Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Madras, OR has a lot to offer. Madras is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Oregon camping adventure.
"Well I understand why there's a fire ban, but it sure makes bedtime come quickly after dark! Anyway The Cove is as beautiful as always! It's a very well maintained park, very clean."
"They all have picnic tables & fire rings.
There's a playground and grassy park area in the middle of the loop, good for kids & lawn games."
$8 / night
"The Climber's Bivouac is a walk-in campground located on a rim next to the Crooked River right in the heart of Smith Rock State Park."
"Walk-in site (the Bivy) is chill. walk-in, pitch tent, done. Yeah you have a lot of neighbors, but people are nice and the price is right ($8 per night for up to two weeks)."
"No water or vault toilets, only by the day-use area/trailhead.
We camped on SW Steelhead Falls Dr."
"The sites on the West side, nearest the river are "walk in" but if you're able-bodied it's a short distance to lug gear. Nothing difficult or time consuming."
"The tent site area wasn't where we stayed but there are 3 cabins just above the boat docks that have the most beautiful view to wake up to in the morning."
"This little loop is very beautiful and worth a quick stop to walk the 1 1/4 mile loop. There’s a view point at about half way with a great view of the wetlands."
"There are fire rings at some sites. Plenty of room for a larger 5th wheel as well. It can get pretty dusty though when the wind picks up."
"Plenty of places to park and car camp or set up a tent. Lights from a nearby building keep most of the area somewhat visible, but not enough to disturb you while you sleep."
"Located off Hwy 22, past the fish hatchery, far enough that you can’t hear road noise. Less than 20 sites total, all first come first serve, $12 a night or $6 with interagency pass."
"The campground is right next to a fish hatchery, which is really interesting and worth a visit. However, most of the sites have pretty strict boundaries."
TravelerSo when I first found this campground I wasn't sure what to expect being as reviews and info were sparse so I'll do me best to sum it up. Things to know that arent stated. It is free may require NW forest pass. It's a drive, hike, bike and walk in. I didn't see any spots big enough for RV but there is space to park that isn't officially a site.
Location: Beautiful sits about 5,000 feet right off McKenzie Pass Road (closed from November to June)
Sites: I saw 6 drive in with fire ring, picnic table also 2 vault toilets.... There's more walk/ hike in but we had to much gear to do that.
Directions: Very easy to find spots all along lake and Google maps took us right to spots.
Activities: Great! Had a kayak/boat launch also had the Scott Mountain TH right there within 1/4 walking distance on dirt road. It seems that a forest fire was pretty recent ontop but the grounds seemed kind of untouched
Warnings: This was my first time up this pass. Elevation is very high which means incremental weather. Aka woke up in October with snow which happened to us.
Overall 5 stars must visit. We will be coming back next year when less snow and road reopens
ScoutStayed just one night in site 1, which was the only one available. It’s very private being far from the trail and has good access to the shore but is very shady at all times, although also sheltered from the wind. There was a fire ring (although no fires allowed) and a table. Several viable tent spots on the site. The toilets were closed and, unfortunately, previous campers weren’t so great at “leave no trace” because we found a bunch of dog and human feces around.
LegendWe kind of stumbled into this free spot while heading to a more formal campground near Pelton Dam. As the daylight faded I spotted a pullout/turnaround area which then led to a rather private loop with a great view of the Deschutes River and Lake Simtustus. I had to confirm with the Dyrt BLM map overlay, but I was glad to find myself on public land. It’s not really a place I’d choose to spend more than one night, since it doesn’t really connect to any trails or walking areas, but it was a handy en-route overnight spot, complete with a nice view and bright sunset. It’s only a few miles off Rt. 26, following signs to Pelton Dam. There was plenty of room to turn around my 26’ skoolie. However, I didn’t really see a good place for a tent, but I didn’t look very hard. There were signs of previous users, including a fire ring (which I didn’t use). Since it was the eve of Earth Day, I did collect a bagful of empty cans and trash. Leave no trace, people!
LegendAshley here with The Dyrt! We want to welcome this property owner to our platform. "Camp beside a private spring fed lake. You’ll have this high desert oasis all to yourselves. This is a leave no trace camp site, pack it in pack it out. Fishing is NOT included in your stay. You can inquire about fly fishing rates." Book your stay today and leave them some love!
GuideFriendly and knowledgeable camp hosts. Vault toilet, mix of tent sites including some walk-ins that are up against the reservoir- you can hear the peaceful running water all day and night. Brand new picnic tables, brand new fencing, and excellent trails. Perfect mix of sun and shade for many of the sites. We stayed at 15 and I can’t wait to go back. Very spacious sites can hold multiple tents of all sizes. Beautiful drive to and from campgrounds- the McKenzie River area is definitely worth exploring!
RangerCamp above the Santiam riverbank and enjoy a night of peace and rest listening to the water flow. This site has access to vault toilets, potable water. The sites are large enough for rv or tent sites with vehicle pull through. The sites have enough old forest growth to provide privacy for the family. If you camp near the river you cannot hear the road, even though you are only a skip away. I do not recommend camping in the sites near the road if you have kids/pets with you or if you are a light sleeper. The roads are paved which can be great for family cars or for little ones wanting to ride their bike or scooter around camp. The site that we stopped at would have been great for fishing trout or salmon. Don’t forget your fishing license!
You can reserve this site through Linn County Parks & Rec: 1-877-444-6777 - And like most sites in the Willamette National Forest dogs are allowed as long as they are on leashes and check out time is 1pm.
ScoutLocated off Hwy 22, past the fish hatchery, far enough that you can’t hear road noise. Less than 20 sites total, all first come first serve, $12 a night or $6 with interagency pass. Mostly full on a Friday night. Clean vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, trash, but no water. Nearby trail leads to Marion creek.
GuideWhat a beautiful view! Luscious meadow filled with wildlife and mosquitos. No joke, they were able to bite through 3 layers in swarms.
It was cloudy, 80° in the day, with very little wind and campsite #4 was bone dry. The soft ground was kind to the tent spikes and surrounding trees buffered the breeze, hence the mosquitos.
NOTE: come in from the North, not the first road from the south (Detroit). Impassible without off road vehicle (Subaru Crosstrek didn't cut it)
ScoutHave been to this place a couple of times and love it! There is a campground you can reserve sites at which are large and we'll spaced. You can also stay for free on the BLM land surrounding the lake. (If you do this please leave no trace!)
Hiking around the Clear Lake takes longer than in looks because of all the fingers so allow a couple of leisurely hours.
Its a hauntingly beautiful, chill place. A must visit for fans of mountain lakes!
Madras, Oregon, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Madras, OR is Deschutes River Campground — The Cove Palisades State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 24 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 71 tent camping locations near Madras, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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