Best Fall Camping In Southern Oregon
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From diverse landscapes to breathtaking views, Southern Oregon offers a variety of outdoor experiences capable of quenching any travelers thirst for adventure. If youre looking to explore and breathe some fresh air, camping is one of the best ways to take it all in and Southern Oregon is a beautiful place to pitch your tent.
There are a number of great campgrounds sprinkled in and around the Rogue Valley. Below, youll discover the five Southern Oregon camping spots that we recommend for their fall views, amenities, and outdoor activities.
Best Campgrounds Oregon #: Cannon Beach Rv
We love Cannon Beach and normally we recommend staying at State campgrounds, but there arent any ones close enough to Cannon Beach.
Cannon Beach RV Resort is luxury camping with an indoor pool, game room, a store, and firepits. By staying at Cannon Beach RV resort you are walking distance to all the fun and beauty Cannon Beach has to offer.
We love walking the beach here and checking out haystack rock and the Puffins that live on it. The town is super cute and we always go to Sleepy Monk for coffee, Sea Level Bakery for bread, and EVOO for artisan foods.
Cost of Site with Full Hookups: $39-$53 depending on seasonNumber of Sites: 100Max RV Length: 60 footFree Hot Showers: Yes
Note this is an RV only campground, no tents.
Major Wilderness Regions In Oregon
Like in any state, there are countless regions in Oregon with varying climates and biomes. While it wont be as extreme as in our California camping guide, well still have to omit many great places to go camping in this state and just hone in on a few major regions.
Oregon is located just north of California and west of Idaho, and is the 9th largest state. Its primary mountain range is the Cascades, which is filled with dormant and dead volcanoes, and it hugs the Pacific ocean to its west.
From the mountains to the coast, from the High Desert to the forests of the northeast, were going to give you a broad overview of camping in this state. Theres not quite as much variety as there would be for, say, Colorado camping, but theres still plenty to do in Oregon.
The Cascades
These mountains run from southern Oregon all the way up through Canada, and have some breathtaking views. From the well-known Mount Saint Helens to the towering Mount Rainier, this is probably one of the most famous Mountain ranges in the world.
These mountains are home to stunning vistas, tranquil and crystal-clear lakes, and serene alpine forests. The mountain tops are capped with snow year round, but you can expect some true adventures during the summer time.
The Oregon Coast
The waters of Oregon are pretty cold year round, and you can expect the weather to be chilly even in the summer. Be prepared with a thick coat, even during the summer, when you decide to camp on the coast.
The High Desert
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Mt Hood National Forest
Home of the tallest mountain in Oregon, Mt. Hood National Forest is a vast tract of land that combines lots of free camping with one of the best-paid campsites in the state.
Lost Lake Campground combines the beauty of lakeside campsites with an unparalleled view of Mt. Hood towering in the distance.
It’s only a short drive from Portland, so it is advisable to book in advance, especially on busy weekends.
To the south of the lake, there’s a collection of first come, first serve campsites, but they fill up quickly on the weekends.
Countless hiking trails of all skill levels are accessible from the campground. Enjoy a leisurely walk near the lake or hike some of the smaller mountains surrounding the lake.
The lake offers up paddling and fishing while the adventurous can enjoy a dip in the water, which can be pretty cold.
As this is a perfect place to bring the family for car-camping, an SUV tent might be a wise investment. This will allow you to set up the camp quickly and sleep as close as possible to the hiking trails.
For those who want a more rugged experience, there are hundreds of legal free camping sites throughout the forest.
Forest Service rules allow for a 14-day stay at a given campsite. Check the Forest Service website for Mt. Hood for details about where you can camp for free.
Deer Park Olympic National Park
Get a true backcountry feeling without ditching your car. At the meadowed 14 sites of the highest campground in Olympic , youll likely be outnumbered by ungulates. The short jaunt up nearby Blue Mountain nets 360° views of jawbone peaks and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. And summer stargazing doesnt get much better. JunSep no potable water vault toilets no reservations nps.gov/olym
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Best Campgrounds Oregon #: Sunset Bay State Park
I loved the ecosystem surrounding this campground. There are great hikes through the coastal forest right from the campground.
Directly across the street is a nice bay to relax at, surf on the right swell, and let the kids run wild. A short drive up the hill takes you to a great viewpoint where you will often be able to spot whales and other wildlife.
The campground also has fantastic ranger programs. Nearby in Bandon has one of the best chocolate shops in the world and the Zoo near Bandon has a baby bear, tiger, and lion cub that you can pet. The only downside here is the weather can be very cold so pack those jackets.
Cost of Site with Full Hook Ups: $31 Number of Sites: 130Max RV Length: 50 feetFree Hot Showers: Yes
Tips For Camping At The Oregon Coast
Practice Leave No Trace
- If youre unfamiliar with Leave No Trace, its a measure to be a good steward of the land. You can read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.
Oregon Coast Camping Reservations
- Make no mistake, the Oregon Coast is a popular place, therefore making reservations for camping at the Oregon Coast is strong encouraged . I will link the reservation sites for each of the Oregon Coast campgrounds I list below to make your trip planning a bit easier.
You + Sunscreen = Best Friends
- Ive been sunburned at the Oregon Coast more times than I can count the fog is misleading! I finally found this sunscreen and never leave the house without it, highly recommend it.
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Campgrounds For Solitude In Eastern Oregon
Consider late summer and early fall the Goldilocks time for camping in Eastern Oregon not too hot, not too cold, and delightfully free from crowds, mosquitos and, well, talking bears, too.
If you head out to the wide-open spaces of Eastern Oregon, its easy to find the best kind of remoteness, too, a place where the soundscape forms with songbirds, raptors and the crunch of gravel under your feet. Be prepared for a completely off-grid experience out here expect no gas, no phone, no potable water at times but venture forth and you can have the starry nights and pleasing days pretty much all to yourself. Below, youll find campgrounds in Eastern Oregon so lovely they seem plucked from a fairy tale.
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park Campground
Image courtesy of Outdoor Project
Offering 23 tent sites, eight yurts, two log cabins and 12 RV-hookup sites, the campground at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is on the smaller size, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in a great camping experience!
Its no wonder this is one of the best-reviewed campsites at the Oregon Coast.
Six of the eight yurts are considered deluxe and come equipped with a refrigerator, sink, microwave, bathroom and shower. As you can imagine, the yurts get reserved quickly so youll need to plan in advance .
This great Oregon campsite sits near Lake Marie, a freshwater lake that offers ample water sport opportunities like swimming, boating and fishing.
Whats more, this campground neighbors Oregon Sand Dune National Monument .
Most visitors at this Oregon campground choose to stay here over other campsites because of the proximity to the Umpqua River Lighthouse, a mere stones throw from the campground and a great easy day hike offering panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean.
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park Campground at the Oregon Coast
- Camping sites: 23 tent sites, 12 full RV hook-ups, 8 yurts, 2 log cabins
- Fees: $19 for tent site, $43 for yurt, $43 for cabin
- Campground amenities: Hot showers, flushing toilets, access to freshwater lake, hiking trails
- Reservations possible? Yes WEBSITE
- Pet friendly? Yes two yurts and one cabin are pet friendly
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Best Places To Go Camping In Oregon
Oregon is a nature lovers paradise, and there are plenty of great places to go camping. Here are some of the best spots for camping in Oregon.The first place on our list is Crater Lake National Park. This park is home to the deepest lake in the United States, and its surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains. There are several campgrounds in the park, so you can find one that suits your needs.If youre looking for a more rustic camping experience, try the Wallowa Mountains in northeastern Oregon. This area is full of scenic hiking trails and rivers, and its a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. There are several primitive campsites in this area, so you can really get back to nature.
At a Glance
Eastern Oregon Lake Campgrounds
Spread far and wide across Oregons high desert region, the remote lakes of Eastern Oregon are oases that attract droves of people and wildlife to their scenic beauty. These are special, out of the way places that are certainly worth the long drives to their distant shores.
14. Lake Owyhee State Park
Why you should go: Lake Owyhee is a remote oasis that is unlike anywhere else in Oregon.
- Reservations accepted: Yes
- Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
- Campsite type: Tent, RV, Cabin
- RV hookups: Yes
Lake Owyhee is a desert canyon reservoir offering views and experiences far different than most anywhere else in all of the Pacific Northwest. This is Oregons High Desert at its finest, and Lake Owyhee State Park is the best place to camp to take in all that this far-removed destination provides.
The reservoir is a 53-mile long lake with great warmwater fishing opportunities and endless sights, many of which can only be accessed by boat. The campground has full RV hookups, including a dump station, and there is a fish cleaning station as well. Water is provided April through October. There is no cellphone service and no on-site payphones. Park hosts may be unavailable for long periods of time.
15. Paulina Lake Campground
Why you should go: Experience the volcanic glory of the Eastern Cascades not far from Bend.
- Reservations accepted: Yes
- Campsite type: Tent, RV
- RV hookups: Water only
16. Prineville Reservoir State Park
More Great Camping Destinations in Oregon
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Little Crater Lake Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Haley W.
Tucked-away in the Mount Hood National Forest, Little Crater Lake is a small, freezing-cold, spring-fed lake filled with almost-impossibly clear water. While this lake and its name may appear to be a mini-replica of Crater Lake, these lakes were created under different circumstances while Crater Lake was formed from a volcanic eruption, Little Crated Lake was created by dissolving limestone deposits with an aquifer at its bottom. Its constantly around 34 degrees Fahrenheit.
Although the Little Crater Lake Campground is not right at the lake, it still deserves a mention as one of the best places for lake camping in Oregon. The short Little Crater Lake Trail connects the campground and the lake, continuing toward the Pacific Crest Trail and nearby Timothy Lake. More than a dozen tent and RV sites are available, as well as vault toilets. There are no hookups.
Absolutely amazing. Little Crater Lake is spectacular, and only a 5-minute walk from the campsites. Clean vault toilets, large campsites pretty well spaced out. Very quiet, 10 miles or so from the highway. Timothy Lake and the Pacific Crest Trail are less than a mile from camp. Mount Hood is nearby, although not visible from the campground. One of the best, if not the best, campgrounds I have visited. The Dyrt camper Darin D.
Mt Hood + Clickitat River Area
- Kinnikinnick Campground Laurance Lake is nestled into the north side of Mount Hoods sprawling hills. Though theres no direct mountain view from any of the 20 campsites, proximity to Hood River ups its popularity.
- Trillium Lake Campground Campsites are fairly difficult to reserve, and once you arrive youll understand why. With excellent mountain views and amenities for families, Trillium Lake asserts itself as one of the best campgrounds in the area.
- Frog Lake Campground Though campsites offer immediate access to the lake, none are situated to have a view of Mount Hood. A clearing and epic views are a short walk away, though, and paddling is second-to-none at this high altitude lake.
- Lost Lake Campground This large, spacious area is one of the oldest privately run campgrounds in Oregon. Cabins are available for rent if lakeside tenting isnt up your alley.
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The Best Rv Campgrounds In Oregon
Oregon is known for its national forests and gorgeous state parks. But its freshwater lakes, waterfalls, coastal regions, and hot springs offer some of the finest water-rich activities in America.
Whether you are fishing for rainbow trout in the summer months or enjoying the great views in the winter months, Oregon has something for every season. Never be stranded when traveling with my list of great campgrounds in Oregon
Honey Bear By The Sea
Honey Bear by the Sea is one of the largest seaside camping sites on the Pacific Coast. Let me just say that this place has it all! In addition to having a beautiful campground, it also has a spectacular RV resort with over 50 acres to enjoy.
Not only do you have the sandy beaches and alluring Pacific waters, but you also have trickling creeks, wide open meadows, natural hot springs, and breathtaking wood trees. this is well worth the trip!
Pricing:
Find More Info Here: Website
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Baker Bay Campground & Marina
Why you should go: Family amenities and plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Reservations accepted: Yes
- Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Campsite type: Tent, RV
Summertime is the busiest season at Bake Bay Campground & Marina. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the marina will be bustling with vacationers, the concession stand will certainly be open for business, and the warm temperatures will be ideal for a swim in Dorena Lake.
Aside from the many lake-centric activities to partake in, there are also numerous covered bridges around the lake to explore, as well as the 17-mile paved Row River Bicycle Trail that heads down into the town of Cottage Grove, and there are multiple waterfalls to discover further up Row River Road. The campground is also home to family-friendly activities like a playground, horseshoe pits, and a beach volleyball court.
Why you should go: Its a low-key campground far away from the busy day-use areas around Fall Creek Lake.
- Reservations accepted: Group Site Only
- Best seasons: Spring, Summer
- Campsite type: Tent, RV
Fall Creek Lake is less popular than the neighboring Dexter Reservoir among weekend vacationers, and thats not a bad thing, especially for those looking to camp at Cascara Campground. This lake has a great day-use swimming area, multiple boat launches, and it is filled by Fall Creek which itself is ripe with unforgettable swimming holes.
6. Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area
7. Richardson Park
Campground #: Bend Sisters Garden Rv Resort
The Rv park boasts many amenities for its guests to enjoy. They have level, paved RV sites, full hookups, laundry facilities, fire rings, dog runs and pet walks, landscaped sites, a BBQ rental area, a general store, picnic areas, and a pool and hot tub.
It is a great place to relax after a long day of enjoying nature.
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Tumalo State Park Central Oregon
The dramatic terrain surrounding Bend lures rugged types for the snowy mountain slopes, hiking and mountain biking trails, and alpine lakes. Through it all flows the Deschutes River, and camping on its banks at Tumalo State Park puts you right in the middle of central Oregons action. Shaded by ponderosa pines, the campground features nearly two dozen full hookup sites for motor homes, more than 50 tent sites, and seven classic yurts. Within the park, you can hike a 2.4-mile segment of the Deschutes River Trail, where youll spot anglers fishing for rainbow trout and families floating on hot summer days. A short drive brings you into the center of Bend, where you can kick back after a long day in the sun in one of the many craft breweries. Drive just a bit further for the regions most popular landmarks such as Smith Rock, famous for its legendary rock climbing and riverside hiking trails.
What You Need To Bring
Weve gone over some of the major places you can get out into the woods, so now its time to talk about what youll need to bring with you. From tents to backpacks, well go over some of the essentials that youll need to get out there in this state.
Were going to assume that you have all of the basics, like the right clothes, boots, canteens, and so on. And of course, youll need to bring different gear depending on whether youre just going camping or backpacking.
From survival hatchets to sub-zero sleeping bags, were going to cover what you need for camping in Oregon.
For Camping
Camping is one of the most relaxing ways to get out into the woods. You can bring all of your food and gear directly into your campsite, so you dont have to worry about weight limits and sizes like you do when you have to carry everything on your back.
Youll want a large, comfortable tent that can house as many people as you need. This option will easily let your group fit inside, and you dont need to worry about the weight, since youre going to be driving in.
Oregon isnt known for its frigid nights the way other states get in the summer. So you can go with this affordable sleeping bag option, keeping you warm in those chilly summer nights. Save the sub zero gear for those winter hikes.
For Backpacking and Survival
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