35 of the Best Places to Go Camping in Oregon

Camping in Oregon is an unforgettable experience thanks to the varied landscapes which include coastal beaches, soaring mountains, thick forests, rolling farmland, and stark desert.

There are no shortage of campgrounds in the state. Oregon is home to 11 national forests and 361 state parks as well as countless private campgrounds and RV parks.

No matter where you’re going camping in Oregon, you’re sure to find a campground that’s just perfect for you.

Best Tent Camping in Oregon

Tent camping in Oregon is a great way to experience the state. Just make sure you’re prepared for camping in the rain if you’re in the western portion of the state!

Here are some of our favorite tent campgrounds in Oregon.

Lost Lake Campground and Resort

Lost Lake Campground is a popular place for good reason. It is in Mt. Hood National Forest, situated between Lost Lake and the glacial Mount Hood. Here you’ll find breathtaking views, along with activities for everyone.

Attractions include the hiking and biking trails, old growth boardwalk near the campground, and lake access with canoe and kayak rentals. Go fishing, birdwatching, or visit one of the nearby waterfalls. The campground is adjacent to a resort and provides group, family, and single campsites as well as cabins, yurts, and lodge rooms for rent.

Nearby Attractions:

• Columbia River Gorge
• Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum
• Mt. Hood

Silver Falls State Park

This Oregon state park spans over 9,000 acres and offers over 35 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Even more impressive, it’s home to the famous Trail of Ten Falls, which passes several waterfalls and descends through the forest to a creek.

This Oregon campground has tent sites, RV spots, and cabins, a horse campground, and group tent and RV camps. There is a day-use area with a playground, and off-leash area for dogs. Your pets, included horses, are welcomed. Hot showers and restrooms are available.

Nearby Attractions:

• Oregon Garden
• Silver Falls
• Trail of Ten Falls

Crater Lake National Park

This beautiful national park has two campgrounds as well as various hiking trails. Mazama Campground takes reservations and accommodates RVs and tents. Lost Creek Campground is first-come first-served and only accommodates tents.

Both campgrounds are in the forest near Crater Lake, and only open in the summer. Both Mazama and Lost Creek Campground are wonderful sites to enjoy the stunning Crater Lake as well as surrounding nature and wildlife.

Nearby Attractions:

• Crater Lake
• Whitehorse Falls
• Pinnacles Overlook Hike

Coldwater Cove Campground

Cold Water Cove Campground is located in the Willamette National Forest. This popular Oregon campground features views of the beautiful turquoise colored Clear Lake and ancient lava fields. Nearby are the Three Sisters Mountain and Mt. Washington. Picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water are available.

During the day, Cold Water Cove Campground is a wonderful place for water activities. In the evening, consider attending a nature talk at the amphitheater in the nearby Clear Lake Day Use Area.

Nearby Attractions:

• Clear Lake Trail
• Sahalie Falls
• Santiam Wagon Road Trail

Sparks Lake

Surrounded in the Deschutes National Forest near the North Sisters and Broken Top Peaks, the shallow Sparks Lake is a great place to hike, canoe, and stargaze. After sunset, the Aurora Borealis sometimes make an appearance, and several varieties of trout populate the lake.

Nearby Attractions:

• Aurora Borealis & Stargazing
• Tumalo Mountain
• Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Milo McIver State Park

Rivers, forests, fields, and hiking trails make Milo McIver State Park a scenic area to explore. You won’t be bored with the abundance of activities available here.  You can canoe, kayak, or raft in the Clackamas river. Plenty of trails are nearby to hike or ride horseback.

If you enjoy fishing, then you’ll love this campsite. The site has good access to Estacada Lake and the Clackamas River. Both rivers host varieties of fish, including Chinook salmon and Steelhead.

Non-fishers won’t be bored, either. You can tour the Clackamas Fish Hatchery, play disc golf at the 27-hole course, or participate in family-oriented crafts and guided hikes. McIver State Park has tent sites, electrical sites, and group camping areas.  

Nearby Attractions:

• Jonsrund Viewpoint
• Eagle Fern Park
• Clackamas Fish Hatchery

Prineville Reservoir State Park

In the high desert, water from the Ochoco Mountain Range feeds the Crooked River. These rivers as well as the Bowman Dam form the Prineville reservoir.  The Prineville Reservoir State Park campgrounds are walking distance from the river with wonderful fishing, boat ramps, water activities, and hiking trails.

Tent sites, RV sites, and hot showers are available. Prineville Reservoir State Park can get full quickly, so reservations are recommended.

Nearby Attractions:

• Painted Hills
• Crooked River Scenic Drive
• Crooked River Canyon

Toketee Lake

Toketee Lake Campground is conveniently situated by the Toketee Lake, Toketee Falls, and North Umpqua Trail. The lake is said to have some of Oregon’s best German brown trout fishing.

Nature lovers will appreciate the variety of wildlife including eagles, beavers, kingfishers, and other animals. The trail is a favorite among horseback riders, hikers, and bikers.

Nearby Attractions:

• Umpqua Hot Springs
• Hiking trails
• German brown trout fishing

Summit Lake

Summit Lake is a small, quiet, remote mountain lake in the Cascade Mountains on the southern border of Diamond Peak Wilderness. This lake boasts clear sapphire water, sand beaches, huckleberries, and views of the shield volcano Diamond Peak. You can kayak or canoe out to an island in the lake and camp with little concern of noisy neighbors. During the day, the nearby Pacific Crest Trail is a scenic place to bike or hike.

This area is difficult to get to because of bad road access and late snowmelt. Even so, if you’re looking for an adventure, beautiful views, and solitude, this might be just the place for you. If Summit Lake sounds a little too adventurous, consider one of the other campgrounds in the Cascade Range such as Crescent Lake campground, with similar views but less remote.

Nearby Attractions:

• Summit Lake Trailhead
• Huckleberries (When In Season)
• Shield volcano Diamond Peak

Eagle Creek Campground

Eagle Creek Campground is in the middle of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It’s home to the popular Eagle Creek trail and provides access to other hiking trails, as well as Mt. Hood National Forest and Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness.

This campground is located in a Douglas fir and maple forest, and osprey nest overhead. During the day, you can enjoy bird watching, water activities, and hiking. Other nearby attractions include the Cascade Locks museum, salmon fishing in the nearby Columbia river, the Multnomah falls, and the Bonneville dam and fish hatchery.

Nearby Attractions:

• Eagle Creek Trail
• Osprey Nests
• Cascade Locks Museum

Champoeg State Heritage Area

If you’re a history lover, you’ll appreciate a chance to enjoy both rich history and nature at Champoeg State Heritage Area. Visit the parks visitor center, Pioneer Mothers Log Cabin museums, and Newell house, or take a guided walk to learn about when Champoeg was a pioneer town.

Definitely plan a stop the Historic Butteville store, opened in 1863 one of the oldest operating stores in Oregon. The store is conveniently located near the campground. Champoeg also has several trails for hiking or biking through the forests and fields.

Nearby Attractions:

• Visitor Center and Newell House
• Hiking and Biking Trails
• Historic Butteville Store

Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Cottonwood Canyon State Park encompasses over 8,000 acres of cliffs, rivers, grasslands, and canyons. Hike the Pinnacles Trail, Hard Stone Trail, or Lost Corral Trail. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the back country ranching roads.

Other fun activities include fishing in the John Day River, boating or kayaking, and horseback riding. Be sure to bring plenty of water because this site only has drinking water at the day-use area and campground.

Nearby Attractions:

• Rugged, Vast Canyons
• John Day River
• Hiking Trails

Best Free Camping in Oregon

Thanks to an abundance of public land, Oregon is home to countless dispersed camping and boondocking opportunities. In addition to their beauty and remoteness, these campsites are all free!

Our guide to free camping in the US breaks down even more free camping tips for your Oregon trip.

Crane Prairie Campground

Crane Prairie Campground is in the Deschutes National Forest on the east shore of the Crane Prairie Reservoir, with views of Mt. Bachelor and the South Sister Mountain. It’s a wonderful place to go birdwatching, hiking, swimming, or boating.

Because of the abundance of fish in the reservoir and nearby fisheries, Crane Prairie Campground is one of the best places for camping in Oregon for anglers. If you enjoy boating, Crane Prairie Campground offers access to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. This byway passes through multiple high lakes with views of several nearby mountains.

Nearby Attractions:

• Mt. Bachelor
• Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
• Crane Prairie Reservoir

Green Mountain Camp Site

This site provides a more primitive camping experience, perfect for the camper looking for a chance to find a bit of solitude and enjoy nature. A chance to camp at Green Mountain is worth braving the rough access road.

First, it’s a great place to experience the volcanic scenery of the Fort Rock area. Cinder cones and lava fields are common. Also, it’s conveniently located near the famous Crack in the Ground, a volcanic fissure about 2 miles long.

Nearby Attractions:

• Cinder Cones and Lava Flows
• Four Craters Lava Field
• Crack in the Ground

Upper Lake Creek Campground

Upper Lake Creek Campgrounds are located at the headwaters of Lake Creek in a recreation management area that encompasses over 15,000 acres. The Hult Reservoir and Upper Lake Creek are great for water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and warm water fishing.

If you’d like to explore the wilderness, the rugged forest roads are accessible on foot and on horseback. Not far from the campground is Salem District’s Alsea Recreation Area.

Nearby Attractions:

• Hult Reservoir
• Upper Lake Creek
• Forest Roads

Mineral Camp Campground

Mineral Camp Campground offers some of the best camping in Oregon. This campground was once where miners would stay on their way to work in the Bohemia Mining District.

It’s beside Sharps Creek, surrounded by ferns, moss, and Douglas firs for a true camping in the woods feel. Pan for gold in Sharps Creek, hike the Hardscrabble Trail or Fairview Creek Trail, or just enjoy exploring the woods.

Nearby Attractions:

• Hardscrabble Trail
• Sharps Creek
• Cascades Raptor Center

Mt. Ashland Campground

Not too far from the small town of Ashland, but far enough for a true mountain camping experience, Mt. Ashland Campground is a quiet spot filled with wildflowers, butterflies, and birds.

The campsite has access to the Pacific Crest Trail, America’s second longest trail, as well as the Siskiyou Crest.  It isn’t usually too busy, but you might see a few hikers going past.

Nearby Attractions:

• Pacific Crest Trail
• Siskiyou Crest
• Schneider Museum of Art

Hubert K. Mcbee Memorial Park

Hubert K. Mcbee Memorial Park is owned by the Hull Oakes Timber company. Although it’s free, you must call the company to make reservations, so be sure to plan ahead before you pitch your tent. The site is along a large creek with hiking trails to Alsea and Green Peak falls. There’s a swimming hole, outhouses, and a beautiful landscape full of ferns and trees.

Nearby Attractions:

• Mary’s Peak Trail
• Alsea Falls Recreation Site
• Green Peak Falls

Cape Arago State Park

Cape Arago juts out into the Pacific Ocean, and with the variety of wildlife, beach access, and fishing, it just might be one of the best places for free camping in Oregon.

There are two trails, the south cove trail and north cove trail.  Down the south cove trail is a sandy beach where you can explore tide pools and watch for whales. The north cove trail leads to the off-shore colonies of seals and sea lions at Shell Island, and provides fishing access. Picnic tables and restrooms are available.

Nearby Attractions:

• South Cove Trail and North Cove Trail
• Shore Acres State Park
• Cape Arago Lighthouse

Best Yurt Camping in Oregon

Camping doesn’t have to be about roughing it. Consider staying in a yurt for a luxurious Oregon glamping experience.

Link Creek

Link Creek campground is on the shore of the deep, clear Suttle Lake in a mixed conifer forest. Fishing is excellent, and Link Creek, which empties into the lake, is clear enough to view spawning fish. Besides water activities, hiking and mountain biking trails loop the Suttle Lake with plenty of opportunities for picnicking.

Link Creek and Suttle Lake are part of Deschutes National Forest, so explore the surrounding forest or drive the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway through the mountains. The yurts are available for reservation year-round, but pets are not allowed.

Nearby Attractions:

• Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint
• Suttle Lake
• Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

Lost Creek State Recreation Site

For some seriously gorgeous camping in Oregon, Lost Creek is the perfect spot. Two yurts are available for reservation at Lost Creek, so be sure to plan ahead.

The campground is near paved Lost Creek Nature Trail, the Wild and Scenic Sandy River, fishing areas, and the Ramona Falls Trailhead. Lost Creek is part of the Mt. Hood National Forest, meaning that the campground is just close enough to the mountain for some sightseeing or a day trip.

Nearby Attractions:

• Lost Creek Nature Trail
• Ramona Falls Trailhead
• Mt. Hood

Sunset Bay State Park

Sandy beaches, sea cliffs, and beach access make Sunset Bay State Park an ideal place to rent a comfortable yurt and enjoy some serious Oregon camping. Hike or bike the trails that connect this site to Cape Arago and Shore Acres, while enjoying the ocean views, and coastal forests.

Nearby Attractions:

• Bastendorff Beach
• Charleston Marine Life Center
• Coos History Museum

Beachside State Recreation Site

This small campground along miles of beach is a good base for exploring the surrounding area. The campsites are close to the beach, which makes this is an ideal site for storm watching and sunset photography. Beachside State Recreation Area also has two yurts that can be rented out for some fun glamping in Oregon!

Plan visits to various visitor centers, lighthouses, and hiking trails. Also, tide pools, water activities, and fishing opportunities are available nearby. Otherwise, watch for whales and enjoy the beach.  

Nearby Attractions:

• The Chocolate Frog
• Thor’s Well
• Seal Rock State Park

Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area

Watch for all sorts of wildlife at this Oregon camping recreation area just a few miles from Lincoln City. Just a short walk away, you’ll find beautiful ocean beaches to explore. Boat, swim, kayak or canoe, and wander downtown Lincoln City. Ten yurts are available for rental, and tent and RV camp sites are available as well.

Nearby Attractions:

• Green Acres Equestrian Center
• Read’s Homemade Candy
• Roads End State Recreation Site

Best RV Camping in Oregon

RV campers have just as many options for camping in Oregon as tent campers. Whether you prefer a full-blown RV park or a more rustic RV camping experience, the following campgrounds are perfect for RVs and trailers alike.

Glenyan RV Park & Campground

This top-notch Oregon RV Park is located along the Neil Creek and is a peaceful spot to enjoy nature. While you’re here, explore the city of Ashland, swim in the heated pool, and fish or boat at the nearby Emigrant Lake.

Nearby Attractions:

• Lithia Park
• Mount Ashland
• Oregon Shakespeare Festival at the end of October

Catfish Junction RV Park

Located on the Snake River, stop at this RV Park to enjoy the quiet countryside and some of the best catfishing in Oregon. Tube the river, boat, or swim. Later, watch wildlife or play some outdoor games. The park offers restrooms and showers, a convenience store, and boat ramps.

Nearby Attractions:

• Heavens Gate Lookout
• Snake River
• Four Rivers Cultural Center & Museum

Junipers Reservoir RV Resort

Junipers Reservoir RV Resort is on a 6,000 acre ranch in Lakeview, Oregon. Hike, bike, fish, play outdoor games, or watch for wildlife. The ranch boasts antelope, mule deer, eagles, ground squirrels, as well as many other animals.

Free WiFi, drinking water, bathrooms and showers, and an open air pavilion are available. In 2017, Junipers Reservoir was named one of the top ten most scenic campgrounds by Rover Pass. It’s definitely one of the best RV campsites in Oregon.

Nearby Attractions:

• Quartz Mountain
• Old Perpetual Geyser
• Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge

Sea & Sand RV Park

Terraced RV sites ensure gorgeous ocean views and easy beach access for some seiously unique Oregon camping. Watch for whales, storms, and shells on the beach. When you’re done, explore the Depoe Bay three miles south. Fish local rivers and streams, or just enjoy the beach.

Nearby Attractions:

• Otter Crest Loop
• Whale, Sea Life and Shark Museum
• Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area

Seal Rocks RV Cove

For some of the best RV camping in Oregon, look no further than Seal Rocks RV Cove. Make sure to watch for whales, seals, and seabirds. The scenery is magnificent. Plus, the sites are large. Although you do have to cross a highway to reach the beach, it’s not far and the views are worth it. Bathrooms, showers, and WiFi are available.

Nearby Attractions:

• Seal Rock State Recreation Site
• Brian McEneny Woodcarving Gallery
• Oregon Coast Aquarium

Sawyers Rapids RV Resort

If you like to fish, you’ll definitely want to plan a stop at this Oregon campground.  That’s because Sawyers Rapids is the area with the state record for the largest Chinook salmon caught in 1910. There are sandy beaches and a free river boat launch. The RV sites have views of the river, or rent one of the three cabins.

Nearby Attractions:

• Umpqua River
• Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area
• Umpqua Discovery Center

Best Beach Camping in Oregon

The Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful areas in Oregon. Luckily, there are countless campgrounds on or near the beach for those that want to explore the sandy beaches, take in the roaring waves, and discover interesting marine life.

Harris Beach State Park Campground

The Harris Beach State Park is near Bird Island, a National Wildlife Sanctuary where rare birds such as the tufted puffin breed. The park’s sandy beaches are dotted with sea stacks and monoliths. You may view gray whales in the winter or spring, Harbor seals, many types of birds, life in the tide pools, and California sea lions.

The campground has tent sites to reserve, yurts for rental, and full-hookup sites for RVs, as well as a playground, flush toilets, and hot showers. It’s pet-friendly, even in the cabins and yurts, so bring the dog camping with you. If you’re looking for gorgeous ocean views and all sorts of wildlife, this is the place for you.

Nearby Attractions:

• Bird Island
• Sea stacks and Monoliths
• Azalea Park

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Cape Perpetua Campground is certainly one of the most scenic campgrounds in Oregon. Located between the Siuslaw National Forest and the ocean beach, and along the banks of Cape Creek, the Cape Perpetua Campground is a scenic getaway.

The location of this campground provides a variety of activities. Hike the mile-long trails and explore the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center or nearby Heceta Beach. Otherwise, just relax and enjoy nature and wildlife.

Nearby Attractions:

• Thor’s Well
• Hobbit Trail
• Earthworks Gallery

Bullards Beach State Park

Bullards Beach is a wonderful Oregon destination to go camping with the entire family. It’s a pet-friendly campground near the ocean and the Coquille River. You can enjoy a variety of activities. Walk or hike the path to the beach, crab or fish in the Coquille River, or even go horseback riding on the beach.

Visit the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge across the river, or the historic Coquille River Lighthouse. The state park has 13 yurts available for rental, as well as regular campsites, RV sites, and a horse camp. 

Nearby Attractions:

• Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
• Coquille River Lighthouse
• Washed Ashore Gallery and Workshop

Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park

Jessie M. Honeyman is the second largest state park campground in all of Oregon. It has miles of hiking trails, coastal sand dunes, and two freshwater lakes. Because of the layout and activity opportunities, it’s a great place to go camping with the family. 

Whatever you enjoy, there’s something to keep everyone entertained. In the fall, pick huckleberries or blackberries. Hike or bike the trails. Swim, canoe, or kayak either of the lakes. Yurts, RV sites, and tent sites are available for reservation.

Nearby Attractions:

• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
• Siuslaw River Bridge
• Woahink Lakeside Trail

Tillicum Beach Campground

Have you ever wanted to sleep on the beach? At this Oregon campground, you can do just that! The campground is located right on the beach. It’s an ideal spot for whale watching, sunset viewing, and swimming.

Walk along the beach, watch for whales, or inspect tide pools. When you’re ready, travel a few miles north to go fishing, crabbing, or clamming in the Alsea Bay and river. And of course, go to sleep listening to the waves.

Nearby Attractions:

• Devil’s Churn
• Yachats State Park
• Ocean Beaches Glass Callery

Check Out Great Campsites in Other States

Looking for camping near Oregon? Here are some additional best state camping guides to get you started:

• Best Camping in California
• Best Camping in Idaho
• Best Camping in Montana
• Best Camping in Washington
• Best Camping in Wyoming

Happy Camping!