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.
