Camping near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, Oregon, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just chilling by the campfire, there’s something for everyone.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the trails around Smith Rock State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Can get a little crowded in peak months, but you can't beat the price, and great amenities."
- Fishing: Head to Paulina Lake Campground for some great fishing opportunities. A visitor mentioned, "The lake is great for fishing, hiking, and has amazing hot springs on one side."
- Wildlife Watching: At Skull Hollow Campground, you might spot deer and other wildlife. One happy camper shared, "The cattle in the morning will sing to you at their feeding time from their nearby ranch."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the clean restrooms and showers at LaPine State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The showers and bathrooms were clean. People were quiet for the most part."
- Scenic Views: Many love the stunning views at Prineville Reservoir Campground. One visitor said, "The campground is beautiful, we have deer and squirrels and lizards every day."
- Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe at Tumalo State Park Campground. A reviewer stated, "Everyone was friendly. I would 100% stay again!"
What you should know:
- Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Three Sisters Overnight Park, can be noisy due to their proximity to highways. A camper mentioned, "It's an urban campground and very tightly packed and a lot of road noise."
- Limited Amenities: At Smith Rock State Park Campground, there are no electric hookups or fires allowed. One visitor pointed out, "You can't beat the price, and great amenities."
- Crowded in Peak Season: Popular spots like LaPine State Park Campground can fill up quickly during summer. A reviewer advised, "It's a little crowded but no one was too loud."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Tumalo State Park Campground is great for families, with clean bathrooms and friendly staff. One parent said, "The bathrooms were clean and awesome."
- Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities like hiking and fishing to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Paulina Lake Campground mentioned, "We had a great hike just off the campground to the top of the ridge."
- Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids while exploring. A visitor at LaPine State Park Campground noted, "The space had water and electricity."
Tips from RVers:
- Check for Hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver offers good power and water, but one reviewer mentioned, "The only reason I did not give this park 5 stars is the lack of sewer."
- Space Between Sites: Look for campgrounds with spacious sites like Skull Hollow Campground. A camper shared, "Our site had plenty of space to spread out along with shade."
- Plan for Noise: Be prepared for some noise, especially in busier campgrounds. A visitor at Prineville Reservoir Campground noted, "There is definitely truck traffic through the campground."
Camping near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, Oregon, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. With a little planning, you can have a fantastic time!
