| One of the great things about planning an Oregon | | | | Private campgrounds in Oregon: There are hundreds |
| camping trip is the number of options visitors have, | | | | of private campgrounds throughout all areas of |
| both in things to do and see and in where to stay. With | | | | Oregon. Some cater to families with children and offer |
| nearly 100 state and federal Oregon campgrounds and | | | | playgrounds, activities, and other kid-friendly features. |
| even more privately owned facilities, the challenge | | | | Others are more basic or focus on nature and |
| won’t be finding Oregon campgrounds, it will be | | | | peaceful settings. No matter what your areas of |
| deciding which ones to choose. | | | | interest and your camping style, you can likely find a |
| When to Go | | | | private campground to fit your needs. Begin by |
| For most people, work and school schedules often | | | | contacting visitor information offices or city chambers |
| help determine when they can take an Oregon | | | | of commerce in the area of the state you plan to visit. |
| vacation. Those with kids typically have to wait for the | | | | Oregon state park camping: The number of state |
| summer months if they want to visit for more than a | | | | parks, scenic sites and recreation areas in Oregon is |
| few days. For most this works out great because | | | | simply amazing. While some of these are day use only |
| Oregon weather is at its warmest, and it is the peak | | | | facilities, many provide overnight camping with both |
| of the travel season so all the Oregon campgrounds | | | | tent and RV sites. Often, these Oregon state park |
| and attractions are open. Reservations are | | | | camping sites are located in some of the state’s |
| recommended during the summer months as many of | | | | most beautiful scenery, and fees are typically |
| the most popular campgrounds tend to fill up fast. | | | | comparable or less than those at privately owned |
| Many festivals are held in the summer, wild and | | | | campgrounds. |
| cultivated flowers are in bloom, and there is even a | | | | For a truly unique experience, some Oregon state park |
| resident group of whales along the coast for those | | | | camping areas offer camping in tepees, yurts and |
| that want to experience Oregon’s legendary whale | | | | covered wagons. Visit the Oregon Parks and |
| watching. | | | | Recreation Department’s state parks website at to |
| Whale watching is at its peak in March, making spring | | | | find Oregon camping sites in the area you plan to visit. |
| an ideal time to visit Oregon, especially the coastal | | | | When you get to the park, don’t forget to stop and |
| area. Snowmelt also increases the water levels in | | | | get your permit or park pass. |
| rivers, creating churning rapids just waiting to be | | | | Oregon beach camping: Oregon is one of only two |
| kayaked or rafted. | | | | states in the U.S. whose beaches are all considered |
| Autumn is a good time to visit if you plan to fish | | | | public land. The beaches are managed by the Oregon |
| Oregon coastal rivers and streams. Steelhead and | | | | Parks and Recreation Department, and many offer |
| salmon enter these waters to spawn beginning in | | | | camping facilities. With the stars overhead and the |
| September and continuing into late fall. Forest Service | | | | sound of the surf providing background music, Oregon |
| offices provide information on fishing conditions in their | | | | beach camping can be one of the most memorable |
| areas, as do websites for the local communities. | | | | ways to experience the beauty of the Oregon coast. |
| Fall is also a good time to visit one of Oregon’s | | | | Note: it is illegal to camp on the beach in unauthorized |
| vineyards. The Willamette Valley, slightly inland from | | | | areas, and anyone setting up camp without permission |
| Oregon’s northwest coast, is known as wine | | | | can be asked to leave. |
| country, and there are numerous wineries that offer | | | | What to Bring When Camping in Oregon |
| tours and tastings. | | | | In addition to the standard food, water, clothing, first aid |
| In addition to fishing and wine tasting, the fall foliage is in | | | | items and camping equipment, it is advisable to also |
| full color and the Oregon camping sites are typically | | | | include: |
| less crowded than in summer months. Contact the | | | | • a hat |
| Oregon Fall Foliage Hotline at 1-800-547-5445 to find | | | | • sweatshirts and jackets for layering |
| peak color times for the areas you plan to visit. | | | | • a plastic garbage bag, to use as a rain poncho |
| Winter is the perfect time to visit Oregon if you like | | | | just in case |
| skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities. In the | | | | • a map of the area |
| winter months, average inland daytime temperatures | | | | • a flashlight |
| are often in the 40s. A second whale migration in | | | | • bug repellent |
| December through January makes a winter trip to the | | | | • a pocket mirror (for signaling if you get lost) |
| Oregon coast appealing as well. The ocean climate | | | | • a whistle |
| helps keep temperatures relatively mild, and winter | | | | Check all your equipment before you leave to make |
| camping in Oregon can be cozy and comfortable with | | | | sure it works properly and is in good condition. Many |
| proper clothing and camping equipment. Even in mid | | | | Oregon campgrounds are in remote locations where it |
| January, temperatures often reach into the 50s in the | | | | can be difficult to find replacement batteries or lantern |
| coastal areas. | | | | fuel in the middle of the night. For this reason, it is also |
| Many of the state park campgrounds remain open | | | | helpful to know some basic first aid and wilderness |
| year round although running water may not be | | | | survival information. |
| available. Fewer families come to Oregon in the winter | | | | Other Considerations |
| months, so if you like quiet getaways, this may be the | | | | Weather conditions, construction and repairs, and |
| best time to visit Oregon. | | | | standard regulations can impact campground activities |
| Choosing Oregon Camping Sites | | | | and services. For example, some Oregon |
| City living: Portland, Eugene and several other larger | | | | campgrounds prohibit alcohol. Open campfires may be |
| cities in Oregon have numerous campsites close to | | | | restricted at certain times of the year. Buildings and |
| town for those that want to be close to the action but | | | | natural areas may be closed. Pets may not be allowed |
| still enjoy the fun of RV travel or tenting it. Even | | | | or allowed only in certain areas of the campground. It is |
| Oregon’s more populated areas are surrounded by | | | | a good idea to contact your chosen campsite or visit |
| forests, mountains, and waterways, so finding a natural | | | | their website to learn about rules, regulations, and |
| setting is not difficult. | | | | current conditions. |