Redmond is located at the heart of central Oregon and is the second-largest city in Deschutes County. Redmond is surrounded by the Ochoco Mountains, the Cascade Mountain Range, desert plateaus and farmland and makes an enjoyable destination for a camping trip. Developed and primitive campgrounds in Redmond are within easy access of climbing, hiking, swimming and boating in Oregon's Smith Rock State Park and Lake Billy Chinook.
Developed Camping
Redmond offers fully-equipped camping for tents at the site of the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center. This 132-acre center for entertainment, rodeos and concerts has a year-round campground. The campground offers 10 tent sites which have electric hook-up facilities and access to a shared water source, restrooms and showers. The park has a further 106 sites with full hook-ups. The campground is a popular stay during the annual summer Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo. Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests also offer more than 125 developed campsites.
Dispersed Camping
If you're after a more rustic and independent camping experience, the Deschutes National Forest dispersed camping in peaceful, forested surroundings. Pitch your tent in a clearing or near a stream away from development and designated campgrounds. Dispersed camping means no toilets, drinking water or fire grates are provided. You need to pack out what you pack in and leave no trace of your visit. Follow safe campfire rules and dispose of your waste responsibly.
Water Sports
Stay at the full-service campgrounds in Cove Palisades State Park on the shores of Lake Billy Chinook for abundant water recreation. Cove Palisades State Park is about 10 miles north of Redmond. The campgrounds provide electric, group camping and individual tent sites. Once you've pitched your tent, take a kayak out onto the water or organize a water-skiing trip from the Coves Palisades marina. You can also rent a variety of boats, kayaks and personal watercraft from the marina.
Climbing
Smith Rock State Park is nine miles northeast of Redmond and is a popular destination for climbers. The state park lies on the banks of the Crooked River and its deep river canyons offer multiple climbs. The park boasts more than 1,000 bolted routes. Smith Rock provides a walk-in bivouac camp on a first-come, first-serve basis for climbers who want to spend the night close to the rock walls. Cooking, fires and gas lanterns are prohibited at the campsites and throughout the park.
Weather
Redmond sits at 3,077 feet above sea level and experiences warm days, low humidity and cool nights. Summer temperatures in the Central Oregon high desert region range from 47 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and in winter the temperature drops to between 22 and 41 degrees F. Central Oregon has 300 days of sunshine a year and receives less than nine inches of rain annually.
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