Best Dispersed Camping near Redmond, OR
The high desert landscape surrounding Redmond, Oregon features extensive dispersed camping opportunities on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Deschutes National Forest. Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground, located along the Deschutes River, provides free camping with basic vault toilets and access to hiking trails leading to scenic waterfalls. Nearby Terrebonne East and West Camp dispersed areas offer more primitive options with established pullouts along dirt roads. The Oregon Badlands Dispersed camping area southeast of Redmond provides open desert terrain with juniper trees and rock formations, while Skull Hollow Dispersed camping offers proximity to Smith Rock State Park for climbers and hikers.
Most dispersed sites require self-sufficiency as amenities are minimal or nonexistent. Dirt access roads vary significantly in quality, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles while others accommodate standard passenger cars. As one camper noted, "Dirt roads are not too hard to drive but during the dry months it is extremely dusty." Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F during daytime hours but cool significantly at night, making shade structures essential for comfort. Cell service is surprisingly reliable at many sites, with multiple campers reporting usable signals from major carriers. Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall, with complete bans implemented during peak wildfire season.
Campers consistently praise the stargazing opportunities and scenic desert landscapes. "Hot and dry, as to be expected in the high desert. The scent of Mock orange hung heavy in the evenings air," reported one visitor to Steelhead Falls. Wildlife sightings include sagebrush lizards, field mice, and seasonal monarch butterflies. Several reviewers mention issues with accumulated trash at popular sites, suggesting visitors should be prepared to pack out more than they bring in. The 14-day stay limit on BLM lands is actively enforced, with rangers occasionally checking sites. Proximity to attractions like Smith Rock State Park, the Deschutes River, and the Cascade Mountains makes these dispersed sites popular despite their primitive nature.
