The Beauty of Central Oregon

[valmog]

We made our first official "boondocking" camping trip this weekend. We spent four days in beautiful central Oregon. The weather was beautiful...80 degrees during the days and a brisk 40 degrees at night! Made the campfires even more wonderful!

Our first night was spent in Camp Sherman at the Smiling River Campground. The site was private, secluded and just feet from the crystal clear Metolius River. This is a beautiful spot for hiking and fly fishing! I can't wait to go back!

The first photo here is just feet from our picnic table. We were able to see the fish swimming by!

[valmog]

The next three days we spent at a campground called Blue Bay at Suttle Lake. Spectacular scenery...and the campground was virtually empty! If you ever make it over to the Bend area, this is a place you won't want to miss!

The last photo is the view from our sleeping area. A 5 star resort view

[HiHoAgRV]

I'm sitting in the Atlanta airport, just arrived from a week in Corvallis and I agree...that area is stunning

[rashton]

also might want to try high lakes on century drive or paulina/east lakes

[Scott J-24]

Becky and I are driving through Oregon up to Vancouver WA to spend a couple of days with her mom & dad then back to Los Angeles. We will take ~12 - 14 days for the trip. Not sure about our route yet, but maybe up through the Avenue of the Giants in Northern CA, then Grants Pass OR(?), then I-5 to Vancouver WA camping on the way (not sure where, so suggestions would be very welcome). We are also not sure yet about the return home, but I would really like to head south via the coast (again, suggestions welcome). I think getting advice from the locals who know the area will help make our first long road trip very memorable. Thanks!

[valmog]

Paulina is next on our list of places to see....haven't heard of high lake though...thanks for the tip. I see you're from Redmond so you must know the area well! You're lucky to live in such beautiful country! Someday we'll be glad to leave the rain of Portland behind us for good

[reshecca]

Excellent!! I'll be headed to the Bend area week after next and have been looking for suggestions on where to camp and hike Thanks!

[Splitrock]

Nice!

[valmog]

Splitrock...I was born in Yankton and we travel to South Dakota every year. My parents live in Rapid and we're planning on taking our Bambi to Sylvan Lake next year. South Dakota is a beautiful state and we can't wait for our first Airstream road trip there!

[Splitrock]

Western South Dakota is nice. Developed, select cut forests, fair food. Rapid's an okay town. Not as humid in summer as Sioux Falls. The rally is on now.

Yankton is cool. I liked the ice house.

[nmbosa]

Originally Posted by valmog

The next three days we spent at a campground called Blue Bay at Suttle Lake. Spectacular scenery...and the campground was virtually empty! If you ever make it over to the Bend area, this is a place you won't want to miss!

The last photo is the view from our sleeping area. A 5 star resort view

Wow, great photos. Those campgrounds look great. We are thinking of heading down to the Bend area next year to get away from the Western Washington rains. Might have to check these out. Are these Forest Service campgrounds? Private? State Park?
Norm

[valmog]

Norm, they are Forest Service campgrounds...neither had hookups. At Smiling River we had site 19 and at Blue Bay site 7...both top notch sites with amazing views and complete privacy. We'll be heading over there as often as we can to escape the Portland rain as well...I've lived here my whole life, but the rain and gray skies this year were almost more than I could take!

[nmbosa]

Yeah, it's been a rough year. Just checked out your blog. Nice photos and good write ups. Gotta love the Forest Service sites. We are definitely going to check those out.

[dirigible25]

Enjoyed your trip report on the Oregon campsites, as well as your photos from your trip to S. Dakota.

[rashton]

there are several lakes along "cascade lakes highway" you take century drive to mt.bachelor then head out into beautiful country with many forest service camp grounds and a couple full hookup places.