Best Campgrounds near Redmond, OR
The Deschutes River Valley surrounding Redmond, Oregon contains a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas catering to various preferences. Within 30 minutes of town, campers can access Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground, a free dispersed camping area, or Deschute County Expo RV Park with full hookups and concrete pads. The camping landscape includes multiple accommodation types from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks, with several locations offering cabin rentals and glamping options. Notable camping clusters exist near Smith Rock State Park, along the Crooked River, and throughout the surrounding high desert terrain.
Road conditions and seasonal factors significantly impact camping experiences in the region. Many campgrounds remain open year-round due to the high desert climate, though winter brings colder temperatures and occasional snow. "We stayed here twice with a short gap between our 2 times. Comfortable park, very clean. Big rig friendly especially in the center areas without trees," noted one visitor about the Deschute County Expo RV Park. Travelers should plan for limited shade at many sites, as the high desert environment features sparse tree cover except in riverside locations. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better connectivity at established campgrounds closer to Redmond and Bend.
Camping near water receives particular attention in visitor reviews. The nearby Deschutes and Crooked Rivers provide popular access points, with several campgrounds positioned to take advantage of these waterways. Public lands surrounding Redmond contain numerous dispersed camping opportunities on Bureau of Land Management property, particularly east of town near Terrebonne. According to one camper, "There's a bunch of BLM land here... The sunsets were awesome. Only concern was a bit of trash and broken glass. Otherwise, it was a great spot to stay while visiting the Smith Rock Valley and Redmond area." Many sites serve as convenient base camps for exploring regional attractions including Smith Rock State Park, known for rock climbing, Steelhead Falls for hiking, and numerous mountain biking trails throughout the area.