerWe spent one night here in mid May 22. The sites are reasonably spaced considering how open the area is. Lots of tent sites. New out house. 2 bars of Verizon so an ok connection. Only about 15 a minute drive to Smith Rock State Park.
Guide
This is my go-to spot for a quick weekend getaway. I’m lucky enough that this is only about an hour from home. Usually good fishing! Spacious pull through first come first serve sites. Good for mid-size RV’s, trailers & tent camping. You can generally find a spot if you arrive Thursday evening or before 3:00 on Friday. Right on the river with beautiful canyons surrounding you.
TravelerTiny little campsite with spots right next to each other. 10 walk up tent sites, most are right along the water. Everyone is so close together you get to know your neighbors pretty well. Dogs must be on leashes at all times, walk up sites have porta potty style bathrooms but if you walk up to registration there’s hot showers and hookups available!
Ranger
We were the only ones camping here for a night in October 2020. Sites are OK, some pull-throughs, some tent sites, too. Each site has a fire ring, picnic table. Pit toilets were dirty. Good location outside Fossil but kind of expensive at $20 for no hookups and dirty toilets, plus it’s right next to road so there’s some road noise.
GuideCute small campground on a little hill overlooking a lake. Tent sites by the lake's edge.
Very Clean bathrooms with code for campers. Pits for public areas.
Since there are no RV services be prepared to hear some generators running occasionally. Quiet hours 10PM-7AM. Water is available but may not be close enough for a hose to your RV. Most sites have good Starlink view of skies.
RangerGreat campground with boat access and cabins. They have the best fishing dock and cleaning station that I have yet to see. We had great luck catching many crappie here which made great fish tacos for our Camp dinner. Not all cabins and tent sites are open year round. The rangers were great and very helpful. Make sure to look at a map before headed out because Gps will take you on a dirt road adventure to your campsite.
TravelerSmith is awesome for climbing, hiking, slacklining, and generally enjoying being outside. The bivy site has real bathrooms with running water, charging stations, showers, and a sink for dishes. Communal cooking area near the parking and scattered tent sites make for a great way to meet other campers but less ideal for large groups hoping to stick together. Smith has gotten way more popular over the last few years, so the campsites and parking often max out on weekends, holidays, and great weather days.
Scout
Tried calling several Times right after hours, they must have abruptly left the office. Made a booking on their website, had to book a hook up camper spot because they didn’t have the tent sites available (all were available upon arrival). We got the confirmation email but it did not include the code to the bathroom! Next morning, still nobody in the office. So we had to wait by the bathroom until another camper showed up and begged them for the code. Also no wifi. Not thrilled with their lack thereof.
Guide
Camp ground is high up over 4700 feet so even in the summer it tends to get a little chilly at night but not bad.
This is a medium busy campground right on the maon road, but its never too noisy after dark.
The place is very clean and the vault toilets well looked after and not stinky!
The spaces are a good size and the ones for tent camping are at the back of the loop.
Not much trails but you can find something to do.
One of my best nights camping was ip here. During the week late summer, Huge full moon, then the coyotes began to yip/howl..magnificent
RangerVariety of camping options available, both in the organized campground and the dispersed sites beyond the campground. This listing says dispersed camping is no longer allowed, but there were many designated options when we were there as of mid October 2020. Mostly simple pulloffs, but also some larger areas for tent camping.
The campground was a little tight and the sites felt a bit on top of each other. They had several double sites available that were twice the cost ($20 rather than $10), but in our small RV, it seemed worth the cost and we had the benefit of a roomy site plus the other double site next to us never got claimed so we had a pretty private experience with some pine trees in between the sites.
Scout
Entrance is free. The sites are strung through the trees and overlook the Badlands of Central Oregon's high desert. Cool temps in summer
Ranger
Near the painted hills of Oregon! Not much to it, but there are restrooms with running water. Caught a ride from here to the hills for sunset.
Mitchell is a nice little town in central Oregon.
ScoutGood campground in a remote part of Central Oregon. Despite being right next to OHV trails, we were the only ones there. Just me, the boys, and the flies.
Traveler
This was a great place to have a picnic, stretch our legs, and take a nap while exploring Central Oregon. It cost $8 for day use, and the picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets were exactly as expected. We picked up some trash, but there wasn't more than usual, although we found empty, unspent shotgun shells everywhere. Campers were friendly, and it seemed that everyone had a friendly dog. My toddler loved climbing up and down the river bank, throwing rocks in the river, tromping around in the tall grass, and meeting everyone's dogs. We will come back to this site with our tents!
Scout
We rode the Central Oregon Backcountry Explorer. Jalet made sure we had a place to stay and even helped recover one of members who got heatstroke a mile out of town. This Hostel was AMAZING! They thought of everything!
I will be using this hostel every single opportunity I get in the future!
Traveler
Great secluded little USFS campground in a quiet forest. We had the place to ourselves in mid-September, other than a couple very pleasant camp hosts. Easy dirt road in. Fresh cold spring water on site. Trail access to Steins Pillar and a Twin Pillars. (We didn’t take either one, unfortunately.) We’d definitely return next time we pass through central Oregon.
Traveler
First off, I had a great time staying here. Before I arrived I had some ideas of what my stay would be like and while I did have a nice stay, it was not exactly the trip I had expected. I am a female in my early twenties and was tent camping solo for the first time. I grew up camping with my family so I am experienced but this was my first time camping completely alone. When I planned my trip I assumed this was a spot where other travelers and campers would stay so I was hoping that the presence of other people would provide some comfort to counter the fact that I was camping alone. When I arrived there were people in the day use area but as I drove back to where people would normally camp there was nobody in sight. As the evening came I realized there was not going to be any other campers for miles. Needless to say I made it through the night just fine with no emergencies but I was so nervous the whole time that I had a very restless sleep with my hand practically on my bear spray all night.
I woke up the next morning, went on a beautiful hike with some amazing views and continued on my road trip. Overall the location is great, I would camp here again if I were with other people or if I were staying in a converted van or camper of some sort. But being a solo, young, female tent camper in this location without any other campers around for miles was a little too scary for my taste.
Legend
Beautiful if remote location on the banks of the John Day River in Central Oregon. Very few amenities (only vault toilets) and no set camp sites per say, however, it just means you drive up and pick a cool site on the river and enjoy the gorgeous view.
Definitely remember to bring all that you need including food, supplies, tables, and water. But still mere feet from the actual river, quiet, and great star gazing.
GuideThere are a lot of trails nearby! Hiking, Bike and atv trails. There is also access to the "road" that leads to the top of Grey Butte. It's not much of a road more like a widened rough trail but we made it up in our truck! The view.up top was spectacular!! The road is only open certain time if the year-i believe March thru September. Definitely worth the drive up to top! Makes you feel on top of the world-or at least Central Oregon 😁
Guide
Something about Central Oregon. The smells, the sounds and the views are all found right here at the BLM Lone Pine campground.
We grabbed up the group site, right near the entrance. It’s only about 25 yards from the river, but other sites are closer. No deal breaker by any means. Plenty of room for everyone at this group site!
Two tables at the fire ring, and some nice shade as well. It’s quiet, and the river rolls by with a light rush. There is a loft toilet at the day use area a few yards away as well as in the main camp area.
You’ll have to bring your own firewood as collecting is prohibited.
GuideSmith Rock always surprises me- here you are, driving through the farmlands of Central Oregon and BAM. There is Smith, rising out of the ground. Although there are no actual "sites", the area for tents is peppered with naturally formed sites amongst trees. You may need to search a little for some space, but I've always found a secluded spot for a tent or hammock. You may just have to move a few rocks out of the way. Parking can occasionally be a struggle if you get there late at night, but that just means a little bit more of a hike in.
There are no fires allowed, and all cooking is done in a communal area. Although this takes away from the "camping" experience of no s'mores, there is something to be said for joining fellow adventurers at meal times. There are plenty of picnic tables, and it's great to see what other people's set ups look like! There is a bathroom near the communal area, as well as a dish washing sink outside of the bathrooms. There is even an area at the bathroom to charge phones and other electronics. Showers are available.
The bivy sites are a short walk away to two different ways to get down into Smith Rock proper. You'll want to get an early start if you have specific routes in mind, especially on weekends or holidays. There is a drinking fountain at the bottom of the hill down to the climbing routes, right before crossing the river into a great network of trails.
Central Oregon offers a stunning backdrop for tent camping, with its diverse landscapes and numerous campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking solitude or adventure, there's a perfect spot waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Central Oregon?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Central Oregon is Smith Rock State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 36 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 54 tent camping locations near Central Oregon, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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