Skull Hollow Campground

4.35

200 reviews

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

70 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Aud & Di Campground Services site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

70 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Aud & Di Campground Services site

Official Website

Get Directions

Skull Hollow Campground

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$15 per single site per night (includes 1 vehicle, 6 people). $30 per double site per night (includes 2 vehicles, 12 people). Additional vehicles are...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 200 reviews

181 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanrestrooms

"User reviews highlight the campground’s rustic charm, spacious sites, and proximity to Smith Rock State Park. Common praises include cleanliness, quietness, and friendly hosts. Criticisms focus on the lack of water and occasional maintenance issues with vault toilets. One reviewer noted, "The campground was clean and nice," while another commented, "No running water anywhere in the campsite.""

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Skull Hollow Campground

44.3972, -121.0630

Driving directionsFrom Madras, Oregon: Travel south on Highway 97. Take Lone Pine Road and proceed east. Turn left onto Skull Hollow Road (County Road 5710). Skull Hollow campground will be on the left.

Road access includes paved highways leading to a gravel road (County Road 5710) for the last stretch to the campground. The roads seem accessible for most vehicles but can be dusty or uneven due to gravel.

Nearby places

Madras, Oregon: 16 miles (approx. 20–25 minutes)

Terrebonne, Oregon: 4.7 miles (approx. 10 minutes)

Prineville, Oregon: 20 miles (approx. 25 -30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials can be found in Terrebonne (approx. 5 miles away) or Madras (16 miles). Firewood is available for $6 on-site from the camp host.

Best Time to Camp at Skull Hollow Campground

From mid-March through mid-November, Skull Hollow transforms with the seasons, offering adventurers a front-row seat to nature's dramatic high desert theater. Dawn breaks with spectacular desert sunrises painting the sagebrush in golden hues, while evenings bring that crisp mountain air that makes campfires feel especially welcoming. The wind occasionally sweeps across the plateau, carrying the scent of sage and juniper, and reminding visitors to pack layers—here at 3,000 feet, temperatures can swing from warm afternoon sunshine to nights cool enough to see your breath dance in the moonlight.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open and popular in peak season (Mar 15-Nov 15); good trail and climbing access in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Seasonal access through mid-November; pleasant fall conditions and quieter weekdays noted.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Opens mid-March; spring offers good access for climbers/hikers and dramatic desert mornings.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed seasonally mid-Nov to mid-Mar; not a regular winter destination.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 15 - November 15, with busier days typically from Thursday to Sunday.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from March 15 to November 15, weather permitting.
Current Alerts: No current closures, but campers should heed seasonal fire bans and the closure on dispersed camping near the trailhead.

About Skull Hollow Campground

Nestled among juniper-dotted sagebrush flats in the heart of Ochoco National Forest, Skull Hollow Campground offers 70 generously spaced sites where the spirit of the Old West meets modern adventure. This rustic, first-come-first-served haven has become a beloved basecamp for rock climbers making their pilgrimage to the legendary Smith Rock State Park, while hikers and mountain bikers discover endless trails winding through the high desert landscape. Here, where modern conveniences give way to starlit nights and campfire stories, visitors trade cell service for soul service—though you'll need to bring your own water to this wonderfully primitive retreat.

Skull Hollow Campground offers a rustic camping experience primarily catering to tent campers, car camping, and small RVs. Double sites accommodate larger groups.

Historical SignificanceIn 1995, the Oregon Army National Guard left their mark on this corner of the Ochoco, carefully carving out what would become one of Central Oregon's most cherished camping secrets. Originally conceived as an overflow sanctuary for the crowds at Smith Rock, Skull Hollow has since earned its own devoted following. The campground stands as a testament to military precision and environmental stewardship, where engineering expertise met wilderness preservation to create a perfect balance between accessibility and untamed beauty.

Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-March through mid-November, Skull Hollow transforms with the seasons, offering adventurers a front-row seat to nature's dramatic high desert theater. Dawn breaks with spectacular desert sunrises painting the sagebrush in golden hues, while evenings bring that crisp mountain air that makes campfires feel especially welcoming. The wind occasionally sweeps across the plateau, carrying the scent of sage and juniper, and reminding visitors to pack layers—here at 3,000 feet, temperatures can swing from warm afternoon sunshine to nights cool enough to see your breath dance in the moonlight.

ElevationPerched at 3,000 feet where the high desert plateau meets the sky, Skull Hollow occupies that sweet spot where the air is crisp enough to invigorate your morning coffee ritual but gentle enough for comfortable summer camping. This elevation creates a natural amphitheater of climate, where warm days melt into refreshingly cool evenings, and where the thin air seems to make the stars shine just a little bit brighter.

Natural Features and SceneryVisitors often find themselves stopping mid-setup just to absorb the panoramic beauty that unfolds in every direction. As one enchanted camper put it, 'The natural beauty surrounding Skull Hollow Campground is simply breathtaking.' Ancient junipers stand sentinel over seas of silvery sagebrush, while the distant silhouette of Gray Butte anchors the horizon. Morning light transforms the landscape into a photographer's paradise, where every trail promises new vistas and every evening delivers sunsets that paint the high desert in shades of amber and rose. It's the kind of place where 'beautiful scenery' feels like an understatement—where the clean, open spaces and pristine wilderness create moments of genuine awe.

Geological RegionSkull Hollow sits within the remarkable tapestry of the Ochoco National Forest, where ancient volcanic forces and patient erosion have sculpted a high-desert masterpiece. This juniper-sagebrush ecosystem represents millions of years of geological storytelling, from the dramatic uplift that created the surrounding buttes to the patient work of wind and water that carved the gentle valleys. The campground's position offers intimate access to this living geology lesson, where hikers can trace the region's volcanic past along scenic trails and climbers can test their skills on the ancient basalt flows that make nearby Smith Rock famous worldwide.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days maximum per site.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6per single site
12 per double site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground follows a single-loop design with well-spaced campsites. Most sites have a fire ring and picnic table.

Reservation PlatformsThis is a first-come, first-serve campground. No online or phone reservation system is available.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up, first-come, first-served. Sites fill during weekends and peak climbing season.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system; first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility options for campers with disabilities are mentioned in authoritative or user sources.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with some capable of accommodating small RVs and trailers. Double sites are available, allowing for larger groups and vehicles.

PrivacyThe campground offers fair privacy between campsites with reviews highlighting the large and spaced-out sites: "Sites are generously spaced," and "Plenty of space between campsites provides above-average privacy.

Total Campsites70 campsites

Recommended SitesDouble sites are likely better for larger groups. Campsites closer to the entrance may experience less road noise.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Skull Hollow Campground provides access to various outdoor activities. Horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing at nearby Smith Rock State Park are popular choices. Hunting is also permitted. User reviews describe the trails and scenic views as a highlight, with quotes like "Nice trails close-by and good place to camp if you climb at Smith Rock," and "Great hiking and biking trails about 100 feet away."

HikingSeveral trails are accessible from Skull Hollow Campground, including Skull Hollow Trailhead, Gray Butte Trailhead, and Cole Loop Trail (#854). User reviews frequently praise the hiking opportunities, stating, "Great hiking and biking trails about 100 feet away," and "Access to trails into the backcountry." Smith Rock State Park offers additional hiking experiences.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

BikingMountain biking trails are available and described as popular among visitors. User reviews mention, "Used heavily by mountain bikers and climbers," and "Riding distance from mountain bike trails."

Wildlife viewingUser reviews highlight wildlife sightings such as coyotes and rabbits. One reviewer stated, "Coyotes howling at night," and another noted, "I saw lizards and bunnies."

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water is available on-site; visitors must bring their own water. There are mentions of rattlesnakes in the area. "The grass is very high near the picnic tables and with rattle snake warnings that was a tad concerning," (Review by Cindy Harrison).

Active AlertsNo current closures, but campers should heed seasonal fire bans and the closure on dispersed camping near the trailhead.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed in designated fire rings at each site. Seasonal fire restrictions may apply.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital: St. Charles Madras Hospital is approximately 20 miles away in Madras, OR. Emergency services including police and fire are available in Madras and Terrebonne.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available for garbage disposal, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesNo direct access to lakes or rivers; the campground is primarily used as a base for dry camping and trail access.

Camp HostCampground hosts are frequently praised for being helpful and accommodating. "Gary, the campground host, was awesome and accommodating," (Review by Adriana Andrasz). Firewood is sold on-site by the hosts for $6 per bundle.

Weather at Skull Hollow Campground

Reviews

4.4

200 reviews

Recommended

Skull Hollow Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground’s rustic charm, spacious sites, and proximity to Smith Rock State Park. Common praises include cleanliness, quietness, and friendly hosts. Criticisms focus on the lack of water and occasional maintenance issues with vault toilets. One reviewer noted, "The campground was clean and nice," while another commented, "No running water anywhere in the campsite."

Review Summaries

Based on 200 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention clean vault toilets, spacious sites, quiet atmosphere, and friendly hosts. For example, "Clean restrooms, many many spots to camp," and "Host is so very nice clean...

Based on 200 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, occasional under-maintenance of vault toilets, and road noise in some parts of the campground. One reviewer stated, "No running water anywhere in...

Based on 200 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing ample water for drinking and cleaning due to the lack of potable water. Early arrival is advised on busy weekends to secure a spot. One reviewer suggested, "Bring lots of...

Based on 200 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews note fluctuations in visitor numbers based on the season, with weekdays being less crowded than weekends. Reviewers mention "Pretty slow during the week, but Thursday-Sunday are very busy,"...

Based on 200 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great hiking and biking trails about 100 feet away." "Cleanest, best smelling pit toilets ever." "Coyotes howling at night." "Large comfortable campsites that are great for groups." "Quiet setting....

Based on 200 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #12 is highlighted as a roomy pull-through site with minimal disturbance from neighboring roads. A double site (#10) was praised for accommodating six adults and eight children comfortably.

Based on 200 reviews