Ready to swap the sounds of the city for the serene beauty of the great outdoors? Well, the Beaver State has your back and we found the best camping in Oregon to prove it. Gather your gear and head to one of these gorgeous destinations—just be sure to leave your troubles behind and enjoy the natural healing.
The Best Camping in Oregon for Every Type of Outdoor Experience
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Published Jul 11, 2022
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1. Toketee Lake
- Why We Recommend It: Waterfalls, great for fishing, family-friendly
- Best Time to Go: March to June
- Amenities: Vault restroom, campfire rings, picnic tables
A collection of 33 first-come, first-serve campsites for tents, RVs and trailers—this gem is situated along the North Umpqua River and just a stone’s throw from the beautiful 80-acre Toketee Lake. The popular camping destination is prized for its close proximity (just a short 1 ½-mile hike) to the breathtaking Toketee Falls, as well as for the ample fishing opportunities on offer, as well as family-friendly swimming holes, like the Poole Creek Swimming Site. That said, it’s worth noting that the campgrounds at Toketee Lake do not have potable water, so be sure to come prepared.
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2. Summit Lake
- Why We Recommend It: Water activities, excellent day hiking
- Best Time to Go: May to September
- Amenities: Vault restroom, picnic tables, fire pits
Summit Lake is home to this small and picturesque campground, which features eight walk-in sites for tents-only camping. The convenient location boasts plenty of trails for day hiking, back roads for mountain biking, scenic picnic spots and water activities, such as canoeing, fishing and lake swimming, to boot.
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3. Camp Arago State Park
- Why We Recommend It: Great for viewing marine life, scenic hikes, picnicking
- Best Time to Go: July to February
- Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas
Cape Arago State Park, a beach-lover’s paradise, occupies a pristine stretch of the Pacific Ocean coastline. Hike along any of the numerous trails that provide access to sandy beaches, tidepools and fishing spots, as well as scenic lookouts where visitors can view sea lion colonies, migrating whales and other marine life. Bonus: The campgrounds have flushable toilets and designated picnic areas, too.
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4. Mount Hood National Forest
- Why We Recommend It: Family-friendly fishing spots, scenic trails
- Best Time to Go: August to November
- Amenities: Vault toilet, water/electric hook-up sites, picnic tables
Don’t be fooled by the name, Mount Hood is actually a dormant stratovolcano, not a mountain. Located only 90 minutes outside of Portland and accessible by public transit, this swath of wilderness in Mount Hood National Forest is ideal for day trips and camping adventures alike. In fact, the Mount Hood territory boasts over 50 different campgrounds, including tents-only sites that can be reserved in advance, first-come, first-serve spots at Pechuk Lookout for folks who want to rough it and cushy cabin stays at Promontory Park. Recreational activities on offer include fishing and hiking trails with spectacular views.
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5. Green Mountain Camp Site
- Why We Recommend It: Gorgeous natural landscape, geological attractions, rustic
- Best Time to Go: Open for camping year-round
- Amenities: Vault restroom, fire grates, picnic tables
Head to one of the six first-come, first-serve sites at Green Mountain Campgrounds in Central Oregon to enjoy a vast desert landscape that features sweeping views of lava flows and cinder cones, Insta-worthy sunsets and stellar stargazing. This camping spot is open year-round—just keep in mind that four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for traversing the rugged terrain and potable water is not part of the picture.
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6. Bigfoot Acres
- Why We Recommend It: RV-accessible, mountainous landscape, water activities
- Best Time to Go: Open year-round
- Amenities: fire pits, potable water, portable toilets
The three tent and RV campsites of Bigfoot Acres provide a particularly private and serene experience in a lush mountainous setting where visitors can comb the shores of the nearby rivers and lakes and explore the forested land for (you guessed it) the legendary Western Sasquatch. Plus, even if you don’t come face to face with Big Foot, the wildlife viewing, hiking, biking and boating opportunities available on the property make it well worth a visit.
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7. Coldwater Cove Playground
- Why We Recommend It: Water activities, great for hiking, waterfalls, glamping
- Best Time To Go: May to October
- Amenities: Potable water, vault toilets, picnic tables, campfire rings, trash collection
Nestled in the Cascades mountain region, the sites available at the Coldwater Cove campgrounds are scattered around Clear Lake, a peaceful and picturesque destination for canoeing, fishing, mountain biking and more. Be sure to take a hike to the nearby Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls—two breathtaking waterfalls that cascade over ancient lava flows—and the McKenzie River Mountain Trail, which boasts 26 miles of scenic beauty to explore.
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8. Sunset Bay State Park
- Why We Recommend It: Excellent fishing, great for glamping
- Best Time to Go: Open for camping year-round
- Amenities: Flush toilets, hot showers, electrical and full hook-up sites, potable water
Verdant coastal forest, fields of wildflowers, and dramatic sea cliffs with panoramic views make Sunset Bay State Park a stunning destination for hiking and camping. Also, fans of seafood should take note: Fishing, clamming, and crabbing are all on the menu at this treasured spot. As far as accommodations are concerned, glampers will be pleased to know that, in addition to 65 tents-only sites, there are spacious reservation-only yurts available and RV parks on offer here as well.
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9. Three Sisters Wilderness
- Why We Recommend It: Untouched wilderness, remote, excellent hiking
- Best Time to Go: Between June and October
- Amenities:
With over 280,000 acres of untouched fir and pine forest land and 260 miles of hiking trails to explore, Three Sisters Wilderness is a prime destination for any camper who wants a truly rugged outdoor escape. Strict regulations are in place to the tune of “take only photographs, leave only footprints” and amenities are non-existent, which means this spot is best-suited to true nature enthusiasts. It’s also important to keep in mind that permits are required for both day and overnight trips to the area, particularly during peak season. Bottom line: Be sure to plan ahead and read up on the rules and you’ll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring camping experience.
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10. East Lomolo Campground
- Why We Recommend It: Water activities, hiking
- Best Time to Go: Between April and October
- Amenities: Picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, launch ramp
East Lemolo Campground is Umpqua National Forest’s lakeside gem and a beloved spot for scenic hikes along the Pacific Crest and Mt. Thielsen trails, as well as recreational water activities such as waterskiing, fishing, and boating. During the summer months, the location’s 15 campsites can be reserved in advance, but are only available on a first-come, first-serve basis otherwise. (Note: You’ll need to bring your own potable water, as none is available on-site.)
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11. Crater Lake
- Why We Recommend It: Geological attraction, scenic, wide range of camping options
- Best Time to Go: Mid-May through mid-October
- Amenities: Vault toilets and electrical hook-ups (available at some sites),
Crater Lake, an awe-inspiring sleeping volcano, is the deepest lake in the United States—and an immaculate one, too. You can take a day trip to this blissful spot at any time of year, but advanced reservations are recommended to secure a campsite or lodge for overnight stays, which are only available seasonally from mid-May through mid-October. There are a variety of different campsites on offer, including both barebones sites and those with vault toilets and electrical hook-ups. That said, this is a BYOW (bring your own water) spot across the board, unless you’re at one of the lodges, and backcountry backpackers are required to have a permit, so get your paperwork in order if that’s what you had in mind.
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12. Glenyan Rv Park And Campground
- Why We Recommend It: Close to a city, water and recreational activities nearby, RV camping
- Best Time to Go: April through November
- Amenities: Heated pool
This Neil Creek RV park is an oh-so-pretty campground on the outskirts of Ashland. Needless to say, its proximity to the city means visitors have easy access to a wide range of amenities. The bigger draw, however, is that the location is close to both Emigrant Lake, where water activities like boating and fishing abound, and Lithia Park, a lush 100-acre vista with loads of recreational potential, from pickleball courts to swimming reservoirs. But that’s only if you tire of the heated pool on the premises.
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13. Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area
- Why We Recommend It: Family-friendly, lots of amenities, great for fishing and birdwatching, pet-friendly
- Best Time to Go: Open for camping year-round
- Amenities: Flush toilets, full hook-up, cable TV, yurts, cabins, potable water, hot showers
Devil’s Lake Recreation area consists of two parks surrounding 685 acres of placid water that’s perfect for water activities like freshwater fishing and paddle boating. This destination is particularly appealing for families seeking a slightly more comfortable camping experience since the campgrounds feature pet-friendly yurts and cabins, as well as proper restrooms, potable water, hot showers and even sites with full electrical hookups and cable TV access. (Psst: Don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars, so you can observe the flocks of geese and ducks during migration season, along with the eagles and hawks that nest nearby.)
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14. Sparks Lake
- Why We Recommend It: Water activities, birdwatching
- Best Time to Go: June through November
- Amenities: Boat ramps
Here, a wonderland of wetlands with over 700 acres of meadow, marshes, streams and lava formations that surround the lake. Recreational activities include boating, fishing and, most notably of all, birdwatching. Yep, this Oregon campground is home to some pretty impressive avian life, including osprey and different species of hawks and eagles, as well as low-flying birds like warblers and mountain bluebirds (to name a few). Bonus: You can even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights when the conditions are right.
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15. Mineral Camp Campground
- Why We Recommend It: Historical site, woodsy
- Best Time to Go: January to March
- Amenities: Picnic tables, firepits, vault toilet
There are only three first-come, first-serve campsites at Mineral Camp, a historic landmark located at the base of Hardscrabble Grade, which was once a busy goldmining destination. Now, you can still pan for gold for old time’s sake, but it won’t get you much; the bigger reward is the natural beauty of the surroundings, which are lush with ferns, moss, Douglas Firs and other foliage. Basically, if you’re looking for a scenic romp around the woods with a built-in history lesson, this one fits the bill—just be sure to BYOW, ‘cause neither panning nor hiking is fun when you’re parched.
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16. Milo Mciver State Park
- Why We Recommend It: Close to the city, water activities, great for hiking, family-friendly
- Best Time to Go: March to November
- Amenities: Flush toliets, hot showers, campfires, solar charging station and electrical sites
Located just 45 minutes outside of Portland on the Clackamas River, this scenic state park is a popular camping spot for those seeking an escape from city life. Water activities on the river include rafting, kayaking and fishing. There’s also plenty of fun to be had on land—namely because the park serves up mile upon mile of forested hiking trails and a 27-hole golf course if you feel like hitting the green, too.
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17. Bullards Beach State Park
- Why We Recommend It: Family-friendly, equestrian activities, beach
- Best Time to Go: May to September
- Amenities: Water, electricity, hook-ups, hot showers, yurts, picnicking, RV dump station
Bullards Beach State Park is a yearround destination for casual campers located at the mouth of the Coquille River. Stroll the forested beaches and dunes on foot or horseback (there’s an equestrian park for that) before retiring to a campsite or (reservation-only) yurt that boasts many of the comforts of home, including hot showers, flushing toilets, picnic tables and places to plug in.
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18. Lost Lake Campground And Resort
- Why We Recommend It: Great for hiking, family-friendly, fishing
- Best Time to Go: July to October
- Amenities: Cabin/yurt rentals, public boat launch, fishing dock, pit toilets
Visitors to Lost Lake Campground can choose from good ol’ fashioned pitch-a-tent camping at one of the 148 sites or opt for a cabin, lodge room or yurt to get a decidedly more luxe dose of the outdoors. (Pro tip: Open campsites are first-come, first-serve, but can also be reserved up to six months in advance.) Whatever accommodations you choose, be sure to explore the seven different hiking trails on offer, which vary in difficulty and boast breathtaking views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. Jefferson.
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19. Silver Falls State Park
- Why We Recommend It: Gorgeous waterfalls, family-friendly, great for hiking
- Best Time to Go: Open for camping year-round
- Amenities: Electricity, water, flush toilets, showers, RV dump station, playground
Silver Falls State Park, dubbed the “Crown Jewel” of the Oregon State Park system, is best known for its spectacular hiking trails—particularly the Trail of Ten Falls, which winds through dense forested areas and leads hikers around and behind the areas numerous waterfalls. Indeed, the majestic cascades are the main attraction at this spot, but there’s also fishing, swimming and even a playground for folks who are traveling with kids.
