We booked our spot last minute, thinking it would be one of the least desirable sites as it was the last available. Boy, we were wrong! Our site (39) was perfect with gorgeous views of the sunrise/set over the water and ample privacy. Very quiet and relaxing. Water was quite stinky, but saw plenty of people in the water with kayaks.

The experience was more like camping in your backyard, with crowded, close sites fenced off from most of nature (creek).

Pros: Clean bathrooms and firewood available. Short drive/walk to Sunset Bay, were you can catch a beautiful sunset on the beach.

Cons: Crowded and noisy. Although our site was creek side, a chain linked fence separated us from exploring nature. Probably more suitable for a family with small children.

Tips: Go to Sunset Bay.

Landed a last minute spot at this campsite after spending the day at Neptune Beach. Didn’t spend much time here, though the site offered a quiet creek side spot to camp for the night.

Pros: Most sites are creek side, so any potential noise from neighboring campers is drowned out. Spacious. Flush toilets available. Water available at every other site. Clean bathrooms. No showers because COVID.

Cons: Crowded and difficult to reserve.

Tips: Go play at Neptune Beach (see photos) and catch the sunset there. It is usually empty by then. Also, see where fresh creek water mixes with the Pacific! Absolutely gorgeous!

Pros: Dog-friendly, spacious sites at Staircase with close proximity to Lake Crescent and several trails (no dogs allowed).

Cons: Popular site, so may feel crowded. Closest town is Hoodsport (30min drive). Limited access for dogs on unpacked trails in ONP (but for good reason). Otherwise, no cons.

Tips: FCFS campground, so if you want to land a highly coveted creek-side site, start your hunt around 11am for campers to check out. Don’t forget to visit a pull off site on the gravel road alongside lake crescent for a beer and a swim. You can purchase most gear + bear canister in Hoodsport. Take out at the local Mexican place is alright. Be smarter than we were and don’t sit on old tree trunks or else your butt will get sapped. Hike with your dog outside ONP at Big Creek, which is 11 min drive outside Staircase.

Snagged one of the coveted sites overlooking the Columbia River Gorge (A45) at Memaloose.

Pros: THE VIEWS. No filters needed for your photos. Must catch a sunset! Bathroom is clean. Hot showers for $. Water available. Good recycling facilities. Dog friendly.

Cons: Little privacy from other campers. Hard to snag a good site. Campground was fully booked, however the majority of reserved sites went unfilled.

Tips: Know how to set up your tent in the wind. The spot gets some healthy gusts of wind, so come prepared. If you come without a reservation and the campground is full, take a look at the list of incoming reservations for the day to get an idea which of the empty “reserved” sites may be no-shows. The list is published at the pay station.

Stayed in 2 different sites over the weekend in Hoodview Campground (Timothy Lake).

Pros: VERY spacious campsites with lots of privacy and spots to choose for tent pitching. Lots of trees for hammock hanging. Views of lake from both sites. Campground host is the cutest lady who is extremely kind and helpful. Bathrooms are clean.

Cons: Some sites are close to the road, but we weren’t disturbed by cars. Lake front sites are separated from the lake by a trail.

Tips: Kayak and canoe rentals are available for Timothy and Trillium Lake, but Lake Trillium has the best views of Mt. Hood. Get pizza from Mountainview restaurant in nearby Govy Camp.

Also google maps will try to give you a shortcut taking you off of 26 onto backroads. Not a good idea. The shortcut has potholes almost the size of sinkholes. Stay on 26 and just follow the signs to the campground.

Pros: Totally isolated (during the week). Stunning views of surrounding mountains and forest with a crystal clear lake (Cave Lake) for swimming and fishing. Sites equipped with fire pits and picnic tables. Pit toilets. Camped directly next to lake. Stargazing was absolutely breathtaking. One of our very favorite sites just over the Oregon-California border.

Cons: No water. Difficult climb/drive without good tires or 4WD (very steep, high grade road that is mostly dirt and large rocks).

Tips: 4WD/AWD is a must. And drive slowly (see above). We popped a tire in our SUV on the way up, but totally worth it.

Pros: Great location with views of the beach. Walking distance to beach. Sites are spacious enough. Saw 2 falling stars while stargazing on the beach!

Cons: Crowded. Lots of RVs. Difficult to get a reservation. Reservations unreliable. Camp sites are not directly on the beach.

FYI: There is a smaller dog-friendly area of the beach, so if you’re bringing your pup(s), your beach access will be limited to that area only.

Pros: If you’re tired of fighting crowds around Lake Tahoe in peak season, head to the north west side of the lake to Sugar Pine where you’ll find lots of open sites amongst shady pines. Location is great and close to some of the less crowded beaches and is surrounded by easy trails. With so many large pines, you’ll have lots of options for hanging your hammock. Not too crowded and sites are spacious. Bathrooms are clean.

Con: Noise carried easily and heard lots of campers

Tips: Saw 2 bears, so appropriate food storage is a must (and you’ll get fined). Bring single (one) dollar bills for the showers.