Renting an RV is convenient if you’re also considering stopping by at neighboring points of interest like the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and Bend Whitewater Park. At Smith Rock State Park itself, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep visitors immersed in. Sport climbing, traditional climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and bouldering are among the popular activities at the park. 

Getting Outdoors

RV camping at Smith Rock State Park is a delight for climbers. Well-known for its climbing routes, the area is home to more than 1,800 rock-climbing routes. No surprises why it’s considered the world capital of sport climbing. With a mix of highly challenging climbing routes to easy routes that attract a mix of high-level climbers to novices, there is something for every kind of climber at Smith Rock State Park. 

Put on your hiking boots and explore dozens of trails around Smith Rock State Park. With several miles of developed trails, highlights of hiking here include the many lookout points along hiking trails that overlook the Crooked River, Cascade Mountains, and several rock formations that stretch out in the distance. Two popular trails that most hikers enjoy are Summit Trail and Misery Ridge. Hiking is open year-round, although spring, fall, and winter months offer ideal hiking conditions.

If you’re camping with an RV, don’t forget to carry your fishing gear with you. Fly-fishing is popular just above the park, in Crooked River. Trout is the most common catch here, along with mountain whitefish. 

Wildlife viewing is another sought-after outdoor activity at Smith Rock State Park. When exploring the trails, keep an eye out for grazing deer, falcons, otters, and even rattlesnakes in the summer months. Nesting birds can be spotted along the river. 

Camping at Smith Rock State Park  

Whether you plan to rough it out in a tent or rent a camper near Smith Rock State Park, there are quite a few RV camping areas to choose from, with many located very close to the state park. The Crooked River Ranch RV Park has over 100 campsites and offers several amenities. Expect pull-thru sites, big rig access, tent camping, full hookups, 20, 30, and 50 amp electric service, sewer, water, dump station, cable television, WiFi, and cell phone coverage. Campers even have access to restrooms, shower stalls, laundry facilities, picnic shelters, and a designated pet area for your furry friends. Kids will enjoy a splash in the swimming pool or a game in the playground. Enjoy a round of golf and make use of the outdoor courts. 

As you’re looking for a place to camp in an RV near Smith Rock State Park, drive to the Redmond/ Central Oregon KOA in Culver. The KOA has 63 campsites and offers features like pull-thru sites, big rig access, tent camping, full hookups, 20, 30, and 50 amp electric service, sewers, water, dump station, central water spigot, WiFi, and cell phone coverage. Amenities also include restrooms, shower stalls, laundry facilities, a camp store, a pet area, and propane and firewood availability. There is a swimming pool and playground for the kids, outdoor courts, biking, and horseshoes for the adults. Bring your four-legged friends along to this pet-friendly campground. 

Exploring the Area

Deschutes County campers have plenty to look forward to after camping at Smith Rock State Park. The small city of Bend is about 26 miles from the state park and serves as the county seat of Deschutes County. There is quite a lot to explore in the small city that finds itself surrounded by Ponderosa forests.

Drive-in your Deschutes County camper rental to the High Desert Museum; it’s a nature preserve, spread over 135 acres of forested land on the outskirts of Bend. Showcasing high desert habitat through several permanent and temporary exhibits, live animals, and plant species, the museum offers terrific insight into this exciting habitat.

Marvel at the 100-foot tall Tumalo Falls that towers above the Tumalo Creek. You can hike along the river right up to the Bend Watershed from where you get to soak in scenic views of the creek and the falls.

Get to know the county history with a trip to the Deschutes Historical Museum. It explores the Native American tribal history of the region, fur trapping, logging, and other activities that shaped the county over the years. Exhibits include photographs, artifacts, letters, paintings, and more.

Explore the Lava River Cave, hidden amid towering Ponderosa pines. While the cave was formed more than 80,000 years ago, you can explore it by descending over 126 steps into the entrance of the cave.

When it comes to eating out in Bend, there are several popular local joints like Voodoo Doughnuts and Salt and Straw Ice Cream, which are must-haves! Choose from fast food joints, fine dining restaurants, multi-cuisine eateries, and even a couple of food trucks that are hugely popular in Bend.