Best Campgrounds near Culver, OR

Camping options near Culver, Oregon range from established state park campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. The Cove Palisades State Park features two developed campgrounds—Crooked River and Deschutes River—offering tent and RV sites with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and water access. Steelhead Falls Trailhead Campground provides a more primitive experience with tent-only sites and limited facilities. For those seeking solitude, Crooked River National Grasslands offers free dispersed camping with minimal development but spectacular mountain views.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with Deschutes Campground operating only from mid-May to mid-September while Crooked River Campground remains open from February to December. "The canyon was amazing and there is lots to keep one busy on and off the water. Will have to book a longer stay next time," noted one visitor to The Cove Palisades. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F in this high desert environment, making spring and fall ideal for comfortable camping. Most developed sites require reservations, particularly during peak summer months when Lake Billy Chinook attracts boaters and anglers. Cell service varies significantly, with coverage spotty in canyon areas and more reliable at higher elevations.

Water access represents a major draw for campers in the area, with Lake Billy Chinook and the Crooked River providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. One camper described The Cove Palisades as "a high desert oasis" where "the giant canyon with a large lake at the bottom" creates a striking landscape. Campgrounds with lake views tend to fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. Sites farther from water often provide more privacy and quieter surroundings. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, hawks, and various bird species. The region's volcanic geology creates dramatic scenery, with rimrock basalt formations visible throughout the area. Proximity to Smith Rock State Park (approximately 20 miles from Culver) provides additional recreation options for hikers and rock climbers.

Best Camping Sites Near Culver, Oregon (297)

    1. Crooked River Campground — The Cove Palisades State Park

    26 Reviews
    Culver, OR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 546-3412

    $32 - $38 / night

    "Located in Culver, Oregon, this high desert gem is just above Lake Billy Chinook which lies at the confluence of the Crooked, Deschutes, and Metolius rivers."

    "Driving around Oregon for a few days, we dropped our tent in the grasslands in early March."

    2. Smith Rock State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Terrebonne, OR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 548-7501

    $8 / night

    "Day 4 - Pacific North Quest (South Sister)

    This classic Eastern Oregon gem is located just north of Bend on the Crooked River."

    "Smith Rock always surprises me- here you are, driving through the farmlands of Central Oregon and BAM. There is Smith, rising out of the ground."

    3. Deschutes River Campground — The Cove Palisades State Park

    25 Reviews
    Culver, OR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 546-3412

    $26 - $40 / night

    "It surprised me how the small town of Culver and the outlying farmland just ended abruptly opening to a high desert oasis. A giant canyon with a large lake "Billy Chinook" at the bottom."

    "Again with most of our trip in Central Oregon, late August/early September, it was very smoky."

    4. Skull Hollow Campground

    37 Reviews
    Terrebonne, OR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 270-0094

    $15 - $30 / night

    "There 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."

    "Great spot to camp with a quick drive to Smith Rock. We had fun hiking many of the trails within the area. Several TH right next to campground. Very quiet and peaceful campground."

    5. Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Terrebonne, OR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    "There were a few camp spots, they’re kinda close to each other but enough distance for some privacy."

    "Overall amazing location and access to stores nearby while also feeling submersed in nature. Only have access to a bathroom."

    6. Redmond - Central Oregon KOA

    16 Reviews
    Culver, OR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 546-3046

    "Redmond/Central Oregon KOA is such a beautiful place to come and camp. The views are incredible, and is one of the reasons why I really enjoy this place."

    "I’ve never stayed at a KOA before but it was close to the rock ranch we were going to so it was really convenient."

    7. Haystack Reservoir Campground (East Shore)

    10 Reviews
    Culver, OR
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 351-1182

    $20 - $75 / night

    "Nice campground right next to the reservoir. Easy access for boat launch. Decent fishing"

    "Such a beautiful campground, next to Haystack reservoir out among the junipers and sage brush. Lots of really nice campsites on a hillside. They have firewood for sale here."

    8. Crooked River Ranch

    8 Reviews
    Terrebonne, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 923-1441

    "Close to Smith Rock and other Central Oregon adventures. The only drawback is coin showers, so bring quarters or use your own."

    "When we got there the people in 13 had pulled in the wrong direction, so if we pulled in the right way we would step out our door into their picnic table."

    9. Crooked River National Grasslands Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Culver, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6640

    "Open grounds away from everything. There was a dirt square right off the dirt road we parked in. The only noise was the power-lines close by, which weren’t bad. Decent stargazing and had no issues."

    "Beautiful surroundings, incredible stars, super peaceful"

    10. Tumalo State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    Bend, OR
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 382-3586

    $26 - $80 / night

    "This is one of our favorite campgrounds in Oregon. We did have a harder time backing in our 35ft trailer due to the more narrow road but over all wasn’t that bad."

    "Very solid, typical Oregon state campground."

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Recent Reviews near Culver, OR

1312 Reviews of 297 Culver Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Lower Canyon Creek Campground

    The Absolute Best

    This is one of my favorite places anywhere; I grew up camping here and my dad grew up camping here as well. Camp Sherman has a cute little store nearby where you can get ice cream or snacks. The charming town of Sisters is nearby if you want to explore or go out to eat.

    Canyon Creek is basically two campgrounds in one: there are sites along the creek and then there are sites clustered at the river. The creek sites are spaced out along the road as you come in; you will see little “driveways” along the creek as you come in. They can be tricky to access and I wouldn’t recommend taking an rv or low-clearance vehicle into some of them without careful scouting and an honest appraisal of your ability to get in and out. Most of them are fine but it’s definitely not the place for a 40’ trailer.

    Creek sites have more privacy and seem to stay a little cooler. Some of them have downed logs or rocks that you can use to cross the creek and explore the forest beyond. The creek is painfully cold but if you really wanted to, you could cool off in it (I would recommend making a day trip to Suttle Lake or Scout Lake though if you really want to swim).

    The other set of campsites are clustered around the river. They are pretty close together and can get pretty dusty during the summer months. The river is beautiful though and excellent for fly fishing.

    One thing to keep in mind is that the river has incredibly strong currents and some serious rapids. If you have small children, it could be legitimately dangerous if they fall in regardless of whether they can swim. My family has been camping here for generations and at least one child in each generation has fallen in while fishing and had to be rescued by some very quick-thinking adults. I could see it being a little stressful to camp in one of the riverside sites if you have active kids with you.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Sisters, Oregon - Dispersed Camping

    Eagle Rock Rd

    This was a great little spot. Close to town, no 4x4 required to find spots, plenty of sun for charging w/solar but plenty of shade too. Turn down Eagle Rock Rd off of SR606 for more spots. Stayed for 2 nights and felt safe. Some bees and flies but no other bugs.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Badlands Rock Camping

    It will do in a pinch

    It’s a highway gravel area with plenty of places to pull up and park for any size rig. There are a few others here as well. Super quiet, little road noise but not somewhere for us to stay over one night.

  • Phillip C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Creekside Sisters City Park

    Very nice spot

    Helpful camp hosts for this campground. Walking distance to town, quiet and restful. A little road noise but very tolerable. Level gravel sites. Good WiFi service.

  • Reagan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    BEND FS 4610 Dispersed

    Forested and private pull offs

    Dirt road through the forest. Pretty flat but sites were spaced out far enough that you couldn’t really see neighbors. Decent cell service, no complaints!

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    FR4610 Dispersed

    Long FR dispersed camping

    This spot was a bit busy but pretty spread out so you didn’t hear your fellow campers. You only hear the ones driving in and out along the red dirt road. Plenty of spots to chose from and fun bike trails to follow. Felt safe in this spot and would come back in I was in the area. Starling works great here. Our rig and trailer is 40 feet and we got her in and out with no problems. The dirt road is one straight shot from one hwy to another.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Painted Hills South Camp

    Good Backup Spot

    This site is on the far end of the painted hills park, just outside of the gate.  There is a sign that says "no turn around" but the exact spot of that is way down the road and you can turn around in this camping area. 
    There were a few bad ruts from people traversing in the mud but still a couple of level areas. 
    This is our backup spot if we strike out at Priest Hole, but haven't yet.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Priest Hole Recreation Area

    Mixed bag after improvements

    BLM improved this area recently. 
    CONS - 
    Cant get anywhere near the river now, and walking access is sparse unless you want to hop the big guardrail and blaze the bushes. 
    The flow is backwards, and for the sites along the river you now are forced to face away from the painted hill and wildlife in the area. 
    The road to the river sites is NARROW, and we had trouble backing in with a 22' trailer while not hitting the guard rail, but the pull through sites are a lot farther from the river. 
    PROS - 
    Nice sites with table and fire ring - although even with the fire ring you still can't have fires during most of the good weather. 
    Some improvements on road in in case you get caught with an oncoming vehicle (I'm sure as heck not backing up a winding one lane road)

    Whoever designed this upgrade had obviously never stayed at the park. It's nicer in a way, but also a bit less special than it was before.  Still a good spot and is still free for the moment, but I hear they are putting in a pay station eventually.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    NF970 - Brassuer's Butte

    Great views, tight access.

    Outstanding sunsets and great view of Mt.Jefferson. No shade, so not a great high heat spot. Very quiet. Cons: bees and dusty dirt.


Guide to Culver

Camping near Culver, Oregon offers diverse camping experiences across elevations ranging from 2,600 to 3,500 feet in this high desert region. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically, with summer days reaching 95°F while nights can drop below 50°F even in July. Water conservation remains important at campsites near Culver, Oregon due to the arid climate and limited natural water sources outside designated recreation areas.

What to do

Night sky viewing: Crooked River National Grasslands offers exceptional stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. "Camped here before the eclipse. Drove our trailer to the top of the hill (along a fence). We were rewarded with a lovely sunset over the Cascade mountains the night before," reports one camper at Crooked River National Grasslands Dispersed Camping.

Waterfall hiking: A half-mile trail leads from Steelhead Falls Campground to scenic falls. "Half mile easy hike to the waterfall but the trail keeps going another Half-ish mile for a slightly longer walk. Lots of fishermen and folks walking the trail in the morning," notes a visitor to Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground.

Wildlife spotting: Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing around Culver campsites. "Tons of wildlife including, owls, deer, hawks, and lizards to name a few," writes a camper at Crooked River Campground, mentioning the area's diverse fauna.

What campers like

RV hookups: At Deschutes River Campground, the full service sites draw positive reviews. "There are two campgrounds here: Crooked River Campground (E Loop mid-February through mid-December) 91 electrical sites with water... and Deschutes River Campground (A, B, C Loops - mid-May through mid-September) A and C Loop: 87 full hookup sites," explains a camper at Deschutes River Campground.

Outdoor activities: Golf, swimming, and hiking access makes some campgrounds especially appealing. "Although it's in the middle of the desert, this campground has amazingly soft parade grounds for tons of outdoor games. The trails around the golf course and the views of the canyon and river are amazing," notes a visitor to Crooked River Ranch.

Dark skies: Many campers value the exceptional night sky viewing. "So quiet that you can hear a pin drop. Oh, the 360 views are fantastic!" shares a camper about the open spaces at Crooked River National Grasslands.

What you should know

Water conditions: Water quality varies significantly by season. "We were able to get first come first serve which was so nice but when going to the camp host to pay they told us that we should not go in the water. A couple of people where paddle boarding and they ended up with blisters on there feet from the water," warns a camper at Haystack Reservoir Campground.

Insects: Mosquitoes can be severe, particularly near water sources. "Such a beautiful campground, next to Haystack reservoir out among the junipers and sage brush. Lots of really nice campsites on a hillside. The mosquitos are absolutely awful," reports a camper at Haystack Lake.

Campfire restrictions: Fire bans frequently occur during summer and fall. "No fires allowed because of previous forest fires. Sleep, then get out and enjoy the hike or climbing," notes a visitor to Smith Rock State Park Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Shaded play areas: Look for campgrounds with shade for afternoon activities when temperatures peak. "Crooked River looks like just another RV Park, but I went up there and spent some time checking it out. It's a great place and I would stay there in a heart beat! Lots of trees and shade (this place gets super hot)," shares a camper at Crooked River Campground.

Outdoor recreation: Campgrounds with dedicated play spaces work well for families. "This is a great spot for families. Plenty of room to play outdoor games and it has a neat outdoor amphitheater. Lots of wildlife and nice restrooms," a reviewer mentions about Crooked River Campground.

Educational programs: Ranger-led activities provide learning opportunities. "They put on a power point for the kids about local animals," notes a camper at Deschutes River Campground, highlighting the educational offerings.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Choose sites based on shade and view preferences. "Looking at the campground as a whole, loop D, 5-14 are actually pull throughs but the map does not show that. There was a fire road that runs behind these sites that makes them pull throughs and quite easy to get into," advises an RVer at Crooked River Ranch.

Heat management: High desert temperatures require preparation. "It's hot and dry, no water and is kinda expensive," notes a camper at Skull Hollow Campground, emphasizing the importance of bringing sufficient water.

Leveling requirements: Bring leveling blocks for uneven sites. "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 a camper at Crooked River Ranch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Culver, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Culver, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 297 campgrounds and RV parks near Culver, OR and 64 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Culver, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Culver, OR is Crooked River Campground — The Cove Palisades State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Culver, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 64 free dispersed camping spots near Culver, OR.

What parks are near Culver, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Culver, OR that allow camping, notably Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland and Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland.