Best Tent Camping near Culver, OR
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Culver? Finding a place to camp in Oregon with your tent has never been easier. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Culver, Oregon's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Culver, OR (67)
1. Smith Rock State Park Campground
Terrebonne, Oregon36 Reviews•170 Photos•434 Saves2021: 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
- Pets
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
$8 / night
2. Deschutes River Campground — The Cove Palisades State Park
Culver, Oregon24 Reviews•83 Photos•71 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
3. Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground
Terrebonne, Oregon14 Reviews•46 Photos•468 Saves- Pets
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
4. Cove Palisades Lookout Dispersed
Culver, Oregon4 Reviews•5 Photos•50 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Cabins
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
5. Rimrock Springs Trailhead
Culver, Oregon1 Review•1 SaveThis trailhead is located just off of Highway 26 and provides access to Rimrock Springs Trail (#850), which gives visitors an opportunity for wildlife and nature viewing. The trail is ADA accessible and short, so it's perfect for stretching out your legs and getting some fresh air. There are also picnic tables at the site for anyone who enjoys eating outdoors.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Picnic Table
6. Harrington Loop Rd - Dispersed
Cloverdale, Oregon4 Reviews•6 Photos•80 SavesMany people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no picnic tables, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. If you are dispersed camping in the winter, recognize that the Forest Service does not plow or maintain Forest Roads in the winter, so plan your trip accordingly. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas or trailheads. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It's your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that's been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites, so using existing ones will minimize your impact on the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines: Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Do NOT camp within 200 feet of any water source, plants near water are especially fragile. Don't camp in the middle of a clearing or meadow. Make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting. Don't try to level or dig trenches in the ground at your campsite. Select a campsite with good natural drainage. Visit the Leave No Trace website for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Dispersed
7. Marion Forks Campground
Idanha, Oregon10 Reviews•39 Photos•18 SavesAdjacent to the Marion Forks Fish Hatchery, Marion Forks Campground is a great 15 site (one pull through) campground tucked away from Highway 22 and a quiet place to relax. Enjoy a 1/4 mile leisurely stroll along Marion Creek on a paved loop path through the picnic area and fish hatchery and learn about spring Chinook salmon and the history of the area. Nearby, on Forest Service Road 2255, you can find the little used trail (#3431) to Independence Rock for a short hike. If you drive further up to the end of Road 2255, you'll reach the trailhead to Marion Lake (Trail #3436) leading to the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.
- Tents
- Trash
8. Palisades Campground
Prineville, Oregon7 Reviews•39 Photos•90 SavesUnlike 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.
Know Before You Go:
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.
Point of Interest:
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.
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Toilets
9. Haystack Reservoir Campground
Culver, Oregon1 ReviewThis is the premier campground in the scenic high desert of the Crooked River National Grassland, and offers the most amenities to visitors. Located on the eastern shore of Haystack Reservoir and surrounded by native vegetation including sage brush and juniper trees, you can catch glimpses of the Three Sisters in the distance. On hot summer days you can cool off in the water, or if you're getting hungry cast a line and you may get a bite. There are nearby trails to accommodate hikers and mountain bikers as well. Whatever your pleasure on the grassland, Haystack Reservoir is a great place to camp. View a map of the Haystack Reservoir Campground and Day Use Area. Also, see the Haystack West Shore Campground and Day Use Area and the Haystack South Shore Group Campground.
- Fires
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
10. Henderson Flat Staging Area
Terrebonne, Oregon1 Review•5 SavesThis trailhead provides access to the entire Henderson Flat OHV Trail System . The trailhead is easy to access and has a large parking area that can accommodate vehicles of every size. There are no water services here and no garbage services either, so please be a considerate visitor and pack out what you use. View a vicinity map here .
- Tents
Recent Tent Reviews in Culver
1062 Reviews of 67 Culver Campgrounds
Bosn E.
Traveler
Creekside Sisters City Park
Nice and Convenient!
The best thing this park has going for it, is also a negative. The campground is in Sisters, OR., which is a great little town in Central Oregon, a jumping off location for lots of outdoor activities. Sisters also is yupped up with several cafes, bistros, art galleries, breweries, and tap houses too numerous to list here. It's also the home of Preston Thompson Guitars! The negative is that US Hwy 20, a main East/ West artery and vein for Oregon runs right through the middle of Sisters, and within just a few yards from this campground. So, you do get a lot of highway noise. However, the speed is low there and so that helps.
The campground manager was the friendliest manager that I've ever met. She makes it feel like home for you and genuinely wants you to like the park as much as she does. Mind you, she is probably a city employee as the the campground is part of Creekside City Park. But, she treats it as hers, and she wants you to come back. We had a FHU unit which rocks after spending several nights on the Oregon Coast in State Parks w/o FHUs.
The sites are close to one another, and the road around to the sites serpentines throughout the campground. Be mindful if you pull off in your rig in front of the office, as that gravel parking lot also serves as a drive out for the dump station. You very well could block off someone who wants to leave the dump station. I had an altercation with such a RVer because a Class A pulled right behind me, blocking the guy in, while we were getting directions from the manager. But, he saw it all as my fault and that is where the rub was. He wasn't very nice about being blocked in, even if it was for about a minute, and certainly ruined my day.
- MMike S.
ScoutFSR 4610 Dispersed
Decent dry camp in trees, no amenities
Quiet, close to Bend, numerous sites in Ponderosa forest.
Nick J.TravelerSister Mountains Viewpoint on Harrington Loop
No Amenities but Close to Town
I have stayed here a couple times on motorcycle trips around Oregon. There are lots of sites that have been used and it's a great place to spend a night or two. It's close to Sisters so you can grab what you need.
You're close to the Rodeo grounds so you can hear what's going on if there are any events there. Overall, great free place to camp if you're in the Sisters, OR area.
- JJustin L.
Guide
Dispersed Rock Quary
Rock quarry = shooting range
This is an active shooting range, so if you're looking for peace and quiet or a spot that is not littered with pulls of trash, you've come to the wing place.
On the upside, when there is not shooting, the quarry is an ok view (if you can get past the litter), and there is endless space and open skies for solar or starlink. It's also easy to reach and rig friendly, but not far from main highway for access.
- MMayre J.Guide
China Hat Staging Area Rd 18
Camp at OHV Trailhead
Nice open spot with some shade. Quiet and close to town. May get busy during day with riders. A good parking spot.
- MMayre J.Guide
China Hat Rd Dispersed Campsite
A spot.
Long term campers and trash. Some interesting folks for sure. Prob harmless but camp at own risk.
- JJustin L.Guide
Sparks Lake Recreation Area
Perfection!
Amazing views. Access to water. Gorgeous sunsets. Not far from toilet if you're up for a walk, or have wheels. Firepits. This site has it all.
Room to back in 15' trailer to camp or of.
Early October, 70 f during day 30 f at night.
- NNeil B.Traveler
Reynolds Pond Recreation Site
Quiet stop over
Friday night rest stop boondocking. All to ourselves. One jeep came out after we set up and 2 trucks went past us in at 20:30. Lovely sunset nice place to let dog run.
- DDale R.Scout
Sparks Lake Recreation Area
Nice spots near Spark Lake
There are several spots off of the road to the Spark Lake Day Use area. The road is very rough, but taken slow does not require a 4wd.
Laura M.
Legend
Humbug Campground
Love it here
Humbug is one of our favorite campgrounds. We love the easy access to the beach and the beautiful hikes. Showers are hot and free, rangers are always friendly.
Cell service is pretty iffy here, but we manage to make it work with the cell booster.
There's a dump station and water fill, trash and recycling, water spigots throughout campground, and firewood for sale.
Tent sites in Oregon don't currently have the 25% non-resident surcharge (though I've heard that's changing soon) and there are plenty of non-hookup/tent sites that will fit RVs. There are also FHU and pull through sites.
Guru K.Traveler
Smiling River Campground
Beautiful Riverside Campground, Maintenance Could Be Improved
We went as a group of 8+ families, booking a number of different campsites in two groupings, one on the riverfront, one on the backside of the loop. The campground layout is a large loop with a road down the center, so was great for kids riding bikes around and playing.
The riverside sites were beautiful but ours was very close to an outhouse that was extremely full and smelled very bad. It really needed to be cleaned out and clearly hadn't in a long time.
Also the river was super cold and very fast moving, which at times was a little scary with a ton of young kids running around.
Camp Sherman was only a mile away and has fresh donuts in the morning. I was able to ride over on my electric skateboard and it was a beautiful enjoyable ride.
There was also a small bridge 7-10ft above the river that folks jumped off of which was fun.
We didn't have any major problems with bees or mosquitos as some other folks mentioned that they had in previous reviews.
We had one morning evening where fog was rolling across the river and it was uniquely beautiful. Overall it's a great spot, but would have been perfect if the maintenance had been better and the outhouse smell wasn't so bad.
- MM00na A.Guide
Paradise Campground
great camping spot
i was in campsite 3 very short walk to see the river very quiet $28 dollars a night
- Patricia N.
Ranger
Tumalo State Park Campground
Like camping at an apartment complex
Never again, hovering campground hosts kept the place clean but they made us feel like we were on the watch list. Campers left the campsite and no joke, the hosts were in raking the dirt as the people were vacating.
- MMayre J.Guide
Lambertiana Road
Good spot not in mountain area
A good spot closer to main rd so seems to be a few degrees difference in temp so got to about low 40s instead of 30s at night. Need to go down road a half mile or so for an open flat spot but with an RV may need to take the first big open spot on the left not too far from main road. There may be other campers there. A good parking spot. Not much else there. If driving from north then need to take a turn around or u-turn to get to the road.
- MMayre J.Guide
Badlands Rock Camping
Cool sandy area with many spots
A good open area with lots of nice smelling juniper. Theres parking at the few trailheads or off the road. The best spot, with some nice features such as lava rocks, is the 3rd right from the main road. Some folks may be particular about their "spot". No toilet, trash nor water but good trails. About 20 mins into town. Didnt see any snakes but was checking just in case. Prob best for RV or car camping. High desert gets to 40s at night this time of year.
Zoe G.Scout
BEND FS 4610 Dispersed
Super easy
This spot was close enough to town that we could call an Uber to Hayden Homes after we set up, then Uber back when the concert finished. The main red dirt road is gorgeous with various pull offs spaced decently far apart. I saw one or two neighbors to the left and right of our spot but it was far enough that our spot felt private. Really quiet and felt remote while still accessible to town and had cell service.
- LLoretta H.Traveler
Deschute County Expo RV Park
Good place to stay
We stayed here twice with a short gap between our 2 times. Comfortable park, very clean. Big rig friendly especially in the center areas without trees. If you're using Starlink this would be a good choice. Able to do laundry both times we stayed (credit card instead of quarters!). Full hook ups (we paid $50 per night). Good location for visiting Redmond and Bend.
- LLoretta H.Traveler
Redmond - Central Oregon KOA
Adequate for short stay
We were only there one night. We had a pull through which was nice. Sites were gravel and there was grass in the park, also nice trees. Sites were fairly close together. Nicely stocked shop available. Pool looked nice but we didn't use it. We could smell cigarette smoke which was unpleasant so the park must not be smoke free. Part of why we only give it 3 stars. We felt like it was on the spendy side but park was easy to get to and camp staff seemed pleasant.
- MMick G.Scout
Maxwell Sno-Park
review
Our friends had very positive reviews about this park, so we definitely want to visit it soon. I think it will be a great getaway. The only thing I wanted to mention is that the provided map in PDF format didn’t open on my PC for some reason. But I was able to convert it online, and the issue was resolved. Using https://pdfguru.com/html-to-pdf, you can convert HTML to PDF, vice versa, and into many other formats. So I find this editor to be a great service if you need to work with PDF files. It might be useful to someone else, just like it was for me.
- EEric P.Ranger
Maupin City Park
September raft trip
Stayed 3 nights and had a great time rafting on the river. Lots of options for RV and tent camping. Group sites are available (3). Restrooms could use an update but functional. All camp staff hosts are helpful and friendly. Will come back again. This campground is popular and books up quickly.
- JJasonLegend
NFD-4604 Dispersed Camping
NFD-4604 camping
Found this small spot after searching entire area for a last minute campsite. Multiple fires around south of City Of Bend so not many choices tonight. Very quiet spot, only one camper close by but can't see them from thus site. There is a fire ring built by rock but no open fires allowed. Great last minute spot.
Deb H.Ranger
Lava Camp Lake Campground
Delightful small campground
This small, primitive campground is just about a mile from the McKenzie Pass on Hwy 242, the old McKenzie Hwy. it has 9 sites, 2 of which are walk-in. Lava Camp Lake is a small alpine lake and most of the camp sites have views of the lake. You can also see Mt. Washington and Black Crater from most places in the campground. Part of the area is a burn scar from a 2017 (I think) fire in the area. But there are a lot of trees around the campsites and plenty of shade. Lots of deer. One well-maintained pit toilet. No water.
We stayed in site 6 in our small camper van. It was mid-week in early September (after Labor Day) and there was only one other camper there for one night. It was so quiet and peaceful. perfect.
Mike H.ScoutMaupin City Park
Lock Up Valuables and Booze
Overall experience was great…. with a caveat. It’s a small camping park, sites are small and close to each other. However the park is clean and well maintained. Our only issue is that our first night, at about 2am, I was woken up by footsteps outside our trailer window. I looked out to see we hat appeared to be a younger adult male dressed in all black who pulled the coolers and chairs out from under our trailer and pulled two booze bottles out of the cooler and had them on the picnic table getting ready to take them. I opened the door and scared him into running by yelling at him. This is my first time, in 40+ years camping that I’ve had anything like this happen. So at 2:15 this morning, I was outside hauling all of our gear into the trailer. Joke was on him though, the bottles were filled with water to freeze and use as ice. Just beware, this is a nice little park, but don’t leave your valuables out overnight.
We reported it to the office, who told us they’ve been having the issue recently, that they think it’s local teens, but their hands were being tied by local police on how to catch the thieves. I called local non emergency and reported the incident to them in hopes they might step up patrols or something.
- Darren N.Guide
Crooked River Ranch
Amazing grounds for the price!
Although it's in the middle of the desert, this campground has amazingly soft parade grounds for for tons of outdoor games. The trails around the golf course and the views of the canyon and river are amazing. There is local restaurants and taphouses within a few minutes drive. There is a pool available to you for your stay that has a snack bar directly adjacent to it. 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.
Tia A.Guide
Terrebonne West Camp Dispersed
Nice and Peaceful
EDIT: We had a park ranger stop by and inform us that this location is closed to passenger vehicles. No passenger vehicles are allowed past the boulders. We are currently parked at the one and only camp slot that passenger vehicles are allowed, so this is a 99% dispersed camping location that you have to walk to your camp site location. The Park Ranger also reminded me that all BLM land is a 14-day stay for recreational camping only, and if you are living out of your RV, you are liable to be harassed more often then others.
Original Review: We parked in a space close to the main road. Minus the sounds from it, the place is very peaceful. There's lots of sage bushes, and trees are plenty but not clustered. There is a lot of wildlife in the area if the animal bones are anything to judge by. There are a lot of ant colonies and other burrowing creatures in the area as well. If you choose to walk off designated paths, watch your step, or you might end up in a shallow hole like I did. Some spots are more solar friendly than others, but none of the trees are overbearingly tall to completely block out the ability for it. Flies aren't too bad compared to other places, and honestly, I'm not sure if the ones we are dealing with are from here or left over from our 1 night stay at another location. The river is only a shortish walk away, and field mice do live in some of the boulders in the area.
J D.Guide
Jefferson County Fairgrounds RV Park
Nice place to stop
Camp host was nice, easy access to sites. Showers/bathrooms clean but dated.
- J D.Guide
Three Creeks Meadow Campground
Beautiful large sites
We have been here a few times. Gorgeous hikes and large sites. Sometimes other campers can be obnoxious with motorcycles and road in gets very rough the last few miles. Couple of fishing lakes within 1 or 2 miles
Guide to Culver
Culver, Oregon, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and natural beauty.
Tent campers should check out Smith Rock State Park Campground
- Located just a few minutes from the park, Smith Rock State Park Campground is perfect for those wanting to unwind after a day of exploring.
- This campground features free showers, flush toilets, and a dishwashing area, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers.
- With a low fee of $8 per night and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a great spot for both seasoned campers and newcomers.
Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $8
- For a budget-friendly option, Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground offers free camping, though it has limited amenities.
- At Harrington Loop Rd - Dispersed, you can enjoy free camping with plenty of space for tents, though be prepared for a more rustic experience.
- The Cove Palisades Lookout Dispersed offers a unique experience with stunning views and no fees, but it requires a vehicle capable of handling rough roads.
Explore local attractions near your campsite
- The breathtaking views at Cove Palisades Lookout Dispersed make it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy nature and photography.
- Just a short drive away, Deschutes River Campground — The Cove Palisades State Park is perfect for water sports and offers beautiful canyon scenery.
- Don’t miss the chance to hike the trails at Rimrock Springs Trailhead, where you can enjoy a scenic loop with views of wetlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Culver, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Culver, OR is Smith Rock State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 36 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Culver, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 67 tent camping locations near Culver, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.