If you love camping, Oregon is an adventurer's dream. Over 30 million acres in the state is forests—nearly half the state—divided between national forest land and Oregon state parks. In addition to breathtaking views of the Cascades and lush greenery, the state is also rich with rugged coastlines and an amazing amount of biodiversity that changes dramatically as you drive east to west.
Whether you're looking to camp on the coast with views of Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach; near Portland, Eugene, or Bend; or simply getting away from it all to hit hiking trails along the state's unique and fascinating landscapes, there are many extraordinary places for camping in Oregon.
I've lived in Oregon for five years and, as an avid camper and traveler, I've pitched a tent and huddled around campfires all over the state in campsites good and bad. Here is my take on the most epic locations to camp this summer in Oregon.
And, as always, no matter which incredible Oregon camping spot you choose, remember to leave no trace!
Trillium Lake, Mt. Hood National Forest
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One of the best places for a getaway near Portland, Oregon, is Trillium Lake at the base of Mt. Hood. Located five minutes down the road from Government Camp and 15 minutes from the Timberline Lodge, you can be on Mt. Hood within minutes of leaving your campsite.
Trillium Lake is the perfect location to camp for summer skiing on Mt. Hood on Palmer Glacier or for hiking throughout the national forest. Nestled amongst the conifer trees, there's plenty of privacy between each campsite. When the sun is shining, the most spectacular view of Mt. Hood stretches across the far side of the lake. Trillium Lake is also an excellent spot for boating, fishing, and swimming or a quick 2-mile run or walk along the Trillium Shoreline Trail.
Tent sites start at $26 per night and the campground usually opens in May every year once the snow has melted. Tent and RV camping is welcome, but there are no hookup sites available at this campground. Strap your kayak and paddleboard to the roof, grab your skis, load up the cooler and enjoy Trillium Lake Campground, in Mt. Hood National forest this summer.
Crater Lake National Park
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Another one of the most epic camping spots, located in southern Oregon, is Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake is one of the deepest lakes in the world and has crystal clear blue water surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
The best way to enjoy the viewpoints around the lake is by driving the 33-mile Scenic Rim Drive or hiking the Cleetwood Cove Trail. An even more adventurous way to enjoy Crater Lake National Park is by cycling the Scenic Rim Drive during the summer months.
Because of high snowfall at Crater Lake, the road is closed to automobiles from November to May each year. Camping at Crater Lake is popular in the summer, so booking a campsite far in advance is highly recommended.
The most popular campground is Mazama Campground, which offers 214 sites including tent sites, full hookup and no-hookup sites tucked in an old growth forest. There are several other options for camping if you don't stay within the park boundaries.
For a more rugged backpacking experience, consider obtaining a backcountry permit and recharge in pristine nature, camping along the Pacific Crest Trail.
The Painted Hills, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
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The Painted Hills in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument should be on your list for an off-grid remote camping experience.
Located two hours from Bend in central Oregon, the Painted Hills are a geological phenomenon of gold-, yellow-, red-, and black-layered hills in a quiet desert setting. The dreamy hills are known as one of the seven wonders of Oregon and are the perfect place for a short hike, a scenic drive, or a picnic with incredible views. Stop by Clarno and Sheep Rock in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument to see fossilized plants and animals and some more unique geological structures.
The Painted Hills are one of the best camping spots in Oregon because of a large amount of Bureau of Land Management land, which offers free dispersed camping. BLM public land is very common in Oregon and usually consists of many gravel and dirt roads with plenty of pull-offs for setting up camp for the night.
One of the best dispersed camping options near The Painted Hills is Priest Hole Recreation Site. This is a popular spot for swimming and fishing and includes one pit toilet. Pack out all your trash and leave no trace while you take a trip away from the crowds in the high desert of Oregon.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
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Located in Florence and Reedsport, these incredible Oregon Sand dunes are wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the Sitka spruce trees of the Siuslaw National Forest. The Oregon Dunes span 500 feet high and stretch 40 miles along the coastline. This is a popular spot for camping, hiking, sightseeing, and OHV riding.
There are several campgrounds scattered along the coastal dunes near South Jetty, the Umpqua Dunes, and Spinreel. For full hookup RV sites, yurts or cabins, the best place to book a campsite is the Umpqua Dunes RV Park. If you only need a pull-up site, the most popular campsites are Horsfall Beach and Driftwood.
But one of the unique ways to camp at the dunes is by OHV Sand Camping. Make a reservation ahead of time during peak season to access 4x4 soft sand camping in designated sites in the sand dunes. Though open year-round, the Oregon Sand Dunes are a popular destination to camp on the Oregon Coast during the summer months, so plan ahead!
READ MORE: The Best Beach Camping Spots in the U.S.
Ainsworth State Park, Columbia River Gorge
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The Columbia River Gorge is a fascinating landscape full of lush green cliffs throughout the entire canyon. Gorgeous waterfalls, whitewater rafting, and long hikes can be found in the Cascade Locks, Hood River and White Salmon areas.
Ainsworth State Park is the best place to camp in the Gorge with its proximity to Horsetail Falls, Multnomah Falls, and Punch Bowl Falls. The state park offers 40 full hookup RV sites, six walk-in tent sites and hiker/biker campsites for anyone riding a mountain bike on a bike trail through the gorge or arriving on foot.
Just 30 minutes from Hood River and 45 minutes from Portland, this Oregon campground is ideal for outdoor lovers and hikers looking for magnificent views and PNW waterfalls.
READ MORE: Looking To Camp for Free? The Dyrt Launches Database of 5,000+ Free Sites
