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Q: What makes Oregon geographically unique?
- A: Oregon is home to beautiful, rugged coastlines, towering mountains, deep forested valleys, dense woodlands, and arid desert-scapes, making it one of the country’s most geographically diverse states.
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Q: What natural water features does Oregon have?
- A: Numerous streams, lakes, rivers, and waterways, with some of the deepest, broadest, brightest, and most spectacular lakes and reservoirs in the country, making for spectacular places to explore.
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Q: What is a great way to explore Oregon’s natural beauty?
- A: What better way to do this than by camping?
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Q: Where can people camp in Oregon?
- A: Whether you want to escape for a weekend with the family or spend a few days hiking through the magnificent wilderness with friends, here are some of Oregon’s top spots for spending a night or two in the wild.
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1. Beachside State Recreation Site
Enjoy affordable camping, or walk along scenic shores in summer sunshine.
Beachside State Recreation Site is a seasonal state park located a few miles south of Waldport on the central coast that boasts miles of broad, sandy beach that makes for outstanding beach camping. The campground offers 32 electrical sites with water, 42 tent sites with water nearby, two yurts, one of which is pet-friendly, and modern restrooms with hot showers, sinks, and flushing toilets. The park’s beach is ideal for outdoor activities such as kite-flying, whale-watching, beachcombing, and swimming, and other outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking, and bird and wildlife watching.
5960 SW Pacific Coast Hwy, Waldport, OR 97394, Phone: 800-551-6949
2. Beverly Beach State Park
Discover exciting coastal wildlife, and explore trails near Newport’s attractions.
Located five miles north of Newport, Beverly Beach State Park has a lovely forest-sheltered campground just a few steps from the ocean that offers full RV hookup camping, tent camping and has several yurts for those wanting a bit more space and luxury. Strung along the banks of the pebbly Spencer Creek, campsites include 53 full-hookup sites, some of which have cable television, 76 electrical sites with water, 128 tent sites with water nearby, and 21 yurts, 10 of which are pet-friendly. The campground also has three seasonal group tent camping areas and bathrooms with hot showers, sinks, and flushing toilets. Campground amenities include a Visitors Information Center, which sells firewood and souvenirs, a children's playground, and a protected grassy day-use picnic area.
198 NE 123rd St, Newport, OR 97365, Phone: 800-551-6949
3. Bullards Beach State Park
Visit historic lighthouse, or admire peaceful river views along easy trails.
Bullards Beach State Park is a large, family-oriented state park two miles north of Bandon with a protected campground spread out beneath shore pine trees with easy access to the beach. The park boasts three campsite loops that are equipped with water and electrical hook-ups, as well as 13 yurts, six of which are pet-friendly. The park also features an equestrian camp with eight primitive sites and easy access to the beach and dunes and a refurbished hiker and biker camp with solar-powered USB charging ports and modern restrooms with hot showers, sinks, and flushing toilets. The park is also home to the Coquille River, the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, which has a wide variety of wildlife, and the historic Coquille River Lighthouse.
Bullards Beach State Park, Bandon, OR 97411, Phone: 800-551-6949
4. Cape Blanco State Park
Go explore unusual coastal trails, or see stunning ocean panoramas from cliffs.
Located at the state's westernmost tip on the Cape Blanco peninsula with spectacular ocean views, Cape Blanco State Park has a comfortable campground with 52 electrical sites with water, a reservable horse camp with 12 pipe corrals, and four rustic cabins, two of which are pet-friendly. The park features more than eight miles of hiking and horseback riding trails that lead to the beach, great fishing spots along the Sixes River, the historic Cape Blanco Lighthouse, and several viewpoints with spectacular panoramic ocean views. There is also a 150-acre open riding area opposite the horse camp, and the 19th-century Cape Blanco Lighthouse and historic Hughes House are open to the public for guided tours during the week.
Curry County, Oregon, Phone: 541-332-6774
5. Cape Lookout State Park Campground
Savor quick beach access, or hike lush trails through scenic forests.
Nestled in a dense coastal forest on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the Pacific Ocean, Cape Lookout State Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise that boasts a harmonious blend of nature and recreation. A popular destination for hikers, campers, beachcombers, and sightseers, Cape Lookout State Park features a large campground with 35 full campsites with water, electricity, and sewerage hookups, as well as restrooms with flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. The campground also has over 170 tent sites with water nearby, one electrical site with water, 13 rustic yurts, six of which are pet-friendly, six deluxe cabins, and two group tent camping areas. Two campsites and one cabin are wheelchair accessible.
Cape Lookout State Park Campground , 13000 Whiskey CR RD W, Tillamook, OR 97141, Phone: 503-842-4981
6. Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park
Walk along quiet beaches, or explore easy forested trails nearby.
The Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park is a state park near Newport and Waldport in Lincoln County that boasts a wide white sandy beach that offers a variety of activities ranging from hiking, camping, beachcombing, kite-flying, and whale-watching. The park has a beachside campground with 41 full-hookup sites with water, electricity and sewerage hookups, 14 electrical sites with water, seven seasonal walk-in tent sites, and two yurts, one of which is pet-friendly. Campground facilities include restrooms with flush toilets, showers, and an RV dump station in the day-use area, and several hiking trails in the park leading from the campsites to the beach, forests, and wildlife viewing areas.
Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park, Florence, OR 97439, Phone: 541-547-3416
7. Cascadia State Park
Discover exciting waterfalls and enjoy affordable camping beneath lush, towering trees.
Set along the banks of the South Santiam River near Sweet Home at Cascadia, the Cascadia State Park is a tranquil, forested park that is home to the 150-foot Lower Soda Creek Falls and features a day-use area, various campsites, and several hiking trails. The large park has 22 tent sites with water nearby, two group camping areas, two group picnic areas with covered kitchen shelters and electricity, and a large open-play meadow. Two hiking trails are ideal for exploring the area, one of which leads to the spectacular Soda Creek Falls, while the other wanders through ancient Douglas-fir trees along the South Santiam River. The river is a good spot for swimming and fishing during the summer.
Cascadia State Park, Cascadia, OR 97329, Phone: 800-551-6949
8. Champoeg State Heritage Area
Visit unusual historic sites and discover Oregon’s pioneer-era sights.
Situated on the south bank of the picturesque Willamette River, Champoeg State Heritage Area is a state park that boasts a unique combination of history, nature, and recreation. Named after a pioneer town that once stood on the site, the park is home to acres of dense forests, rolling fields, and lush wetlands, as well as several historic sites like the landmark 1863 Butteville Store, a museum and a visitor center. Champoeg has a campground with eight full-hookup sites with water, electricity and sewerage, 67 electric sites with water, six walk-in tent sites, six rustic cabins, and six yurts. There are also three large group tent camping areas and an RV group camping loop with a meeting hall where events can be hosted. Campground facilities include restrooms with flush toilets, showers, and an RV dump station.
8239 Champoeg Rd NE, St Paul, OR 97137, Phone: 503-678-1251
9. Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Explore scenic river trails and admire rugged canyon landscapes in spring.
Established in 2013 and encompassing 8,000 acres on the lower John Day River, the Cottonwood Canyon State Park is the second largest state park in Oregon and has beautiful landscapes featuring towering cliffs carved by the John Day River, deep canyons, and arid grasslands. The park has a large campground with 35 primitive sites for tents and self-contained RVs, four rustic cabins, two of which are pet-friendly, a day-use area, picnic shelters, and a group camping area with potable water and vault toilets. The park has several hiking trails that are open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, including the Pinnacles Trail, the Lost Corral Trail, and the Hard Stone Trail.
99989 OR-206, Wasco, OR 97065, Phone: 541-394-0002
10. Crater Lake National Park
See breathtaking lake views, or hike exciting trails through volcanic landscapes.
Resting on the crest of the Cascade Range in southern Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the country with a depth of 1,942 feet. Created over 7,500 years ago when the top of Mount Mazama collapsed, Crater Lake is renowned for its clear, deep blue water, which can be viewed from one of several hiking trails around the park. The centerpiece of Crater Lake National Park has two islands within the lake that can be visited and explored on sightseeing boat tours during the summer between June and September. Visitors to the lake can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, and fishing on the lake, as well as camping, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing in the surrounding Crater Lake National Park.
Crater Lake National Park
Best Time to Visit
Top Campgrounds
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes.
Silver Falls State Park – Famous for its scenic waterfalls and lush trails.
Book early for peak weekends – Spring is a popular season for camping.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, great for beach and forest camping.
Crater Lake National Park – Stunning lake views with excellent hiking and stargazing.
Pack layers – Even in summer, nights can be cool in higher elevations.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and vibrant autumn foliage.
Cape Lookout State Park – A peaceful coastal retreat with oceanfront camping.
Watch for wildlife – Fall is a great time to spot migrating birds and whales along the coast.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Beachside State Recreation Site
- 2. Beverly Beach State Park
- 3. Bullards Beach State Park
- 4. Cape Blanco State Park
- 5. Cape Lookout State Park Campground
- 6. Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park
- 7. Cascadia State Park
- 8. Champoeg State Heritage Area
- 9. Cottonwood Canyon State Park
- 10. Crater Lake National Park