Cave and dog-friendly camping near Metolius

Get your engine fixed in this tiny high desert town.

98% (128 reviews)
98% (128 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Metolius

Public campgrounds near Metolius

5 top cave and dog-friendly campgrounds near Metolius

100%
(3)

Camp Smith Rock Overlook

1 site · RV1 acre · Terrebonne, OR
Welcome to my centrally located Hipcamp view of the world-famous hiking and climbing destination of Smith Rock in Terrebonne, Oregon! Explore all of entral Oregon easily from this stellar location on a cliffside in Terrebonne, Oregon (population of 1,623 in 2020) with a spectacular overall view of Smith Rock State Park! I have two camping locations on my 1/2 acre that is situated in a somewhat residential neighborhood (not on the business area) in Terrebonne. This is for self-contained campers only. Meaning generator, potty and contained water systems. Pack-in/Pack-out garbage. It’s a primitive campsite and a place to park with a great view! Although it is not what I consider wilderness camping 🏕 it is a great place to get a solid reservation. In Central Oregon especially in late spring, summer and early fall it is nearly impossible to get a consistent camping reservation in one spot due to the aggressive online reservation the state parks use. Many folks I talk to are frustrated by this. My 2 spot(s) are a pretty good solution. Spot#1: The topside location offers the best view of Smith Rock with less privacy. All homes are beside parking spot meaning two homes are in your sight from your trailer. One is a neatly organized homestead with a wind turbine and the other is a hippy living in a manufactured home. Your trailer backed in blocks the view of these and mostly you would look out over rooftops to Smith Rock but it so beautiful to wake up to and to watch in the golden hour of dusk to dawn. I believe you can get three self-contained sprinter vans end to end on this camping spot. Outdoor music played low on this is no problem til 9PM but be respectful of the two neighbors if you are partying. There is a dog but he only barks at loud noises and doesn’t seem to bark consistently or for very long. The road to the site is a primitive gravel road. I’ve only seen one or two cars use the end of the road. There is a public staircase as pictured from the residential neighborhood so people use this to walk their dogs and there is all kinds of established walking and game trails. Speaking of the ‘hood I’ll disclose that if you enjoy right politics you’ll see a lot of American flags flying around Terebonne and if you enjoy left of center you’ll find plenty of like-minded hippy/granola climber types. Everyone is friendly but seem to keep to themselves unless you strike up a conversation. My hipcamp sites are literally on the border of a nice $500-800k houses below and then on top there is houses mixed with manufactured homes. My neighbor Tim watches over the campsites for people coming and going at set checkout times. He and his wife are nice and friendly. Spot#2: This amphitheater location is the bigger lot and offers more privacy but less of a view meaning the view is in one parking spot through the trees 🌲 you’ll see much of Smith Rock for sure. But once again only one spot on the grounds offers this view over a fence as shown in pictures. This site could probably accommodate 3-4 self-contained sprinter vans or two travel trailers but you’d have to organize the turning in and out part. There are some chickens 🐔🐓 on this below site that might do the cockadoodle-doing in the morning. They are on the entrance side. I’ve put up pictures and described this as accurately or honestly as possible. I hope you enjoy your stay in beautiful Central Oregon at my Hipcamps 🏕 Bottom line is if you want a true hardcore wilderness campsite this is not it. If you can tolerate a great view in a very small town this is the place to wake up to! In winter ❄️ if snowing it might be hard to get to without traction devices or snowtires. Please feel free to hit me up with questions. Entrance to property is with combo lock 🔒 You assume all liability for injury/death (heavens forbid) as top lot is on a cliff and I haven’t seen rattlesnakes, scorpions etc... Black widows live under rocks here so be aware As far as distances I’ve added a few and then further below a few fun local linked spots with a couple classics in Redmond/Bend that I enjoy: 1/4 mile to downtown Terrebonne, Oregon (Walking distance to coffee, restaurants and groceries) 1.6 mile to Crescent Moon Alpaca Farm 3.2 miles to Rest Area 4.6 miles to Smith Rock State Park 4.6 miles to Maragas Winery 🍷 7.2 miles to Redmond, Oregon 20 miles to Madras, Oregon 21 miles to Prineville, Oregon 24 miles to Bend, Oregon 25 Old Mill District Downtown/Bend 26 miles to Sisters, Oregon 34 miles to Lake Billy Chinook 35 miles to Warm Springs Indian Reservation. 40 miles to Mount Bachelor Ski Area. TERREBONNE Pump House Bar & Grill 8320 US-97, Terrebonne, OR 97760 (541) 548-4990 https://g.co/kgs/AMjTsg Terrebonne Depot 400 NW Smith Rock Way, Terrebonne, OR 97760 (541) 527-4339 https://g.co/kgs/L52XBR 44° North Tavern 8060 11th St, Terrebonne, OR 97760 https://g.co/kgs/NPhRjg Java Rock of Terrebonne 925 Central Ave, Terrebonne, OR 97760 (541) 923-9701 https://g.co/kgs/qukLnc Big Dog Saloon 14217 SW Commercial Loop Rd, Terrebonne, OR 97760 (541) 504-4673 https://g.co/kgs/rKj1S4 Sandbagger Saloon 5165 Club House Rd, Terrebonne, OR 97760 (541) 923-8655 https://g.co/kgs/PJ92ru Redpoint Climbers Supply 8222 US-97 #101, Terrebonne, OR 97760 (541) 604-2115 https://g.co/kgs/2oc92g Terrebonne Coffee Wagon LLC "The Wagon" 8375 US-97, Terrebonne, OR 97760 (541) 279-0863 https://g.co/kgs/iXEgxT Cascade Smokers 11440 SW Peninsula Dr, Terrebonne, OR 97760 (541) 610-3050 https://g.co/kgs/S3kr3d Fergusons Market 8150 US-97, Terrebonne, OR 97760 (541) 923-0729 https://g.co/kgs/7FDucn Oliver Lemon's Terrebonne 8431 11th St, Terrebonne, OR 97760 (541) 548-2603 https://g.co/kgs/1oxsjA Rockhard (Huckleberry Ice Cream Climbing Supply) 9265 NE Crooked River Dr, Terrebonne, OR 97760 (541) 548-4786 https://g.co/kgs/BDduRT REDMOND https://xaliscobarandgrill.com Xalisco Latin Cuisine 3835 SW 21st St STE #105, Redmond, OR 97756 (541) 923-3943 https://g.co/kgs/nYueVT Abby's Legendary Pizza 🍕 1938 The Dalles-California Hwy, S Hwy 97, Redmond, OR 97756 (541) 548-5266 https://g.co/kgs/sUTNgR BEND Bellatazza (Coffee, pastry, tapas) 869 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703 (541) 318-0606 https://g.co/kgs/BFQV1L Kanpai (Sushi) 990 NW Newport Ave, Bend, OR 97701 (541) 388-4636 https://g.co/kgs/Q6qMwi Pine Tavern Restaurant 967 NW Brooks St, Bend, OR 97701 (541) 382-5581 https://g.co/kgs/ctdyUz Volcanic Theatre Pub 70 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR 97702 (541) 323-1881 https://g.co/kgs/p7XF9T
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The Honeybee Ranch

5 sites · Lodging11 acres · Bend, OR
You are just minutes away whether you are Hiking, Biking, walking or riding your horses to our quaint and lovely little village of Tumalo for outdoor music, food trucks, fire pits and country store. Located in the golden triangle of Central Oregon, strategic to Bend Sisters and Redmond. The 11 acre Ranch is also surrounded by hundreds of acres of wooded and open fields with trails. You will see resident deer, owls, falcons and coyotes. Come unplug on your slice of "privacy".....and enjoy the view of Pilot Butte in the distance! Two adults-capacity: Includes two twin beds. Bring your own sleeping bags. Small refrigerator/freezer, Full Bathroom (Compost) Bathtub Heater Indoor / Outdoor lights Picnic Table Outdoor Fire Pits and BBQ Five minutes to the Deschutes River for fly fishing and river floating. We will happily share the best places to float, horse-back riding, hikes, bike trails to relax. Need something additional or forgot it? (floats, bike, ice, coffee creamer, s'mores, etc...just ask us!) Property condusive to snow shoeing and cross country skiing when snowy. Campsite is set up for two people. Join us at HoneyBee Ranch, where we value your privacy!
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$200
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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.
Potable water
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$75
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Dog-friendly getaways

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Cave and dog-friendly 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.

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