Where to stay at Smith Rock

Hey folks, I need some beta. My partner and I are looking to spend a week or more at Smith Rock State Park in early April. I've done some googling and what I can find is a campground I can't book in advance, and a couple of dodgy RV parks for "less expensive than a week in the Best Western". Is there a decent campground I can book ahead of time? Or a hostel of some sort? I'd really rather not pay AirBnB cleaning fees and contribute to that whole problem.

The bivvy should be open and functioning by April - hard to beat and has great vibes; but you won't be able to reserve: https://smithrock.com/campground-bivy

It's first come first serve; but in my experience even showing up at 5pm on Friday you should probably still be able to scoop a spot. Your chances go down if you're showing up on Saturday. (Weekday arrival, you shouldn't have any trouble.)

Skull Hollow campground is also first-come-first-serve, but doesn't have as many amenities, i.e. primitive camping: https://smithrock.com/skull-hollow-campground

Depending on your dates, SH may not be open yet.

J P wrote:

The bivvy should be open and functioning by April - hard to beat and has great vibes; but you won't be able to reserve: https://smithrock.com/campground-bivy

It's first come first serve; but in my experience even showing up at 5pm on Friday you should probably still be able to scoop a spot. Your chances go down if you're showing up on Saturday. (Weekday arrival, you shouldn't have any trouble.)

Skull Hollow campground is also first-come-first-serve, but doesn't have as many amenities, i.e. primitive camping: https://smithrock.com/skull-hollow-campground

Depending on your dates, SH may not be open yet.

Good info, yeah. I looked at Skull Hollow for sure and wasn't 100% sure they'd be open. Glad to hear that at least on weekdays not being able to reserve isn't a world ender with the official bivvy.

Looks like Smithrock.com may be a bit off - Forest Service says March 15 opening date for Skull Hollow: fs.usda.gov/recarea/ochoco/…

Lots of free dispersed camping on BLM lands in the area

There is the bivy area linked above, but when it’s closed, it’s closed.

If you are sleeping in a vehicle, there is a plethora of overnight parking at Skull Hollow. There is also a far bit of overnight parking at the Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint, but you’ll need to deal with some bright lights and a periodic passing train. Both these places have bathrooms, and I’ve never seen the parking even remotely close to full.

You can refill water at the park itself. There are plenty of grocery options, my favorite being Oliver Lemon’s.

There are also plenty of hotels and AirBnB options. 

Peter Skene is the place. If you know you know.]

There is a hostel in Bend called the Bunk and Brew if you want to go that route.