Looking for tent camping near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, Oregon's most popular destinations.
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
Welcome to Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground in Oregon. This spot is a gem for those who love a bit of rugged charm. Nestled near the Deschutes River, it's a prime location for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle and get back to nature.
This area is all about simplicity and natural beauty. It's a dispersed camping area, so don't expect the usual campground amenities. There's no drinking water, electric hookups, or showers, but you will find a toilet. The lack of amenities means you need to come prepared, but the payoff is worth it. The views are stunning, especially if you snag one of the spots near the river cliff. Just be ready to carry your gear a bit if you want those prime spots.
Visitors have mentioned that the area is great for a quick overnight stay in your vehicle or a more extended camping trip. The waterfall is a highlight, just a short half-mile hike away, and it's a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. The landscape is open and can get a bit dusty, especially in the dry months, but the scenery more than makes up for it.
Pets are welcome, and there's no fee to camp here, which is a big plus. It's also conveniently close to Smith Rock, making it a great base camp for climbers. Just remember, no fires are allowed, so plan your meals accordingly.
Overall, Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground offers a raw, unfiltered camping experience with some of the best natural beauty Oregon has to offer. Whether you're here for a night or a weekend, you'll leave feeling refreshed and connected to the great outdoors.
Welcome to Deschutes River Campground at The Cove Palisades State Park! Nestled in the heart of the Deschutes National Forest, this spot is a gem for anyone looking to soak in some stunning natural beauty. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-September, offering a perfect escape during the warmer months.
One of the standout features here is the breathtaking scenery. The drive into the park alone is worth the trip, with jaw-dropping views that will make you want to pull over and snap a few photos. Once you're settled in, you'll find plenty of hiking opportunities right from the campground. The Tam-A-Lau trail is a favorite, offering incredible views and a great way to start your day with a sunrise hike.
The campground itself is well-maintained and clean, with friendly rangers who are always ready to lend a hand. While there are no electric or water hookups, you will find drinking water and toilets available. Fires are allowed, so you can enjoy a cozy evening around the campfire. Just remember, no alcohol or pets are permitted, so plan accordingly.
For those with RVs, the sites vary in size, and some can accommodate larger rigs. However, you might want to drive through the loop first to find a spot that fits your vehicle. If you're into water activities, the nearby Lake Billy Chinook is a major draw, perfect for jet skiing, boating, and fishing.
In summary, Deschutes River Campground offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty, hiking, and water activities, all within a well-kept and friendly environment. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or looking for a bit of glamping, this campground has something to offer. Enjoy your stay!
Formerly known as the Tangent area, the sno-park was renamed in memory Virginia Meissner, who taught cross-country skiing in Central Oregon for many years. She also wrote several books on hiking and skiing in the Cascades. This sno-park is one of the most popular winter recreation sites in Central Oregon. Summer usage is light with road access to many popular bike trails. There are restroom facilities at this site.
Many 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.
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.
This campground offers 3 walk-in sites on the west side of Todd Lake overlooking the water and featuring spectacular views of Broken Top. The sites are about a 10 minute hike from the Todd Lake Day Use Area parking lot. Camping is allowed only in designated campsites. Activities at this site include fishing, picnicking, and horse/hiker access to the Three Sisters Wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland 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 Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland?
TheDyrt.com has all 69 tent camping locations near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, with real photos and reviews from campers.