Smith Rock State Park
00 review, , Oregon, , United States
Smith Rock State Park
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping costs $8 per person per night, as per multiple user reviews. Showers are included in the cost, and no additional fees were noted in the authoritative sources.
About this campground
Escape into the raw beauty of Smith Rock State Park, where adventurous souls discover a unique walk-in bivouac camping experience nestled among towering rock spires. This isn't your typical campground—dispersed sites throughout the park invite you to find your perfect spot under the stars, far from the crowds of RV parks and car camping areas. Modern, impeccably maintained bathrooms and shower facilities serve as gathering points where climbers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts share stories of their day's adventures, fostering a vibrant community spirit that makes every stay memorable.
Smith Rock State Park's Bivouac Area is exclusively designated for tent camping. Camping is first-come, first-served, with no car or RV camping allowed. The site has a communal setup with shared amenities.
Historical SignificanceThe timeless rock formations stand as silent witnesses to centuries of natural and human history, waiting to share their stories with those who venture here.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal personality of Smith Rock throughout the year. Spring and fall offer crisp, comfortable temperatures perfect for all-day exploration, while summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched playground best enjoyed in the cool morning hours before the desert heat takes hold. Winter brings a dusting of snow that transforms the rock formations into a photographer's dream, yet the resilient trail system remains open and accessible for those seeking solitude—only the most severe storms can close these rugged paths.
ElevationCarved into a dramatic desert canyon, Smith Rock's unique elevation creates an arid microclimate that has become legendary among rock climbers and hikers worldwide. These perfectly dry conditions, shaped by the canyon's natural architecture, provide year-round opportunities for outdoor adventures rarely found elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient volcanic rock towers rise from winding river canyons, creating a natural amphitheater of geological wonder. Desert wildflowers paint the canyon floor while golden eagles and prairie falcons soar overhead, scanning for prey among the sagebrush and juniper. Along the meandering Crooked River below, lucky visitors might spot playful river otters splashing in the current or industrious beavers maintaining their dams, while mule deer emerge at dusk to graze in the meadows.
Geological RegionWelcome to Oregon's high desert country, where the Eastern Oregon landscape reveals its most spectacular secret. This remarkable geological wonderland showcases dramatic river-carved canyons, ancient volcanic tuff and rhyolite formations, and expansive desert terrain that feels worlds away from the rain-soaked forests of the western part of the state.
Campsite details
AccessibilityDetails about accessibility features are not mentioned in the reviews or authoritative descriptions.
Sites SizeTent sites are designed for smaller setups, with limited space for larger tents. One review highlighted, "If you have a smaller tent, there are going to be a lot more options available."
Sites PrivacySites lack distinct boundaries, leading to a community atmosphere rather than privacy. As one reviewer noted, "If you are looking for privacy, this might not be the place for you."
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesWeekdays are less crowded; smaller tents are advantageous due to varied-sized available spaces.
Best CampsitesSites near the edge offer excellent views of Smith Rock, as noted by reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Early morning recommended to secure parking.
Stay Limit
Camping is open early spring through late fall.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit guest limit stated, but dispersed camping allows multiple tents.
Groups
Group camping details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed camping within designated areas; no specific marked campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen early spring through late fall; exact dates depend on weather conditions.
Reservation PlatformsNot available for reservations; first-come, first-served policy applies.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable; First-come, first-served. Weekends may pose challenges due to parking limitations, but weekdays are easier to find space.
Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-served; cancellations not applicable.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Smith Rock State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities that cater to climbing, hiking, and nature enthusiasts. Rock climbing is a major draw, with thousands of routes, including bolted ones. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with sightings of golden eagles, prairie falcons, and river otters possible. Hiking and biking trails traverse deep river canyons and rocky terrain.
Hiking
The park features miles of scenic trails suitable for various skill levels. "Great camp location, right on all the trails," a reviewer remarked, illustrating the easy access to hiking paths. Trails offer stunning views of the canyons and rock formations.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Biking
The park offers mountain biking trails, though no detailed information about their difficulty or extent is provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a noted feature of the park, with potential sightings of golden eagles, prairie falcons, and river otters. "You might see golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otter, and beaver," the official description states.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically mentioned, though some trails may be snowy, as reported by one reviewer.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not supported at the park.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No open flames allowed in the camping area; cooking restricted to designated cooking areas.
- Quiet hours are Not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsHot mornings in summer; potential wildlife encounters like magpies and mule deer. Snow may cover trails in winter.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ranger Station on-site contactable at 541-548-7501; nearest hospital in Redmond (approximately 8 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesSpring and Fall; weekends can get crowded as per multiple user reviews.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews or official content.
Proximity to water featuresNear a river running through the canyon; enhances scenic qualities but no mention of water recreation.
Common complaintsParking challenges during weekends; lack of privacy due to open campsite layout. Cooking and sleeping areas are separated, which some users found inconvenient.
HostCamp hosts were frequently praised for maintaining clean facilities and being helpful.
Campground Map
, , Oregon, , United States
Driving directionsSmith Rock is located 3 miles east of Highway 97 from the small town of Terrebonne. Follow well-marked directional signs from Terrebonne.
Clear access from Highway 97; well-marked signs lead to the park. Roads are suitable for regular vehicles, but RV camping or vehicle sleeping is not permitted at the site.Nearby places
Terrebonne (3 miles, approximately 8 minutes), Redmond (8 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Bend (approximately 30 miles, about 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and fuel available in Terrebonne, 3 miles away
additional supplies in Redmond, 8 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Smith Rock State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback highlights the campground as a climber-friendly destination with excellent facilities and a communal atmosphere. Many appreciated the well-maintained amenities and the natural beauty of the location, though some critique the lack of privacy and restrictive rules.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean showers and bathrooms, hot water availability, $8 per person fee, access to trails, and a strong community vibe.
Common Concerns
Lack of privacy, no fires or cooking allowed in sleeping areas, limited parking on busy weekends, and restricted to tent-only camping.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early for the best camping spots. Be prepared for tent-only camping and no open flames. Use the designated cooking areas.
Seasonal Insights
Warm seasons (spring to fall) are optimal for camping, with more activity on weekends. Winter months may see snowy trails, though specific winter camping data is limited.
Camper Quotes
1. "Bathrooms are top-notch. But the showers are a heaven!" 2. "If you are looking for privacy, this might not be the place for you." 3. "Great value for money campsite. For $8 per person, this was a...
Show more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites near the river seem more crowded, while smaller tents have more placement options. Parking spots are limited during peak times.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned in the reviews.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but leash laws are enforced to protect the park's fragile ecosystem.
Last updated August 10, 2025