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