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Rob S.
Traveler
TravelerHarborview Inn and RV Park
Great spot
Spacious, clean and friendly staff
Top-Rated Oregon Campgrounds: Coast, Forest & High Desert
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Oregon features a comprehensive network of state park, national forest, and private campgrounds that accommodate various camping preferences. From oceanfront campgrounds along the Oregon coast to remote high desert campsites in the east, Oregon camping spans tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals across more than 2,000 locations statewide. Fort Stevens State Park and Cape Lookout State Park offer year-round camping options along the picturesque Oregon coast, providing facilities for tent campers, RV travelers, and cabin enthusiasts. Mazama Village Campground at Crater Lake National Park serves visitors looking to experience this iconic natural landmark, while inland locations like Tumalo State Park near Bend provide access to high desert landscapes. Most established campgrounds maintain amenities such as drinking water, fire rings, and toilet facilities, with many also offering electric hookups for RVs.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, particularly during summer months when popular sites fill quickly. Most Oregon state parks accept reservations up to six months in advance. "Lots of open camping spots that you can drive into without even leaving asphalt. Short distance from Timothy lake. There are established fire rings and some debris from other campers," noted one visitor about dispersed camping options. Weather conditions vary dramatically across the state, with coastal areas experiencing milder temperatures but frequent precipitation, while high desert and mountain regions can have significant temperature swings between day and night. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with several high-elevation sites closed during winter months due to snow conditions and limited access.
The Oregon coast features numerous highly-rated campgrounds where visitors can enjoy oceanfront views and beach access. Beverly Beach and South Beach State Parks near Newport provide convenient bases for exploring coastal attractions while offering full-service campground amenities. In central Oregon, campers appreciate the proximity to outdoor recreation, with one reviewer describing Tumalo State Park as "great for kids with a river on site nearby." Eastern Oregon offers more remote camping experiences with fewer crowds but more primitive facilities. Oregon's diverse camping landscape includes over 2,000 campsites throughout the state, from stunning oceanfront campsites with Pacific views to secluded forest campgrounds surrounded by ancient trees, making it a premier destination for camping enthusiasts seeking outdoor adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Public lands throughout the state provide dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking solitude, though these areas typically lack amenities found at developed campgrounds. Fire restrictions frequently affect camping activities during dry summer months, particularly in eastern and central regions where wildfire risk is highest.
Best Camping Sites in Oregon (2,117)
1. Fort Stevens State Park Campground
156 ReviewsHammond, ORWebsite+1 (503) 861-3170$17 - $162 / night
"Compared to many places this is still a five star campground, but I like others in Oregon better. This one can get quite crowded and tends to be a little more loud and rainy."
"Also there are many hiking paths, the beach and near by towns to explore like Astoria, OR."
2. Cape Lookout State Park Campground
115 ReviewsNetarts, ORWebsite+1 (503) 842-4981$32 - $154 / night
"Steps to the beach? ✅ In the forest? ✅ Access to amazing hiking? ✅ Private? ✅ We love Cape Lookout for all the diverse scenery it has to offer."
"* Steps away from a beautiful, expansive beach
- Do the Cape Lookout peninsula hike! Gorgeous views without great effort."
3. Beverly Beach State Park Campground
114 ReviewsOtter Rock, ORWebsite+1 (541) 265-9278$32 - $130 / night
"Like most Oregon coast campgrounds, the summer months are very busy."
"4 1/2 stars for this sprawling, accessible campground, easy to find and close to so many things Shangra-La-ish about Newport and the Oregon Coast."
4. Harris Beach State Park Campground
114 ReviewsBrookings, ORWebsite+1 (541) 469-2021$31 - $87 / night
"Just outside of Brookings,Oregon on Rt. 101, this well kept campground was a welcome two day layover during the rainy weather that’s typical of the PNW during mid-November."
"This is one of the prettiest State Park campgrounds along Oregons Southern Coast! Just off Hwy 101 and less than a mile north of Brookings, OR."
5. South Beach State Park Campground
94 ReviewsSouth Beach, ORWebsite+1 (541) 867-4715$31 - $133 / night
"Your perfect home-away-from-home to explore all that the central Oregon coast has to offer. Miles of beaches are within walking distance or a short drive."
"Walking distance to the beach. Ranger led activities in the summer."
6. Nehalem Bay State Park Campground
89 ReviewsManzanita, ORWebsite+1 (503) 812-0650$31 - $90 / night
"We definitely didn't try to interact with them, but they were comfortable to roam right around our site which was a really magical experience
- Nehalem Bay is such a beautiful area and the State Park"
"Mostly an RV park tucked into the Nehalem Bay peninsula, this does offer a couple dog friendly yurts and some very friendly camp hosts."
7. Tumalo State Park Campground
85 ReviewsBend, ORWebsite+1 (541) 382-3586$32 - $128 / night
"This is one of our favorite campgrounds in Oregon. We did have a harder time backing in our 35ft trailer due to the more narrow road but over all wasn’t that bad."
"Very solid, typical Oregon state campground."
8. Mazama Village Campground — Crater Lake National Park
85 ReviewsCrater Lake, ORWebsite+1 (866) 292-6720"Because mosquitos swarm near big lakes) This is one of my favorite campgrounds in Oregon for families and groups."
"Besides being the only National Park in the state of Oregon, Crater Lake is an amazing stop along the PCT."
9. Silver Falls State Park Campground
79 ReviewsMehama, ORWebsite+1 (503) 873-8681$28 - $92 / night
"If you want to camp in Oregon this is the place to go. There are several waterfalls and hiking trails. You can see wildlife and you can't beat the beauty. You can tent camp and they also have yurts."
"Probably the easiest accessibility to the most awesome waterfalls per few square miles in Oregon. Ample Parking and many different falls and trails to choose from"
10. Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park Campground
73 ReviewsFlorence, ORWebsite+1 (541) 997-3851$32 - $128 / night
"We stayed here at the group site and it was great—huge field, winding paths through heavy forest to arrive at a beautiful, sunny lake."
"Special and unique landscape right in the center of Oregon Dunes. We love it here. Located close to the quant town of Florence. Lots of nearby hikes, beach access, and of course the dunes. Enjoy!"
Recent Camping Photos in Oregon
2425 Photos of 2117 Oregon Campgrounds
Recent Reviews in Oregon
10000 Reviews of 2117 Oregon Campgrounds
Aimee H.
GuideOxbow Regional Park
Wooded escape
Great place to have a peaceful evening or longer. Showers are hot, facilities are well maintained and provided the sites aren’t all booked, there is a decent amount of space between visitors.
- NName
ScoutBroken Arrow Campground
Great Campsite (4.5 stars)
Great campground, has a lot of amenities including showers! Good amount of space between people and you can hang hammocks! Also dog friendly. Only thing it’s missing are bear boxes which would be great to have. Staff are super nice!
- RRose A.Traveler
Cliff Swimming & Fishing Bridge
Absolutely Beautiful Location
This area use to be a paid campground and is now shut down & open to public. There is a restroom area, however it is unkempt & the cleanliness of that area is the downside of the camp spot. Otherwise it’s glorious. Pack in, pack out! Help out too :) In this bridge & river area, you’ll find crystal clear cool crisp waters to ease into. Beach is mostly sand and the camp sites have soft dirt. Fireplaces are at these camp zones but weren’t allowed when I was there. If you swim across the river, you’ll find a fun cliff jumping area! I may of jumped it maybe 30 times lol. We also rafted the river around the bank just for fun. You’re able to peacefully float at this location too if wanted! Sorta near a busy road, but high enough & away from real civilization that traffic is minimal. Wildlife is abundant! Majority of campers are kind, not ever too crowded but definitely a fun spot people know of. Highly recommend, this is a gem!!!
- LLaura S.Traveler
Celilo Park Recreation Area
Celilo Village
Beautful park along the Columbia River. Interesting history. Day use, tent camping Friday through Sunday, or seven days in the designated parking area. Restrooms, garbage dumpsters, veiws of barges or cruise paddle boats on the river. Cell service works great. The only drawback is if the interstate noise or traffic from trains bothers you. Located right next to both.
- MMike J.Traveler
Pine Point Campground
Beautiful and not crowded
Lots of good day use spots but $10 fee, worth it, families just cart stuff down the trail its bikes only most of the way. They dont make that obvious if you're a big rv be careful around the end youll be doing point turns to get back out. Dispersed camping is a quick bike ride for cell signal
DahliaGuidepinnacle Ridge dispersed camping
Would have been a nice spot
I mainly wanted to camp at this spot because of the view, and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. However, the best spot to see Mount Hood is at the top/end of the road which doesn't have much room for many people. When we got there, we saw a group of 10 people already camped out, and there was not enough space for us. They had 3 trucks, and probably 7 tents. There are a couple spots down the road which is where we ended up. Not a bad spot. Lots of room for tents and 1-2 cars. You can kinda see the mountain, but there are lots of trees blocking the view. Unfortunately, the first night we were supposed to stay, we got informed of a fire evacuation warning and ended up leaving. I would love to come back and stay in this beautiful place though. The only other downside is a VERY rocky and rough road.
- CCarrie A.Scout
Annie Creek Road
Several Boondocking Spots
We loved this spot. We went down the road further, which looked like we wouldn’t make it at first but we did fine with our 33ft fifth wheel. We didn’t see any other traffic and had a nice open spot. Tons of trees and 10 miles to the park entrance.
Nick J.GuideSouthshore At Detroit Lake
Large Campsites, Beautiful Views
Southshore is one of those hidden gems on Detroit lake. While lakeside campsites don’t have easy access to the water, the views make up for it. The sites are large and welcoming and there is a lot of space between sites.
The pit toilets were clean and the camp host warm and welcoming. While walking with my daughter and our dogs he chatted with us for a bit and offered stickers to my 11 year old who was very excited. Overall great experience and will be visiting again.
Guide to 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Oregon for first-time visitors?
What are the best campgrounds in Oregon for first-time visitors?
Silver Falls State Park Campground is ideal for first-timers with multiple waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park offers both tent sites and yurts, making it accessible for various camping styles. For coastal exploration, South Beach State Park Campground provides miles of beaches within walking distance and serves as a perfect base to explore central Oregon coast attractions including the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Hatfield Marine Science Center, and Newport Harbor. Both parks feature well-maintained facilities and are beginner-friendly with ranger-led activities available during summer months.
Are there free camping options available in Oregon?
Are there free camping options available in Oregon?
Yes, Oregon offers several free camping options, particularly on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest lands. Macks Canyon Recreation Site along the Lower Deschutes River provides free camping with basic amenities. The area includes several other campgrounds like Twin Springs, Jones Canyon, and Rattlesnake Canyon. For budget-conscious campers, Indian Ford Campground near Sisters offers economical sites with decent spacing and nice tree cover. Additionally, dispersed camping is permitted in many Oregon national forests, typically allowing stays up to 14 days. These areas generally lack facilities, so campers should be prepared with water, waste disposal plans, and practice Leave No Trace principles.
What camping amenities can I expect at most Oregon state parks?
What camping amenities can I expect at most Oregon state parks?
Oregon state parks typically offer well-maintained restrooms with flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings at individual sites. Many parks provide electrical hookups for RVs, with some offering full hookups including water and sewer connections. Fort Stevens State Park Campground features reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Several parks like Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park Campground offer additional amenities such as hot showers, dump stations, interpretive programs, and hiking trails. Most state parks have camp hosts who provide information and assistance, and many larger parks offer yurts or cabins for those seeking alternative accommodations to traditional tent or RV camping.
When is the best time of year to go camping in Oregon?
When is the best time of year to go camping in Oregon?
Summer (June-August) offers the most reliable weather for Oregon camping, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. However, fall (September-October) provides fewer crowds and beautiful foliage. Nehalem Bay State Park Campground is excellent during the off-season (November), offering peaceful, uncrowded experiences with wildlife sightings like deer visiting campsites. Spring can be wonderful at Valley of the Rogue State Park Campground, with full hookups for RVs and riverside hiking paths, though prepare for variable weather. For high-elevation sites, the season is typically limited to late June through September due to snow conditions.
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