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