Found this looking for a site close to Smith Rock with showers on our van trip thru Oregon. Only 3…read morecamps here plus the host trailer but never saw them. Sites are all paved on a hill overlooking the lake. All have fire pits, picnic tables and a water pump nearby. One closer to the entrance could hookup to a hose. In between the loop of camps is a nice shaded grassy area. The bathrooms are coded, warm and clean with two hot water showers and a hand dryer by the sinks. The lake was very quiet no one on it but could be used for boating. It has a strong odor like urine that carries up to the camp. Probably not a swimming lake. The highway is very close so you do hear road traffic all night. It is not a secure campground and people come in late at night and leave early.

This place is beautiful, but the host wasn't in the spot it says. On their door it said they would…read morebe down by spot #30, she was but we didn't know that, so we went down their asking if they know who the host is and they said no. We then proceeded to call the county parks office to get a spot that wasn't taken, she gave us no other option than a spot right next to the bathroom and in between the walking paths. Then we were given an invalid code to the bathroom. The camp host shows up and doesn't even acknowledge us. We found out she was the chick laying right in front of us at spot 30 saying she doesn't know who the camp host is. Then 22:00 rolls around and our camp neighbors are a bunch of teenagers talking about guns and shooting from long distances (from home to their school) until 01:00 (why I didn't get up to ask them politely to be quiet since we have an early morning). The camp host didn't go around or even close the gate at 22:00 to make sure that everyone is following the camp quiet hours. I hope they never hire this camp host again. She is rude, obnoxious, and flat out doesn't do her job. This place is beautiful and I was hoping to enjoy it but I was asking too much by wanting a camp host that does their job.

This a gorgeous campgroud not far from Smith Rock. It is very well maintained, enclosed with a barb…read morewire perimeter fence, so feels very safe, and the facilities provided are very clean. Will absolutely be back!!

Great campground to use while visiting Smith Rock, a quick 10 minutes away. When we arrived Friday…read moreat about 2pm we made the loop and found it was maybe 1/4 occupied. We grabbed our payment envelope and picked a spot. The grounds managers happened by via golf cart, and offered to take our envelope so we wouldn't have to go back around. They were extremely friendly, and mentioned that although they'd been pretty dead lately there was a run starting nearby the next morning, so they were filling up much more than they expected on this, their final weekend of the season. The campground is much bigger than I expected, and although the nature of the surrounding landscape doesn't offer the thick, lush trees that bring privacy, the spots are large and it's laid out in a way that works. Great experience...great location to Smith Rock, cool setting, extremely clean and quiet, and friendly management. We will definitely stay here again.

We stayed here on Halloween weekend. We were late arrivals and the owners made special provisions…read morefor us. The fellow helped us to our site in the dark, offered a better site since we are new to towing and have reverse issues and showed us where everything was. He was very friendly and even offered some good tips on going in reverse the next day. The sites were nicely arranged with lots of space and great views. The bathrooms were nice, clean and heated. We will definitley stay here again.

Nice and quiet and some pretty good stargazing also. Military discount given if asked for. Low…read moredaily rate and owner is very nice. I would recommend making reservations as from what I saw in the two weeks I was there is one rig pulls out another one is pulling in. I got lucky due to a cancellation. It's close about 13miles to Redmond and a little bit further to Madras. Crater Lake is a great day trip and Bend is maybe about 25miles. Lots to do in Central OR. and the weather is very comfortable late June early July. Makes for a great home base.

Awesome campground on Lake Simtustus. Beautiful and quiet setting. We stayed in A3 and it fit our…read more37' fifth wheel and Ram longed but a bit tight. We were right on the water with stunning views. The internet was flawless and the accommodations clean.

Cannot rave enough about Dockside Grill. Every time we go there it feels like we're on vacation and…read morewe actually live nearby. Gorgeous scenery surrounds you mixed with boaters and fun music. The food is always fresh and good quality. The bar is just fun. The staff work well together and apparently care for each other. We feel very lucky to have this gem of a spot on Lake Sintustus.

O M G…read more Pretty sure this is the most gorgeous place I've ever camped. And, having spent most of my life camping in the PNW, that is really saying something. Gorge Campground is located near the tiny outpost of Camp Sherman, along the postcard-worthy Metolius River. The campground itself is small, but the sites are large. You need to reserve online at the stroke of midnight on January 1 of each year, and believe me the premium sites along the river fill up FAST. But it's worth it because these sites are ginormous, with plenty of space for a small travel trailer and/or a couple of tents. There's a trail that runs through the campground, and along the river for a few miles in each direction. There are also pit toilets and the area is regularly patrolled by local rangers - so it was all very safe. The beauty and quiet here are too much to describe in a Yelp review. So just pack up your tent and GO. You won't regret it. I can't wait to go back! Pro tip: there is no running water at the campground, so you need to bring what you need. We stopped at the Camp Sherman RV Park and were able to fill our tank with fresh water. Some sites say there is also water at the nearby Allingson Campground, but I was not able to confirm this. Oh, and the Camp Sherman Store has pretty much anything you could possibly need on your trip!

The first review basically says it all, but here's my take…read more Been coming out here to the camp Sherman area since childhood, and it never disappoints. Getting a spot out here is hard, so book right when they open reservations. We got two spots, the premium river and one just down the way, and they are big. Lots of space for trailer or 2-3 tents and cars. Nice fire pits and very clean restroom (gender neutral), which I like for many reasons, but the most practical is, you don't have to wait, if not comfortable. People are very respectful here, didn't hear a generator at night--which is very nice, and like many campgrounds, you can feel secure leaving for hours and all your gear is safe, but may get investigated by ground squirrels (see pic). The river is beautiful and it's so fun watching the fisherman. If you'd like to hike, there's a trail along the river to Wizard Falls or the other way as well, but keep in mind, it's a little confusing with the large resort near by, that you can't cross, (if going down stream) signage isn't the best and the drop is steep. The camp store is very close and a nice Mexican/Peruvian place to eat at, if you'd like to have a meal away from camp. There is no water at the campsite, but the two down the road have running water to fill your cubes or bottles, or as mentioned, the camp store. This is a very special place, and I hope more people discover and enjoy it.

I liked this State-Run Campground. It was pretty basic, with pit-Toilets and a water pump that you…read morehad to walk to get to. But, it was very serene and private. Our camping spot was Huge! And, it had plenty of space for a car (or two) to pull into. And, then we had a separate area to set up a tent in. It was perfect for camping with our 2 dogs; we got a nice private area by the lake and the Dogs. I was able to reserve a spot online through recreation.gov and it was easy! And, Steve the camp host, was a delight! He was very approachable and friendly, it was nice interacting with him and talking to him. Overall, the spot was quiet and had beautiful scenery! And, less bugs/mosquitos then I've seen in other similar camp spots in the same geographic area for that time of year. And, also it was just a 20 minute drive to Smith Rock from this camp Site, so it was very do-able!

One of the most frustrating things about camping in the Pacific Northwest is that many of the most…read morepopular campsites are reserved out up to six months in advance, making an spontaneous overnight outdoor outing nearly impossible. That's not the case here at the Smith Rock Bivouac Area: a first-come, first-serve space on the bleeding edge of the Crooked River canyon, and in the shadow of its legendary namesake landmark. Officially, check-in for grabbing a spot (there are no designated campsites, per se) opens at 4pm daily, although we were informed by the camp custodian (stationed in a RV across from the self-pay kiosk) that we were OK to enter upon our arrival at 3:00. Once you've purchased your ticket ($8.00/person, including minors), park your vehicle in lot, and be sure to display your pass on the dash. The parking lot is ring-shaped, and encloses the only area designated and approved for cooking, and no campfires are allowed anywhere on site, so be sure to bring your gas grills or other method of flameless food preparation. Adjacent to the entrance are the public sinks (potable water, for washing dishes), restrooms and showers, which are reasonably clean, well-maintained, and the water temperate of the latter can be described at "hot enough". And for the mini-mountaineers among your party, there's a small practice climbing rock, complete with handholds, to warm up for the main event! Beyond the fence at the edge of the parking lot, headed towards Smith Rock, is the bivouac area: several acres of mostly open ground, partitioned by batches of scrub brush and small trees, volcanic rock, and the canyon edge itself. It's definitely possible to find a semi-private area nestled among the bushes and desert foliage, although the spots closest to the cliffside are taken early. Even during our late July visit, most of the campground was unclaimed, but during peak times, excess campers would be relegated to grabbing whatever bit of exposed flat ground is available, giving adequate space between themselves and their neighbors. However, even if one were forced into close-quarters cohabitation with others, the communal atmosphere here exudes that of enthusiastic appreciation of both man and nature alike: people of like minds, hobbies and interests coming together to revel and share in the beauty and majesty of Mother Earth together. Whether you've come to Smith Rock for the hiking, rock climbing, camping, or just a day trip to take in the sights of the spectacular spectacle of this miracle of nature, you're in for something special. There are very few places in Oregon, the PNW, or anywhere else on Earth, that offer the quality, quantity and variety of world-class outdoor experiences that Smith Rock does, for next to nothing. Protect it, treasure it, and above all, enjoy it to the fullest extent of what it provides in outdoor activities and adventure opportunities. You will not regret or forget it.

Don't be fooled by the fancy, Haute-Alpinist name, the "Climber's Bivy" is just a good 'ol…read morecampground for dirt bag climbers. If your group isn't ginormous, it's a good place to stay. The only negative is that there are no camp fires allowed. I get it though, this area is dry as hell and would be all to easy to set ablaze. It's the only real, uh..."legal" way to photograph the park at night.

Nice campground well taken care of. Clean restrooms and showers. Tons of deer walking through the…read moresites at all hours. So cool to see these majestic creatures with no fear. No reception or cell service so you really are able to disconnect and relax. Beautiful golden hour sunsets and gorgeous sunrises.

We stayed a couple nights at the Crooked River campground, which is a part of Cove Palisades State…read morePark. We had a great time. The campground was really nice and well tended. Staff and volunteers were very attentive and kept things in tip top shape. Our site was nice, which had water & electric. We went to a couple of the evening ranger programs, where I learned quite a bit. Bathroom facilities were really nice. Park was really windy, which may have just been when I was there but I suspect it's a common occurrence. There were deer that wandered through the campground, owls, and lots of other wildlife. Would stay here again if we were in the area.