Best Campgrounds in Oregon

Camping in Oregon offers a fantastic way to connect with nature, whether you're pitching a tent by a lake or parking your RV in a scenic spot. With stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

What to do

• Hiking and Exploring: Many campgrounds are near beautiful trails. For example, at Paulina Lake Campground, you can hike around the lake and visit nearby hot springs. One camper mentioned, “The lake is great for fishing, hiking, and has amazing hot springs on one side.”
• Water Activities: If you love water sports, check out Crooked River Campground. It’s perfect for boating and fishing. A reviewer said, “Fishing is fantastic here, and you can rent a boat from the marina.”
• Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Prineville Reservoir Campground offer great opportunities to see deer and other wildlife. One visitor noted, “We have deer and squirrels and lizards every day.”

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Tumalo State Park Campground, one reviewer said, “The bathrooms were clean and awesome.”
• Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds have a welcoming vibe. A camper at Smith Rock State Park Campground mentioned, “It gives off a nice outdoorsy kind of communal vibe but it’s still private.”
• Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking scenery. At Skull Hollow Campground, a visitor said, “We had beautiful sunsets each night.”

What you should know

• Crowded in Peak Season: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially in summer. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver noted, “It was a kind of a maze, lots of different areas and lots of curves.”
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or water. For instance, Smith Rock State Park Campground has no electric hookups or water hookups. A camper mentioned, “You park in a central area and walk to the camp area.”
• Wildlife Rules: Some campgrounds have strict rules about pets. At Tumalo State Park Campground, a visitor said, “The upper loop is geared more towards families with children and retired folks who are looking to camp surrounded by other people.”

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. Crooked River Campground has a playground and a fenced dog park. A family camper said, “Cove Palisades state park is pretty rad, especially if you’ve got a family!”
• Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One family at Paulina Lake Campground enjoyed, “We always bring tow lines for our younger kids when they tire out of paddling their kayaks.”
• Pack Snacks: Keep everyone happy with plenty of snacks. A camper at Prineville Reservoir Campground mentioned, “The campground is beautiful, we have deer and squirrels and lizards every day.”

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver said, “The sites are heavily treed with exceptional spacing between.”
• Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, choose campgrounds that offer them. At Prineville Reservoir Campground, a camper noted, “The roads are paved, and the sites are as well with fire pits and picnic tables.”
• Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have poor cell service. A visitor at Crooked River Campground warned, “There is NO CONNECTIVITY! Even with our Wii-Boost and 20-foot antenna, there was nothing.”

Camping in Oregon is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but knowing what to expect can make your trip even better!