Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Smith Rock State Park adventure.
Wildlife and world-class climbing abound in this rugged state park.
Just outside of the Central Oregon city of Bend, Smith Rock is considered the birthplace of sport climbing (rock climbing that uses permanently installed anchors), and has attracted climbers to its crags for decades. While climbers make up a large percentage of the campers here, Smith Rock offers plenty for those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, with miles of trails for hiking, biking, trail running, and horseback riding. It’s also a great place for wildlife viewing, and it’s common to spot prairie falcons and even bald eagles in this high desert state park. Bivouac Campground, nicknamed “The Bivy,” is popular with climbers who want easy access to the rock at the crack of dawn.
While Smith Rock State Park is a year-round destination, the camping area is only open from early spring through late autumn (annual dates vary depending on weather). The best time to visit is in the spring or fall, as summers here can get particularly hot for activities such as hiking and climbing. The campground tends to fill up to capacity on weekends.