Skull Hollow Campground

On our 4 week trip, this was the only campground that was First Come, First Served. We were concerned that there would not be spots, given the time of year (mid June), but there were plenty. Maybe 25% full.

Nice trees for shade, and decently spaced sites.

Be a bit concerned about the width of the gates and the potential to scrape the side of your trailer, it was a little tight on the first gate!

We stopped here for 1 night on our way back to Portland. The campground is located only 15 min drive (or 9 mile hike) to Smith Rock State park. The sites are pretty large and reasonably spread out. No services apart from pit toilets. The setting is high desert with mostly juniper trees. Some site are pretty open and others have decent shade. Our site, 44, had a big tree and look west over a beautiful valley.

Skull Hollow recently expanded to 76 sites 70 single 6 double sites. Single sites $10 and doubles $20 extra vehicles $5. Payment is cash or check only. 6 person maximum in singles and 12 person max in doubles. 1 rv and extra vehicles in single 2 rv and extra vehicles in doubles. Each site has a fire ring and table. Bathrooms (3 vault toilets) cleaned daily and 3 ports potties cleaned weekly. Dumpsters located by the campground host site. Quiet hours are 10pm-6am. (Quiet hours include generator use) no water on-site so bring it or the hosts sell gallon water jugs. Wood is sold onsite between 9am and 9pm when fire restrictions allow. Verizon cell service is 2/5 bars, T-Mobile is 1/3 bars, att is 2/5 bars depending on location. Senior and disabled federal passes are accepted for 50% off single sites.

We’ve camped here several times over the past 6 years and it’s always a pleasing experience. Well run by a dedicated host, and recently upgraded to have double the sites (a total of 76) which are deep, generous in width and clearly defined by rocks. Our site was flat, had a nice big juniper for shade, and beautiful views of the valley to the south and the hills surrounding Grays Butte to the north. Hiking and mountain bike trails depart from the trailhead just outside the campground.

The nearest dump station is in Madras to the north or Redmond to the south. It’s about a15 mile drive to the gorgeous Smith Rock State park. Our fee is a reflection of the senior national parks pass which allows 50% discount.

We loved our time here! Camp hosts were super welcoming and helpful. We stayed at a double site because we have a large motorhome and are still relatively new to navigating it in remote areas, but that being said, this campground is definitely doable with a big rig! Tons of sites to choose from, all with gorgeous views. A handle full of pull-through site and about a dozen double sites.

We were on a road trip and stayed here for three nights. The campground host was friendly and kept the bathrooms immaculate.

The sites are quite large so even though there is not a lot of vegetation for privacy you aren't too close to your neighbors. Most sites have at least one juniper tree that provides some shade but bringing a canopy, awning, or tarp is recommended.

There is no potable water so be sure to bring some. The area is hot, dry, and dusty.

This is a popular place for climbers to stay so if you plan to stay the weekend, arrive as early as possible.

We selected this campground because it was the closest to Smith Rock State Park. Sites are $10 and $20 for double sites. They do accept senior pass discounts but not for the double site. Their sign is confusing because they state that the senior discount is good only for single sites, stated in lower case not as in Single sites. We assumed since we were in one site even though a double and not one of their group sites, that the discount applied but that is not the case. We ended up paying $20 a night. We could've moved but didn't want to once we were settled. Other than the confusion, I liked the campground because I prefer FS and boondocking over state parks that tend to look like mini RV parks. The interior roads are dirt and gravel and sites are bordered by large boulders that can pose a challenge when parking. Each site has a table and fire ring. We stayed here in mid October and there were probably about half a dozen campers with a couple that looked long term. Coyotes at night a lot of birds. The host checks sites frequently and has firewood for sale. There is no dump station or water here, but unlimited water is available at another FS CG north of here with information available from the host. Large dumpsters are available with 2 pit toilets and a group of porta potties. Drive to Smith Rock is about 10 miles on paved road. Would definitely stay here again, but in a cheaper site! Verizon coverage is excellent here.

On a road trip with Smith Rock as one of our destinations and stumbled on Skull Hollow based on the price ($10 per night or $5 day use; 10am-4pm). We love campsites like this. The entire grounds are spread out and offer lots of privacy. While there is no water source, the camp host was selling gallon jugs for $1.50 and firewood If needed. Standard Vault toilets were clean and the place was quiet. Our only disappointment is that we couldn’t stay longer simply because of our itinerary. Smith Rock State Park is 12-15 mins away. I’ll stay here again the next time I visit.

This campground has been expanded for the 2019 season and now has 60+ sites for tent camping, vans and RVs. There are several vault toilets but no restrooms per se and no water. Cost is $10 and $5 if you have a federal senior pass. Lots of climbers use the dirt road running past this campground to disperse camp adjacent to the road. Bring water and a personal privy for human waste if you go this route. There are several trails for hiking and mountain biking near this campground.