Located in central Oregon's high desert at an elevation of 3,000 feet, Terrebonne experiences hot summer days and cool nights, with temperatures often dropping 30°F after sunset. The area sits near the convergence of three rivers—the Deschutes, Crooked, and Metolius—creating varied terrain for camping from canyon rims to riverside sites. Winter campers should prepare for below-freezing temperatures, while summer visitors often contend with dusty conditions at dispersed sites.
What to do
Hike Matt's Trail at Crooked River Ranch: Follow this relatively easy walking path along the canyon edge with access to dramatic viewpoints. "There's a nice walking trail (Matt's Trail) that takes you around the campground along the canyon edge. There's also a BLM trail (Crooked River Trail) you can access from the campground that takes you down to the water," notes a visitor to Crooked River Ranch.
Fish at Prineville Reservoir: The park offers excellent crappie fishing with dedicated cleaning stations for your catch. One camper reports, "They have the best fishing dock and cleaning station that I have yet to see. We had great luck catching many crappie here which made great fish tacos for our Camp dinner," making Prineville Reservoir State Park a productive spot for anglers.
Explore the Tam-A-Lau Trail: This 7-mile hiking path starts directly from camping areas and provides panoramic views of Lake Billy Chinook. According to one reviewer at The Cove Palisades State Park, "There is a great hike, the Tam-A-Lau trail, that goes right from the campsite" offering access to high desert landscapes without needing to drive.
What campers like
Dark sky stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the area offers exceptional night sky viewing. A camper at Ochoco Lake County Park notes it's "Perfect for stargazing in meteor shower" conditions, making it an ideal location for astronomy enthusiasts.
Proximity to town amenities: Many camping locations provide a balance between wilderness and convenience. "Only a 10 minute drive from Bend, Tumalo offers a sophisticated camping experience," explains one visitor to Tumalo State Park Campground, which provides easy access to urban conveniences without feeling urban.
Varied water recreation options: From calm paddling to motorized boating, the area offers diverse water experiences. "The lake was pretty when full" and "there's opportunity for hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and slower boating" according to Ochoco Lake visitors, with most water recreation sites offering beach access within a short walk of campsites.
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary by location: Some campgrounds prohibit wood fires entirely. At Crooked River Ranch, "no wood or charcoal fires. Only propane grills" are permitted, which is important knowledge for meal planning.
Shower facilities often require quarters: Bring coins for pay showers at several locations. A camper at Crooked River Ranch mentions, "You needed quarters to take a shower. I don't carry quarters and usually only use them for laundry but add the shower fee to that it was easily 6-8$ in quarters."
Seasonal closures affect availability: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Deschutes River Campground at The Cove Palisades State Park is "mid-May through mid-September" only, while other loops remain open longer, making off-season planning crucial.
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational programs: Some parks offer ranger-led activities specifically for children. A camper at Prineville Reservoir notes, "The educational programs are outstanding! The amenities are well cared for and the surroundings are incredible!"
Consider cabin or yurt glamping near Terrebonne: These provide comfort for families with young children. "We stayed in a yurt here and inside was a sign in book with a lot of fun adventures shared from other travelers. There's walk path across the street to the river and park which was fun to tube down in the summer heat," shares a visitor to Tumalo State Park.
Check for dedicated swimming areas: Some parks provide designated, safe swimming zones. At Prineville Reservoir, "There is a large grassy area, big roped off swimming hole" though "it can get blazing hot" and there are "a few stickers so wear river shoes for swimming."
Tips from RVers
Watch for sloped sites: Bring leveling blocks to compensate for uneven terrain. A reviewer cautions about Crooked River Ranch, "If you are bringing an RV or travel trailer, I recommend bringing blocks for your stabilizers as some of the sites have a decent slope to them."
Consider reservoir view sites: RV sites with canyon or lake views often require specific positioning. At Crooked River Ranch, "Loop D, 5-14 are actually pull throughs but the map does not show that. There was a fire road that runs behind these sites that makes them pull throughs and quite easy to get into."
Book well ahead for summer weekends: The most popular RV sites with hookups fill months in advance. One camper at Deschutes County Expo RV Park notes, "Everything around is full. There is a special exhibit nearby that people travel to. We felt fortunate to be able to find a spot."
