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

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Culver, OR is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Culver is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Culver, reviewed by campers like you.

Culver

The Best Camping Near Culver, Oregon

The Property is an amazing camping retreat on 3 acres in central Oregon near the Metolius River - perfect for summer sun, mountain air, and some of the most pristine & beautiful rivers & lakes for nature enthusiasts & anglers alike. Bring your family and friends and your RV, tent, or hammock to enjoy this one-of-a-kind outdoor paradise.

The Property is an immense piece of private property best experienced outside in the amazing sun and air of Central Oregon. The creek and the river will draw you to enjoy the peace and relaxation in this secluded retreat. The river is Lake Creek, the river coming out of Suttle Lake just 5 miles away. Lake Creek empties into the Metolius River just 100 yards downstream and is visible from The Property.





The Property - A Unique Campsite at Camp Sherman

South Shore Group Campground is the only designated group campsite Oregon at Haystack Reservoir in Central Oregon near Madras. There are three group campsites to reserve which can hold 50 people per group site. Each site is primitive so they do not have water, electricity or sewer available. Two vault toilets are located in the campground, and each site has picnic tables and a firering. All campfires are required to be in the firerings at all times. Water is available about .5 miles away at West Shore Campground up the road. Each campsite is private from the other group sites. All roads and campsites are gravel. These campsites are located near the lake with beautiful views of the reservoir and Cascade Mountains. Sites are surrounded by juniper trees, sagebrush and bitterbrush and are an ideal quiet setting for small or large groups wanting a private natural setting on Haystack Lake. Upon arrival, visit the Campground Host at West Shore Campground .5 miles up the road so they can give you check-in instructions, since there is a locked gate at South Shore Campground. The campground is open March through November. Recreation Haystack Reservoir is a small and intimate lake very popular for fishing and camping with local visitors along with many traveling and recreating through the sunny Central Oregon area. Haystack Reservoir offers boating, fishing, camping and sightseeing and is easy access only a few miles off of Highway 97. Small motorized boating is allowed. Non-motorized boating is popular for those with canoes and kayaks. Two boat ramps are located nearby at West and East Shore Campgrounds across the lake from South Shore Group Campground. The surrounding Central Oregon area is a destination for a variety of favorite recreation opportunities such as boating, hiking, fishing, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, hunting and designated Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails. Several premier Oregon State Parks are nearby for recreation use such as Smith Rock State Park offering world known rock climbing, and Lake Billy Chinook offering popular camping, boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and water and jet skiing. The Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River is located about 30 minutes away, and provides world known fishing and whitewater boating. Facilities South Shore Group Campground has three primitive group campsites with picnic tables, campfire rings, and gravel roads and parking lots. Two vault toilets are available in the campground. The group campsites are named Willow, Juniper and Cottonwood with lots of vegetation for privacy screening and close to the lake with great views of the mountains on a sunny day. There are no water, sewer or electric hookups. Water is available .5 miles up the road at West Shore Recreation Area. Once you arrive, check in at West Shore Campground with the Campground Host, and they will give you information for entering South Shore since there is a locked gate at the group campground entrance. Natural Features South Shore Campground is located in a High Desert landscape with gorgeous views of the lake, Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood as a scenic backdrop. High desert weather is mostly sunny and warm a majority of the time with juniper trees, sage brush and bitter brush throughout the campground. Lakeside views and access to this small, intimate reservoir make it a beautiful spot in Central Oregon to relax and view waterfowl, deer, eagles, osprey and Great Blue Herons. The combination of a low forest canopy and 3,000' elevation make this a perfect location for stargazing at the wide open sky on clear nights. Nearby Attractions There are several state parks within 30 minutes away to include Smith Rock and Cove Palisades State Parks. Smith Rock State Park features world class rock climbing and hiking along the Crooked River. The Cove Palisades State Park offers many lake opportunities such as boating, swimming, hiking, water and jet skiing. The Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River is a popular destination for both whitewater boating and fishing only 30 minutes away. The nearby U.S. National Forest Service Grasslands feature designated Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) trails, horseback riding, hiking and primitive camping. Charges & Cancellations Please contact the new managing agency, Crook County Parks and Recreation District, at 541-447-2599 for cancellation policy. ADA Access: N

Crooked River National Grassland Haystack South Shore Group Campground

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

Tucked beneath a canopy of Ponderosa and Tamarack and only steps from the spring-fed Metolius River, the cabins at Cold Springs Resort offer the perfect family retreat. Hiking, biking and world-class fly-fishing opportunities abound and all are within walking distance. Bring the kids, the dog and let yourself and your family unwind. Did you know? Cold Springs Resort was originally a dairy and the springs were used to keep the fresh milk cool before distribution.



Cold Springs Resort

Located in the high desert region of central Oregon, Perry South Campground sits on the shores of Lake Billy Chinook in Deschutes National Forest. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the area's scenic beauty and year-round recreational activities. Recreation Fishing and motorized boating top the list of recreational activities for visitors. Hikers should be sure to check out nearby Balancing Rocks Overlook, just west of Perry South Campground. Water enthusiasts of all types will enjoy the opportunities available. Motorized and non-motorized boats share the vicinity with swimmers and water skiers braving the cold, clear waters of Lake Billy Chinook. The Day Use is a fee area; daily passes are $5. PGE also honors the NW Forest Pass and the America the Beautiful Passes. Boat slips are free—visit the Park Host to reserve one. Facilities Picnic areas and scenic overlooks, along with the conveniences of firewood, drinking water and vault toilets, give visitors the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a comfortable camping environment. The campground has a boat ramp, and dock space is available for tie up on two docks on a first come-first served basis. Natural Features Lake Billy Chinook is the highlight of the area. The lake, created by Round Butte Dam, fills the canyons of the Crooked, Metolius and Deschutes Rivers. Within these three large arms is 72 miles of shoreline, supporting fish habitats for bass, trout, salmon, whitefish, suckers, minnows and dace. Rugged hills and a diverse evergreen forest surround the lake, providing homes for mammals such as mule deer, coyote, black-tailed jackrabbit and cougars. Nearby Attractions Visitors may want to explore the Tam-a-lau Trail, a scenic hike that starts on a peninsula at the confluence of the Crooked River and the Deschutes River in Cove Palisades State Park. Under the designation of a Wild and Scenic River, nearby Metolius River is nestled in a forested valley west of Mt. Jefferson. Its clear, cold and constant waters support flyfishing and whitewater boating. Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Charges & Cancellations A service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see the Recreation.Gov, Rules & Reservation Policies. ADA Access: N

Perry South Campground

Monty Campground is located on the lower Metolius River just above Lake Billy Chinook and offers fishing and a peaceful setting. Recreation Fishing tops the list of recreational activities for visitors. Water enthusiasts of all types will enjoy the opportunities available at nearby Perry South Campground. Motorized and non-motorized boats share the vicinity with swimmers and water skiers braving the cold, clear waters of Lake Billy Chinook. Facilities Monty Campground can accommodate small RV, trailer or tent-campers however it is best suited for tent camping as electric hookups are not available and the access roads can be very rough. RV and trailer campers are cautioned to take it slow and steady. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill and vault toilets are available. You must bring your own drinking water. Natural Features Lake Billy Chinook is the highlight of the area. Created by Round Butte Dam, it fills the canyons of the Crooked, Metolius and Deschutes Rivers. Within these three large arms are 72 miles of shoreline, supporting fish habitats for bass, trout, salmon, whitefish, suckers, minnows and dace. Rugged hills and a diverse coniferous forest surround the lake, providing homes for mammals such as mule deer, coyote, black-tailed jackrabbit and cougars. Nearby Attractions Visitors may want to explore the Tam-a-lau Trail, a scenic hike that starts on a peninsula at the confluence of the Crooked River and the Deschutes River in Cove Palisades State Park. Under the designation of a Wild and Scenic River, nearby Metolius River is nestled in a forested valley west of Mt. Jefferson. It's clear, cold and constant waters support fly-fishing and whitewater boating. Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Charges & Cancellations A service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see the Recreation.Gov, Rules & Reservation Policies. ADA Access: N

Monty Campground

Green Ridge Lookout is perched on a ridge more than 2,000 feet above the Metolius River. It offers guests a unique lodging experience in Deschutes National Forest. The lookout, a 20-foot tall fire lookout with unmatched views of Mt. Jefferson and the Metolius River basin, was built in the 1960s. Green Ridge Lookout is available for rent early May - June and mid September - mid November. During the summer months, the lookout is staffed with Forest Service volunteers who help with forest fire detection. Recreation Fishing and hiking top the list of recreational activities in the area. For anglers, the Metolius River offers a stunning setting for fly-fishing. Its clear, cold waters support rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout and kokanee salmon. For day hikers and backpackers, the area offers a wide variety of scenic terrain, ranging from riverside trails to routes through subalpine forests. Several pleasant day hikes are found along the Metolius River and to the top of Black Butte. Lake Billy Chinook, approximately ten miles away, offers boating and fishing opportunities. Facilities The R6 style cab sits on a two-story tower hugging the side of Green Ridge. From the parking area, there is a short boardwalk to the lower 20x20-ft. wooden deck. A one story flight of steps leads to the catwalk of the upper deck surrounding the cabin. The one-room cabin is furnished with a futon, a table and two chairs. It is also equipped with a propane refrigerator, an overhead light, a propane wall heater, a three-burner propane stove and oven and basic cooking utensils. Guests must bring several of their own amenities, including food, water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, towels, dish soap, matches, toilet paper and garbage bags. There is no water available at the site. Guests must bring water for drinking, cooking and washing. Although lighting is available, bringing an additional light source is recommended. Natural Features Guests to Green Ridge Lookout are treated to views of snow-capped mountain peaks and dense forests of Douglas-fir, cedar and Ponderosa pine that stretch out to the horizon. Mount Jefferson, the most prominent peak in view, is a stratovolcano that reaches an elevation of 10,497 feet, the second highest mountain in Oregon. The scenic Metolius River flows through the basin beneath the tower lookout. The headwaters of the river are at Metolius Springs at the base of nearby Black Butte, a 6,436 ft. cinder cone. The clear, cold river flows north from the springs through diverse coniferous forest and a landscape of volcanic activity. Nearby Attractions ADA Access: N

Green Ridge Lookout Tower

Mountain View RV Park

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/recreation/camping-cabins/?cid=stelprdb5291492

Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no picnic tables, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. If you are dispersed camping in the winter, recognize that the Forest Service does not plow or maintain Forest Roads in the winter, so plan your trip accordingly.
Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas or trailheads. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It's your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience.

Picking a Campsite
If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that's been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites, so using existing ones will minimize your impact on the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines:

Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass.
Do NOT camp within 200 feet of any water source, plants near water are especially fragile.
Don't camp in the middle of a clearing or meadow. Make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting.
Don't try to level or dig trenches in the ground at your campsite. Select a campsite with good natural drainage.
Visit the Leave No Trace website for more information.

Campfires
Many wildfires are caused by human activity, typically escaped campfires from dispersed campers. Campfires are allowed when you are dispersed camping UNLESS there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is YOUR responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping.

Crooked River National Grasslands Dispersed Camping

Deschutes Campground

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 Culver

Top Campgrounds in Culver (282)

1.