Planning Your Oregon Camping Trip

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