Tent campsites near Redmond, Oregon range from primitive dispersed sites to developed campgrounds with unusual amenities. Located in the high desert of Central Oregon at approximately 3,000 feet elevation, the area experiences dramatic temperature shifts between day and night throughout the camping season. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F during the day but can drop to 40°F at night, requiring campers to pack accordingly.
What to do
Hiking at Steelhead Falls: Access a short but rewarding trail from Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground. "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," notes Anna P.
Fishing for dinner: Cast your line at Palisades Campground along the Crooked River. "Sites are well spaced, many with excellent access and views of the river a few feet away. Beautiful, dramatic scenery that changes with the angle of the sun," reports David.
Stargazing without light pollution: Find ideal dark sky viewing at Jasper Point Dispersed. "This spot is great for watching a meteor shower, gets a little windy and not too much shade during the day," according to Daniel W. The elevated position provides unobstructed celestial views.
What campers like
Free camping options: Dispersed camping areas around Redmond provide no-cost alternatives. "All sites appear well taken care of and clean. There are fire rings at some sites. Plenty of room for a larger 5th wheel as well," Jordan P. mentions about Harrington Loop Rd - Dispersed.
Wildlife encounters: Prineville Reservoir sites offer unexpected animal sightings. "We started late at night and ended up choosing this spot to spend the night. The next morning we found ourselves eye to eye with some rather large friends grazing," reports kathaleen at Jasper Point Dispersed.
Waterfront campsites: Several campgrounds offer direct river access. "We camped in tents in spot #1, and we loved it! There is so much evidence of Beavers! We saw a marten and waterfowl. The river is flowing and shallow with rocky shores; great for Fly fishing, kayaking, or floating," says Bess N. about Palisades Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal weather conditions: Summer brings thunderstorms to high desert camping areas. "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. Be prepared for all weather," advises kathaleen at Jasper Point.
No-reservation camping: Many tent camping areas operate on first-come availability. "The campground was basic and perfect and close to everything you want to do," reports Daniel S. about Smith Rock State Park Campground.
Vehicle access limitations: High-clearance vehicles are required for some dispersed sites. "The drive in, we had to open and close the fence. We are in a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. Drive in was rocky, but we made it (very slowly). Bottomed out a few times," reports Timothy R. about Jasper Point Dispersed camping.
Tips for camping with families
Bathrooms and facilities: Look for campgrounds with clean facilities. "The bathrooms are unbelievably clean and you can take a shower for $2. Alongside the outer wall of the bathrooms, there's a giant sink and dish washing area," notes Megan W. about Smith Rock State Park Campground.
Short hiking options: Multiple campgrounds offer kid-friendly trails. "This little loop is very beautiful and worth a quick stop to walk the 1 1/4 mile loop. There's a view point at about half way with a great view of the wetlands," notes Christopher C. about Rimrock Springs Trailhead.
Safety concerns: Be aware of natural hazards, especially when camping near water. "Four stars because there was a lot of glass, dog poo, and random debris to be cleaned up (shotgun shells, airsoft ammo, golf balls), and we kept finding glass," warns Bess N. about riverfront camping at Palisades.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all dispersed areas accommodate bigger rigs. "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). There are only 2 spots and the end loop where a trailer will fit," advises Mark W. about Steelhead Falls.
Campground utilities: Water access varies significantly between sites. "The only potable water is at the most southern campground, Big Bend campground, the first below the dam. During our visit, only the hand pump had water. You cannot use this to fill your RV, unless you have a bucket and like pumping for an hour," mentions Bill T. about Chimney Rock Campground.
Alternative parking options: Some camping areas offer overflow spaces. "It's a highway gravel area with plenty of places to pull up and park for any size rig. There are a few others here as well. Super quiet, little road noise but not somewhere for us to stay over one night," notes Missie M. about dispersed camping options.
