Mountain Project Logo

Bend/smith rock camping options?

Original Post
hanshan · · Canada Mofuga · Joined Feb 2008 · Points: 230

Hi helpful side of MP,
Coming down to bend with a couple young kids. I’ve stayed in the park lots and out on the blm (skull hollow?) neither of these fit what we are looking for on this trip.
Somewhere natural where you can set up and leave things up without getting ripped off would be great. Trout creek camping would be perfect if it wasn’t so far out. Or would anyone recommend camping in the park with kids?
Pay campsites are fine if they offer something nice, and aren’t on the side of the highway. We will be biking and climbing so somewhere in between the 2 would be great.
Thanks in advance 

Nate A · · SW WA · Joined Aug 2018 · Points: 0

The KOA is pretty good and very family friendly. I’ve stayed there a couple times and always had a good experience. 

Guy Dude · · Bend, OR · Joined Aug 2017 · Points: 0
bendtrails.org/trail/smith-…  If you’re going to be biking, there are some trails right outta the Skull Hollow area.
claty · · Cornudella de Montsant, CT · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 10

I've stayed at haystack reservoir before when I was with friends with kids. It's a bit of a hike from Smith but super chill and beautiful.

Jaime Bohle · · Bend, OR · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 50

Tumalo State Park or Prineville Reservoir State Park might work.  Both are about 40 to 45 minutes from the park.

hanshan · · Canada Mofuga · Joined Feb 2008 · Points: 230

Thanks for the suggestions!

Tim Page · · Bend, OR · Joined Nov 2012 · Points: 10

I camp at Skull Hollow with kids and have never felt unsafe or worried about leaving stuff there. There is a camp host during peaks season now as well.

splitclimber · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 21

Skull Hollow campground was closed this weekend. Don't know how long it will stay closed but it look like they were doing construction.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Pacific Northwest
Post a Reply to "Bend/smith rock camping options?"

Log In to Reply
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.