Best Campgrounds in Oregon
Oregon camping spans from coastal state parks to high desert dispersed sites, with nearly 2,000 campgrounds accommodating tent campers, RV travelers, and cabin renters across diverse terrain. Coastal campgrounds like Fort Stevens State Park and Cape Lookout State Park anchor the western edge, while mountain destinations such as Mount Hood National Forest and Crater Lake National Park draw visitors inland. The state park system manages 60+ campgrounds with reservations accepted six months in advance through same-day booking, with new sites coming online at 6 a.m. daily.
Coastal camping centers on locations like Harris Beach State Park and Beverly Beach State Park, where campers frequently mention the proximity to ocean beaches alongside typical challenges of wind exposure and crowded summer conditions. Mount Hood area campgrounds include Trillium Lake and sites along the Old Salmon River Trail, offering old-growth forest settings with easier access to hiking trails. Campers consistently highlight clean facilities at Tumalo State Park and the scenic waterfall access at Silver Falls State Park, though note that popular destinations like these fill quickly during peak season.
The state's over 200 dispersed camping areas provide free alternatives on BLM and Forest Service land, particularly in the high desert regions around central Oregon. These sites require self-sufficiency planning, as campers note limited or no cell service and the need to pack in water. RV travelers find full-hookup options at developed state parks, though several coastal campgrounds have size restrictions and challenging access roads for larger rigs.
Oregon offers several fee-free camping days throughout 2025, including State Parks Day on June 7 and Presidents Day Weekend in February. Reservations become especially critical from June through September when many campgrounds reach capacity. Campers planning Oregon trips should book well ahead for coastal sites and prepare for varying conditions from sea-level rain forests to high-elevation snow possible year-round in the Cascades.
