Within Crooked River National Grassland, Skull Hollow Campground provides a high desert base camp for exploring central Oregon's rock formations and trail networks. This US Forest Service facility sits at approximately 3,000 feet elevation, featuring 70 large, flat sites spread across gravel surfaces with minimal privacy barriers between neighbors.
The campground operates as a dry camping area with no water or electrical hookups. Three non-gendered pit toilets serve the facility, along with dumpsters and recycling bins for cans and bottles. Most sites accommodate large RVs, with several pull-through options and double sites available for $30 per night. Single sites cost $15, with an additional $7 fee for extra vehicles. Payment accepts cash or check only.
Hikers and equestrian riders access multiple trail systems directly from the campground. Skull Hollow Dispersed extends beyond the main facility for those preferring more isolated sites. The location provides quick access to Smith Rock State Park, roughly 11 minutes by vehicle. Several sites near the entrance and sites 26 and 47 offer limited shade from juniper trees, while most remain fully exposed to sun and wind.
Weekday visitors encounter industrial truck traffic from a commercial aggregate operation across the road. "There is a commercial aggregate operation across the road and they run big trucks between sites non-stop (every 5 minutes) 24 hours starting Monday morning," reports Adam D.. Weekend stays typically remain quieter, with cattle from nearby ranches providing morning sounds during feeding times.
Cell reception works well for major carriers, though the exposed location can create challenging conditions during summer heat. Campers seeking additional options can explore places to camp near Terrebonne for alternative accommodations in the region.
Description
As of10/5/2020 *** There is a Closure Order prohibiting dispersed camping outside of the Skull Hollow campground. View a map of the closure area here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd507382.pdf.
This closure is designed to help protect natural resources around the trailhead from overuse and to prevent conflict between campers and day users. Please observe the closure order and use the campground for camping in the vicinity of Skull Hollow trailhead. AMENITIES: NO DRINKING WATER 28 standard campsites No hook-ups or dumping facilities 1 wooden picnic table and 1 combination fire ring/grill per campsite 2 vault outhouses for the campground 1 informational signboard On-site campground host NEARBY ACTIVITIES: Horseback Riding Hiking Mountain Biking Rock climbing (Smith Rock State Park) Hunting
Fee Info
Per night, per site fee: $10 for individual sites and $20 for double size sites. A single site allows 1 vehicle and 6 people. A double site allows 2 vehicles and 12 people. Any other vehicles more than 2 on a double site or more than 1 on a single site are subject to a $5 extra vehicle fee. One trailer or boat in tow is allowed as part of the first vehicle. Double sites normally have 2 tables in them.
Reservation Info
This is a First Come, First Served facility managed through as third party concessionaire under permit. The popularity of Skull Hollow is largely dependent on weather. If you are unable to secure a space at the campground, there are other options available such as free dispersed camping in the area and camping at Smith Rock State Park, Bureau of Reclamation campgrounds at Haystack Reservoir and private campgrounds.
Closed For the Season
This campground is closed for the season from December 1, 2025 through June 4, 2026.
Closed For the Season
This campground is closed for the season from December 1, 2025 through June 4, 2026.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSkull Hollow Campground is located in Oregon near Terrebonne
Directions
In Terrebonne, OR, at Smith Rock State Park sign and intersection of US Rt. 97 and B Avenue, take B Avenue east 4.7 miles to a "T" intersection (no street name). Turn left and go 4.2 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign onto Forest Rt. 5710 (gravel) and go 0.1 miles to campground on left.
Coordinates
44.3972418 N
121.06298418 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 5/17/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/17/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/17/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 5/17/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/17/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/17/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- WiFi
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 32 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 30 min from Albany, OR
- 2 hrs 33 min from Eugene, OR
- 2 hrs 53 min from Salem, OR































