Redmond's high desert climate sits at 3,077 feet elevation, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Summer temperatures reach 85-90°F with cool nights dropping to 40-50°F, while spring and fall bring more moderate temperatures with occasional frost. Most camping options near Redmond, OR are located along river corridors or within 30 minutes of town, providing access to both water activities and desert terrain.
What to do
Hiking at Smith Rock: Just 10 miles north of Redmond at Smith Rock State Park Campground, trails range from easy riverside paths to challenging climbs. "The hiking is fantastic and the climbing is world-renown," notes Kristin G. The park includes a walk-in bivouac area for tents with hot showers.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple areas for casting lines exist in the region. At Deschutes River Campground in The Cove Palisades, "Lake Billy Chinook is simply stunning, and there is a great hike, the Tam-A-Lau trail, that goes right from the campsite," according to one camper. The lake offers brown trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee fishing.
Waterfall exploration: A half-mile easy hike leads to Steelhead Falls from the Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground. One visitor reports, "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." The free BLM campground provides basic amenities with vault toilets.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The high desert's clear air and minimal light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions. At Steelhead Falls, campers enjoy "flat sites far enough away from each other for privacy even though the terrain is pretty open... had great view of the night sky."
Access to urban amenities: Camping near Redmond provides proximity to towns for supplies and entertainment. At Tumalo State Park Campground, one camper appreciated being "close to Costco, Trader Joe's, etc for shopping. Enjoyed the Deschutes Brewery tour and High Desert Museum!" The park offers full hookups, showers, and riverside access.
Variety of water activities: Lakes and rivers provide cooling recreation during hot summer months. At Crooked River Campground, visitors can enjoy "Lake Billy Chinook which lies at the confluence of the Crooked, Deschutes, and Metolius rivers." One camper notes it's "a great spot for watercraft. Was semi crowded in July. Has a shallow swimming area surrounded by wood docks to protect swimmers from the wake."
What you should know
Limited shade at most sites: The high desert environment means sparse tree cover except at specific campgrounds. At Skull Hollow Campground, one camper mentioned, "Gorgeous campground. Very little shade, I'd imagine it's miserably hot in the summer."
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Wildfire risk often leads to fire bans during summer months. At Smith Rock State Park, "No campfires because of previous forest fires. Sleep, then get out and enjoy the hike or climbing," notes Michael Y. Always check current restrictions before arrival.
Water access points limited: Not all campgrounds have water access despite proximity to rivers. At Steelhead Falls, "Even if you walk to the river it's about a 100ft drop down to it," according to one review. Similarly, some riverside sites may require steep descents to reach water.
Reservation requirements vary: Many established campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. Tumalo State Park requires booking through ReserveAmerica.com, while sites like Steelhead Falls operate on first-come, first-served basis. As one visitor noted, "We were there mid week and didn't have trouble getting a spot, but it sounds like it's busier on the weekends."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. Crooked River Campground at The Cove Palisades "is a great spot for families. Plenty of room to play outdoor games and it has a neat outdoor amphitheater," according to Jill T.
Swimming spots with safety features: Designated swimming areas provide safer water play options. At Crooked River Campground, there's "a shallow swimming area surrounded by wood docks to protect swimmers from the wake."
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs enhance children's camping experience. One camper at Crooked River mentioned, "Very good ranger program, and a nice outdoor amphitheater." These programs typically occur during summer months and include wildlife presentations.
Activity options beyond hiking: Campgrounds like Redmond/Central Oregon KOA provide additional entertainment. "They have a pool (which was always crowded), and they also have a place where you can rent bikes and petal-kart rentals. My family and I did this one morning and had an absolute blast," writes Julie P.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pad availability: For level parking and stability, several campgrounds offer paved sites. At Deschute County Expo RV Park, "Each single site is $15 for one vehicle or RV, and $7 for an additional vehicle. Cash/check only." One RVer noted, "With over a hundred concrete spaces, each with a grill, picnic table, water, sewer, and electric. But there's more! Fantastic showers, laundry and friendly staff."
Big rig accessibility: Many campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. At Tumalo State Park, one camper advised, "Must book on ReserveAmerica.com. Drove around to select potential sites then confirmed open and booked online. Well paved streets and campsites."
Dump station locations: Not all parks have onsite dump stations. A camper at Tumalo State Park noted, "If have tent site, nearest dump station is CampingWorld... only a few miles away at north side of Bend. Dump station list provided at entry gate is outdated."
Power options: Hookup types vary by campground. At Skull Hollow, there are no hookups available, while Tumalo State Park offers electric service but limited full-hookup sites. For complete services, Deschute County Expo RV Park provides "Industrial strength camp ground. Asphalt and gravel. Few trees and some of those are dead."
