The best camping in Umpqua National Forest, OR

Spread out over nearly a million acres on the western side of the Cascade Mountain Range, Umpqua National Forest is home to some of Oregon's most spectacular examples of natural beauty, including one of the state's biggest attractions: crystalline Crater Lake. Here you'll find a mix of rolling hills, thick woodlands, powerful rivers, and plenty of waterfalls. While the forest’s abundance of beauty is certainly reason enough to visit, it’s also a prime setting for plenty of outdoor activity, from hiking, mountain biking, and good old camping, to kayaking and fishing in the region’s lakes and waterways.

• Best for active campers: Diamond Lake Campground offers hundreds of campsites, plus boat ramps, showers, cycling trails, and a fish-cleaning station.
• Best for fishing trips: Hemlock Lake Campground gives anglers easy access to excellent trout fishing at Hemlock Lake.
• Best for a ghost town experience: Devil’s Flat Campground offers three campsites next to a century-old ranger cabin and horse barn.

1. Reservable sites, including cabins and yurts, can be reserved up to six months in advance over the phone or on the National Forest Service website. Note that new sites are released at 7am Pacific, and popular spots can fill up almost instantly.
2. Arrive early, and if possible mid-week. Many Umpqua National Forest campsites are made available on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll have your best chances snagging a site if you can arrive on a Wednesday or Thursday, before the weekend rush.
3. Ask at the ranger’s station about last-minute cancellations or suggestions. Rangers tend to have a good idea about availability during crowded times and are there to help.

The Umpqua National Forest is at its busiest during the summer vacation months (mid-June through early September), though you may find snow at the grounds in higher elevations well into July. If you want to beat the crowds but still take advantage of warmer and dryer weather, consider coming during the week after Labor Day, after kids have gone back to school. Just be aware that this is also wildfire season, and last-minute closures are a possibility.

• Fire danger in the Umpqua National Forest is a real threat, particularly in the dry, hot, summer months. Keep an eye out for advisories and keep in mind that bans on campfires and the use of camp stoves may be in place during your stay.
• Don’t rely on your GPS alone. It’s a good idea to plan your route before you head out, and to double check with the forest service about any road closures due to snow, landslides, or planned maintenance.
• Bring plenty of water. Many sites in the Umpqua National Forest are primitive and you may not have access to potable water.