Best Tent Camping near Powell Butte, OR
Searching for a tent campsite near Powell Butte? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Powell Butte with tent camping. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Oregon tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near Powell Butte, Oregon (71)
1. Smith Rock State Park Campground
36 Reviews•170 Photos•438 SavesTerrebonne, Oregon2021: 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
- Pets
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
$8 / night
2. Deschutes River Campground — The Cove Palisades State Park
24 Reviews•83 Photos•71 SavesCulver, Oregon- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
3. Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground
14 Reviews•46 Photos•470 SavesTerrebonne, Oregon- Pets
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
4. Palisades Campground
7 Reviews•39 Photos•90 SavesPrineville, OregonUnlike 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.
Know Before You Go:
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.
Point of Interest:
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.
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Toilets
5. Chimney Rock Campground
4 Reviews•11 Photos•139 SavesPrineville, OregonAlong the Chimney Rock segment of Central Oregon's Crooked Wild and Scenic River, Chimney Rock campground offers a relaxing woodland setting amongst Western Juniper trees and beneath massive Columbia River rock formations. Fly-fishing and hiking on the nearby Chimney Rock trail offer day-long recreational fun. Enjoy plenty of easy river access along the adjacent Crooked River Back Country Byway, State Highway 27.
Know Before You Go:
Chimney Rock Campground is open year-round and is equipped with 16 campsites and vault toilets. No reservations are accepted; site is first-come, first-served only. Water is available in the campground and an accessible fishing platform is located near the campground entrance. When recreating on public lands, practice Leave-No-Trace Principles. Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination.
Point of Interest:
Check out the campground's namesake butte located prominently above highway 27 opposite the campground. Access to the trailhead is across the highway at the Chimney Rock Trailhead. For a different view, visitors can ride the 18-mile Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway from Prineville to Big Bend Campground. Designated in 2018, this moderate route takes riders from picturesque farms to towering cliffs.ADA Access: Fishing platform and vault toilets are accessible.
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
6. Badlands Rock Camping
6 Reviews•6 Photos•70 SavesBend, Oregon- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
7. Jasper Point — Prineville Reservoir State Park
3 Reviews•11 Photos•50 SavesPrineville, Oregon- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
8. Post Pile Campground
2 Reviews•9 Photos•13 SavesPrineville, OregonWith views of nearby Chimney Rock, this campground offers year-round camping and Crooked River access along the Lower Crooked Back Country Byway. Campground facilities include seven campsites with excellent access to the Crooked Wild and Scenic River.
Know Before You Go:
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted. Potable water is available year-round at the nearby Chimney Rock Campground, 1.3 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.
Point of Interest:
The campground takes its name from nearby rock outcrops composed of basaltic lava. As these formations cooled, a multi-sided joint pattern formed which seemingly resulted in the appearance of a pile of posts stacked vertically. The geologic phenomena is known as columnar basalt. ADA Access: No accessible facilities.
- Tents
- Toilets
9. Harrington Loop Rd - Dispersed
4 Reviews•6 Photos•80 SavesCloverdale, OregonMany 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Dispersed
10. Dispersed Rock Quary
7 Reviews•17 Photos•173 SavesSunriver, Oregon- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Tent Reviews near Powell Butte, Oregon
1034 Reviews of 71 Powell Butte Campgrounds
- Grant B.
Traveler
Crane Prairie Campground
Tent camped overnight
My wife I have been trying to go camping once a week this summer and it's been awesome. This was one of our stops! We went to the tent camp sites, I believe we picked spot 14 and were first blown away by the view. You're right on the water and overlooking the entire lake. We set up camp and the only big bummer for us the whole trip was there wasn't really a spot that we could find to avoid the huge number of ants! They didn't really bother us and our stuff but they were everywhere.
Also I'm a huge fisherman so Crane Prairie was also picked for the fishing AND the camping. But this is a very large lake so unless you have a boat the shore fishing is a challenge. I was able to pull a few off the point we were camping at but it's just so sad seeing a whole lake you cant fish because you don't have a boat.
We still had a blast, the bathrooms were conveniently located close to the tent camping but not to close. The spots were plenty far apart that if we had had company or would have been no bother.
All in all we would love to come back but the lost of other camping spots is so long its gunna be a while.
Brittany S.Traveler
Tumalo State Park Campground
Mainly RVs
Showers, bathrooms, and running water are available. A tent site is $21/night with 1 car allowed. Additional cars are $7/night. There aren't any tent sites secluded from yurts and RVs, so you will be hearing generators run, though people did shut them off at 10. IMO, it's expensive for a tent site in a spot where you're surrounded by glampers.
- HHannah N.
Scout
Big Bend Campground
Amazing time
Great spot for tent camping, friendly people.
- Cecilia P.Scout
Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver
Not Bad
I know this is an RV resort, but tent camping wasn’t like I expected. If you are tent camping you are relegated to the “tent area” which is ok, near the bathrooms so that’s a plus, but also just an open area you share with all other tent campers. They do have some ok amenities, like the pool and activities, so that may make up for the lack of privacy for some. Everything is fairly clean, and well kept up. All together not a bad spot, but I think next time we will find a campground more friendly to tent campers.
- EErin S.
Guide
Redmond - Central Oregon KOA
Tent Sites On Gravel
Very uncomfortable night, tent sites were on gravel. However, very nice staff & clean facilities.
Charles W.Traveler
Little Crater Campground
Lakeside getaway
Beautiful lakeside camping. A light breeze during the day helps to moderate warm days. Quiet camping. This campground is best suited for RV's with fewer sites that work well for tent camping.
- Blaine B.
Legend
Elk Lake (Or) — Willamette National Forest
Childhood Favorite!
I have fond memories tent camping at Elk Lake as a kid. It’s where I learned to fish, swim, and love of hiking. It’s a great mountain lake with awesome views of the mountains. Highly recommend.
- Leili K.Guide
Skull Hollow Campground
Simple
This is a simple, wide open tent camping area and it's really close to Smith Rock. You can wake up early to see the sun on the rock formations and then hike to the climbs in approximately 20-30 minutes.
- PPam B.Traveler
Allen Springs Campground
Lovley!
Clean and quiet. Many sites along the beautiful Metolius River. A few incredible tent sites with lots of privacy. There’s no water, but campsites with water are nearby.
- MMike W.Scout
Ochoco Lake County Park
Better in Off Season
This is located just out of Prineville and can get a lot of local traffic in the summer months. It is a fairly nice CG, with bathrooms and hot water. CG is set up for RV or tent camping. Primary feature is access to the water.
- sspencerTraveler
Tumalo State Park Campground
Lovely
Me and my girlfriend stayed at a tent campsite amongst many other tent/RV campers and it was great. Fire pit a picnic table and a short walk to the bathrooms. I would stay here again.
- Kelsea B.Scout
Ochoco Forest Camp
Fantastic Campground
great campsites and frIendly host. $13 a night, tent sites were super dusty but not much of the dust came with us. The sites are visually stunning with all the Pondarosa’s (we’re not used to big trees) 10/10
- CChristianGuide
Smith Rock State Park Campground
So close to great hiking, very limited ameneties
This tent-only site is often overlooked because it does not really have any amenities. It is super cheap though, and gives the vibe of a backcountry experience while still having tent sites a short walking distance from your car. This is a perfect spot if you want to catch a stunning sunrise!
Laura M.Legend
Ikenick Sno-Park
Free Camping and Hiking
Right off Hwy 126 is this dirt parking lot where camping is allowed. There is access to multiple hikes from this point.
Over night parking without permit May - Oct ok, but inside a vehicle only, no tent camping allowed per sign in winter as snowplow drivers cannot see tents as well.
No toilets or trash in this area so pack in and pack out. No cell reception.
- BBob S.Traveler
Skull Hollow Campground
Nice open spaces,
We spent one night here in mid May 22. The sites are reasonably spaced considering how open the area is. Lots of tent sites. New out house. 2 bars of Verizon so an ok connection. Only about 15 a minute drive to Smith Rock State Park.
Charyl B.GuideThousand Trails Bend-Sunriver
It was expensive
It was just two of us in a tent. We were put in a open lot (like a field). No trees. The nearest bathroom wasn’t even enclosed, so it was like an large outhouse. I paid way too much. I just checked the website and it’s $46 for a tent site! Man, I am Cheap!
- AAllison D.Scout
Little Lava Lake
turned into family tradition
started camping at little lava lake when I was a kid with the family every summer and still do as an adult with my own family. place is absolutely gorgeous, there's hiking trails, fishing, and great people there's a lodge market at lava lake not to far away pet friendly and bathrooms tent camping or rv
- Travis H.Guide
Prineville Reservoir Campground — Prineville Reservoir State Park
Prineville Reservoir!
One of The nicest glamping trips I have had! the cabins were amazing and the tent sites looked great too. stay in the cabins on the hill above the lake! seriously! The past k even has a amphitheater and cabins with workshops for kids. Fishing at the lake too!
Kelda C.Guide
Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground
Great Option in the Area
There aren't a ton of free camping options near Redmond. This is a great option. Only 2-3 spots for vans/small RVs. The other spots are clearly for tent camping. Would definitely recommend for a few days. I will say the vault toilets are disgusting- so plan accordingly. The hike is a great combination of short and pretty :-)
GPS: 44.410140, -121.293505
- Chrissy T.Guide
East Lake Campground
East Lake Campground
This is one of the better campgrounds I’ve stayed in. It cost $18 per night for a tent site. The site we stayed in was next to the bathroom and wasn’t too close to other sites, but it would’ve been nice to have some more space between sites.
The bathroom had a flushing toilet and a sink with water. Toilet paper was stocked daily as well. Very well maintained and kept clean.
Tent site was decent sized. We had a large cabin tent. There was no problem finding a spot big enough to set it up. We were also able to find plenty of trees to hang up our hammock.
The site had a picnic table that was in excellent condition. The fire ring was about half full of ash, but nothing to complain about.
The only negative comment I have is that the camp host wasn’t able to give change for fees. However they were polite about waiting for us to leave to the nearest store to obtain change.
Clifford F.Traveler
Creekside Sisters City Park
Nice, shaded, city owned campground
Nice campground shaded by tall ponderosa pines. We stayed at a drive in non electric site. Tents are close to our neighbors. Ground cover is pine needles and dirt. Has decent WiFi and cell coverage. Showers are cleaned daily by to our surprise they are quarter operated. I missed this info in all publications. Very nice creek runs along one side of campground with walk up tent camping along the banks. Wildfire smoke was minimal while are were here.
- Hannah M.Guide
Tumalo State Park Campground
Quiet campground & nice facilities!
Nice campground with yurts, trails, an amphitheater, playground, and a nice, clean bathroom. It has outdoor sinks by the bathroom for doing dishes and plenty of tent sites. The day use area across the street has a nice little creek also! Sites aren’t very private but they’re nice and flat. Ada camping was all paved
- LLindy B.Traveler
Cascade Meadows RV Resort
Great campsite!
This is a really clean, pleasant site Can hear the train. Bathrooms are beautifuly updated an clean!! We rode in late and was not a problem welcomed us like family! Tent site was rustic and had a spigot near by! Plenty of sites for a group. Pet friendly. Grass at RV sites.
- CCynthia W.Guide
Palisades Campground
Fishing & Views!
This is my go-to spot for a quick weekend getaway. I’m lucky enough that this is only about an hour from home. Usually good fishing! Spacious pull through first come first serve sites. Good for mid-size RV’s, trailers & tent camping. You can generally find a spot if you arrive Thursday evening or before 3:00 on Friday. Right on the river with beautiful canyons surrounding you.
Troy M.Scout
Pelton Park Campground
Favorite Campground
I’ve camped here for many years, the campground is my absolute favorite. The friendly staff does an amazing job keeping the restrooms, showers and grounds clean. They offer Tent sites, Yurts, cabins, large RV spaces with full or partial hookups, boat rental, store, cafe, fish cleaning station, group shelter with electricity and electric cooking stoves.
Abby F.TravelerOchoco Lake County Park
Tiny site, beautiful lake
Tiny little campsite with spots right next to each other. 10 walk up tent sites, most are right along the water. Everyone is so close together you get to know your neighbors pretty well. Dogs must be on leashes at all times, walk up sites have porta potty style bathrooms but if you walk up to registration there’s hot showers and hookups available!
- ssunny B.Guide
Tumalo State Park Campground
Closest to Bend
Nice campground overall and amenities that include showers for guest, outside sinks at shower house for tent camping etc, small but newish playground, many FULL hook up sites for RVs (30amp only)… Day parking across the road from campground is river front to the Deschuttes River (very shallow) and was great for wadding in during warm months. Closest campground to Bend without being IN Bend Close to neighbors for all sites and they are all always full it seems…very convenient campground though!
Guide to Powell Butte
Discover the beauty of tent camping near Powell Butte, Oregon, where stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures await. With a variety of campgrounds offering unique amenities, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and enjoy nature.
Tips for tent camping near Powell Butte
- For a low-key experience, consider the Smith Rock State Park Campground, where you can set up your tent in a beautiful, dispersed camping area with free showers and flush toilets.
- If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground offers free camping with easy access to hiking trails and scenic views of the Deschutes River.
- Be prepared for a bit of a hike at the Castle Rock Campground, which requires a short trek to reach the campsite, rewarding you with stunning vistas and a peaceful atmosphere.
Tent campers should check out these nearby activities
- Enjoy world-class climbing and hiking at Smith Rock State Park Campground, just minutes away from your tent, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Experience the beauty of the Crooked River while fishing or kayaking near the Chimney Rock Campground, which sits right along the riverbank.
- Explore the scenic trails and unique rock formations at the Palisades Campground, where you can enjoy hiking and wildlife watching.
Unique features of campgrounds near Powell Butte
- The Deschutes River Campground — The Cove Palisades State Park is big-rig friendly and offers amenities like picnic tables and a market, making it a convenient choice for families.
- At the Harrington Loop Rd - Dispersed, you'll find a free camping experience with plenty of space for tents and a chance to enjoy the tranquility of nature.
- The Post Pile Campground provides a small, well-maintained site along the Crooked River, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat with basic amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Powell Butte, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Powell Butte, OR 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 Powell Butte, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 71 tent camping locations near Powell Butte, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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