With a strong reputation for adventures in nature, Oregon sits high on many hikers’ and campers’ outdoor bucket lists. And with over 50 percent of state land declared public, camping in Oregon is literally everywhere. To help you get started, here’s some of the best spots to pitch a tent and catch a view!


While the Cascades mountain range used to be a major obstacle for settlers riding the Oregon trail, it has now become an outdoor adventurer’s playground. Mt. Hood, the fourth highest peak in the Cascades and just two hours outside of Portland, is home the most popular park for campers looking for a taste of Oregon’s natural diversity. Aside from the snowy mountain top, the old-growth forests and flowing water features make this a prime location for camping in Oregon. 


Lake lovers might appreciate the serene views of the Wy’east at campsites around Trillium Lake. Waking up to the fog that drifts on the lake and Mt. Hood standing tall behind it is a picture-perfect moment every camper dreams of. Rent yourself a boat, canoe or kayak and spend the day gliding around the 63-acre lake or angling for local trout.


If you’d like to ditch some of the crowds around Mt. Hood while also getting a hike in, make your way through a canopy of old-growth forest on the Old Salmon River Trail. The backwoods sites along the trail offer a natural escape to some of the best camping in Oregon.


If you’re looking for a more active natural beauty, venture about three hours south from Mt. Hood to Silver Falls State Park outside of Salem. People call it the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, and once you visit, you know why. The scenic waterfall hike offers a 360-degree view of a 178-foot cascade (where else can you hike behind a waterfall?) With sites a hike away from the falls, anyone looking for camping in Oregon can’t miss this spot. Throughout your exploration around Oregon, you can find all the best campsites with The Dyrt.

Oregon

The Best Camping in Oregon | 100+ OR Campgrounds

Central Oregon is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Central Oregon, OR. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Central Oregon

The Best Camping Near Central Oregon, Oregon

Sitting just above the canyon from Crooked River, is two acres of peaceful camping bliss.

Our family has loved having our own private spot for a couple of decades now but we are ready to share the astonishing clear starry nights with fellow campers. With no next door neighbors or a flood of lights nearby, the beauty of the heavens can open to your eyes. Come and enjoy the quiet serenity we have loved so much.

1 Yurt, 1 Cabin, 2 tent sites, 3 RV/Travel Trailer back-in spots

\- - BLM land less then one mile --

\-- Prineville Reservoir 12 miles --

\-- Dry camp/Boondocking --

\-- No water/electricity/hookups --





Desert Rose Family Private Campground

Ochoco Forest Camp is nestled in the Ochoco Mountain range near the 6,926-foot Lookout Mountain, which is known for its unusual rock formations. The camp offers a large group picnic area and several campsites. Recreation The shelter is close to the Lookout Mountain Trail, which climbs to the top of the mountain and offers terrific views of the Cascades and meadow wildflowers in the spring. This trail is open to hikers and mountain bikers. Anglers can go fly fishing for trout in adjacent Ochoco Creek. There is also a horseshoe pit on-site. Facilities The large picnic shelter sits in a quiet and secluded location at the far end of the campground. Groups of up to 75 people can enjoy picnicking and other recreational activities. Picnic tables and grills are provided at the shelter, and drinking water and vault toilets are available in the campground. Several first-come, first-served campsites are available for visitors wishing to spend the night. Natural Features Much of the area is dominated by old-growth Ponderosa pine. Wildlife include Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer, as well as several bird species that include white-headed woodpecker, belted kingfisher, spotted sandpiper, cinnamon teal, American coot, Steller's jay, yellow-headed blackbird and Brewer's blackbird. Nearby Attractions Walton Lake offers a variety of activities for day-use visitors. There is a swimming beach, fishing pier and boat ramp, and the lake is stocked with rainbow trout and catfish. ADA Access: N

Ochoco Forest Camp

## Overview

Walton Lake Campground may be the best-known location in the Ochoco National Forest, offering a serene setting among old-growth Ponderosa pine and mountain meadows. Most sites offer sweeping lake views.

## Recreation

Visitors can choose to spend their vacation relaxing by fishing on the shore of Walton Lake, or swimming and paddling in the water. There is a swimming beach, fishing pier and boat ramp, and the lake is stocked with rainbow trout and catfish.  
  
There are also many trails nearby for those who would like to explore on foot or mountain bike. This includes the 7.5-mile multi-use Round Mountain Trail as well as the 1-mile Walton Lake Trail, which offers many scenic views around the lake. 

## Facilities

There are paved parking spurs, picnic tables and fire rings with grills at each single site. Vault toilets are available in both sections of the camp, and a hand pump for drinking water is located in the south shore section.  
  
There are three tables and a fire ring at each group site. These sites can accommodate three to four RVs, and there are several tent pitching spots available.  
  
There are accessible vault toilets in the south shore section of the camp. 

## Natural Features

Walton Lake is a blue sparkling jewel hidden within the dense forest. A small dam impounds spring-fed water that seeps from surrounding sloped meadows.  
  
Aspen and tall willows add habitat diversity to make this place especially attractive to wildlife. This is a place to find white-headed woodpecker, belted kingfisher, spotted sandpiper, cinnamon teal, American coot, Steller's jay, yellow-headed blackbird and Brewer's blackbird.  
  


## Nearby Attractions

For visitors seeking a bit of civilization, the city of Prineville is nearby. There are opportunities to shop, dine out, golf, attend events and visit the local museum.

Walton Lake

Walton Lake Sno-Park is located off of Forest Service Road 22 and provides access to a variety of winter activities. There are two parking areas; the lower provides immediate access to the network of cross-country ski trails, and the larger upper area that provides immediate access to the warming hut and restroom. The greatest concentration of snowmobile trails on the Ochoco National Forest can be accessed from the upper parking lot. Additionally, there is a small hilly area next to the upper parking area that is good for sledding and tubing. Walton Sno-Park is ideal for snowmobile enthusiasts, as well as anyone who is looking to participate in more than one kind of winter recreation and does not mind roads that are maintained less in the winter. Be advised: Plowing of the FS 22 Road only occurs approximately once per week and there are few adequate places to turn around, so access may be difficult. In addition, early season plowing extends outside the road bed to allow room for the snow that accumulates throughout the season, so please be aware and drive with caution. View a map of Nordic ski trails at Walton Sno-Park . View the Snowmobile Trail Map .

Walton Sno-Park

The Ochoco Divide Group Site is a convenient place to camp while traveling across scenic State Highway 26 by bicycle or car. Resting at the top of the Ochoco Divide at an elevation of 4,700 ft., the group site is set on a hill away from the road as an extension of the general campground. Summertime in the Ochoco National Forest brings pleasant temperatures; the campground is closed during winter. Recreation The group site of the Ochoco Divide Campground is mainly used by touring cyclists. It is also a good place to take a relaxing stroll through the woods. There are opportunities for hunting, mountain biking and hiking in the national forest surrounding the facility. Several trailheads begin at the Bandit Springs rest stop about one mile from the campground on Highway 26. Facilities The group site is part of the main Ochoco Divide Campground. There is no drinking water at the group or main campground. Visitors are advised to bring their own, though bottled water is available through the camp host if necessary. The group site can comfortably fit up to 12 people; no more than 35 are allowed. Parking is limited. Campers must park at the base of a small hill and walk up to the site. There is a day use area at the group site as well. Natural Features The scenery surrounding the campground alternates between thick Ponderosa pine forests and grassy meadows, though shortly beyond the campground the road descends into lower-elevation, arid canyon lands. One of the most unique geologic features of the Ochoco National Forest is the 'thunder egg,' Oregon's official state rock. Thunder eggs are small, colorful, round volcanic rocks similar to geodes that have been exposed over time. The U.S. Forest Service has designated specific sites for rock hounding. Nearby Attractions John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is less than an hour away. Hike amongst the Painted Hills and famed fossils, take a journey through time at the museum at Sheep Rock or picnic beneath the beautiful mountain scenery. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument ADA Access: N

Ochoco Divide Group Site

The Ochoco National Forest is located in Central Oregon, north and east of the City of Prineville. It encompasses 850,000 acres of rimrock, canyons, geologic oddities, dense pine forests, and high desert terrain as well as the North Fork of the Crooked River. At 155,000 acres, Crooked River Grasslands is one of the largest tracks of preserved grassland in the U.S. Visitors can find a variety of evidence of a ‘failed’ homestead attempts on the Grasslands: stone shelters, tools, cans, log cabins, barns and water troughs still remain. Please note that these items are protected by the Antiquities Act and must not be removed to preserve the historic integrity of the area.

Ochoco National Forest

As you may have guessed, this campground is located in an old gravel pit. When the excavation hit the water table and the pit was filled in with water the operations ceased and the site was abandoned. Now this campground is locally known as a swimming hole, and is also occasionally stocked with trout.

Cottonwood Pit

This campground has 7 established campsites, each which can accommodate tent camping and most which can also support RV camping.

The majority of the campsites in this facility can accommodate larger recreational vehicles; however, this campground does not offer hook-ups of any kind, so RV campers should be self-contained.

Cottonwood Campground

The campground is located just above the day-use area and boat ramp for Antelope Flat Reservoir, and is situated among large ponderosa pines which provide a quiet and scenic setting for forest visitors. Only a few campsites provide views of the reservoir, but the walk from the campground to the water's edge takes most people less than 10 minutes. Potable drinking water is available near the south end of the campground from a standing hand pump; however there are no hook-ups available on site. The day-use area is located right on the water’s edge and is outfitted with picnic tables, fire rings, a vault bathroom, and a boat ramp. Please DO NOT park vehicles in the boat ramp loop as it can block other visitors from accessing the water. If you keep a keen eye out and a pair of binoculars on hand, large birds of prey can occasionally be seen from the day-use area nesting on the east side of the reservoir. View a map of Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground.

Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground

*UPDATE August, 2018: The bridge accessing Wildcat Campground and Day Use Area has a 5 ton load limit. This is the only access to this area.* This quiet and cool forested campground is one of the more popular fee campgrounds on the Ochoco National Forest because it is relatively close to town, yet provides an escape from the intense desert heat in the summer months. It is located near Mill Creek Wilderness and gives campers opportunities to see old growth dependent species, such as the pileated woodpecker, and hike the Twin Pillars non-motorized trail. Twin Pillars Trailhead is located adjacent to the campground providing access to Mill Creek Wilderness and Twin Pillars Trail (#832). View a map of Wildcat Campground.

Wildcat Campground & Day Use Area

Nestled between the Willamette and Columbia rivers is some of the best camping in Oregon. Near Portland, OR, campers and RVers can stop in the city to stock up on supplies before heading to campsites near Mount Hood. Surrounded by numerous national forests, parks and recreation areas, explore the many miles of trails on foot, bike, or horseback spread across millions of acres. Animal lovers can visit a nearby hobby farm and rescue, home to pronghorn sheep, mule deer, and more. For campers looking for less rustic accommodations, there are unique tiny houses and cabin rentals with stunning views of the surrounding area. There are also many campground options for RVs.

Portland

The Best Portland Camping | Oregon Campgrounds

Oregon offers some of the best camping experiences for hikers, backpackers, and RVers with resorts designed exclusively for the large vehicles. Near Eugene, OR, campers can enjoy thick forests, serene meadows, and mountain views from their campsites. Pitch a tent and spend the day exploring the wooded trails or fishing at the lake. Boaters also can pull up to their site from the dock. Explore the Windigo and Sisters Wilderness Trails on horseback or stay in a cabin by the soothing hot springs. Along with roughing it in a tent, there are also plenty of glamping opportunities and yurts.

Eugene

The Best Camping in Eugene Oregon | Oregon Campgrounds

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Salem. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Salem, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Salem camping trip.

Salem

The Best Camping Near Salem, Oregon | OR Camping

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Gresham, OR is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Gresham is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Gresham, reviewed by campers like you.

Gresham

The Best Camping Near Gresham, Oregon

Looking for the best campgrounds near Beaverton, OR? Beaverton is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Beaverton, reviewed by campers like you.

Beaverton

The Best Camping Near Beaverton, Oregon

Bend is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Bend campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Bend

The Best Bend, Oregon Camping | Oregon Campgrounds

Join the fun near Medford. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Medford is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Medford camping trip.

Medford

The Best Camping Near Medford, Oregon

Join the fun near East Springfield. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of East Springfield. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near East Springfield and user-submitted reviews.

East Springfield

The Best Campgrounds Near Springfield, MA | MA Camping

Are you in need of a campground near Springfield, OR? Springfield is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Springfield, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Springfield

The Best Camping Near Springfield, Oregon

Corvallis is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Corvallis, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Corvallis, OR. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Corvallis

The Best Camping Near Corvallis, Oregon

Searching for the best camping near Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, OR? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

The Best Camping Near Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Oregon

Searching for the best camping near Siuslaw National Forest, OR? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Siuslaw National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Siuslaw National Forest, OR. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Siuslaw National Forest

The Best Camping Near Siuslaw National Forest, Oregon

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Mt. Hood National Forest, OR has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Oregon camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Mt. Hood National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Mt. Hood National Forest

The Best Camping Near Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

Looking for the best campgrounds near Malheur National Forest, OR? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Malheur National Forest, OR. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Malheur National Forest

The Best Camping Near Malheur National Forest, Oregon

Join the fun near Willamette National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Willamette National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Willamette National Forest

The Best Camping Near Willamette National Forest, Oregon

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland. Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, reviewed by campers like you.

Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland

The Best Camping Near Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, Oregon

Umatilla National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Umatilla National Forest campgrounds just for you. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Umatilla National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Umatilla National Forest

The Best Camping Near Umatilla National Forest, Oregon

Fremont-Winema National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Fremont-Winema National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Oregon camping adventure.

Fremont-Winema National Forest

The Best Camping Near Fremont-Winema National Forest, Oregon

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Umpqua National Forest, OR has a lot to offer. Umpqua National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Umpqua National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.

Umpqua National Forest

The Best Camping Near Umpqua National Forest, Oregon

The only true national park in Oregon is Crater Lake National Park. While there are four other federally managed areas, none are national parks. Luckily, Crater Lake holds the weight of the state’s only national park flawlessly and is a popular camping and outdoor destination year-round.

There are only a few developed campgrounds in the park itself, and they’re only open in the summer. RV campers will be happy to hear that the campgrounds are accessible to them. Primitive campsites are available to those who acquire a backcountry hiking permit. The best camping near Crater Lake National Park is in the park itself. If you can’t get a spot (or it’s winter), Fort Klamath, OR, has several dispersed options as well as a nearby state recreation site.

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park, OR is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Crater Lake National Park campgrounds just for you. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Crater Lake National Park, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

The Best Camping in Central Oregon

Top Campgrounds in Central Oregon (120)

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