Pick a Site and Pitch a Tent – Camping in Oregon
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Camping in Oregon is a feast for the senses. There’s the smoky smell of campfire, the sweet taste of sticky marshmallow S’mores, the sound of chirping birds and babbling creeks, the sight of green trees and colorful wildflowers, and the feeling of your cozy sleeping bag at the end of a glorious day spent in the outdoors.
In Oregon, there are more than 50 state parks with campgrounds located in the most scenic parts of the state. In addition, there are some 300 more campgrounds in Oregon, which only toughens the ever-important decision of where to pitch your tent.
Camping Spotlight: The Coast
This summer, take the family to the Oregon coast for a weekend of bonding over campfires and clamming. From Astoria to Brookings, there are more than a dozen Oregon State Parks with campgrounds to choose from, whether you want to pitch a tent or hook up the RV. And while you’re here, why not try your hand at clamming or crabbing?
At Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park at the central coast you can rent a paddleboat or canoe to explore the freshwater lakes, climb towering sand dunes (this is, after all, part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area) and tell ghost stories and roast hot dogs over a campfire. The roar of the Pacific is just two miles to the west, where you can fly kites, hunt for seashells, and dip your toes in the ocean.
If you prefer a dwelling made of wood and canvas, the coast has that, too. Umpqua Lighthouse State Park near Reedsport has eight yurts to choose from, some are deluxe with bunk beds and bathrooms with showers, while others are more rustic. Farther south, Cape Blanco State Park has yurts, cabins and tepees for rent.
Both at the coast and beyond, Oregon has many camping options. Please remember to call ahead for reservations as spots fill up fast come summer, and not all campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
For more information on camping in Oregon, visit www.oregonstateparks.org
Is any of the information on this page incorrect?
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M. D. Vaden of Oregon says…
Nehalem Bay State Park is one of my favorites in Oregon for a Natural Landscape. And Harris Beach State Park.
I just made reservations at both places for this summer.
Harris Beach even has a laundry room, and cable in some of A loop. Sort of nice for RV’ers living on the road.
MDV
Beaverton / Portland area
Justin says…
Cape Blanco cabins are great. The southern Oregon coast provides beautiful sights and much more quiet. Their cabins are reasonable and the campground is well cared for.
Mary says…
Cape Blanco is a wonderful camground for tenting. It has a remote and rugged feeling with all the comforts you need. The campsites are very private as well. Walking down to the beach is easy.
Umqua State park is a favorite with Lake Marie and access to the dunes.
Nice mix of ecosystems. Kids and adults can fish in Lake Marie and there is a nice 1 mile trail that goes all the way around it.
You can walk to the lighthouse too.
Our Top Ten “Most Read” Stories for 2009 | Travel Oregon Blog says…
[...] Pick a Site and Pitch a Tent: Camping in Oregon – Camping in Oregon is a feast for the senses. There’s the smoky smell of campfire, the sweet taste of sticky marshmallow S’mores, the sound of chirping birds and babbling creeks, the sight of green trees and colorful wildflowers, and the feeling of your cozy sleeping bag at the end of a glorious day spent in the outdoors. (full story) [...]
james sanson says…
I am going to come up to Oregon this summer, and I will want to go roughing it / camping for about 7 days. I want to see the best of oregon- creaks, rivers, lakers, nature, etc. Where should I go? I am not looking for some camping park.
Erik says…
James: It depends on what you’re looking for with creeks, rivers, and lakes. Do you want swim, see beautiful scenery, fish, hike, all the above? Personally I would take a few days to experience different parts of the Rogue River so you get everything. Alameda Campground down stream from Grants Pass is a nice little spot and a perfect base for renting a raft and spending a day on the river. Upstream, near Prospect, there are a multitude of both undeveloped and rustic campground options with limitless hiking, cold swimming, and some of Oregon’s best scenery. If you head towards prospect don’t miss a hike to the avenue of the giant boulders.
Sheri says…
Cape Lookout State Park on coast near Tillamook! Rent a yurt (only $36 & has electricity) or a tent site. Walk a few yards to the beach. Hike. Clean, safe.
Kim says…
Metolius River, there are camp grounds but you can also find remote areas. Also, lots of hike in camping on the Cascade Lakes Highway, on the wilderness side of the road.
M. D. Vaden says…
My two favorite campgrounds are:
Harris Beach State Park
Nehalem Bay State Park
Those are enjoyable enough, that I made a web page for each one in my site’s outdoors topic section.
When I go to Harris Beach State Park, I typically include hiking in the redwoods nearby at Jedediah Smith redwoods.
MDV ~ Oregon