Is Dispersed Camping Allowed In Oregon
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in Oregon and can be a wonderful way to explore the state. Dispersed camping is allowed in the state and national forests year-round, and the state does not require a permit or prior permission to do so.
While the Forest Service campgrounds in Oregon typically offer amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and in some cases plumbing, dispersed camping means you will not have access to any of these features.
Dispersed camping in Oregon is truly an adventure. While this type of camping does require extra know-how and experience, it can be a wonderful way to enjoy free camping in Oregon.
Campers are required to follow the Leave No Trace guidelines. These include regulations such as camping on bare soil rather than vegetation, keeping your campsite a minimum distance of 200 feet away from any water source, and removing all trash and debris from the site when you leave.
Jessie M Honeyman Memorial State Park
Off-highway vehicles on the beach near Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane
With more than 350 campsites available, Jessie M. Honeyman is one of the largest state park campgrounds on the Oregon Coast. Honeyman State Park caters to RV and tent camping and is surrounded by the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Dune enthusiasts and off-highway vehicle riders often fill the campground.
Three freshwater lakes are also within the state park, which are well used by swimmers, anglers, and anyone looking to cool off from the summer sun. No direct trails link Honeyman to the ocean, but outside of snowy-plover-restricted seasons , OHV riders can find their own route to the beach.
Running water and restrooms are available for all overnight users. The state park also provides ample parking and staging areas for OHV riders.
Location: Florence, Oregon
State Rv Camping Information
- Oregon State Tourism Website Where to go, and what to do. Includes Oregon RV camping suggestions and trip planning ideas.
- State Parks Information about RV camping in the many state parks in Oregon.
- Oregon WMA Many wildlife management areas and fish hatchery locations offer camping, some with a campground host.
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Silver Falls State Park
Where: Sublimity
What: Silver Falls has several hikes to choose from that lead to the parks spectacular waterfalls, and another 35 miles of backcountry trails for hikes, mountain bikes, and horses. The parks Nature Play Area, a playground built into the natural forested environment, is also a draw.
Go Camping Coos Bay Oregon Getaways Await With Luxury Camping Rentals Just A Click Away
Sitting on the stunning Pacific Coast in Oregon, Coos Bay is the perfect destination for your next glamping getaway. Glampers traveling here have the best of both worldsthe beautiful, protected bay and farther the Pacific Ocean, and the lush forests inland. If youre looking for a somewhere to go along the Oregon coast, well then, this is the page for you. All of these luxury camping sites, near Coos Bay, are the perfect place to disconnect for your daily routine and enjoy all the adventure that coastal Oregon has to offer. So forget about Coos Bay hotels and check out these rentals and see what catches your eye!
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Rufus Landing Recreation Areacolumbia River Gorge
Image from The Dyrt camper Karina J.
If youre traveling along the Columbia River and need a place to stop east of The Dalles, the Rufus Landing Recreation Area is a convenient boondocking and dispersed camping site. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it has no designated sites but is rather a huge gravel parking area, meaning tent campers might have to plan to snag spots before RVers do.
Just because its a straightforward camping site doesnt mean it doesnt offer amenities, though. There are restrooms available just a short walk away, and theres a hiking access down to the Columbia River.
This campground is a simple gravel lot for drop-in camping. No fire pits or reserved spots. If youre going to a show at Maryhill or just need a place to crash along the highway this is a great spot. Has restrooms and river access! The Dyrt camper Karina J.
Humbug Mountain State Park Campground
Humbug Mountain State Park Campground. Photo by Halvor Tweto.
Humbug Mountain is a dominate mass rising above the Pacific, and its 1,756-foot height makes it one of most prominent features along Oregon’s coast. Visitors to Humbug will have a wide selection of trails to hike both on the mountain and along the beach, which is accessible via a short access path. Two trails reach the summit of the mountain from the campground, and when you can catch the views through the dense coastal forest, they are gorgeous. Humbug Mountain State Park Campground is known for its campground, which is conveniently located along Highway 1. Of the 95 sites, 55 are tent sites, and 40 have water and electrical hookups. Two of these are ADA accessible. There is also a hiker/biker camp that is ideal for those passing through on the Oregon Coast Trail or on long bike tours along Highway 1.
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Mount Ashland Campgroundklamath National Forest
Image from The Dyrt camper Jenny R.
Situated within Klamath National Forest in Southern Oregon, the Mount Ashland campground offers remote mountain camping along the Siskiyou Crest. It offers access to the PCT, awesome views and excellent wildflowers, bird and butterfly watching.
Lovely place, lovely drive in. Spots are scattered and hard to find at night. Had deer running around while I was setting up the tent. Pit toilets, hiking close by, accessible in any vehicle. The Dyrt camper Noie V.
Being A Responsible Camper
Once youve found your camping spot, make sure you leave your pitch the way you found it, and minimize waste. When going to the toilet, state authorities ask campers to go at least 200 feet from a water source, trail or campsites. Then use a trowel to bury human waste at least six inches underground. Take any tissue paper back home with you use a ziplock bag to keep it sealed.
There are many different water sources in Oregon, but remember to always have plenty of water on you when camping and walking. A space-saving collapsible water bottle would be a good purchase. But do ensure that water from any undeveloped source is safe by treating it. That means heating it until it comes to a boil, or using water purification tablets/filter.
Campers are also asked to abide by the seven principles of leave no trace they can be seen here.
With bears roaming Oregons forests, you must take steps to avoid attracting them to your campsite. We advise:
- If you have a vehicle nearby, store food there rather than in a tent
- Use a bear box or bear canister to store food, rubbish, and anything with a scent
- Dont pitch your tent near where food is being stored
- Never approach any bear, regardless of its size
- Dont spray anything with a scent
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Camping Near Coos Bay Or At The Oregon Dunes Koa Holiday
You’re just 10 minutes by car or 2 miles by ATV through the dunes to get to the beach. Steve’s ATV Rentals has ATV/UTV rentals nearby. The camp store sells off-road themed T-shirts, gifts, groceries and more. A new rec room can be enjoyed by all. Summer events for kids and adults include a huge Jump Pad, mini dunes, free catch-and-release fishing, paddle boats and ice cream socials that feature 20 different toppings to put on your chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Dig into an ice cream social after a hayride behind our yellow Minneapolis Moline tractor.An Easter egg hunt starts off the season, Halloween festivities in the fall add to the fun and a Thanksgiving potluck rounds out the other seasonal activities.
Max pull thru: 95 feet. Come meet your new hosts Steve and Laverne!!
If you book your site online and cannot find the date you are interested in, be sure to call us! If you are booking a tent site and do not have ATV’s, we suggest you call us to discuss your options. We want to be sure you have a great experience at Oregon Dunes KOA.
We hope to see you soon!
Oregon Dunes KOA Holiday
Free Or Reduced Rates For Campground Hosts:
If you have more flexibility in your schedule if you are retired, homeschool, etc being a campground host might be an option for you. Typically you can get free rates to camp in exchange for being available to help & answer questions for the campers. The minimum stay is typically one month, though, but this might be a fun option for the summertime if you plan ahead.
You can find available campgrounds that need hosts by searching this website for National Parks & Forests all around the country. I found a number of locations in Washington and Oregon, so definitely check that site out to see if theres an option that will work for you. I would think youd need to schedule this out far in advance though.
Let us know if you have other ideas of ways to get discounts or free passes for camping!
*Disclaimer We have not checked out these sites personally but have found these sites thru a combination of the resources mentioned above. However, we do recommend you always do your own research to make sure these will work for your family & your needs.
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Camping Near Astoria Or At The Longview North / Mount St Helens Koa
Your hosts: Brian, Ingrid, Adam and Hunter Orndoff.
And for all you fishermen or ladies, we have some of the best fishing sites all around us and just minutes away. There are so many things to do, such as go to the ocean or find a festival – there always seems to be something going on! So, set up your camp, then come to the office where we can help you find the adventure you desire. Come back in the evening and relax, planning for your next day of fun. North, south, east, or west, there are always things to do and see – some just down the road and some just an hour away. Nature is all around and it’s calling you!
Longview North / Mount St Helens KOA
I seem to always hae issues at KOA campgrounds finding a level spot. , otherwise, stay was fine.
It was just overnight but a few more signs as to get there from the exit off 1-5 would help. looked very nice.
Just the usual KOA experience- great!
Not one complaint. Perfect little weekend getaway. Staff was beyond helpful and friendly. A+
it was a short overnight stay nice clean park I didn’t explore it too much as it was pouring but did notice the picnic table in my site was rotten and top board came off when I tried to move it
Harris Beach State Park
Oceanside views at Harris Beach State Park | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane
On the far southern end of the Oregon coast, Harris Beach State Park accommodates hikers, bikers, car campers, and RV dwellers with more than 150 campsites available. This spacious campground’s real appeal comes from its immediate surroundings – including easy access to Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor just up the road.
Approximately 90 sites cater to RVs at Harris Beach, some with full hookups and some with just electric plug-ins. The state park also has approximately 60 tent sites. Every pull-up camp spot at Harris Beach State Park comes with a paved parking spot, picnic table, and fire ring, as well as nearby water, restrooms, and showers.
The campground is situated within the city limits of Brookings and next to the ocean. A paved pedestrian path within the campground accesses the beach and inspiring views before connecting to Downtown Brookings.
Location: Brookings, Oregon
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Painted Hills Dispersednear John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Image from The Dyrt camper Eva W.
While camping within John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, including the Painted Hills Unit, is not allowed, there are plenty of dispersed camping opportunities in surrounding BLM and Forest Service lands, some of which are along the John Day River. You wont have any trouble finding a wonderful spot near these remarkably colorful hills, one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon.
This was by far my favorite place we stayed on our entire 4000+ mile road trip. and it was free! We stayed at Priest Hole, which is a few miles past the Painted Hills visitor center on dirt roads. We camped right on the banks of the John Day River and it was amazingly beautiful. The water was the perfect temperature for swimming and crystal clear. The Dyrt camper Corinna B.
Blm Coos Bay District Restores Access To Bastendorff Beach
North Bend, Ore. With the lifting of public health and safety restrictions enacted by the State of Oregon and Coos County officials, the Bureau of Land Management today announced that the Coos Bay District is increasing recreational access. The Bureau of Land Management is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a case-by-case basis.
Beginning May 18, 2020, the Coos Bay District will reopen access to Bastendorff Beach Day Use. The restrooms on site may take additional time to reopen.
In addition, the following recreation areas and activities continue to be available:
- Blue Ridge Trail System
- North Spit of Coos Bay, including the trail system
- Doerner Fir Trail
With public health in mind, the following facilities/areas remain closed at this time:
- Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area
- Storm Ranch at New River Area of Critical Environmental Concern
- North Spit Boat Ramp
- All campgrounds
While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, practice social distancing and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.
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Barnhouse Campgroundochoco National Forest
Set in a ponderosa pine forest a few miles from the main highway through the Ochoco National Forest, the Barnhouse campground is wonderfully tranquil and serene. There are six campsites with fire pits, grills and picnic tables, some of which can accommodate vehicles up to 25 feet.
This is truly a great little campground! It is first come first serve as they require no fee. Tucked away in the hills and the woods, with numerous hiking trails from the campground to explore the surrounding areas. It is quiet and a great way to see the Painted Hills that are close by. The Dyrt camper Katy T.
Sand Island Marine Parknear Portland Or
This is an excellent Oregon free camping spot on kayaking trips. Sand Island is a man-made island in the Columbia River just northwest of Portland that offers primitive free camping, as well as short nature trails and grassy areas for picnics. If youre on a multi-day kayaking excursion, you can resupply in St. Helens, a short stroll from the camping area.
Accessible by boat or kayak. Sites are primitive, no tables. This is on the Columbia River water kayak trail. The Dyrt camper Daniel L.
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Gods Valley State Forest Free Day & Night Camping Nehalem Or
After Devils Lake, now its the Gods Valley! Well, this one is literally a beautiful and heavenly vale situated to the south of Cole Mountain, southwest of Hamlet, and to the east of Aldervale. This is a large grassy area however, the actual camping spot is somewhat small, surrounded by giant trees and bushes. If you have an idea of getting really deep inside the woods, your wish is sure to be fulfilled here, and that too, for free. In fact, this is one of the few places to pay nothing on the northern coast of Oregon.
Time to Visit: Round the year
Now, how would you think it would be to run out of your house with your friends and dear ones for some wild camping by the Pacific shores, dense forests, by the riverside, or in an open grassy land, spending all day there, or even a night or two, just to take a break from the boring, mundane everyday work! Amazing, isnt it? So, just pack up, and do that!
Free Camping Sites Washington And Oregon
*Updated for 2020
Camping is so popular for families here in the Northwest and generally a very affordable way to visit new places. If you are looking for something very budget-friendly & affordable, did you know that there are actually a number of places that you can camp for FREE around the Northwest?
There are a number of public lands that do offer camping at no cost they may not have many services like water or flush toilets, but if you can rough it a bit, you can find some great, out of the way spots. Most of these are available on a first come, first serve basis, but if you are a bit adventurous, it does not get more affordable than free.
Also, here in the Northwest, the most popular time for camping is of course in the summertime, but many locations will open up their sites with free or reduced rates once the busy season has passed, so those are great options as well.
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South Lake Dispersed Areasiuslaw National Forest
Image from The Dyrt camper Chris H.
This free campground in Oregon offers dispersed sites near South Lake, a small lake in the Siuslaw National Forest. Its a lightly used campground, which allows access to trout fishing and non-motorized boating on South Lake, and hunting and hiking on the Pioneer-Indian Trail.
This free campground is just far enough out from the coast and the city that youll likely be alone, even on a Saturday night. Most folks coming to this area of the forest camp in the more popular Hebo Lake campground. If you dont need amenities and are just looking for a beautiful place to camp, South Lake is a better option. The Dyrt camper Chris H.