The best waterside campgrounds in Oregon

In Oregon, waterside camping means waking up to river rapids or the quiet mirror of a lakeshore. Over 7,200 spots line everything from forested creeks to wide-open reservoirs, with average nightly prices around $55 and some sites dipping as low as $12. You’ll find campsites where pets are welcome, toilets are on hand, and campfires are allowed—essentials for a comfortable night out. Hikers, horseback riders, and anglers come for the easy access to trails and fishing holes. Local favorites include Cedar Bloom (1,798 reviews), Molalla Ripple (752 reviews), and Powder Creek Campground (689 reviews). Oregon’s waterside campsites give you plenty of room to pitch a tent or roll out a sleeping bag right where the action is.

96% (19K)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Oregon, waterside camping means waking up to river rapids or the quiet mirror of a lakeshore. Over 7,200 spots line everything from forested creeks to wide-open reservoirs, with average nightly prices around $55 and some sites dipping as low as $12. You’ll find campsites where pets are welcome, toilets are on hand, and campfires are allowed—essentials for a comfortable night out. Hikers, horseback riders, and anglers come for the easy access to trails and fishing holes. Local favorites include Cedar Bloom (1,798 reviews), Molalla Ripple (752 reviews), and Powder Creek Campground (689 reviews). Oregon’s waterside campsites give you plenty of room to pitch a tent or roll out a sleeping bag right where the action is.

96% (19K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Powder Creek Campground

99%

(1608)

17 sites · Tents, RVs · Beaver, OR

Powder Creek Ranch is 362 acres, nestled into a valley, surrounded by forest in the Oregon Coast Range. The campground is in a secluded meadow next to Powder Creek, a pristine year round stream, perfect for wading and playing in. If you're looking to unplug and escape from the chaos of city life, we are all about peace and quiet and connecting with nature. Each of our 13 extra large campsites offers access to the creek, a picnic table and campfire ring. All sites accommodate RVs as well as tent camping. No hook-ups or potable water available. There are seven (7) creek side sites, one site next to a pond and all have ample space around them so you don't feel crowded. Our newest addition is a cabin overlooking Powder Creek, tucked away by itself. Solar powered. The Ranch has 1/2 mile of Nestucca River frontage where you can swim or fish, whichever floats your boat. Niagara Creek/Pheasant Creek falls is a nearby hiking trail and there are roads as well as deer and elk trails to explore all over the ranch. If you feel like venturing further, the beach is 23 miles away in Pacific City. Tillamook is 25 miles. We also offer pasture raised pork for sale. A variety of sausages (breakfast, chorizo, Italian, Bratwurst and French Garlic links) and pork chops.

2. Dew Valley Ranch Nature Retreat

99%

(612)

15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bandon, OR

Exclusive Adult Only Retreat Due to the presence of free-range farm animals on the property, we are unable to host any additional animals. Dew Valley Ranch Nature Retreat is a Private Membership Association dedicated to offering a peaceful, nature-rich escape designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Nestled in a serene setting just 10 minutes from Face Rock State Beach, our retreat features private camping and distinctive glamping sites, each thoughtfully designed for comfort and solitude. Every site includes its own private potty, ensuring a level of privacy and tranquility you won’t find at traditional campgrounds. During your stay, you can meet our friendly farm animals, wander scenic forest trails, play outdoor games, and unwind by the fire at your accommodation. Enjoy modern comforts like hot showers and a heated dishwashing station, hot tub or sauna all while surrounded by the natural beauty of the ranch. Just 10 minutes away lies the charming coastal town of Bandon by the Sea, where you can explore local shops, dine at excellent restaurants, go crabbing, play world-class golf, bike the Whiskey Run trails, ride horses on the beach, experience Circles in the Sand, and soak up the area’s stunning beaches. Come experience the tranquility of Dew Valley Ranch — where nature, comfort, and community come together. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

3. Hidden Forest Get-away

96%

(357)

5 sites · Tents, RVs · Rogue River, OR

Elk Haven Ranch consists of 40 acres at the base of a mountain range that is BLM federal land. There is an elk herd and of course deer on the property. This property is a haven for them, no hunting is allowed. If you are looking to throw a Frisbee with your dog in a forested and meadow setting, without tons of campers right next to you, then this is your place. Room to roam, fresh water April through September and easy access to a common electricity plug-in where you can charge your cell phones and air mattresses on the electric pole by the entry gate. If you are looking to play games, just ask us for the corn hole or horse shoes, or help yourself to the games already out and available. Let us know what your goals are and we will do our best to accommodate for your stay.

4. The Aloha Ranch

91%

(60)

15 sites · Tents, RVs · Cheshire, OR

5-2023 Update: Empty Tipi is now available to rent . Just text me details 🙏🏽🌺🤙🏽 We are working cleaning up forest for safety in fire season. Clearing dead and unhealthy trees and brush. Also looking to improving the land and making it healthy for the wild critters and more enjoyable for everyone. Apologies for any inconveniences it may cause while land is being restored and grass grows back in some spots. We've opened up a bigger space to the creek and going to Make bigger and better ponds and swimming holes. It's much needed. Thank you having patience with us as we are making improvements. It will make camping experience more enjoyable as well for the future. Also, We are putting up a 20' Tipi this weekend and we plan on fixing up the inside proper and will be renting it out to those interested in sleeping in a Tipi. It will most likely sleep 6-8 depending on bedding I can fit inside. Until then I'm happy to rent it out empty like a big tent. Sleeping 6-8 but you will need to bring your own cots, bedding etc. Just text me for details. Mahalo so much for your patience while we do these improvements. 🤙🏽🌺 25 years I’ve been here on this secret land Located in the Willamette Valley. We have tons of wildlife as well as animals here on the land. We have we have drum circles, sweats, gatherings, group bonfires where you can sit out around the fire and see every star in the sky . This was a Christmas tree farm years ago, and I have let it go natural. I’ve planted new trees and now we live amongst our own forests . We hope to one day have tree houses, earth ships, Tipis and log cabins to rent. We are open to RVs and fifth wheels but no plug-ins yet. We’re a work in progress So it’s tent camping for now . Hope you come and visit us There are Rv and 5th wheel spots but you must be self contained. This is our sacred and safe place we hope you come to visit and see the beauty we see every day. Learn more about this land: Please keep safe distance with everyone on the land. Respect any and all other Campers and space. Fire pit burning depends on regulatory requirements and conditions and could change daily. Inquire with land owners before burning. Please ware mask when approaching the front porch in respect for the Senior who is vulnerable to illnesses. Bring your oun sanitizer and respect all Common area's. Lets all stay safe and enjoy the quiet and peacefulness of what we love here....Nature and Tranquility... Checkin is after 10am and no later then 9pm. Thank you for being respectful of hours... We are almost 20 acres of county and forests, about 24 miles NW of Famous Eugene Oregon, And we are nestled in between Fern Ridge reservoir and triangle Lake, headed to the Florance coast. We have 2 year round running creeks and 3 beautiful forests. We are a work in progress, but we have a year-round working farm. We grow our own food, flowers and animals. We are currently working on a big outdoor kitchen, where we will have pizza ovens, canning facilities and a beautiful place to gather in the woods. Again still a work in progress. Some spots have fire pits. Again depending on time of year and heat conditions. Because we have so many trees, we have to make sure no fires are to close to any tree's. Again, please Ask before burning. No random burning unless oked by land owners. Thank you for for helping to keep everyone safe. We have numerous ponds throughout the property and swimming holes. We turned the 4 stall barn into a music room where we gather and host events. Soon we will have designated Spots, equipped with fire rings. We will have teepees, tree houses, glamping tents. As of now we have room for numerous big groups spots for tent camping. Soon we’ll have plug-ins for RV and fifth wheel travelers. We have alot of space to camp and still have your privacy. Currently we have an out house and hose shower and you can also use the potty Under the Star's. We provide Toilet paper and try to keep stocked but, just ask if outhouses are out of paper. There are lovely walking trails throughout the property and tranquil sitting areas. We will update our progress as it happens. Hope to see you soon.. Remember to bring your own cooking equipment like grills. There's a cleaning station near shower. Water is straight from the well and beautiful drinking water. Aloha Remember, Pack in Pack out any and all trash. Also please Use designated compost areas of only compostable foods. No Meats or meat grease. Please leave your camp site better then you found it and pick up any trash in your area.

5. Below the Falls Lodge

100%

(7)

1 site · Lodging · Coos Bay, OR

Relax and revive in this artistic 'cabin' with wonderful views of historic Glenn Creek from every room. An architectural dream, you enter this lodge style home through a pivoting hobbit style front door with hardware from the 1800's. Highlights of this original home include a gourmet kitchen with labradorite granite counters, 800 year old juniper tree spiral stair case, huge beams and exposed rafters, a sauna, and a romantic wood stove. Also each upstairs bedroom has a hanging bed with three 8 foot skylights above for indoor star gazing. Original artworks from local artists are throughout the home. Many pleasantries await the curious such as embedded fossils in the cracked mud walls.Nestled amongst towering fir and cedar trees, with windows everywhere, you'll feel and see nature's presence. This home site has a remarkably peaceful way about it. Recently featured in Southern Oregon Magazine and KCBY 11 TV's ~In Focus~ 'Goin' Green' and Oregon's Solar Home Tour, this is a unique 'green' home. This home was built with environmentally friendly materials. Building with little impact on the surroundings was very important to us during construction. The myrtle hardwood floor in the kitchen and living room was milled on site which came from trees that stood where the house is now. Same story for the beautiful maple flooring in the ½ bath. All of the large beams and fir flooring came from two 4' thick 104 year old douglas fir trees which also stood and were milled where the house is now. The fir trees sprouted after the last forest fire that came through the canyon. One of our neighbors fell a sixty five year old redwood that was over six feet thick! We used some of it as a wonderful wainscot paneling throughout the house. All of the finishes used are no or low VOC. Surrounding the house is native vegetation, huge trees and a few herbs and spices for cooking. You'll enjoy the fully equipped kitchen with labradorite granite counters. The kitchen island has a new five burner gas stove with a convection oven and warming oven. The island has plenty of granite and wood counter space. Hanging from the exhaust hood are stainless, non-stick, and cast iron cookware. We also provide shade grown fair trade coffee and a grinder, espresso machine, coffee maker, toaster, microwave, utensils, chef knives, glasses and frosty cocktail glasses in the freezer. The dining room table has a river view and can seat six comfortably. There is also seating for three at the island bar. From the kitchen you can visit with the folks in the living room thanks to the open floor plan. Beside the wood stove are two chairs and the futon couch with reading lamp. A CD changer, TV with a DVD player and VHS machine are in the downstairs bedroom. Bring your favorite videos or browse our selection of movies. The property has 150 feet of creek frontage with great views of Glenn creek, the forest and distant cliffs. Enjoy wildlife viewing with River Dippers, Chipmunks, Kingfishers, Great Blue Herons, Screech Owls, Pileated Wood Peckers, Elk, an occasional Bald Eagle or River Otter and other wildlife from the house and back deck. Build a fire and have lunch on the nearby picnic table and benches.

Public campgrounds in Oregon

100%

(13)

Cape Perpetua Campground

38 sites · Tents, RVs · in Siuslaw National Forest

100%

(5)

Tillicum Campground

61 sites · Tents, RVs · in Siuslaw National Forest

100%

(6)

Union Creek Campground

74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rogue-River Siskiyou National Forest

100%

(20)

Oregon Campground

8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

100%

(3)

Waxmyrtle Campground

57 sites · Tents, RVs · in Siuslaw National Forest

Traverse La......ke. Sorry, it took my breath away for a second.

100%

(3)

West Eagle Meadow Campground

12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

100%

(3)

Anthony Lake Tent Campground

7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

100%

(3)

River Bench Campground

8 sites · in Rogue-River Siskiyou National Forest

100%

(2)

Sandbeach Campground

60 sites · Tents, RVs · in Siuslaw National Forest

100%

(2)

Elkhorn Campground

5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

100%

(2)

Sugar Creek Campground

17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ochoco National Forest

100%

(2)

Sutton Campground

78 sites · Tents, RVs · in Siuslaw National Forest

Stories from the community

M

Maya

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Dew Valley Ranch Nature Retreat

the showers, sauna and bathroom were so wonderful and it’s a really special peaceful beautiful place to wake up! you can tell a lot of care went into this place. thank you 🙏🏼

K

Kim

September 2025

35 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Powder Creek Campground

Really beautiful place to camp! Love the hosts! We would definitely camp there again.

T

Tyler

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Powder Creek Campground

My friend and I camped at this ranch for two nights and had a great experience. Bev is great, the ranch is really pretty and relatively close to the coast, the fishing is fun- we would 100% come back.

D

David

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Powder Creek Campground

We have stayed three times at this campground, and enjoyed it each time. Well-maintained camping area, clean portapotties, helpful & attentive hosts. It's a beautiful place to spend time. Our only downside this time was the camping neighbors running their RV generators for hours at a time during the day, which was really very annoying and disrupted the peace & quiet, but not against the rules. When we stay at state parks, we're usually out exploring during the day, but this campground is so nice that you may want to just hang out and enjoy your spacious campsite most of the time. We will still return, but got unlucky this time with the noise.

A

Allana

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Powder Creek Campground

This was our first hip camp experience and we really enjoyed our stay here! It was so beautiful and peaceful! We stayed in campsite #8 which worked out perfectly for hammock camping. Lastly, the hosts were very welcoming and kind!

A

Ashley

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Powder Creek Campground

It was such a cozy campgrounds with lots of space between campsites. Very beautiful and well kept area.

J

Jennifer

September 2025

23 ft campervan

3 nights at Powder Creek Campground

I loved our stay at Powder Creek Campground! The hosts are kind and thoughtful, the sites are spacious and level, the creek is beautiful at all times of the day. This land is so special. It’s truly hard to put it all in words. My husband and I came for our anniversary weekend. We had to stay an extra day because we just couldn’t bear to leave. I have never camped at a campground where it was so relaxing and peaceful. We saw deer munching under the apple tree and a Blue Heron fly overhead to the creek. It was a magical weekend. We can’t wait to bring our family and friends back!

Devon

September 2025

24 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Powder Creek Campground

Powder creek was great! The host was very kind and accommodating and we loved her friendly pup ☺️

Jay

September 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

6 nights at Powder Creek Campground

I had such a wonderful stay at Powder Creek! The property is stunning and falling asleep next to the running creek every night was just perfect. There were blackberries everywhere for the picking, deer everywhere, and the location is great being so close to the coast. The Outpost down the street had great breakfast! It was such a nice reset for my partner and I, and the host was so gracious, she brought us some plums, squash and cucumber from her garden which were fantastic! I definitely plan to come back, 10/10 :-)

Caleb

September 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

6 nights at Powder Creek Campground

Beautiful property and kind hosts! Sleeping with creek sounds is pretty ideal, the blackberries are EVERYWHERE, and there’s a big group of deer that’ll be camping right with ya 😅. 10 out of 10 🚐

maria

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Powder Creek Campground

My friends and I absolutely love this place! Every year we go camping about twice, and we always choose this campground—it never lets us down. One time we decided to try a different campground, but it turned out to be nothing like the photos and not what we expected at all. That same day, we booked at Powder Creek Campground, and thankfully there was availability—it truly saved us! We love how spacious and friendly this place is. There’s plenty of room, which we really enjoy, and having a river nearby where we can swim makes it even better. Everyone is so kind, and the host is wonderful as well. This is our third time staying here, and we couldn’t be happier or more grateful. Without a doubt, our annual camping trips will always be here. Thank you for being so attentive!

A

Andy

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Powder Creek Campground

Cool spot with nice Nestucca frontage. Clean portapotties, huge sites, and a friendly hostess. Spot 8 is by the entrance driveway, but its a non-issue.

R

Ruth

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Powder Creek Campground

Great place for easy camping. Not as private as we thought. The creek is terrific.

S

Shannon

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Powder Creek Campground

Our 2nd year in a row at Powder Creek and we loved it, even eith the thunderstorm the first night! We'll be back again!

Roshin

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Powder Creek Campground

Magical place! Would love to come back and stay longer. Campsite 5 is so nice and secluded and we loved the creek access.

A

Alex

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Powder Creek Campground

Amazing place. Truly an exceptional experience to unwind.

T

Tyler

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Powder Creek Campground

The site was beautiful, right by a creek and had plenty of space. The host was very helpful and responsive when I had questions. There was a firepit and we were able to help enjoy making smores over the fire and buy bundles of firewood right on site. The campgfround was quiet, dog friendly and an overall great experience!

K

Karyn

August 2025

22 ft travel trailer

Group trip

2 nights at Powder Creek Campground

We stayed in site #3. It was right on the stream and it was so peaceful. It was so quiet and a lovely campground! Each site was huge with plenty of room for tents, cars and game playing. The hosts were so kind as well. This location was absolutely the best!

R

Raul

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Powder Creek Campground

Nice, quiet and relaxing atmosphere surrounded by beautiful trees and a nice creek.

J

John

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Powder Creek Campground

Beautiful property! This campsite was perfect for hot weather. Shaded and right next to the creek. The hosts were very kind and the sausage they sold us was yummy :) we’ll be back!