Central Oregon's high desert climate shapes pet friendly camping near Madras, Oregon. The region sits at 2,300 feet elevation with summer temperatures reaching above 90°F and cool nights that can drop into the 40s even in July and August. Winter camping requires preparation for possible snow and freezing temperatures, with most dispersed areas remaining accessible year-round for campers with appropriate gear.
What to do
Hiking at Smith Rock State Park: Campers staying at the Smith Rock State Park Campground can access world-class hiking trails directly from their sites. "The hiking is fantastic and the climbing is world-renown," notes Kristin G., while another camper points out "a neat outdoor amphitheater" for evening programs.
Boating on Lake Billy Chinook: The Crooked River Campground provides excellent water access. "Perfect spot to launch your boats," mentions Sarah W. The lake offers diverse water recreation with "brown trout, rainbow trout, bull trout, salmon and Kokanee" fishing opportunities according to Jill R.
Fishing at Steelhead Falls: The short trail from Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground leads to prime fishing spots. "You can fish and jump off the rocks into the water," explains one visitor. Another camper adds, "Half mile easy hike to the waterfall but the trail keeps going another Half-ish mile for a slightly longer walk."
What campers like
Wide open spaces: The Crooked River National Grasslands Dispersed Camping provides solitude and unrestricted camping. "Love this dispersed campsite! So much wife open space. We were the only campers here last night. So quiet that you can hear a pin drop," reports Mary B. Another camper adds, "Not heavily used so very clean."
Clean facilities: The Jefferson County Fairgrounds RV Park maintains well-kept bathrooms and grounds. "Bike touring thru and they have some shade for your tent, grass, nice showers, about all u need passing thru," shares John. Another reviewer notes "Showers/bathrooms clean but dated."
Scenic views: Numerous campers praise the high desert landscape. At Skull Hollow Campground, "It's beautiful, newly re-done, ~70 big flat open sites, gravel (but flat), not much privacy from your neighbor but it all has a very open and big feel." The area delivers remarkable night sky viewing opportunities with minimal light pollution.
What you should know
Water availability: Many sites lack water sources. At Skull Hollow Campground, "There are 3 non-gendered accessible pit toilets, dumpsters, recycling for cans and bottles only... No water here, and no power." Campers must bring all needed water, especially during hot summer months.
High desert climate: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme. "It gets hot and it's dry, so assume that fire band will be in affect the minute you leave home and plan your meals accordingly," advises one camper at Steelhead Falls. During summer, some sites become "miserably hot" with minimal shade.
Campground layouts: Site configurations vary significantly between established and dispersed camping areas. At Lake Simtustus RV Park, "The 'A' sites at the lake side are very close together." Other options like Crooked River National Grasslands offer more spacious sites where "you can hear a pin drop."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Deschutes River Campground offers water recreation for children. "There were multiple day use areas to swim at just a two minute drive from there," mentions Troy B., though he cautions "they don't allow dogs at the 'beaches' which sucks because that's the only place kids can comfortably swim."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds provide learning experiences. Jill T. notes the Cove Palisades area has a "very good ranger program, and a nice outdoor amphitheater." These programs typically cover local wildlife, geology, and history.
Recreational facilities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for children. The Crooked River Campground includes "a swing-set, a couple of nice horseshoe pits, an animal exercise area, and a volleyball pit," making it ideal for active families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Haystack Reservoir, "Sites are small and better set up for tents instead of Trailers," according to James W. For larger rigs, Cove Palisades offers better options where visitors report staying in a "40' coach with our tow vehicle."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites exist but may limit views. At Lake Simtustus RV Park, one camper noted, "I will say that if the hookup was on the other side of the site I'd have had a much better view." Plan accordingly based on your priorities.
Road conditions: Access roads to some camping areas present challenges. The Crooked River National Grasslands require "a little clearance on your car" according to one visitor, while another notes "an AWD preferred" due to the bumpy dirt roads leading to dispersed sites.
