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Smith Rock

The best camping near Smith Rock, OR

100% (1)

Discover Smith Rock's majestic canyons and thrilling climbs.

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Stories from the community

Barb

2 weeks ago

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Trout Pines Camping

The perfect quiet and peaceful place to spend the night! I love to visit Sisters and Ben and will be back for sure!

Thomas

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Antelope Basecamp

This is a great way to see the stars and a slice of history in Oregon. Would recommend for sure

Atarangi

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sage Ridge

Sage Ridge is beautiful with well maintained sites and a great community area. Sandy and Tim are so friendly. I loved this spot and would definitely return. It is easy to get to, and offers some privacy.

Tiffany

3 weeks ago

1 night at Antelope Basecamp

The hosts we great communicators. The unit was as advertised. The firewood on site was a great deal for a great cause. Bathrooms were clean and well lit. Loved it!

Keely

3 weeks ago

With pets

2 nights at Cabin on the Rim

Awesome off grid tiny house with unbeatable views. I really don't want to leave a positive review, as I'd love to keep this place a secret, but must be honest...this place is really special! Pure relaxation, comfy bed, cozy woodstove and yes, unbelievable view. 10 our of 10

Shaila

3 weeks ago

1 night at Lava Rock Experience!

Beautiful spot and so quiet! The stars were incredible, the tiny house and bathroom were clean and tastefully decorated, cozy, and thoughtfully stocked with every convenience. The mattress was very comfortable! My favorite thing by far were the friendly kittens and other pets. We enjoyed a peaceful night's sleep under the pines and loved to hear the wild birds in the morning. The lava rock is beautiful. Hosts were kind and attentive. We are so grateful for their hospitality!

Jesica

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Antelope Basecamp

We arrived at night, here are my lessons learned: 1. The city block the campground is on it right on the "main drag," in the middle-ish of town. Just drive slow, and look to each side till you see the A-frames. 2. The only time we used our flashlight was to shine it on the door numbers when we arrived. Other than that, the campground is magically lit by red lights (to avoid starlight interruption) and glowy rocks embedded in the paths. Plus moon/stars. 3. If the stars are out, GO THEN! We decided to rest first and by the time we came out later there was cloud cover. (Still lovely.) 4. The heater actually keeps the A-frame warm! It was down to the 30s at night during our stay, and we did not need to bring "back-up" blankets. 5. Bathrooms are also heated, and have private flush toilets and private showers. Yes, you have to walk to them, but it is a very short and easy walk. Lovely and peaceful - will be back!

Dana

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Antelope Basecamp

We were looking for a quiet, peaceful and unique experience and Antelope Basecamp (ABC) delivered. Brandie was there to greet us and if she hadn't been it would've been fine as she was very communicative, and the information she and Larry sent to us was accurate and very helful. ABC is located in the rural outpost of Antelope, OR. It is close to Shaniko, John Day Fossil Beds/National Monument, including the Painted Hills, and Mitchell where there is good beer and great food. The centrally located firepit and gathering area at ABC is splendid and big enough to get a rip-roaring fire going to warm you to your bones. Though we had times of unusual clouds and rain this wkend, it is typically very clear and sunny in this part of the state. The A-frame cabin that we stayed in had two twin beds with cozy linens and ample heat from the in-wall heater. There was also a mini-frig, coffee maker, and snacks provided. Bottled water and sports drinks for a couple bucks. A separate building had showers on one side and bathrooms on the other - all very clean. This is a work in progress and Brandie and Larry have great vision and some really nice plans to provide refuge whether you are out exploring on your road or mountain bike, motorcycle, or interested in getting away from it all and stay at ABC while you take day trips. There is rich history in this region, and rich landscape, and many simple pleasures - wildlife, geologic wonders, beautiful waterways, and starry, starry nights

Becky

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Calico Princess

Fantastic host, great property, and a cat that I can pretend is my new best friend. 10/10 Brett was great! Made sure we had everything we needed, and we felt like we had plenty of privacy.

Seann

October 2025

3 nights at Antelope Basecamp

I had a great time hunkering down waiting out the weather while cycling through. The cabins are small and cozy, and the bathrooms are clean. Brandie was very welcoming and I had no issues, a very pleasant stay.

ANGELA

October 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at Calico Princess

Brett was great! Beautiful, clean property and lovely farm animals. We will definitely be back here! Thanks Brett!

Janet

October 2025

2 nights at Antelope Basecamp

October 2025 We went to the Antelope basecamp to stargaze and we saw Comets! It is a dark sky area AND there are heated cabins. In October it is cold at night. We liked so many details minimizing light pollution - like red lights outside at night, and fluorescent bits of glass in the walkways so you can see at night. The campfire is a nice area where we talked to other travelers. The bathrooms were very clean and warm. We loved the visit and will come again. Looking forward to next year to see the planned improvements.

Blue

October 2025

1 night at Antelope Basecamp

A frame house was so warm and cozy getting into the colder months. Everyone was so friendly. The bathrooms were nice and clean. Was the perfect getaway :)

Scott

October 2025

1 night at Antelope Basecamp

The Antelope camp is a very nice arrangement, with a new bathrooms & showers building. My cabin was cozy & warm. Another building is being built next to the bathhouse. The starry sky was wonderful, well worth staying up later & getting bundled up for the 35ish temps. I was there for the October new moon. The chair from the cabin made a nice semi-recliner for leaning back for great sky viewing. I got in late, nearly 10, & was greeted by a herd of deer that weren't at all concerned by my presence. Next time I will stay for 2 nights because there are some really interesting things to see nearby.

Ben

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sage Ridge

Great camping spot! We showed up on a whim, booked a site, and had a nice night camping! The stars are mind blowing. The area is pretty sandy though, so be prepared for some cleanup afterwards. There was also a verrrry friendly kitty that came to say hi (and tried to go home with us) which added some fun to the evening.

Eric

October 2025

19 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to The Camp

Great location, clean and nice showers etc… Stayed at the backside and was very quiet.

Tim

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Rags To Rescues Sanctuary

We stayed in the Bunkhouse. The listing definitely undersells how beautiful this place is. Super spacious, well appointed kitchen, super comfy everything, awesome hot tub, and animal friends! When we weren't relaxing or staring at the stars while having a soak, we got to know the cute critters that call this place home. Bonnie is a fantastic host and I love that the proceeds from our stay went to the sanctuary. We will definitely be staying again.

Michelle

October 2025

2 nights at Antelope Basecamp

We really enjoyed our stay at Antelope Basecamp. Everything is newly updated and super cute and cozy. The shared bathrooms have showers! Star viewing was amazing!! The town is practically a ghost town and there is no store anywhere around so pack everything you need! The fire pit was super nice and kept burning easily. There were so many cute details like the glow in the dark pebbles inlaid in the pathways. The cabins look tiny on the outside but feel roomy inside. The host was super responsive and helpful. Cabins are affordable. Check out Clarno National Monument about 30 minutes between Antelope and Fossil. Absolutely gorgeous rocks mountains and a nice hiking trail.

Jennifer

October 2025

1 night at Antelope Basecamp

This is a sweet little cabin community in beautiful central Oregon canyonland! Our cabin, #9, was clean and just as shown in the pics. We spent the day at nearby Cove Pallisades State Park and then stargazed outside our cabin at night. The lovely sunrise over the hills the next morning was the cherry on top.

Tammy

October 2025

2 nights at Antelope Basecamp

We loved the cabins, they looked great, and were clean and comfortable. The bathrooms were modern and clean. Locking key pads for the bathhouse. Cement walkways with glow in the dark rocks to help in navigation at night. A beautiful community fire pit with chairs. An up and coming breakfast area. Covered patio with an honor fridge (as there are no amenities in Antelope).

Top-rated campgrounds

Sage Ridge

100%

(139)

29mi from Smith Rock · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bend, OR

Our unique location is close to Bend city limits and right next to Horse Ridge Mountain Biking Trails. BLM land surrounds the area, and is even accessible from the upper part of our property. Come out and enjoy the high desert and expore the juniper forest. We have tent camping sites and one tipi. We are currently in the process of still building out our glamping pods. However in the mean time you can currently book a stay at thoses sites for tent camping. The tent sites offer a comfortable setting for your tent in the sandy dirt. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire pit. We have a small community area! There you will find a mini outdoor kitchen with a blackstone and a bbq. (We have no water on-site) This is also where the trash bins are located. There is also a basketball hoop, yoga deck, and pull up /hanging bars. Next to the community area is where you will also find the bathroom, which is a clean porta potty. Come enjoy wandering the juniper forest and sage brush in Central Oregon’s high desert. We are next to 100’s of acres of BLM land, including the Horse Ridge Mountain Biking Trail System. There is hiking, biking, horse trails and ATV trails all nearby. Our open skies are great for daydreaming and stargazing. Come see how bright the milky way is out here Sage Ridge. Sage Ridge is only 15 miles east of Bend right off of Hwy 20.

Antelope Basecamp

99%

(146)

43mi from Smith Rock · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Antelope, OR

We are located in the heart of Antelope, a rural (near) Ghost town that is rich in history and culture. This particular property is currently being cleaned up and revitalized. We would like to open it up to dry camping, some cabins, and RV Spaces with partial hookups at this time as we are already seeing a huge influx of cyclists and motorcycles in the area and they have no place to camp. There is a bathhouse onsite as part of the Pavilion structure. Please do not park on grass, unless you are an RV Space with partial hookups that has made arrangements with park host. Thank you for visiting and having patience while we continue to fix up the property.

Lucky Six Ranch

100%

(15)

17mi from Smith Rock · 1 site · Tent, RV · Bend, OR

Lucky Six Ranch is located 5 miles from the edge of NE Bend OR surrounded by sagebrush, juniper, pastures, and mountain views. Enjoy the seasonal adventures around the Central Oregon Area including Mt Bachelor, Smith Rock State Park, Tumalo State Park. Grab a bite at one of the many food carts in town and relax under the stars at the ranch. Say hi to the goats and cats and listen to the coyotes, hawks and quail. Stretch, do yoga, mediate in the tipi space. This campsite space works well for self contained camper vans/trucks, tent camping. The tipi space can be used for camping/sleeping in good weather. However- Please note, it is OPEN, un-heated, and during times of rain/snow, it is not weather proof. You are welcome to use your own portable propane or electric heaters at your own risk. No fires or cooking is allowed inside the tipi space.

Brookswood Camp

26mi from Smith Rock · 1 site · Lodging · Bend, OR

Fully equipped Motorhome in a Cloverfield in a beautiful town of Bend fresh fruit trees on a small urban farm

Lava Rock Experience!

100%

(4)

28mi from Smith Rock · 3 sites · Lodging · Seventh Mountain, OR

Stay just feet from the Newberry Monument lava flow, right on the edge of Newberry Monument National Park. Fall asleep under an unparalleled view of the stars—just outside of town with minimal light pollution—and wake up to the sounds of nature, as free-range chickens, quail, and deer wander near your tiny home. Enjoy the privacy of off-grid living without giving up essentials like power, Wi-Fi, and restroom access. Notes: • Pets must be leashed at all times due to free-range ducks and chickens on or near the property. • Pets may not be left unattended in the unit while you’re away. • A detached bathroom and laundry are available in a shared utility space. • Non-smoking property.

Experience Heaven

99%

(972)

44mi from Smith Rock · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · La Pine, OR

8 campsites and 2 original Mongolian Gers. The season for the camp sites is from June 1st to end of Sept and the Gers for 2025/2026 winter are blocked out from Nov 15/25 to May 15/26. Pets allowed, toilets on site, campfires permitted when burn ban is not in place. Now up until this year I have provided Free Firewood. I have quit doing that for a variety of reasons, the least being the cost and the work for me. I am encouraging everyone to purchase a Propane Fire Pit if you don't have one by now. 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. I don't like them running thru other campers sites, so just be respectful. Take them for walks along the lake.. No Yappers, no barking dogs, 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. If 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. Then there is the silence. The best part of “Heaven”.

Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

97%

(110)

44mi from Smith Rock · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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. 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.

Cabin on the Rim

97%

(16)

8mi from Smith Rock · 1 site · Lodging · 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.

Wits End RV Camp

95%

(28)

3.3mi from Smith Rock · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Redmond, OR

Welcome to our spacious RV camp spot in Redmond, OR, conveniently situated just 5 minutes from town and a mere 10 minutes from the renowned Smith Rock. Whether you prefer solitude or are joining a sizable group of RVs, our site accommodates your needs. The property has 25 acres to explore as well as an additional 80 acres of public land.

Sunny Ponderosa Camp

96%

(12)

24mi from Smith Rock · 1 site · RV · Bend, OR

Park in our large wrap-around driveway under our beautiful Ponderosa pines and fall asleep to the gorgeous view of the stars with no obnoxious streetlights. Don’t worry, we have a flood light and cameras to keep you and your stuff safe! Then wake up to the smell of our Juniper trees and watch our local group of mule deer grazing through the yard with views of Tumalo Mountain. Just across the street starts the Canal Trail that heads East and West. A 5 min bike ride East along the trail will take you to a Fred Meyer Grocery store, Starbucks, and much much more. Or take the Canal Trail West through the massive 123+ acres of forested public land that connects directly to the Deschutes River Trail (only 4 mins away). Once there, the outdoor activities are endless! Great fishing, bouldering, biking, swimming, rafting, and nature viewing spots are all within a couple minute walk from our home. Heading to the Old Mill or Hayden Homes Amphitheater for some shopping, a concert, restaurants, or drinks? It all starts 3/4 of a mile down the hill! If you’re viewing this posting, you probably already know all the amazing outdoor and sporting opportunities, entertainment, shopping, and eating that our beautiful town of Bend offers. If you’re still not sure, we’ll be right here to help you find the perfect spot to go! We’ll be continuing to add photos and facilities as time goes on to help better serve you. We appreciate your interest and hope that if the dates don’t work out this time, we get to meet you on your next trip to Bend. Cheers!

Trout Pines Camping

98%

(58)

19mi from Smith Rock · 1 site · RV · Bend, OR

Learn more about this land:Nestled among the Ponderosa pine, the site is a relaxing getaway after a day enjoying Central Oregon. Located 2 miles from Peterson Ridge mountain biking/hiking trails, 5 miles from Sisters, 15-25 mins to Bend. Property has an 18 hole disc golf course, horseshoes, cornhole all available for guests to use.

Rags To Rescues Sanctuary

100%

(18)

18mi from Smith Rock · 2 sites · Lodging · Sisters, OR

Welcome to Rags to Rescues! Nestled on our serene 165-acre farm, we offer two unique stays: The Bunkhouse and The Cottage on the Pond. Whether you're seeking a rustic getaway or a peaceful retreat by the water, every stay directly supports our mission of compassionate and sustainable animal care. The Bunkhouse: A cozy, fully furnished space with rustic charm and modern amenities, perfect for solo travelers or couples. The Cottage on the Pond: A charming one-bedroom retreat, ideal for individuals or couples looking for a tranquil escape surrounded by nature. During your visit, you’ll experience the rhythms of farm life—whether you choose to relax in nature or engage in hands-on activities. Your stay helps provide care for our rescued animals and sustains our mission. We are proud to create an inclusive and welcoming space for all, including individuals from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. At Rags to Rescues, diversity is celebrated, and your presence enriches our community. Important Details: *Pet Policy: A pet deposit is required if you're bringing a furry friend. Please add the pet deposit in the “Extras” section when booking. Maximum of 2 dogs allowed. *Cancellation Policy: We offer a 14-day money-back cancellation policy to allow other guests the opportunity to book a stay. Thank you for supporting Rags to Rescues Sanctuary, where relaxation, purpose, and community come together in harmony. We look forward to hosting you! **Tax-ID: 99-1736093

The best camping near Smith Rock, OR 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.

100%

1 ratings · 1 review

Recommends

· July 2025

Climber accomodation

Camping is walk in, but it's a great spot. We stayed at a campsite called skull hollow about 10 min drive from the park. You can either pay to camp or have free camping right next door.

Andrew M.

2 reviews