Best Camping in Oregon: Top 10 Places to Go

In Oregon, camping season is just around the corner. That Oregon Life has you covered whether you've camped in Oregon before or are still determining where or how to set up your tent. In close to half the state, there are forests. The environments range from the rocky shoreline to the dry high desert. Additionally, winding lanes provide travelers with various odd Americana and picturesque vistas worth stopping at. There are plenty of locations along the way where you may set up a tent or leave your RV.

Camping in Oregon allows you to experience the best parts of each day, from the sun rising over an ancient caldera to the evening's rhythmic lullaby of the rolling ocean. Glacier-capped mountains, wooded headlands, untamed rivers, and hot springs are other natural features close to the most beautiful campgrounds.

Three hundred sixty-one state parks, five national park locations, 11 national forests, 50 mountain ranges, and a ton of spectacular coastal terrain may all be found in Oregon. Even Mount Hood, one of the most recognizable mountains in the US, contains a stratovolcano that is an incredible beast. Here is the best camping in Oregon. Additionally, you can find some essentials and recommendations for camping in Oregon.

Top 10 Places to Camp in Oregon

We've narrowed down the best camping in Oregon to 10 great sites to help you prioritize the state's most awesome locations over those that are only outstanding. This list is for those who aren't willing to place their bets on reincarnation and are eager to experience the best "The Beaver State" has to offer in this lifetime.

We've narrowed down the top 10 camping spots in Oregon to enable those of you who don't believe in reincarnation and are eager to experience the finest that "The Beaver State" has to offer in this life to prioritize the most excellent areas in the state over those that are only outstanding.

1. Cape Lookout State Park

Location: 725 Summer Street NE, Salem, OR 97301

Phone: 800-551-6949

Website: Cape Lookout State Park  

When to Visit: March to June

Best Campsites: Cape Lookout Campground

Activities: Camping, hiking, horse riding, shelling, fishing, birding, climbing

Cape Lookout State Park is one of the most well-known sites on the Oregon Coast. With towering cliffs that drop 400 feet into the Pacific Ocean, the rough rock formation sticks out almost a mile and a half into the water. A popular campground is part of the 2000-acre state park, including the cape and its picturesque surroundings. The area is covered in dense Sitka spruce and hemlock forest and still has some of its natural wildness.

On a sandbar between Netarts Bay and the ocean, Cape Lookout is a well-liked camping and day-use location. Hiking, beachcombing, and sightseeing along the Three Capes Scenic Route are popular activities in this picturesque Park. On a clear day, you can see 39 miles south to Cape Foulweather and 42 miles north to Tillamook Head. The North Trail and the South Trail, two stretches of the Oregon Coast Trail, provide additional opportunities for trekking through the forest above the water. The state park's campground offers 170 tent sites and 38 full-hookup sites for year-round camping. For those who want a little more plentiful camping, there are also 13 yurts. Showers, firewood, and an interpretive center are among the many amenities at the campground that are available to you if you wish to learn more about the region.

“This location has a lot to offer. There were numerous spots for camping, either tent or RV. In addition to that, it's a great spot to hang out on the beach.”

2. Silver Falls State Park

Location: 20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE, Sublimity, OR 97385

Phone: 800-551-6949

Website: Silver Falls State Park  

When to Visit: April to October

Best Campsites: B2 to B4 Campsites, Silver Falls Campground

Activities: Hiking, camping, biking, horse riding, picnicking,

A unique scenic gem like Silver Falls State Park solidly establishes Oregon nationally and worldwide. It remains there due to its beauty, countless recreational options, and historical significance. View the renowned South Falls and observe how a 177-foot water curtain appears from behind. It's a piece of the Trail of Ten Falls, a magnificent, well-known hiking route that winds through a heavily wooded area. The trail descends to a winding creek at the base of the forest after passing several beautiful waterfalls along a rocky gorge.

Ten magnificent waterfalls, five over 100 feet high, are visited on the well-traveled walk through the forested valleys of Silver Falls State Park. The route even passes via moss-filled caverns hidden behind the silvery curtains of the falls. Tent, RV, and cabin sites are available at the main campground. Stay in the horse campground with your horse. The Park's historic Youth Camp can accommodate up to 250 campers if you require a space for many people. There are 91 campsites at the Silver Falls State Park Campground. At 48 of the sites, there are water and electric hookups. The remaining 43 locations are marked as tent sites. Tent camping is possible from May to October.  

“Quite simply, it's spectacular. You can see ten waterfalls on a hike, walk behind several of them, and enjoy amazing views.”

3. Fort Stevens State Park

Location: 1675 Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR 97121

Phone: 503-861-3170

Website: Fort Stevens State Park  

When to Visit: June, July, October

Best Campsites: Fort Stevens Campground, Northrup Creek Horse Campground

Activities: Camping, hiking, biking, birding, fishing, horse riding, picnicking

A military outpost formerly positioned to protect the mouth of the Columbia River is now known as Fort Stevens. The fort was in use from the American Civil War to World War II. Fort Stevens is now a 4,300-acre park with a range of recreational opportunities, such as camping, beachcombing, a freshwater lake, hiking, animal observation, and an old shipwreck. The military museum and information center offers year-round military exhibits. Explore the several turn-of-the-century concrete artillery gun batteries or visit the only earthen fort from the Civil War on the west coast.

The museum and visitor center in the Park provides historical context for the location. There are also tours of the former earthen fort and the artillery gun batteries. Those who love the great outdoors enjoy the golf course, fishing, 15 miles of multi-use paths, and access to Coffenbury Lake for swimming and boating. One of the nation's most significant public parks offers various camping alternatives. Each campsite has a picnic table and grill and is ADA-accessible. Additionally, yurts and cabins are for rent. On-site amenities include restrooms, showers, a playground, and a dump station.

“Huge-4900 acre park that was once a military installation. The fort has been turned into a museum, and it's worth a walk around the grounds. The park is ginormous, with so many hiking trails and a beach with a shipwreck. ”

4. Crater Lake National Park 

Location: Crater Lake National Park, Crater Lake , OR 97604

Phone: 541-594-3000

Website: Crater Lake National Park  

When to Visit: Summer

Best Campsites: Crater Lake Campground, Mazama Campground, Scott Creek Campground

Activities: Hiking, camping, rim driving, boating, biking, swimming

Visitors from all over the world continue to be inspired by Crater Lake National Park. Intense volcanic activity toppled an old volcano 7,700 years ago, creating what is now known as Crater Lake. Visitors today are in awe of Wizard Island and Phantom Ship's magnificent views and natural wonders. Crater Lake is waiting for you, whether you're looking for outdoor activities, want to get close to nature, or want to unwind and enjoy the scenery.  

183,224 acres of mountains, peaks, evergreen woods, and a lake make up Crater Lake National Park. The Park's varied altitudes offer a variety of habitats for many species of wildlife and serve as a great outdoor laboratory and school. Crater Lake was made to be driven to. The 33-mile Rim Drive, the highest paved road in Oregon, may circle the lake in an hour, not including the time spent at the numerous overlooks. The Park's typical activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, picnicking, and sightseeing. Visitors can take advantage of the boating and lovely drives along Rim Drive during the summer. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter offer seclusion and an undiscovered view of the Park.

“Off the beaten path, but worth it. The rim loop is the way to go. There are so many breathtaking views. It's "just a lake," but wow, is it incredible! Such deep dark blue. Pair that with a clear ski day; there aren't words!”

5. Nehalem Bay State Park 

Location: 34600 Garey St, Nehalem, OR 97131

Phone: 800-551-6949

Website: Nehalem Bay State Park  

When to Visit: Late May to early September

Best Campsites: Nehalem Bay State Park Campground

Activities: Camping, hiking, windsurfing, kayaking, boating, fishing, biking

Nehalem Bay State Park is a state park in the United States situated on the Nehalem Spit, a sand spit west of Nehalem Bay, close to the towns of Nehalem and Manzanita. Many visitors regard the calmness of Nehalem Bay State Park as its most alluring quality. But if you look closely, you can engage in many activities. Nehalem Bay is well-known for its fishing and crab fishing. Fitness and wildlife buffs will like the 1.75-mile bike track that encircles the Park's airport landing strip for its beautiful water views.

Nehalem Bay State Park is located on a 4-mile-long sand spit that separates the bay from the ocean. A sand dune separates the campground from the beach from a grove of shore pines. Imagine waking up to the seagull sound, kayaking in Nehalem Bay in the afternoon, and then strolling across the dunes to the beach. In the shadow of Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain, you can sit there with a blanket and watch the sunset over the water. Finally, cuddle up for the night while the ocean waves soothe you to sleep. Nehalem Bay State Park is located here. You might see a herd of elk, a coyote crossing the road, or deer grazing along this path or in the campground itself. A variety of birds also grace the site.

“This has become one of our favorite state parks on the Oregon Coast. Easy, Nice walk to the beach. Lots of bike trails. Close to Manzanita for services. Treed sites, a bit close to each other.”

6. Beverly Beach State Park

Location: 198 NE 123rd St, Newport, OR 97365

Phone: 800-551-6949

Website: Beverly Beach State Park  

When to Visit: Summer

Best Campsites: Creekside Campground, Forest-Sheltered Campground

Activities: Camping, hiking, picnicking, biking, birding

Five miles north of Newport, in the American state of Oregon, is a state park called Beverly Beach State Park. Why is Beverly Beach so well-liked? A well-known walkway appears out of nowhere from beneath the roadway and leads to the long stretch of sandy beach that stretches from Yaquina Head to Otter Rock's headlands. Kites paint the air and whip in the wind when the weather is nice. Build a sandcastle, and bring a bucket! People hunting for fossils tend to move south, whereas surfers frequently go to the north beach.

Beverly Beach State Park's creekside campground is one of the biggest in the state and is tucked away in a woodland halfway between Cape Foulweather and Yaquina Head. Steps separate some campsites and the Park's day-use area from kilometers of coastal sand that stretch from Yaquina Head to Otter Rock. The Park is close to great vantage spots for whale watching, tidepools abounding with marine life, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and Newport's shops and eateries. The campsite is protected by woodland just a few feet from the ocean. Enormous, wind-sculpted trees and nurse logs surround the camps along Spencer Creek's pebbly bed.

“There are many steps to get down to it, but it is a great beach to explore after seeing the Devil's Punch Bowl, which shares the same parking lot.”

7. Wallowa Lake State Park  

Location: Wallowa Lake State Park, Joseph, OR 97846

Phone: 800-551-6949

Website: Wallowa Lake State Park  

When to Visit: Mid-May to October

Best Campsites: Wallowa Lake State Park Campground

Activities: Camping, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, water playing

Northeast Oregon in the United States is home to Wallowa Lake State Park. It is located in Wallowa County, close to Joseph, on the southern end of Wallowa Lake. The Wallowa Mountains, a glacier-carved lake, and the geologically intriguing moraines make this region one of Oregon's 7 Wonders and a must-see. Simply put, this region of the planet is magnificent. Spend the weekend at the Park, stay longer and travel to Hells Canyon, or relax and enjoy Joseph.

Wallowa Lake State Park is the perfect starting point for outdoor adventures and watersports fun since it is tucked between the southern end of a picturesque glacial lake and the soaring peaks of the Wallowa Mountains. The Wallowa Lake State Park campground, at the south end of Lake Wallowa, features 209 campsites and is encircled by breathtaking 9,000-foot mountains. There are 88 tent campsites with water nearby and 121 full-hookup campsites. Along the Wallowa River is another picnic spot that can be reserved. The Park continues a mile upriver between the east and west forks of the Wallowa River at the seasonally open Little Alps Day-use Area. From kayaks to motorboats, the Wallowa Lake Marina rents out moorage and all kinds of watercraft. Fishing licenses, tackle, bait, camping gear, ice, food, and souvenirs are all available in the marina store.

“My spouse and I visited Wallowa Lake State Park when the kokanee salmon were spawning. These redfish are amazing and a real draw to the Park. We also hiked one of the trails that started in the Park and walked the shoreline of Lake Wallowa.”

8. South Beach State Park

Location: 5580 SW Coast Hwy, Newport, OR 97366

Phone: 800-551-6949

Website: South Beach State Park  

When to Visit: June to September

Best Campsites: South Beach State Park Campground

Activities: Fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, birding, horse riding, biking

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is in charge of managing South Beach State Park, a state park in the American state of Oregon. It is close to South Beach, an unorganized area. South Beach State Park starts in south Newport and extends several miles down the Oregon coast, right close to the Yaquina Bay Bridge. There are miles of wide, sandy beach accessible from this historic park, along with walking and biking trails. This is your entryway to explore Newport, which is situated immediately south of the South Jetty.

A great spot to jog or ride a bike is the paved Jetty Trail. The South Jetty equestrian trailhead is where our horse path to the beach begins. Park close to the trailhead and ride your horse while admiring the stunning sunset! The campsite area is next to a playground area, horseshoe pits, and a 9-hole disc golf course. Visit the hospitality center to pick up maps, brochures, and camp supplies or to check out the complimentary discs and horseshoes. With facilities on the Atlantic Ocean's shoreline spread out along kilometers of sandy beach, Hampton Beach State Park (South Beach) offers recreational opportunities all year long. Swimming, fishing, picnics, and RV camping with full hookups are all permitted activities in the park.

“We camped here in an RV while traveling the Oregon Coast. It is a very nice place within walking distance of the beach. Well maintained and roomy.”

9. The Cove Palisades State Park

Location: The Cove Palisades State Park, Culver, OR 97734

Phone: 800-551-6949

Website: The Cove Palisades State Park  

When to Visit: Any time of year

Best Campsites: Deschutes River Campground, Crooked River Campground

Activities: Camping, water sports, boating, paddling, hiking, swimming, picnicking

The Cove Palisades State Park is a state park managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. It is located in eastern Jefferson County, Oregon, close to Culver and Madras in the state's central region. The Cove Palisades State Park is a popular family vacation spot all year. The location is in our high desert region, where summers are sunny and warm, and winters are cool but usually mild. Stunning Lake Billy Chinook and high rocks surround the Park.

The Cove Palisades State Park, which spans the Deschutes and Crooked River canyons and is situated in central Oregon, is a well-liked camping and water sports destination all year. There are two seasonal campgrounds in the Park. Two swimming and boating areas along the Lower Deschutes River arm of Lake Billy Chinook are located down the road from the Deschutes River Campground, which is situated in a canyon. The Crooked River Campground is close to the Park's entrance, high above the canyon. The Crooked and Deschutes rivers offer 30 miles of flat-water paddling from fall to spring. On the Crooked River arm of the reservoir, paddlers of all skill levels can explore the 6-mile Crooked River Water Trail.

“Very nice and scenic Park. We went to a viewpoint above the river, and the views were perfect. Blue river, rocks, blue sky, and snow-covered peaks were unforgettable.”

10. Sunset Bay State Park

Location: Coos Bay, OR 97420

Phone: 800-551-6949

Website: Sunset Bay State Park  

When to Visit: March to October

Best Campsites: Sunset Bay State Park Campground

Activities: Hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, picnicking, biking

Only a tiny breach in an otherwise erosion-resistant band of sandstone separates Sunset Bay from the ocean, which is almost its lagoon. This results in an oversized crescent shape that, paired with the expansive, kid-friendly white sand beach and the serene serenity of the water, gives the impression of a vast, grin-filled smile. The bay is a great site to launch small boats because it is so protected from the Pacific, and anyone opting to stay on the shore can easily keep a watch on those exploring the water.

Sunset Bay State Park, one of the most picturesque regions on the Oregon coast, has lovely sandy beaches guarded by enormous sea cliffs. The campground, close to the beach, offers tent and RV camping spaces and warm and inviting yurts. Along the bay, there are day-use and picnic areas that are easily accessible for boating, swimming, beachcombing, and fishing. Shore Acres and Cape Arago state parks are close by, and Sunset Bay is connected to them via a network of hiking routes. By hiking these paths, you can explore unspoiled coastal forests, yearly wildflowers, and breathtaking ocean views from the tops of the rocky cliffs and headlands.

“Great park, lots of trees, and close to sunset Beach. This Park is great in the summer as it is very cool. You want to have an open space in colder months to get sunshine.”

Camping in Oregon Essentials

In Oregon, camping is a beloved activity that provides an escape into nature and a breath of fresh air, but it may also be a little scary for those who have never gone before. One of the many reasons people go camping is to get over their phobia of sleeping outside. It's a pastime that reconnects us all to our ancestry and our connection to the earth. Finding comfort is essential to overcoming that fear, and being prepared will ensure that you're at ease while in Oregon. To have the best camping in Oregon, there are camping must-haves that we always take.

- Portable Power Generator: Jackery Solar Generator 1500, Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

- Campsite Essentials: tent, sleeping bag, table & chair, flashlight, firewood;

- Camp Cooking Essentials: cooking grill, stove, knife, cutting board, coffee maker, food, fridge

- Camping Clothes: water-proof jacket, hiking pants, boots, gloves

- Cleaning Essentials: hand sanitizer, toothbrush, shower kit, suncream, towel

- First Aid Kit: personal medication, bandages, finger splints, eye drops

>> Download Camping Essentials Checklist PDF

A portable solar generator is necessary to pack when camping in Oregon. A portable solar generator is a great way to guarantee power wherever you need it, even if there is no nearby power grid. If you're camping or off the grid, the Jackery portable solar generator can keep your electronic devices running for hours or even days.

The Jackery Solar Generator 1500 is a fantastic option for camping, fishing, or other outdoor excursions. Solar Generator 1500 comes with 3 bundles, including Explorer 1500 plus 4* SolarSaga 100W, Explorer 1500 with 2* SolarSaga 100W, and Explorer 1500 with 1 SolarSaga 100W. The bundle is ideal whether you're camping for a weekend or extended time. The Explorer 1500 has a sizable 1534Wh capacity and 1800 operating watts (3600 peak watts). It also has 3 AC Pure Sine Wave outlets, 1 PD 60W USB-C port, 1 Quick Charge 3.0 port, 1 USB-A port, and one 12V carport. It can run up to 85% of the equipment in your RV, including microwaves, refrigerators, lights, power tools, household appliances, and other major power users.

Another option is the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro if you're outside. Because it features an updated solar panel and battery, it is perfect for people who seek the best solar generator. A full charge may be completed in 1.8 hours thanks to four revolutionary SolarSaga 200W solar panels, three times faster than Solar Generator 1000. With a quick and straightforward 60-second setup, you can enjoy infinite green power wherever you go. An entire wall charge may be completed in approximately 1.8 hours. Its USB-C and 100W PD ports provide dependable power for requirements like phones, iPad, PCs, and drones. It has many interfaces, including a DC vehicle port, two USB A ports, and three 1000W AC output connectors.

Camping in Oregon Tips

Oregon camping offers guests many things to witness with its imposing mountains and breathtaking coastal panoramas. Fortunately, camping is a safe way to get away from home and allows you to appreciate Oregon's luscious greens and lush greenery without worrying about crowds. Here are some of the best camping advice for Oregon:  

• Make a campground reservation online. Reservations can be made through Reserve America for campsites in Oregon State Parks. On Recreation.gov, camp spots in national forests can be reserved. Additionally, local county campgrounds are accessible and can be booked through specific counties.
• Try a cottage or a yurt. Several yurts and cottages in some incredible places are available for rent through Oregon State Parks. For $40 to $60 per night, rustic cabins and yurts often come with sleeping for 4-6 people, a table and chairs, power, heat, and lights, a locking door, and access to camp restrooms and showers.
• Avoid the error of paying for campgrounds. There are numerous public areas in Oregon, many of which allow free camping. Oregon has more than 30 million acres of National Forest and Bureau of Area Management land.

Final Thoughts

Oregon's population density is low relative to its neighbors to the north and south. More than half of it is on public lands, and each of its regions has something unique to offer that makes a trip there worthwhile. Most of the time, even on the busiest weekends, you can find a campground, especially if you're prepared to travel a few hours from Portland or Bend. This post finds the best camping in Oregon and camping advice and supplies.

Oregon is ideal for camping since there is so much open area to enjoy. A portable generator is more necessary outside when camping in Oregon. For your camping trip in Oregon, the Jackery portable solar generator is a cutting-edge power bank that provides a dependable and environmentally responsible power source. You might begin your camping adventure by having a solar generator!