Powell Butte campers encounter high desert conditions with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F and nighttime lows dropping below 40°F even in summer months. The volcanic terrain creates unique camping challenges with rocky soil and limited natural shade. Winter camping isn't recommended as temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Hiking at Chimney Rock Trail: Located near the Chimney Rock Campground, this trail provides views of the Crooked River canyon. "It's a wonderful day trip or multi day campground. Right across from the hiking trail that leads up the canyon to Chimney Rock. It also sits right on the crooked river," notes Christopher C.
Fishing the Crooked River: Many campsites offer direct river access for anglers. "Right on the crooked river and near chimney rock trail. Perfect get away location for fishing," reports Ashley B. about Chimney Rock Campground. The river is known for rainbow trout and mountain whitefish populations.
Waterfall exploration: The Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground offers a short hike to a scenic waterfall. "Half mile easy hike to the waterfall but the trail keeps going another Half-ish mile for a slightly longer walk. Lots of fishermen and folks walking the trail in the morning," according to Anna P.
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: The area's minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing opportunities. "We stayed here for the meteor shower. One other family in the spot, one person came later, saw us, and went somewhere else," notes Timothy R. about Jasper Point Dispersed.
River sounds: Many campers appreciate sleeping near moving water. "It was so nice falling asleep with the sounds of some croaking frogs and the moving water," writes Kelsey G. about Chimney Rock Campground. Sites along the Crooked River provide this natural soundtrack.
Clean facilities: Some established campgrounds maintain high standards despite remote locations. At Smith Rock State Park Campground, "the bathrooms and showers were nice and clean (the showers were free too!), there's a dishwashing station, and a charging station, and it was pretty inexpensive," reports Makena B.
What you should know
Water access is limited: Bring adequate water supplies, especially to dispersed sites. "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," advises Aaron about Steelhead Falls.
Variable road conditions: Many dispersed sites require navigating rough roads. "The drive in was rocky, but we made it (very slowly). Bottomed out a few times," writes Timothy R. about Jasper Point Dispersed. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many locations.
Changing restrictions: Fire bans are common during summer months. "No campfires because of previous forest fires. Sleep, then get out and enjoy the hike or climbing," explains Michael Y. about Smith Rock State Park Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife near your campsite. "The coyotes woke me up sometime in the night when they were very close to my vehicle and howling," reports Liesje B. about Badlands Rock Camping.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with shade: The high desert sun can be intense. "Things to consider bringing for comfort: Shade. A canopy or whatever is reasonable for your group," recommends Aaron about Steelhead Falls.
Look for shallow water play areas: Some river spots work well for supervised children. "The river is flowing and shallow with rocky shores; great for Fly fishing, kayaking, or floating," notes Bess N. about Palisades Campground.
Arrive early for best sites: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. "These campgrounds were full of trailer campers, most who were there for multiple days. Rocky Canyon, and the Crooked River below Prineville Reservoir and the Bowman Dam is very popular being about an hour from Bend. Because of that camp sites are hard to come by," advises Leland about Post Pile Campground.
Consider weather variability: Be prepared for rapid weather changes. "We suddenly had lightning all around us, followed by the sky dumping rain the next morning for hours practically creating a river. Then as soon as it was done it dried up basically like nothing happened," explains kathaleen about Jasper Point.
Tips from RVers
Campsite size limitations: Many sites have specific size restrictions. "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)," notes Mark W. about Steelhead Falls.
Limited number of suitable sites: "There are only 2 spots and the end loop where a trailer will fit, have a backup plan if you have a trailer just in case they are taken," continues Mark W. about Steelhead Falls, highlighting the importance of arrival timing.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste disposal. "Best bet for dumping and getting fresh water is the Crook County RV park, just 15 minutes north on the road in Prineville. Very nice setup, dump $10, fresh water fill $5 (or free with dump)," advises Bill T. regarding options near Palisades Campground.
