Camping in Oregon: Best Oregon Campgrounds 2023

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Oregon

Camping in Oregon

With quiet beaches, vibrant cities, and massive expanses of forest, Oregon has something for everyone.

Top-rated stays

53 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Talent, ORThis 80-acre property nestled along Birch Creek & the Little Applegate River is currently FOR SALE to pass forward to new stewards... maybe you! Please visit our website for more info: trilliumoregon(dot)com Trillium is a former wilderness community and retreat center tucked into a vast valley of the Siskiyou Mountains of Southern Oregon. From ridge-top to riverside, guest are immersed in pristine nature, breathtakingly fertile and rugged landscape. Over the past 40 years, Trillium has been a multi-faceted community, education & birthing center. The history of this place is vast, rich and honored. TRILLIUM’S FIRST COMMUNITY Prior to our purchase of the property in 2017, Trillium was home to a community since the 1970’s. This community was unique in that it sustained on its own functioning without a “guru,” which was popular of that time. Trillium birthed many babies along the hippie trail, as well as many entrepreneurial ventures. Most notable of these ventures was Unicorn Domes, now known as Pacific Domes located in neighboring Ashland, OR. GRANDMA’S TROUT FARM Chant, a founder of the Trillium’s first community, tells the story of coming upon the land while out on a camping trip. The story flows like a fairytale, having a sense of awe and deep resonance of home in this place. At that time, the land was home to a trout farm, and thus many holding ponds and water features were created in Birch Creek, meandering south through the valley to feed the Little Applegate River. Our office, Cedar Barn, was filled with tanks of small trout, while the waterwheel containing them still remains on the old barn you’ll see as you enter the parking lot. APPLE ORCHARD While we don’t know much about it, there is a story of 2 sisters and their apple orchard. As we continue to explore and rehabilitate the valley, we have discovered a variety of old legacy apple trees in unexpected places. These trees were likely displaced during one of the old floods through the valley, but have held on (sometimes to the edge of a slope) and continue to produce fruit…an inspiring example of the resilience of this land. NATIVES, CHINESE IMMIGRANTS & MINERS This part of the world is gold-mining land, and there are even still claims upriver today! As with any monetary venture, there is ingenuity as well as tests of integrity. The peaceful natives of this land, the Dakubetedes were all but obliterated, while Chinese immigrants were exploited for their engineering genius and labor to construct the 26.5 mile Sterling Mine Ditch. This ditch had a “clean out” that emptied through our valley, thus named “Muddy Gulch.” It’s deep ruts are still quite evident, both physically and energetically. We seek to learn and heal these parts of our history on this land.This description of the history, lightly touching on these atrocities, can be found on the BLM website: “Long before the appearance of European settlers, Sterling Creek and the Little Applegate River area were traditional homelands of the Dakubetede people. This group was also known as the Applegate Creek Indians and was part of the Rogue River Indians, a name applied to the people of the Upper Rogue River and its tributaries. The Dakubetedes utilized an abundance of berries, seeds, roots, fish, and game throughout the year to maintain a diverse diet. The Dakubetedes spoke a dialect of the Athabascan language group, unusual for the tribes in interior southwest Oregon. The Dakubetedes took part in the Rogue River Indian Treaties of 1853 and 1854 that resulted in their removal from their homelands to the Grand Ronde and Siletz Indian Reservations in northwest Oregon. When gold was discovered in 1854 on Sterling Creek, prospectors poured into the area. At first, they panned for gold along the creek, but this proved to be inefficient in extracting the gold that was buried under layers of rock and soil. Hydraulic mining, using a powerful jet of water, promised better returns for large scale mining; they just needed more water. In 1877 miners built the Sterling Mine Ditch to redirect water from the upper reaches of the Little Applegate River to the Sterling Creek Mine. The ditch followed the contours of the rugged slopes of Anderson Butte and lost only 200 feet in elevation over its 26.5 mile length. Using hand tools, up to 400 workers, most of them probably Chinese, completed the ditch in just 6 months, at a cost of $70,000. The ditch carried water to the mine, and the trail alongside it provided access for ditch maintenance. During peak operation, hydraulic mining on Sterling Creek blasted away up to 800 cubic yards of soil and rock each day. Impacts to fisheries and water quality were immense, and generations would pass before the hydrologic balance and fish habitat in Sterling Creek would recover. The mine discontinued operations in the 1930s, and the ditch and trail became overgrown with brush and trees. The Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (SMDT) is a marvel of late nineteenth century engineering. Be sure to see the tunnel, dug as a shortcut through the ridge at the top of the Tunnel Ridge access trail! You can also see old flume remnants while hiking along sections of the trail. As you drive along Sterling Creek Road, you can see piles of stones and boulders along the creek that were left by hydraulic mining as soil was washed away in the search for gold. In addition to gold, the layers of soil and rock also yielded bones and tusks of elephants and other ancient inhabitants of the area.” GLACIERS AND BIODIVERSITY The biodiversity of the natural world is immense in our PNW pocket, and especially at Trillium. This description, and more info, can be found on the World Wildlife website under ecoregion, “Klamath-Siskiyou.” “Biological DistinctivenessThe Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion is considered a global center of biodiversity (Wallace 1982), an IUCN Area of Global Botanical Significance (1 of 7 in North America), and is proposed as a World Heritage Site and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (Vance-Borland et al. 1995). The biodiversity of these rugged coastal mountains of northwestern California and southwestern Oregon has garnered this acclaim because the region harbors one of the four richest temperate coniferous forests in the world (along with the Southeastern Conifer forests of North America, forests of Sichuan, China, and the forests of the Primorye region of the Russian Far East), with complex biogeographic patterns, high endemism, and unusual community assemblages. A variety of factors contribute to the region’s extraordinary living wealth. The region escaped extensive glaciation during recent ice ages, providing both a refuge for numerous taxa and long periods of relatively favorable conditions for species to adapt to specialized conditions. Shifts in climate over time have helped make this ecoregion a junction and transition zone for several major biotas, namely those of the Great Basin, the Oregon Coast Range, the Cascades Range, the Sierra Nevada, the California Central Valley, and Coastal Province of Northern California. Elements from all of these zones are currently present in the ecoregion’s communities. Temperate conifer tree species richness reaches a global maximum in the Klamath-Siskiyous with 30 species, including 7 endemics, and alpha diversity (single-site) measured at 17 species within a single square mile (2.59 km2) at one locality (Vance-Borland et al. 1995). Overall, around 3,500 plant species are known from the region, with many habitat specialists (including 90 serpentine specialists) and local endemics. The great heterogeneity of the region’s biodiversity is due to the area’s rugged terrain, very complex geology and soils (giving the region the name "the Klamath Knot"), and strong gradients in moisture decreasing away from the coast (e.g., more than300 cm (120in)/annum to less than 50 cm (20 in)/annum). Habitats are varied and range from wet coastal temperate rainforests to moist inland forests dominated by Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Pinus ponderosa, and P. lambertiana mixed with a variety of other conifers and hardwoods (e.g., Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, Lithocarpus densiflora, Taxus brevifolia, and Quercus chrysolepis); drier oak forests and savannas with Quercus garryana and Q. kelloggii; serpentine formations with well-developed sclerophyllous shrubs; higher elevation forests with Douglas fir, Tsuga mertensiana, Abies concolor and A. magnifica; alpine grasslands on the higher peaks; and cranberry and pitcher plant bogs. Many species and communities have adapted to very narrow bands of environmental conditions or to very specific soils such as serpentine outcrops. Local endemism is quite pronounced with numerous species restricted to single mountains, watersheds, or even single habitat patches, tributary streambanks, or springs (e.g., herbaceous plants, salamanders, carabid beetles, land snails, see Olson 1991). Such fine-grained and complex distribution patterns means that any losses of native forests or habitats in this ecoregion can significantly contribute to species extinction. Several of the only known localities for endemic harvestman, spiders, land snails, and other invertebrates have been heavily altered or lost through logging within the last decade, and the current status of these species is unknown (Olson 1991). Unfortunately, many invertebrate species with distribution patterns and habitat preferences that make them prone to extinction, such as old growth specialist species, are rarely recognized or listed as federal endangered species. Indeed, 83 species of Pacific Northwest freshwater mussels and land snails with extensive documentation of their endangerment were denied federal listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1994 (J. Belsky, pers. comm. 1994).Rivers and streams of the Klamath-Siskiyou region support a distinctive fish fauna, including nine species of native salmonids (salmon and trout), and several endemic or near-endemic species such as the tui chub (Gila bicolor), the Klamath small-scale sucker (Catostomus rimiculus), and the coastrange sculpin (Cottus aleuticus). Many unusual aquatic invertebrates are also occur in the region.” For more information about our community, reserving the whole property, or any other questions, please visit the TrilliumOregon website or find us on instagram @trilliumoregon

Heartline Ranch and Tipi Village

14 sites · Lodging, Tents250 acres · Chiloquin, ORStay in our Native American Tipi, nestled into the forest next to the Winema National Forest. We have miles of hiking trails, and lots of wildlife in the way of birds, bunnys, chipmonks and the occasional deer, and are across from the Pelican Butte mountains. Experience what few get to know- what it's like to be in a real Native American Tipi. Come experience the outdoors as Natives have lived. This isn't any airconditioned motel room- this is the real deal. An experience of a lifetime. Questions will be answered, info. available. Also a art gallery of their artwork is on site in the office. Come and enjoy! Their ranch, Heartline Ranch & Tipi Village is on Crater Lake Highway (Hwy 62) just 26 miles down from Crater Lake. They have designated 5 acres for a primitive Campgrounds and Tipi village sites. September of 2020 we were sadly effected by the Wildfire- TwoFourTwo which took 5 of our 6 tipis. We have been able to clean up, regrow and make ready for camping guests. Its wonderful to see all the beautiful regrowth, and to see that most of our trees have regenerated. It is now once again a beautiful place to be. It is their love for this land and a desire to share the beauty and Native experience with others to led them to open up these campgrounds. There is 5 acres, but currently have 3 tipi sites and 4 camping sites for folks with their own tents, so LOTS of privacy. Our ranch has 250 acres of land, great hiking trails, next to the Winema National Forest, and connected to the Pacific Crest Trail. You will have space to enjoy this beauty. The owner's 5 horses are rescue horses and are their own private property. Please do NOT feed them or go up to them without the owners being there. Horses have delicate stomachs. Our gentle giants are mellow but very big so please stay OUT of their pasture. You may help us during their feeding time, if you ask owners.

156 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Cave Junction, ORCedar Bloom was purchased in the spring of 2017 by Spirit Weavers Gathering as a place of peace and healing, for all walks of life. Spirit Weavers is an annual women's gathering which happens once a year each June. We host over 1,200 women in just two weeks on the land. Our beautiful forested land is located in Southern Oregon, in a small town off the 199 Redwood Highway. The land which we call home is 100 acres of beautiful protected forest and sits upon a mile of the Illinois River. We are very fortunate to be surrounded by a widely diverse population of flora and fauna. As caretakers of this sacred land, we feel a strong responsibility to honor our plant and animal allies by not only protecting them and their habitat, but also to help educate others about what lives and grows here by providing people with opportunities to experience the beauty of these plants and animals for themselves. For this reason, We are honored to host the many different groups who will gather here on this land for learning and communing with the nature that flourishes here. We feel very fortunate to be involved in this process of helping promote a sustainable and abundant future for all living things on this planet by sharing knowledge and skills from the human past that can make a sustainable lifestyle a reality for everyone everywhere. This is our home and we are happy to share it with you!

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Roseburg North, ORGateway to the Umpqua National Forest. We are 10 minutes off I-5 and 15 minutes from the first waterfall in the forest. You will find tons of hiking, waterfalls, fishing, rafting... even the Wildlife Safari (drive-through zoo) and tons of other recreation. Love the warmth and sound of a crackling fire? Pour a drink, or brew a pot of coffee and relax next to your own private bonfire pit and benches. While you’re walking your dog (or yourself) you’ll find tons of fresh fruit and berries growing all over. Help yourself! We have a group campground, RV sites, and dry campsites. We also have a fully furnished tent cabin equipped with a full sized bed, over-sized chair, mini fridge and microwave. It is available for an additional charge, just look for our Tent Cabin listing. Since we ARE located along the N Umpqua Hwy, you will hear road noise. Logging trucks do run up and down our small highway, because we are just outside of the Umpqua National Forest. **NO CHECK IN AFTER 8PM** Late arrivals are extremely disturbing to the guests that are already checked in and relaxing, or already in bed. And this has been our top complaint, so PLEASE contact me right away if you are not going to arrive before 8pm! We can arrange for your late arrival, as the gate will be closed at 8:00.

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Idleyld Park, ORUmpqua’s Last Resort is nestled along the North Umpqua River in the Umpqua National Forest. This region of the Oregon Cascade Mountains is commonly referred to as “Oregon’s Emerald-Jewel Gateway” to Crater Lake National Park. Spectacular marble river views, volcanic formations, thundering waters, and towering firs are just the beginning… the North Umpqua River is World Class! Settled in the community of Dry Creek, 27-miles east of Idleyld Park [Idle-wild Park] on the North Umpqua River, Umpqua's Last Resort hosts fifteen 50/30/20amp Full Hook-up RV Sites, Glamping Tents, Camper Cabins, a Tiny Home, RV Experiences, heated shower house & restrooms, mountain Wi-Fi, access to the North Umpqua River & Dry Creek. Umpqua’s Last Resort is a privately owned recreational vehicle park & campground located on exclusive private-property deep in the heart of the Umpqua National Forest. As a proud equal opportunity recreation provider we thank you for your interest.

Riverberry Retreat Camp

29 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Nehalem, ORRiverberry is the perfect setting to get outside and connect with nature. Relax on the riverfront, go for a swim under a waterfall, fish, hike, rockhound, and explore old growth rainforest, located on the beautiful and pristine North Fork Nehalem River. There is plenty of room for private or group camping. Sites are secluded and firewood is for sale on site; shared composting toilets for camp site guests and potable water is available at the homestead for filling your containers. The North Fork Nehalem river is home to some of the best salmon and steelhead fishing around. It is still a wild place and not uncommon to see deer, elk, beaver, bald eagles, coyotes and a very rare bear sighting. You will be a 20 minute drive away from the coast in Manzanita for beach beach combing, farmers market, unique shops, epic hikes and local cuisine. Just past Manzanita, another 10-20 mins further, are Cannon Beach and Seaside. Check-in is from 2-7pm. Let us know asap if you need accomodations outside of that time frame. We are happy to offer suggestions or answer any questions you have about your stay, just ask!

Far Away yet Tranquil and Close

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Bandon, ORDew Valley Ranch Nature Retreat is a Private Membership Association. We promote a quiet relaxing get back to nature and nurture your soul kinda vibe. We specialize in private camping and unique glamping experiences. We have farm animals to meet and trails to walk in the woods. There are games to play, a camp community garden, hot showers, and even a heated dish washing station. We are 10 minutes from the beautiful Bandon by the sea which offers: fun shopping, crabbing dock, world class golfing, Whiskey Run mountain biking trails, West Coast Game park, horseback riding on the beach, Circles in the Sand, restaurants and of course stunning beaches. We can not allow pets or children under 12 due to the nature of the ranch and free roaming animals. Come and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing stay. We look forward to hosting you!

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents85 acres · Colton, OROne of rural Oregon's hidden gems, Camp Colton is a retreat and event center tucked away on 85 acres of forest. Enjoy hiking our trails, walking our creeks and swimming or canoeing in our creek-fed pond. This is a truly special setting to unplug and relax. Our listings offer something for everyone, including tent camping, RV sites, a tiny house, forest yurt and a cottage that sleeps up to six! All of our listings are pet friendly and allow campfires (burn ban permitting). Amenities for each listing vary from bare-bones to full kitchen and bath, so be sure to read each description carefully and choose according to your needs. Our guests love staying with us! "This place was absolutely amazing! We cannot wait to come back!" "The host thought of everything - every little touch and comfort to make it feel so cozy and glamping-perfect." "The fire pit and chairs outside were excellent, and the stove inside kept it so cozy and warm in there. Plenty of firewood, lighter, blankets, water & lights - we wanted for nothing!" "It felt very remote and we could hear the water all night, but it’s actually not remote and so we appreciated that the camp was gated at night." "Such a great place!! We are going to recommend it to all our friends and can’t wait to get back. Thanks to Neal for being an excellent host when we arrived!!"

Four Directions Retreat

72 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents27 acres · Rainier, ORCome relax and enjoy the amazing energy of Four Directions Retreat, where we provide beautiful campsites, an amazing outdoor stage and a cute tiny cabin. We offer hiking, mountain biking and spend time with our adorable goats! We have a meadow and forested camping options. Our beautiful property features a 40+ year old Douglas Fir forest and a spacious meadow which is stunning in the spring with wild grasses and beautiful flowers. During the summer you can take a break from the heat or just relax amongst the huge ferns, a variety of delicious berries, Douglas Fir, Western Cedar and Alder trees. You can also take in some fresh air and forest views while hiking around the trails on the property. Using mostly reclaimed materials, we recently built a great stage for entertainment (concerts, weddings, movie nights, etc... ), a wood fired Sauna with cooling deck, an outdoor kitchen to support events, a nice shower facility and have three composting outhouses strategically located to best accommodate our guests. Our property complimented with a sweet Tiny Cabin that includes space for family or friends with tents. We also have two Glamp Camps sporting a 16' Bell Tent and a large nicely equipped tent and a 12' custom Long Pole tent (Tipi) . Lets not forget the 10 mostly private and unique 10 traditional camp sites. If that isn't enough, we are located close to a lot of cool activities and areas of interest. If you like disc golf, Trojan Park is only 8 minutes away. You can also jump in the water at a several County Parks along the mighty Columbia River which are about 10 minutes away. The picturesque Beaver Falls is a stunning 20 minute drive through the country followed by a short hike. Then you can always take a kayak around Scappoose Bay which is a 30 minute drive from 4D. You can find out more interesting things about 4D on Facebook and TikTok. Just search our name.

Crater Lake Private Woodlands

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Prospect, ORPrivate and protected forest woodlands, trails, wildlife, ponds, wildflowers, old growth timber and views. Unspoiled nature at its best! We are located in southern Oregon near Crater Lake NP, just off of hwy 62, part of the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, more commonly known as the "highway of waterfalls" and near the little town of Prospect on what is known as the beautiful side of Crater Lake NP. Three waterfalls, a pizza parlor, the Prospect Cafe, and the Historic Hotel are all within a two-mile radius. If you're after that famous pie at Beckie's Cafe, you are 10 minutes close. Our 100 acre ranch allows us to host guests in their own RV's, at camp/tent sites, or in our new A-frame Cabin all located in private, and even secluded, sites. Several well maintained trails wind throughout the property and can be enjoyed by guests. Crater Lake Woodlands is part of the historic Katydid Ranch. Once owned by Boise Cascade who used it both for growing seedlings to replant logged mountain sides and as a vacation getaway for their executives, the story of Katydid Ranch goes back to the early 1900's when it's owner named "Katy" used it as the "half-way" overnight lodging for horse & buggy guests traveling to Crater Lake from the Rogue Valley. Leaving the valley at the crack of dawn, they could arrive at "Katy's" by nightfall, in time for a meal and sound mountain sleep. They'd hitch up at dawn and make it to Crater Lake by nightfall. Historically, the first residents were the Rogue River Takelma and Latgawa native Americans. Latgawa lived in the Rogue Valley of interior southwest Oregon. In their own language "Latgawa" means "those living in the “uplands," though they were also known as the Walumskni by the neighboring Klamath tribes. Specifically, Ha-ne-sakh. The Latgawa were one of two peoples who spoke the Takelma language. They were hunters, gatherers, weavers and fished the Rogue River. They were known to have a stationary settlement at the Katydid Ranch location. Their tribes lived in the upper Rogue River area extending beyond Prospect and Union up to Crater Lake. Since we've owned the Ranch, we've maintained the custom of welcoming overnight guests and at the same time, we continue to honor the protected wildlife designation given to it back in the 50's. Wildlife viewing is one the delights we share with our guests. Please be mindful of native wildlife keeping dogs on leash so as to avoid chasing and barking at wildlife. Thank you. The animals here include, but are not limited to black tail deer, elk, fox, coyote, ringtailed cat, raccoon, skunk, and also typically farther up the mountain are the elusive mountain lions and black bear which we have never spotted on our property. The ponds and surrounding area are home to migratory to the Oregon Pond turtle, Canada geese, quail, wild turkeys, various owls including the great horned owls, hawks, cranes and eagles. The bull frogs orchestrate the evening and can ocassionally be heard at times throughout the day. Katydid Ranch is a wildlife sanctuary. The flora and fauna of the forest is abundant and diverse. This land is home to many native grasses, ferns, and berries, wild flowers, as well as many other edible and medicinal plants and numerous varieties of mushrooms. If you are visiting during blackberry season, feel free to pick and indulge. Katydid trees include old growth Douglas Fir, Ponderosa, Sugar, and Jeffrey Pine, various Cedar tree varieties, Incense Cedar, the majestic Pacific Madrone, Alder, Big Leaf Maple, Black and White Oak, Dog wood, and Vine Maple. You may also spot the prolific wild hazelnuts. As Forest Stewards, we are committed to maintaining a well balanced and diverse forest ecosystem.

22 sites · Tents13 acres · Chiloquin, OROur property has been in business in one way or another for over 70 years. The stick built cabins are pre 1950's and no one really knows for sure how old they truly are. We are located on Fort Creek named after the creek that ran through Fort Klamath. Fort Creek is a beautiful 30' wide meandering creek that runs the length of the property north to south. We offer free use of our Old Town Canoes to paddle along it's extent and on up creek to a beaver damn. There is a fun hiking trail that runs over two bridges that span the creek, one covered and one floating. We also offer free catch and release fishing, there are Rainbow and Brown Trout in our waters. Fort Klamath is the birthplace and home of the US Army 1st Cavalry and our property is located on the the Forts Southeastern grounds. We are 9 miles from the southern border of the National Park and 23 miles from the southern Rim and Rim Village.

4 sites · RVs, Tents121 acres · Newport, OROur Private Land is located along the Oregon Coast. Daily you can hear the ocean roar and smell the fresh air off the water. It is a forest area accessible by trails that all link together. There is also a very nice trail off our land to a nearby city trail that will lead you to Agate Beach. You will see coastal evergreens and deciduous trees with all sorts of other bushes and flowers that you typically find along the Oregon Coast. Some of the wildlife on the land such as blacktail deer and many species of birds are seen and heard on most days.You will see breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the Yaquina Bay Bridge, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and Big Creek Reservoir. These landmarks can be seen randomly throughout your walk on the trails and from the campsites. There are beautiful sunsets and sunrises. On a clear night you can see the constellations, undisturbed by city lights. Our property provides a lot of room to be by yourself. Hammock, book, write, read, and my favorite... take a nap. A place of peace and solitude away from the public.

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All camping options

Oregon has long been known as an outdoor destination, with snow-capped mountains, rugged high desert, Pacific Coast beaches, and roaring rivers all within a few hours’ drive of one another. While Portland attracts visitors with its celebrated food scene and music venues, Oregon offers much more for those who’d prefer a quieter getaway out in nature. If you’ve come to camp or hike, you’ll have no shortage of options to choose from—in fact, there are 11 national forests, hundreds of state parks and recreation areas, and 2.5 million acres of protected wilderness within the state’s borders.

Where to Go

The Willamette Valley

Extending from the border with Washington state down to the community of Springfield, the Willamette Valley is Oregon’s main economic and cultural hub. Although it’s home to the state’s three most populated cities (Portland, Salem, and Eugene), much of the Willamette Valley is dominated by forests and countryside, with plenty of state parks, hiking and mountain biking trails, hot springs, and rivers.

Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge

Just east of Portland on the border with Washington, the Columbia River Gorge offers easy access to miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and great skiing and snowboarding. The adjacent Mt. Hood region has equally beautiful scenery and is as popular for winter skiing and snowboarding as it is for hiking, swimming, and camping in the summer months.

The Oregon Coast

This region is popular year-round, attracting whale-watching fans in the cooler months and campers and hikers in the summer months. Popular Oregon Coast activities include hiking, tide pool viewing, clamming, crabbing, off-road vehicle rides on the sweeping Oregon Dunes, and sampling world-famous cheese and ice cream in Tillamook. While some brave souls don wetsuits for surfing and diving, the Pacific Ocean waters rarely get warm enough for comfortable dips. Some of the area’s best camping options can be found at Harris Beach State Park, Sunset Bay State Park, and Cape Lookout State Park, all of which offer tent camping, yurt rentals, and RV sites with hookups.

Eastern and Central Oregon

Stretching from the portion of the Cascade Range south of the Columbia Gorge all the way east to the Oregon-Idaho border, central and eastern Oregon offer a dryer, sunnier alternative to the rainier parts of the state, with a mix of lush forest and craggy high desert landscapes. Highlights include Deschutes National Forest, popular for backpacking and backcountry stays, while campers in search of a more developed camping experience can head to one of the many Oregon state parks along the Deschutes River, near Bend.

Southern Oregon

Oregon’s southernmost region offers a variety of scenery, with a mix of lakes, forests, and rivers interspersed with rolling expanses of countryside (not to mention some great wineries). The region’s most famous natural attraction is Crater Lake National Park, Oregon’s only national park, set near the southeastern reaches of Umpqua National Forest.