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.

We decided to camp here during our trip to the Painted Hills which is approximately 45 mins away…read more We got pretty lucky that we were able to walk-in and get the last campsite available next to the lake during July 4th weekend. The vault toilets were clean. There's one water spout for the campground and a picnic table and fire pit at each campsite. Only downfall was there was no cellphone reception but that could also be a good thing!

We stayed at Crooked River Ranch RV park for several months this last summer. We found the staff to…read morebe VERY helpful and accommodating. The bath house is large and we could understand with as many people using it on a daily basis, why it takes a couple hours to clean it. Also a laundry in there. We were there during the same time as the previous comment and we saw the camp hosts visit the rowdy campers several times that evening asking them to quiet down. Overall the scenery is beautiful and the campgrounds are clean and well run. Your supposed to be camping when you come here, so who needs cable. Go explore. There is also golf, a pool, tennis, pickle ball, horse shoes, and a large net for volleyball. Also very few camp grounds have water at every tent site. CCR RV does offer a large sink area outside the bath house for cleaning dishes and such. We really enjoyed our time there and will return again. When you talk to others staying in the park they have been coming there for years, so they must be doing something right.

Office was closed when we got here at 3pm. Was told when we called the Administration office that…read morethey had a COVID breakout and were closing early. The spots where you could dump cost more, but the sites are totally unacceptable. Grass "looking" carpets thrown down. Way too close together. No trees! Called the Emergency number to tell them we were going to move to another site. No one answered (glad we didn't have a real emergency). Said they would call back. Never got a call back. The best part was meeting Toni, who works here. We accidentally ran into her and she was so helpful. Told us what spots we could stay in and gave us some directions on places to eat. She was the best thing about this Park. You Rock, Toni!!!

I stayed at Juniper Grove RV Park from July 2nd, 2025, till October 15th, 2025, while working out…read moreof town. The park is located about 9 miles from Prineville on Davis Loop Rd. They have laundry and shower facilities as well as a little general store on site. Matt and Lynn McCormick are the managers and are some of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of meeting. They are working hard at upgrading and caring for the facility. I really enjoyed my time there and if I am ever in the area again, I will definitely make this my place to stay.

Nice little campground ruined by obnoxious camp host. This guy likes to run his generator…read moreabsolutely 100% of the time he is allowed. Its a loud one and while everyone else is decent and quiet, this guy kinda spoils the peace as the sound carries all over the entire cg.

This is from last year. Camp ground is high up over 4700…read morefeet so even in the summer it tends to get a little chilly at night but not bad. This is a medium busy campground right on the main road, but its never too noisy after dark. The place is very clean and the vault toilets well looked after and not stinky! The spaces are a good size and the ones for tent camping are at the back of the loop. Not much trails but you can find something to do. One of my best nights camping was up here. During the week late summer, Huge full moon, then the coyotes began to yip/howl. Magnificent

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.