The best camping near Smith Rock

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Smith Rock adventure.

Discover Smith Rock's majestic canyons and thrilling climbs.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Smith Rock

Top-rated campgrounds near Smith Rock

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Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

1 site · RV, Tent320 acres · Mitchell, OR

This 320 acre plot of land on which you can hike anywhere has been in our family since 1993. Large, graveled spot for tents or two vehicles with excellent view for miles and miles and night star gazing. Primitive outhouse. Juniper forest with sage brush... basically high desert vegetation. We only allow one reservation per night, although there is lodging (reserved) at the log home almost out of sight up above you. You can arrange vehicles or tents to not be in view or block any view from house way above. 320 acres to hike and roam. Mitchell is 10 miles away with well stocked grocery and feed store, restaurants, small brewery, and tire shop. We give directions fairly quickly. Road is wide, but steep at top. 4 wheel drive is recommended. Very close to the Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National monument, Ochoco National Forest is seven miles. John Day River for swimming, rafting about 20 minutes. If you can book, it means you can drive on up with out contacting us. As you drive in if at night, you will see a light on the outhouse.

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(899)

Experience Heaven

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents157 acres · La Pine, OR

8 campsites and 2 original Mongolian Gers. The season for the camp sites is from June 1st to October 15 and the Gers are all 12 months. The Hipcamp is on the South Shore of East Lake Pets allowed, toilets on site, campfires permitted when burn ban is not in place. This being the 5th year, things are excellent and I certainly don't have any issues to deal with. If you aren't capable of practicing the 5 P's, then you need to book somewhere else. Proper Preperation Prevents Poor Performance. If you can't get here and have your camp set up by 8:00PM, showing respect to the other Hipcampers that are already set up and enjoying the PEACE AND QUIET, then you need to book somewhere else or don't come until the following morning. No driving down to the campsites/the lake after 8::00PM. Period. Communicate with me. If you leave Portland at 5:00 PM with the intention of spending the night in Heaven then you need to alter your plans. No more than 4 adults at each campsite. I am not to the point yet of saying no big dogs. Talk to me if you think your "big dog" might not fit in. It is a given they willl need to be on a tethered throughout your time in Heaven. Take them for walks along the lake, not having them run thru everyone elses camp sites. No Yappers, no barking dogs, no yippers, no pain in the butts. Why would you drive by 46 grocery stores and forget to bring ice? No loud music. I have changed quiet time to 9:00 PM. You need to listen to the chaos/stressful music I suggest you start a band or become a DJ. What I want folks to get out of being here, whether they are camping or staying in the Gers is just to “take a break”. Relax, appreciate, assess and just listen. I hope what you hear is the sound of life and of course all the Angels that make up this special piece of Heaven. The chipmunks, the squirrels, all the different birds, the eagles, the osprey, the fish jumping, the deer roaming, the timber martins running thru the trees, the snowshoe rabbits and the occasional black bear. Then there is the silence. The best part of “Heaven”. So, while you are here, take a deep breath, close your eyes at the appropriate moment and ask yourself, am I on the right path? Is what I am doing fulfilling me? Am I showing my family and friends how much I love them? Do I really need all that crap I got? Where do I go from here? My intention was for each one you to not just go camping, or to stay in a Mongolian Ger but to have an “Experience” that just might lead you to a more fulfilling and happier life.

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Harmony Farm Sanctuary

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Bend, OR

Absolutely breathtaking mountain views from the tiny house and all over the property. Located on an active farm sanctuary. You will wake up to the sights, sounds and smells of our rescued farm animal friends. Learn more about this land: Tiny house with stunning mountain views located on a farm animal sanctuary, Harmony Farm Sanctuary. You will wake up in the morning to the sound of roosters crowing and our crew of friendly animal residents. It can be noisy at times but we find it delightful! The tiny house has huge, direct views of the Three Sisters mountains and Broken Top and plenty of outdoor sitting space to enjoy it and a little propane fire pit to enjoy the sunsets. The tiny house offers an amazing "glamping" experience and a unique opportunity to learn more about what we do at our animal sanctuary and even take a tour! The Space: Our hand made tiny house offers a double sized mattress (bedding included) in the upstairs area (access via an attached ladder!). Room for an additional person across from double bed also in upstairs area or put provided mat on the floor. Please note: the space is small for 3 people. The Kitchen: Tiny house kitchen area has a small refrigerator, small counter space for meal prep, a tea kettle for hot water, water jug for fresh water, french press coffee pot and coffee/tea, hot plate for cooking, popcorn maker and popcorn, pots and pans, silverware, napkins, bottle openers, etc. We now have a new small outdoor kitchen with a two burner propane stove! The Facilities: The tiny house offers a composting toilet for night time pee pee needs and offers a port-a-potty for all other uses please! If you want to know a secret river dipping spot or where to go to find showers please let me know! The Location: Aside from the farm sanctuary we are conveniently located between beautiful Bend, Oregon and Sisters, Oregon. We have hiking and biking trails within .3 of a mile! We also have books to recommend 100's of other hiking, biking, nordic skiing and alpine skiing nearby! And, since we are outdoor enthusiasts ourselves, we are happy to recommend places to ski, hike, mountain bike, float or paddle!

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Whispering Pines RV Retreat

1 site · RV1 acre · Bend, OR

Experience the Best of Bend at Whispering Pines RV! Nestled among towering ponderosa pines, this peaceful RV spot offers a serene retreat just 10 minutes from downtown Bend and the lively amphitheater. Positioned at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this location provides an ideal balance between tranquility and adventure. Whether you're hitting the slopes at Mt. Bachelor, a quick 30-minute drive away, or tackling the renowned rock climbing routes and scenic hiking trails at Smith Rock, just 40 minutes from your base, you'll find this spot perfectly positioned for all your outdoor pursuits. For mountain bikers, the famous Phil's Trails and other nearby mountain paths are just 20 minutes away. During the summer, enjoy floating the river, catching a concert, or exploring caves, all within a short distance. This spot is designed for those who want to enjoy all that Bend has to offer without the high cost, providing a comfortable and affordable place to rest and recharge after a day of adventure. Come discover the beauty of Bend from your peaceful retreat among the pines.

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The Camp Campground

28 sites · RVs13 acres · Bend, OR

Welcome to The Camp, Bend's premier RV park where adventure meets comfort in the heart of Oregon. Situated less than a mile from downtown Bend and just off Highway 97, we offer fully renovated sites with stunning mountain views, modern amenities, and easy access to the city's top attractions. Join us for a unique camp-cation experience that promises relaxation and adventure for the whole family, pets included. At The Camp, we cater to all adventurers with a variety of back-in RV sites tailored for everything from vans to larger RVs, offering dimensions to suit every need. Each site boasts full hookups, gravel pads with concrete and artificial grass lounging areas, and access to top-tier amenities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay amidst Bend's natural beauty. The Camp offers an array of amenities to enhance your experience, including a spacious community area with a fire pit and BBQ grills, clean restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. We prioritize your comfort with WiFi access, family-friendly spaces, and a dedicated onsite dog area, ensuring a welcoming environment for all our guests. Bend, Oregon, uniquely merges urban appeal with the thrill of the outdoors, boasting a vibrant mix of cultural sites, like the Deschutes Historical Museum, and top-notch dining, including the acclaimed Ariana Restaurant. Adventurers can scale Smith Rock, kayak the Deschutes River, or explore the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, offering endless exploration opportunities. The culinary scene is equally diverse, from the innovative dishes of Ariana Restaurant to the craft brews of Deschutes Brewery, highlighting Bend's dedication to quality, creativity, and local tastes, appealing to both food lovers and casual diners.

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B:30 Desert Destination

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Prineville, OR

Enjoy Cascade Mountain views during the day and unlimited stargazing at night. Camping is situated on 10 acres and just 10 minutes from the Crooked River, Prineville Reservoir and Millican Valley OHV Trail System . A 15 minute drive will take you to a very scenic hike at Chimney Rock Trail. Bend and Prineville are both a 30 minute drive away. The group tent site has two separate-12' x 14' flat gravel pads and will accommodate tents of all reasonable sizes. Also includes an outdoor shower/compostable toilet, BBQ with picnic area, and propane fire pit. The other two separate tent sites are roughly 20'x20' flat gravel pads and will accomodate 2 individual tents if needed. Also includes shared compostable toilet and individual propane fire pit. Wood fire bans are in effect year round. We do provide propane fire pits at each site as an alternative. Propane tanks are also included. Group site outdoor shower available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

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Picnik Place

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Bend, OR

Hi and welcome to Picnik Place! This is a 20 acre farm, so there is plenty of land to roam free and explore, as well as having your privacy from the primary residents. With this spot, you are nestled under a juniper tree with a lava rock backdrop and can watch the sun dip below the volcanos in the distance. This spot is very simple and tucked away. There is an off-grid solar power hook-up that you can use, but it will not be enough power to run the AC and toaster oven at the same time! While feeling remote and removed from the Bend tourism, it only takes 15 minutes to get downtown, where there are ample restaurants, shops, coffehouses, etc. It takes 7 minutes to get to Trader Joe's and Home Depot, and 10 minutes to get to St. Charles Hospital.

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STEEP DREAMS

2 sites · Lodging17 acres · Sisters, OR

RELAX!!.... Or hike, or bike, or swim or simply recharge your batteries! Stay the night in our tipi or cabin while taking in the peaceful views of mountains and the treetops. Camps are located on the top of a canyon where you can see for days on this one of a kind central Oregon property. Camps are located next to county and BLM land if you want to hike, bike or take a dip in the pond. 20 minutes to Bend, 15 minutes to Redmond and only 10 minutes to Downtown Sisters.

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Cray Cray Farm

1 site · RV7 acres · Bend, OR

Our farm is a 7 acre farm just outside city limits in Bend, Oregon. We raise chickens and goats year round, with other animals during the summer. We have a canal on three sides of our property, so you can hear running water as if you were camping on the river. There is a beautiful view of the mountains from your spot and you are less than 15 minutes away from Downtown Bend. There are so many amazing things to do in Central Oregon that are less an hour away including hiking, mountain biking, floating the river, and much more.

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Ponderosa Pine Sanctuary

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Deschutes River Woods, OR

1 acre shaded by 30 mature ponderosa pine trees. This is a magical, rustic property on a paved road that is incredibly quiet. See the deer and birds go by on their migratory path. Hang out on the hammock and hydrate with the tastiest artesian well water you'll ever drink.

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Cabin on the Rim

1 site · Lodging110 acres · Culver, OR

Cabin on the Rim is a beautiful and quiet off the grid getaway. A studio cabin overlooking the Crooked River Canyon. It is nestled into the cliff side on the back end of a 110 acre working horse ranch. Enjoy gorgeous sunrises peaking over the canyon walls and beautiful sunsets tucking themselves in behind the cascade mountains.

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Big Rock Ranch

2 sites · Lodging30 acres · Terrebonne, OR

Nathaniel and Raina Potter purchased this 30-acre ranch in 2016 and aptly named it "Big Rock Ranch." The modest ranch layout with the wildly immodest views of a giant rock outcropping jutting out of coyote butte was the immediate draw and continual wonder to Nathaniel, Raina, and all who visit. Big Rock Ranch runs cattle in the irrigated pastures and chickens for meat and eggs. Stay at Big Rock Ranch...Stay in a 12x14 ft canvas tent on a working regenerative family farm in the high desert. Enjoy views of a 300+ ft Tuff rock formation, Cascade Mountains, and irrigated pasture views all from the tent. Cook your own meals in the outdoor kitchen, outfitted with propane burners and a sink. Eat meals from the tent deck or the picnic table under native junipers surrounded by sagebrush, bitterbrush, and native grasses and tuff boulders. Collect farm fresh eggs and greens seasonally with the opportunity to enjoy meat raised at the ranch. One queen bed in a canvas tent, one folding cot, and access to a 2-person tent if needed to accommodate a family or two couples. Bedding is NOT supplied beyond the queen bed. Recreation Activities: Limited hiking available onsite but only 8 minutes from Smith Rock State Park for hiking and climbing. Only 25 minutes from Lake Billy Chinook for water recreating. Just 15 minutes from mountain biking at Skull Hollow. A 10-minute drive to swimming in the Deschutes River at Borden Beck Wildlife Preserve. Bend and Sisters are both 30-minutes away. Night rates are offerings to our family and ranch.

The best camping near Smith Rock guide

Overview

About

The iconic Smith Rock towers above the Crooked River in central Oregon's High Desert. With hundreds of options for both hiking and climbing trails this geological masterpiece is the centerpiece of a region that is world-famous for its camping and outdoor recreation. You don't have to be a proffessional climber to enjoy your time in Smith Rock National Park. Miles of trails perfect for hiking and backpacking wind their way into the mountains from the scenic Crooked River. Cool off along the rivers edge or take to the water to enjoy the crisp waters flowing through the Oregonion High Desert.

Notable campgrounds

Walk-in bivouac area for tents offers an authentic outdoor experience with no reservations required.
USFS Skull Hollow Campground, located 9 miles from the park, accommodates RVs and vehicle camping.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Arrive early during peak season to secure a spot in the first-come, first-served bivouac area.
For RV camping, plan a stay at nearby USFS Skull Hollow Campground, especially during busy months.
Keep an eye on weather conditions to ensure the bivouac area is open during your visit.
Explore nearby camping options for additional accommodations outside the park's boundaries.

When to go

The best time to visit Smith Rock is from March 15 to November 15, when the park's bivouac camping is open and the weather is favorable. Summer offers prime climbing conditions, but be mindful of the heat. Winter visits can be serene, though some areas may be closed for wildlife protection.

Know before you go

Check for seasonal climbing route closures to protect nesting birds of prey before your visit.
Day-use parking permits are required; purchase a 1-day permit on-site or consider an annual pass.
Adhere to park rules, including the animal leash law and staying on designated trails to protect the fragile environment.
Be prepared for a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, as fires and trash disposal are limited within the park.
For any commercial filming or photography, contact the park manager in advance to inquire about necessary permits.