Best Campgrounds near Madras, OR

Several good camping spots sit within easy reach of Madras, Oregon. Smith Rock State Park Campground, about 18 miles from town, draws many climbers and hikers to its walk-in tent sites. Campers looking for water activities head to Crooked River Campground at The Cove Palisades State Park, where fishing spots line the shoreline. Skull Hollow Campground works well for campers wanting fewer neighbors and simpler facilities - just pit toilets and fire rings here. Most campers in this area need to pack food in secure containers since wildlife comes through regularly. Camp hosts at most sites keep bathrooms clean and can point you toward good hiking trails nearby. Tumalo State Park Campground takes longer to reach but has better tree cover for summer shade. Weather changes dramatically between seasons - summer days often hit 90°F while winter nights drop below freezing. The Madras area works for both weekend trips and longer stays, with enough different camping areas to try something new each time.

Best Camping Sites Near Madras, Oregon (294)

    1. Crooked River Campground — The Cove Palisades State Park

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

    $32 - $38 / night

    "We followed our RV GPS and WAZE, which agreed until we got near the state park. We checked out the confirmation email, which stated to follow the signs."

    "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."

    2. Deschutes River Campground — The Cove Palisades State Park

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

    $26 - $40 / night

    "Cove Palisades State Park is one of my favorite Central Oregon destinations.  Lake Billy Chinook is simply stunning, and there is a great hike, the Tam-A-Lau trail, that goes right from the campsite."

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

    3. Skull Hollow Campground

    37 Reviews
    Terrebonne, OR
    17 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."

    4. Smith Rock State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Terrebonne, OR
    18 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."

    5. Redmond - Central Oregon KOA

    16 Reviews
    Culver, OR
    10 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."

    6. Lake Simtustus RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Alder Springs, OR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 475-1085

    $40 - $250 / night

    "About 5 miles off main highway, on the edge of Lake Simtustus, they have boat sliis, pontoon boats and kayaks to rent."

    "The ‘A’ sites at the lake side are very close together. The staff are all friendly and very helpful. Good WiFi and quiet at night."

    7. 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"

    8. Haystack Reservoir Campground (East Shore)

    10 Reviews
    Culver, OR
    10 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."

    9. Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Terrebonne, OR
    18 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."

    10. Jefferson County Fairgrounds RV Park - DURING EVENTS ONLY

    4 Reviews
    Madras, OR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 325-5050

    "Camp host was nice, easy access to sites. Showers/bathrooms clean but dated."

    "Rght next to Fair-when it is in town!"

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Recent Reviews near Madras, OR

1288 Reviews of 294 Madras Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Roman P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    North Arm Campground

    Mesa Verde

    Not sure how we ended here, but it is a really nice camp. The only disadvantage is that it couldn't be reserved through recreation.org. Toilets, water, showers (free), washers (1,75 or 2,25 $, dryer .25 for 5 min) and free wifi at store. Sweet

  • 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.

  • Els W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Clear Lake dispersed camping

    Great spots, SO MUCH TRASH

    There are a lot of great spots right by the lake and further into the forest BUT every spot is trashed. I found bullet remnants all over one spot and at spots closer to the lake—just piles and piles of trash. PACK IN PACK OUT! And pack out your toilet paper!! This behavior is absolutely disgusting and is ruining our forests. Be better people!!!

  • 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.

  • Jay-j O.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Tumalo State Park Campground

    Meaningful birthday trip

    My boyfriend, our dog and i stayed for 3 night for his 30th birthday, we didnt have much money to go very far or to do anything extravagant like we wanted to, so we decided to stay here as a little stay-cation and just enjoy eachothers company and spend some much needed quality time. It was a fabulous trip and the location was absolutely perfect. Couldnt have wished for anything better honestly.


Guide to Madras

Madras sits at the junction of three major highways in central Oregon's high desert at 2,242 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F to 95°F with low humidity and cool nights even during hot days. The area receives less than 12 inches of annual rainfall, creating optimal conditions for clear night skies and stargazing at many campsites near Madras.

What to do

Hiking trails: Several trails await at Smith Rock State Park Campground where "the hiking is fantastic and the climbing is world-renown." The park features "real bathrooms with running water, charging stations, showers, and a sink for dishes."

Fishing opportunities: Lake Simtustus RV Park offers "good fishing off dock and near the campground." One visitor mentioned "we enjoyed our quick 2 night getaway. Nice bathrooms/showers. Level lots. Very good wi-fi."

Water recreation: Boating and swimming options abound at the Deschutes Campground where "Lake Billy Chinook is simply stunning." Another camper noted that "the marina also rents boat moorages, boats, water toys, and Houseboats. The marina also includes a café and store that sells fuel and a few small items."

What campers like

Clean facilities: At Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground, campers appreciate that there is "clean pit bathroom and clean sites. Little to no trash on the trails to the falls themselves." Another visitor was surprised that "this beautiful and well kept park was completely free!"

Evening temperatures: The high desert climate means warm days but comfortable nights. At Steelhead Falls, one camper noted it was "hot and dry during the day but cooled off at night and had great view of the night sky."

Wildlife viewing: The diverse ecosystem around Crooked River National Grasslands Dispersed Camping provides opportunities to observe native species in their natural habitat. One camper described the experience: "So much wife open space. We were the only campers here last night. So quiet that you can hear a pin drop."

What you should know

Water availability: Bring extra water when camping at dispersed sites. At Steelhead Falls, "there is no water nearby. Closest place we found was Smith Rock day use area. Pay the day use fee and fill water jugs there."

Mosquito preparations: Several campgrounds report significant mosquito activity, especially at Haystack Reservoir Campground where multiple reviewers warned about "killer skeeters." One camper noted "there are a lot of mosquitos all year long. Good fishing though."

Campsite selection: Arrive early for prime spots. At Skull Hollow Campground, one visitor found "a plentiful selection of sites" even on a Saturday afternoon, describing the area as "a nice quiet campsite and easy to get to with a camper."

Fire restrictions: Check current restrictions before arrival. One camper at Steelhead Falls mentioned "when we went, fires were allowed, and there was a residence on the road in (clearly marked) selling firewood. And they took Venmo!"

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Crooked River Campground is described as "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."

Recreation options: Families will appreciate varied activities at Deschutes Campground where "they put on a power point for the kids about local animals. There were multiple day use areas to swim at just a two minute drive from there."

Playground access: Several campgrounds offer equipment for children. At Crooked River Campground, a camper noted "there is a swing-set, a couple of nice horseshoe pits, an animal exercise area, and a volleyball pit."

Weather protection: Plan for both sun and cool nights. One visitor to Steelhead Falls recommended "bringing shade. A canopy or whatever is reasonable for your group. It also gets hot and it's dry."

Tips from RVers

Site spacing: At Jefferson County Fairgrounds RV Park, visitors report "camp host was nice, easy access to sites. Showers/bathrooms clean but dated." The park provides basic amenities for those passing through Madras.

Hookup options: The Deschutes River Campground has varied options with "A and C Loop: 87 full hookup sites" while "B Loop: 93 tent sites with water nearby Flush toilets/showers."

Parking challenges: Some sites have limitations on vehicle size. At Steelhead Falls, "there is a sign in the way in indicating 30ft length max, but there is no mention on the BLM site. They must mean trailer length since we had no issues with our 22' trailer and rig (40ft total)."

Leveling considerations: Some campsites require additional equipment. The Redmond-Central Oregon KOA was described by one camper as having "many spaces for trailers/Rv not level have gravel with spin outs no grass just dried out weeds."

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities can you do while camping in Madras, Oregon?

The Madras area offers diverse recreation opportunities for campers. Water activities abound at Crooked River Campground in The Cove Palisades State Park, where you can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming. For peaceful riverside relaxation and spectacular sunsets, Deschutes River Overlook Dispersed Camping provides a tranquil setting. Adventure seekers can go bungee jumping in the Crooked River Canyon. Cyclists will appreciate the scenic routes, including the ride to Tumalo State Park. Madras itself offers amenities including a fenced dog park, shopping, and dining options. The surrounding area also provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing, making it an excellent base for exploring Central Oregon's natural beauty.

What family-friendly camping options are available in Madras, Oregon?

Families camping near Madras have several kid-friendly options to choose from. Tumalo State Park Campground offers a pleasant environment that's worth the journey from Madras, with amenities suitable for children. For families who enjoy educational experiences, camping near Sisters at Creekside Sisters City Park provides a clean campground within walking distance to shops and activities. The Redmond - Central Oregon KOA is another excellent family option, featuring spectacular views of the Cascade Range including Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson, along with typical KOA amenities that children enjoy. These campgrounds offer varying levels of facilities and activities, ensuring families can find the right fit for their camping preferences.

Where are the best campgrounds near Madras, Oregon?

Madras offers several excellent camping options within easy reach. Mecca Flat Campground is just 10 minutes from town, offering riverside camping with basic facilities and good Verizon coverage. For those seeking reservoir recreation, Haystack Reservoir Campground provides shaded sites and is a convenient drive from Madras. Other notable options include Lake Simtustus RV Park for those with recreational vehicles and The Cove Palisades State Park, which offers both Deschutes River and Crooked River campgrounds with full amenities. Jefferson County Fairgrounds also provides RV camping during special events, making it a good option if you're visiting for local festivities.