Skull Hollow Campground — Hotel in Redmond

Awesome off the beaten path campground, with hiking trails, and an easy drive to Smithrock state park. Very large campsites, very quiet and clean. The lack of water doesnt detract from the overall experience, but be sure to bring enough for drinking and washing. The one thing that does/did detract from the overall experience, is the camp host Mike. We got in late, set up our camp, and he came by twice presumably to check in and collect our money. However both times he just drove off before I could even say hi or give him the money. I didn't think much of, because I believed he(like every other camp weve stayed in) would probably stop by in the morning in the light, or we would go to him and settle up. But, as we were having coffee, he drove up and basically suggested that we were criminals and had no intention of paying for our stay. To say we were surprised, would be a gross understatement. We even had the $20 in our pocket just waiting. Anyway, the interaction with him kind of ruined the morning and we spent the remainder of our stay trying not to let it bother us and take away from all the positives. So our review is a solid two thumbs up for the area and camp, and a solid thumbs down...

The view is beautiful. We went the first weekend in August and it was Hot during the day and cold at night. Lots of hiking and rock climbing at smith rock which is about a 15 minute drive from skull hallow. Camp host, Gary, was informative, friendly, and even gave us some of his firewood because I looked cold and wanted us to enjoy the stars later. He even asked if his music is too loud. He seems protective of his camp ground, which I like. There is no running water so bring enough with you and there are 2 bathrooms (1 stall each) at the campground. Make sure you follow the directions on how to pay. Thunder egg hunting is close by at some ranch. Pay $10 and you can collect 10 pounds and then $1 for each extra pound. They provide buckets and tools. They have a really nice and affordable gift shop with all kinds of rocks and jewelry. The road is bumpy with gates you have to open and close with cows roaming, so be prepared for the ride. Next time we would like to check out the swimming...

A basic if not rustic BLM Campground with pit toilets and two or three porta potties. There are two or three bigger campsites which can hold double the number of campers. Each side has a fire pit and a picnic table. There are a few trees but most of the camp sites are fairly exposed so if the wind is up you have to contend with that. No water is available which is a bit odd. The fees are posted at each site which is nice. The campground is very spread out so you have a fair amount of space between you and your neighbors. Nice views of the valley. There is also nice hiking trails in the Hills within walking distance. You can hike from this Campground through the hills over to Smith Rock State Park. No pavement or asphalt in his Campground so maybe not the best place for very young kids and their bikes. Close to the highway but we never noticed much Highway noise do too the distance and it's a fairly Quiet Road anyway. There was a cam post on site when...