Oregon offers some of the most diverse camping experiences in America. From rugged Pacific coastline and temperate rainforests to high desert wonders and volcanic peaks, Oregon’s best camping spots showcase the incredible variety of the Pacific Northwest.
Here are some of the most incredible camping destinations in Oregon that’ll make you want to keep exploring forever.
1. Crater Lake National Park
The deepest lake in America creates an unforgettable camping backdrop at Crater Lake. Mazama Campground nestles among old growth forests, putting you just minutes from the rim of this stunning volcanic wonder.
Summer mornings often reveal the lake’s surface like glass, reflecting perfect mirror images of the surrounding cliffs. Take the boat tour to Wizard Island or hike the rim trail for endless views of the impossibly blue water.
July and August bring the most reliable weather, but September offers fewer crowds and beautiful fall colors in the surrounding forest.
2. Smith Rock State Park
The towering spires of Smith Rock pierce the Oregon sky like nature’s skyscrapers. The bivouac campground sits perched above the canyon, offering front row seats to some of the most spectacular sunrises in the state.
Watch climbers tackle world famous routes during the day, then settle in for incredible stargazing at night. Miles of hiking trails wind through the canyon, revealing new perspectives of these remarkable rock formations.
Spring and fall provide perfect temperatures for outdoor adventure, while winter brings peaceful solitude and the chance to spot golden eagles.
3. Mount Hood National Forest
Oregon’s iconic peak presides over some of the state’s finest forest camping. Trillium Lake Campground offers perfect mountain reflections, while Lost Creek and Still Creek campgrounds provide more secluded forest experiences.
Alpine meadows burst with wildflowers in summer, while crystal clear streams offer perfect places to cool off. Historic Timberline Lodge makes an excellent rainy day destination when you need a break from tent life.
Late summer brings the most reliable weather, but fall offers stunning color changes and fewer crowds in this Oregon camping paradise.
4. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Oregon’s most dramatic stretch of coastline provides unforgettable beach camping opportunities. Multiple primitive camps dot this 12 mile stretch of coast, each offering its own unique view of natural bridges and offshore sea stacks.
Secret beaches hide between coastal cliffs, while the Oregon Coast Trail connects one stunning vista to another. Watch gray whales spout offshore or harvest fresh mussels for dinner at low tide.
Summer usually brings the most stable weather, but storm watching makes winter camping an exciting alternative.
5. Three Sisters Wilderness
A trio of volcanic peaks creates the perfect backdrop for high country camping adventures. Green Lakes and Moraine Lake offer incredible backcountry sites, while developed campgrounds near Sisters provide easier access.
Alpine lakes reflect the surrounding peaks, creating perfect mirror images on calm mornings. Wildflower meadows attract elk and deer, while clear mountain streams offer excellent fishing.
August and September typically provide the best combination of weather and trail conditions in this mountain paradise.
6. Columbia River Gorge
The mighty Columbia River carved a camping paradise filled with waterfalls and vistas. Eagle Creek and Ainsworth State Park offer developed camping near some of Oregon’s most spectacular trails.
Start your mornings with waterfall hikes, then cool off with windsurfing or paddling on the river. The nearby town of Hood River provides excellent dining options when you need a break from camp cooking.
Spring brings incredible wildflower displays, while fall offers brilliant colors and harvest season activities.
7. Wallowa Lake
Nicknamed Oregon’s Alps, the Wallowa Mountains create a stunning backdrop for lakeside camping. Wallowa Lake State Park offers well maintained sites with easy access to swimming, boating, and hiking.
Take the gondola up to the summit for breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding peaks. The charming town of Joseph nearby offers art galleries and restaurants for rainy day activities.
Summer provides perfect conditions for water activities, while fall brings spectacular color changes to the surrounding mountains.
8. Ecola State Park
Sweeping views of the Oregon coast await at Ecola State Park. While only primitive camping is available, the stunning location between Cannon Beach and Seaside makes it worth the extra effort.
Spot tufted puffins nesting on offshore rocks or explore tide pools teeming with colorful sea life. The view of Haystack Rock from Indian Beach ranks among Oregon’s most photographed scenes.
Summer brings the best beach weather, but whale watching peaks during winter and spring migrations.
9. Deschutes National Forest
Central Oregon’s outdoor playground offers endless camping possibilities. Paulina Lake and East Lake campgrounds provide access to a unique volcanic landscape, while Fall River and South Twin Lake offer more traditional forest camping.
Paddle crystal clear lakes, fish for trophy trout, or explore miles of mountain biking trails. The nearby city of Bend provides excellent restaurants and breweries when you need an urban fix.
Summer weekends bring local festivities, while fall offers peaceful camping with perfect hiking weather.
10. Umpqua National Forest
Waterfalls and hot springs create the perfect camping combination in the Umpqua National Forest. Boulder Creek and Toketee Lake campgrounds put you close to both natural wonders.
Hike to thundering waterfalls, then soak in natural hot springs under the stars. The North Umpqua Trail provides endless hiking and mountain biking opportunities right from your campsite.
Late summer brings warm days perfect for swimming, while spring offers roaring waterfalls and fewer crowds.
11. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Massive sand dunes create an otherworldly camping experience on the Oregon coast. Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park offers developed camping with easy dune access.
Try sandboarding, hike to secluded beaches, or watch spectacular sunsets over the Pacific. The contrast between forest, dunes, and ocean creates unique photography opportunities.
Summer brings the best beach weather, but winter storms create dramatic scenes perfect for photography.
12. Lost Lake
Mount Hood creates a perfect reflection in the clear waters of Lost Lake. The campground here offers sites with stunning views of Oregon’s tallest peak mirrored in the lake’s surface.
Paddle around the lake in the morning calm or fish for trout in the crystal clear water. A trail circling the lake provides constant views of Mount Hood and the surrounding forest.
Late summer typically offers the most reliable weather and warmest water temperatures for swimming.
13. Painted Hills
The colorful landscape of the Painted Hills creates a unique desert camping experience. While camping in the monument itself is limited, nearby Priest Hole Recreation Site offers perfect basecamp opportunities.
Morning and evening light brings out the richest colors in the hills’ mineral layers. Time your visit for spring wildflower displays that add even more color to this remarkable landscape.
Spring and fall provide the most comfortable temperatures for exploring this high desert wonder.
14. Bend
Adventure seekers flock to Bend for endless outdoor possibilities. Tumalo State Park provides developed camping near town, while numerous forest service sites offer more remote experiences.
Rock climb at Smith Rock, mountain bike world class trails, or paddle the Deschutes River. The vibrant town of Bend offers excellent dining and brewing scenes for after adventure relaxation.
Summer brings perfect weather for outdoor activities, but spring and fall offer fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures.
15. Cape Lookout State Park
A stunning headland creates the perfect setting for oceanfront camping. Cape Lookout State Park offers sites nestled in a coastal forest just steps from the beach.
Hike the cape trail for whale watching and stunning coastal views. The beach stretches for miles, perfect for morning walks or beachcombing after storms.
Summer provides the most reliable weather, but storm watching makes winter camping an exciting option.
16. Willamette National Forest
Cascade Mountain beauty fills every corner of the Willamette National Forest. Detroit Lake and Clear Lake campgrounds offer easy access to water activities, while backcountry sites provide solitude.
Hot springs, waterfalls, and mountain lakes create endless exploration opportunities. Old growth forests provide shelter for elk, deer, and countless bird species.
Late summer brings the most stable weather, but fall offers spectacular color changes in the ancient forests.
17. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
A string of pristine mountain lakes creates perfect camping opportunities along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Elk Lake and Lava Lake campgrounds offer stunning mountain views and excellent water access.
Each lake offers its own personality, from peaceful paddle spots to excellent fishing waters. The surrounding peaks provide numerous hiking trails with spectacular alpine views.
August and September typically offer the best combination of warm days and cool nights perfect for camping.
