The 8 Best State Parks in Central Oregon, Central Oregon

November 12, 2021 Rosalyn Ihle

Discover the best top things to do in Central Oregon, United States including Smith Rock State Park, Prineville Reservoir State Park, Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint, Tumalo State Park, The Cove Palisades State park, Cline Falls State Park, Ochoco Wayside State Park, Ochoco Lake State Park.
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1. Smith Rock State Park

Highway 97 9 Mi. North, Redmond, OR 97760-9721 +1 800-551-6949 http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm
Excellent
87%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,086 reviews

Smith Rock State Park

Reviewed By wonderland62 - Hillsboro, United States

I don't know what is more impressive - views of nature or watching rock climbers scale cliff walls! Bring water and you can have your pick of different trails (difficulty scale is accurate).

2. Prineville Reservoir State Park

19020 SE Parkland Dr, Prineville, OR 97754-8611 http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_34.php
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 81 reviews

Prineville Reservoir State Park

Reviewed By 806darylh - Eugene, United States

Visited the State Park the week of July 19, 2020. Water level at 52%. Still plenty for fishing, swimming, skiing, etc. Only boat ramp open was at the State park. 2 lane ramp, plenty of room. No services provided, i.e. food, fuel, docks. Camp ground was pretty much full. 2 camp hosts available. Ice available for $3 a bag at the host sites. Some pretty large groups in the campground, not much social distancing, but quiet for a large campground. Weather was awesome, hot and dry. Cooled off nice in the evening. Got a good view of the comet after sunset. Only had some wind one of the days. Was able to get our skiing done in the morning and just hang out in the boat. Registration and arrangements were easy. Restrooms clean. A little out of the way for a 1 day trip is the only knock on this one.

3. Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint

Route 97, Terrebonne, OR http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_50.php
Excellent
63%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint

Reviewed By ronandsue2015 - Vancouver Island, Canada

Great rest place to stop and stretch your legs. Had lunch in the park at conveniently placed tables. Given danger of the deep gorge there are no dogs allowed in the area. Walking around the park there are numerous information signs describing the area, history etc. View from the old bridge is fantastic but not for the faint hearted if you are scared of heights even from the comfort/safety of a bridge!

4. Tumalo State Park

64120 O B Riley Rd, Bend, OR 97703-9093 +1 541-388-6055 http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_45.php
Excellent
51%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 167 reviews

Tumalo State Park

Reviewed By 449damienp

This a very nice and well maintained campground close to Bend and the Deschutes River. There is also a day use area with a lot of space to hang out next to the river. The river was fun to float on too.

5. The Cove Palisades State park

7300 SW Jordan Rd, Culver, OR 97734-9739 +1 541-546-3412 http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=24
Excellent
71%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 58 reviews

The Cove Palisades State park

Reviewed By Koli21494 - Inverness, United States

Clean facilities. Full hookups. Roomy sites. We love The Cove. Hosts and rangers are very nice, friendly and helpful

6. Cline Falls State Park

Highway 126, Redmond, OR http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_38.php
Excellent
36%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 98 reviews

Cline Falls State Park

Reviewed By L1797DCgeorger - Gig Harbor, United States

Easy access to the Deschutes River. A pretty park that is nicely cared for and has room to walk and toe picnic. Very nice.

7. Ochoco Wayside State Park

Hwy 126, Prineville, OR http://www.stateparks.com/ochoco_wayside_state_park_in_oregon.html?
Excellent
31%
Good
62%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 13 reviews

Ochoco Wayside State Park

8. Ochoco Lake State Park

Crestview Drive, Prineville, OR 97754 http://ccprd.org/ochoco-lake/
Excellent
20%
Good
80%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 5 reviews

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