Great views cave camping near Metolius

Get your engine fixed in this tiny high desert town.

99% (133 reviews)

United States
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Oregon
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Metolius

99% (133 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Metolius

2 top cave campgrounds near Metolius

98%

(108)

Big Rock Ranch

2 sites · Lodging30 acres · Terrebonne, OR

🌿 Welcome to Big Rock Ranch In 2016, Nathaniel and Raina Potter purchased this 30-acre ranch and aptly named it Big Rock Ranch. The land’s modest ranch layout is contrasted by the wildly grand views of a towering rock outcropping jutting from Coyote Butte, a striking formation that continues to inspire awe in both its owners and visitors. Today, Big Rock Ranch is home to pasture-raised cattle, chickens, goats, horses, a bursting garden, and a commitment to regenerative ranching practices. Your stay at Big Rock Ranch is more than just a getaway—it’s an offering to our family and ranch, helping us continue our work in sustainable agriculture and land stewardship. ⛺ Stay in the Rustic Canvas Tent Nestled under junipers and sagebrush, the 12x14 ft canvas tent offers a comfortable yet immersive farm experience. Enjoy stunning views of the Cascade Mountains, high desert landscape, and irrigated pastures. The tent features: 🔥 Outdoor kitchen with a BBQ, propane burners, and potable water. 🛏️ Queen bed (bedding available as an extra) + two cots for additional guests. 🚻 Shared composting outhouse with the tiny house listing. 🔌 One outlet for small device charging. Guests can also collect farm-fresh eggs, purchase pasture-raised meats, and explore regenerative ranching practices on a guided tour. 🏡 Stay in the Cozy Tiny House For a more intimate and self-contained farm stay, our charming 8x16 ft tiny house offers: 🏡 Fully equipped indoor kitchen with a propane stove, toaster oven, and fridge/freezer. 🛏️ Lofted queen bed (bedding available as an extra). 🚿 Hot water shower and access to the shared composting outhouse. 🍽️ Indoor and outdoor dining with breathtaking views of the ranch. 🌄 Experience Big Rock Ranch Guests at both listings are invited to explore the land, interact with our animals, and experience the rhythms of regenerative farming. Nearby, adventure awaits with world-class climbing at Smith Rock (8 min), water recreation at Lake Billy Chinook (20 min), and hiking or biking trails just minutes away. Your stay supports our family ranch and way of life. We look forward to sharing this special land with you! 🌿 Book your stay and experience the magic of Big Rock Ranch! 🐴

99%

(77)

Tom's Rest Canyon Retreat Center

5 sites · RVs20 acres · OR

TOM'S REST was created by Tom's wife Cheryl in an effort to carry out their plans to provide respite for those in need. Tom Edwards worked tirelessly for years to clear this wild recreation space where he planned to live while helping others. Tom suddenly and unexpectedly passed February 2, 2015 while in the process of making his move to Sisters with his High School sweetheart of 45 years. Cheryl continued his passion and their dream to make this a place for those in need as a way to honor the most giving man she ever knew. This process has brought some healing and it is our hope to continue that healing for others in need from life's many trials. Anyone having a grief, widows/widowers, caregiver, cancer, hospice or other group that would like to have their group listed should message us as well. These respite visits are short getaways to refuel and support individuals during tough times. Those that come to enjoy Tom's Rest will hopefully gain some needed respite. Most feel they are pretty much 'on their own' in this retreat area with the option for seclusion OR mingling if so desired. My deepest thanks to all who have stood alongside through this journey and continue to do so. May we collectively create TOM'S REST with Tom's intention and the passion he infused in us to carry it through to fulfillment.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Great views cave camping near Metolius guide

Overview

Situated between Bend and Madras in Oregon’s high desert, you may find yourself passing through the town of Metolius if you're camping in nearby Cove Palisades State Park or on your way to spots further afield, such as Ochoco National Forest or the Jefferson Wilderness. While the nearby town of Madras offers more in terms of grocery stores and supplies, Metolius has a remarkably large concentration of spots to get engines tended to, with a motorcycle repair shop, an auto repair shop, an RV repair shop, and a small-engine repair shop all within half a mile.

Where to go

Ochoco National Forest

Spread out over nearly a million acres, this national forest offers a wide mix of terrain, from soaring peaks to deep canyons. The forest offers a mix of campgrounds and dispersed camping, and five of the campgrounds here can accommodate horses.

Jefferson Wilderness

The Jefferson Wilderness is among Oregon's most popular backpacking areas and offers 163 trails that weave through the forest and across meadows. Around 40 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail passes through the wilderness.

Warm Springs

Spanning over 1000 miles just northwest of Metolius, the Warm Springs Reservation is run by the Warm Springs, Wasco and Paiute Native American Tribes. You can familiarize yourself with local cultures at the Museum at Warm Springs, take a tour of the Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery, or test your luck at the Indian Head Casino.

When to go

The weather in this part of the state is dryer than in Western Oregon, and camping in the area is pleasant from about mid-April until October, provided you are in lower elevation spots. Higher elevations, conversely, tend to get a lot of snow that may not melt until as late as May or even June. While some campgrounds in the area are open year-round, winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Come prepared.