Discover the best waterside campgrounds in Oregon

United States
—
Oregon

95% (15830 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Oregon

Star Hosts in Oregon

Dog-friendly getaways

91%

(60)

The Aloha Ranch

15 sites · RVs, Tents19 acres · Cheshire, OR

5-2023 Update: Empty Tipi is now available to rent . Just text me details 🙏🏽🌺🤙🏽 We are working cleaning up forest for safety in fire season. Clearing dead and unhealthy trees and brush. Also looking to improving the land and making it healthy for the wild critters and more enjoyable for everyone. Apologies for any inconveniences it may cause while land is being restored and grass grows back in some spots. We've opened up a bigger space to the creek and going to Make bigger and better ponds and swimming holes. It's much needed. Thank you having patience with us as we are making improvements. It will make camping experience more enjoyable as well for the future. Also, We are putting up a 20' Tipi this weekend and we plan on fixing up the inside proper and will be renting it out to those interested in sleeping in a Tipi. It will most likely sleep 6-8 depending on bedding I can fit inside. Until then I'm happy to rent it out empty like a big tent. Sleeping 6-8 but you will need to bring your own cots, bedding etc. Just text me for details. Mahalo so much for your patience while we do these improvements. 🤙🏽🌺 25 years I’ve been here on this secret land Located in the Willamette Valley. We have tons of wildlife as well as animals here on the land. We have we have drum circles, sweats, gatherings, group bonfires where you can sit out around the fire and see every star in the sky . This was a Christmas tree farm years ago, and I have let it go natural. I’ve planted new trees and now we live amongst our own forests . We hope to one day have tree houses, earth ships, Tipis and log cabins to rent. We are open to RVs and fifth wheels but no plug-ins yet. We’re a work in progress So it’s tent camping for now . Hope you come and visit us There are Rv and 5th wheel spots but you must be self contained. This is our sacred and safe place we hope you come to visit and see the beauty we see every day. Learn more about this land: Please keep safe distance with everyone on the land. Respect any and all other Campers and space. Fire pit burning depends on regulatory requirements and conditions and could change daily. Inquire with land owners before burning. Please ware mask when approaching the front porch in respect for the Senior who is vulnerable to illnesses. Bring your oun sanitizer and respect all Common area's. Lets all stay safe and enjoy the quiet and peacefulness of what we love here....Nature and Tranquility... Checkin is after 10am and no later then 9pm. Thank you for being respectful of hours... We are almost 20 acres of county and forests, about 24 miles NW of Famous Eugene Oregon, And we are nestled in between Fern Ridge reservoir and triangle Lake, headed to the Florance coast. We have 2 year round running creeks and 3 beautiful forests. We are a work in progress, but we have a year-round working farm. We grow our own food, flowers and animals. We are currently working on a big outdoor kitchen, where we will have pizza ovens, canning facilities and a beautiful place to gather in the woods. Again still a work in progress. Some spots have fire pits. Again depending on time of year and heat conditions. Because we have so many trees, we have to make sure no fires are to close to any tree's. Again, please Ask before burning. No random burning unless oked by land owners. Thank you for for helping to keep everyone safe. We have numerous ponds throughout the property and swimming holes. We turned the 4 stall barn into a music room where we gather and host events. Soon we will have designated Spots, equipped with fire rings. We will have teepees, tree houses, glamping tents. As of now we have room for numerous big groups spots for tent camping. Soon we’ll have plug-ins for RV and fifth wheel travelers. We have alot of space to camp and still have your privacy. Currently we have an out house and hose shower and you can also use the potty Under the Star's. We provide Toilet paper and try to keep stocked but, just ask if outhouses are out of paper. There are lovely walking trails throughout the property and tranquil sitting areas. We will update our progress as it happens. Hope to see you soon.. Remember to bring your own cooking equipment like grills. There's a cleaning station near shower. Water is straight from the well and beautiful drinking water. Aloha Remember, Pack in Pack out any and all trash. Also please Use designated compost areas of only compostable foods. No Meats or meat grease. Please leave your camp site better then you found it and pick up any trash in your area.

97%

(347)

Hidden Forest Get-away

5 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Rogue River, OR

Elk Haven Ranch consists of 40 acres at the base of a mountain range that is BLM federal land. There is an elk herd and of course deer on the property. This property is a haven for them, no hunting is allowed. If you are looking to throw a Frisbee with your dog in a forested and meadow setting, without tons of campers right next to you, then this is your place. Room to roam, fresh water April through September and easy access to a common electricity plug-in where you can charge your cell phones and air mattresses on the electric pole by the entry gate. If you are looking to play games, just ask us for the corn hole or horse shoes, or help yourself to the games already out and available. Let us know what your goals are and we will do our best to accommodate for your stay.

100%

(7)

Below the Falls Lodge

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Coos Bay, OR

Relax and revive in this artistic 'cabin' with wonderful views of historic Glenn Creek from every room. An architectural dream, you enter this lodge style home through a pivoting hobbit style front door with hardware from the 1800's. Highlights of this original home include a gourmet kitchen with labradorite granite counters, 800 year old juniper tree spiral stair case, huge beams and exposed rafters, a sauna, and a romantic wood stove. Also each upstairs bedroom has a hanging bed with three 8 foot skylights above for indoor star gazing. Original artworks from local artists are throughout the home. Many pleasantries await the curious such as embedded fossils in the cracked mud walls.Nestled amongst towering fir and cedar trees, with windows everywhere, you'll feel and see nature's presence. This home site has a remarkably peaceful way about it. Recently featured in Southern Oregon Magazine and KCBY 11 TV's ~In Focus~ 'Goin' Green' and Oregon's Solar Home Tour, this is a unique 'green' home. This home was built with environmentally friendly materials. Building with little impact on the surroundings was very important to us during construction. The myrtle hardwood floor in the kitchen and living room was milled on site which came from trees that stood where the house is now. Same story for the beautiful maple flooring in the ½ bath. All of the large beams and fir flooring came from two 4' thick 104 year old douglas fir trees which also stood and were milled where the house is now. The fir trees sprouted after the last forest fire that came through the canyon. One of our neighbors fell a sixty five year old redwood that was over six feet thick! We used some of it as a wonderful wainscot paneling throughout the house. All of the finishes used are no or low VOC. Surrounding the house is native vegetation, huge trees and a few herbs and spices for cooking. You'll enjoy the fully equipped kitchen with labradorite granite counters. The kitchen island has a new five burner gas stove with a convection oven and warming oven. The island has plenty of granite and wood counter space. Hanging from the exhaust hood are stainless, non-stick, and cast iron cookware. We also provide shade grown fair trade coffee and a grinder, espresso machine, coffee maker, toaster, microwave, utensils, chef knives, glasses and frosty cocktail glasses in the freezer. The dining room table has a river view and can seat six comfortably. There is also seating for three at the island bar. From the kitchen you can visit with the folks in the living room thanks to the open floor plan. Beside the wood stove are two chairs and the futon couch with reading lamp. A CD changer, TV with a DVD player and VHS machine are in the downstairs bedroom. Bring your favorite videos or browse our selection of movies. The property has 150 feet of creek frontage with great views of Glenn creek, the forest and distant cliffs. Enjoy wildlife viewing with River Dippers, Chipmunks, Kingfishers, Great Blue Herons, Screech Owls, Pileated Wood Peckers, Elk, an occasional Bald Eagle or River Otter and other wildlife from the house and back deck. Build a fire and have lunch on the nearby picnic table and benches.

Powder Creek Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents362 acres · Beaver, OR

Powder Creek Ranch is 362 acres, nestled into a valley, surrounded by forest in the Oregon Coast Range. The campground is in a secluded meadow next to Powder Creek, a pristine year round stream, perfect for wading and playing in. If you're looking to unplug and escape from the chaos of city life, we are all about peace and quiet and connecting with nature. Each of our 13 large campsites offers access to the creek, a picnic table and campfire ring. All sites accommodate RVs as well as tent camping. One of the campsites is next to the beaver pond, where you're likely to see a variety of wildlife. Our property also has 1/2 mile of Nestucca River frontage where you can swim or fish, whichever floats your boat. Niagara Creek/Pheasant Creek falls is a nearby hiking trail and there are roads as well as deer and elk trails to explore all over the ranch. If you feel like venturing further, the beach is 23 miles away in Pacific City. We also offer pasture raised pork for sale. A variety of sausages (breakfast, chorizo, Italian, Bratwurst and French Garlic links) and pork chops.

6 top waterside campgrounds in Oregon

99%

(589)

Dew Valley Ranch Nature Retreat

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Bandon, OR

ADULT RETREAT: NO OUTSIDE PET/SERVICES ANIMALS. CHILDREN 12 OR OLDER ONLY....Due to the listing being shared with free range farm animals, we are unable to Host any animals. Dew Valley Ranch Nature Retreat is a Private Membership Association. We promote a quiet relaxing get back to nature vibe to nurture your mind, body and soul. We specialize in private camping and unique glamping experiences. All our sites are on an acre or more of wooded land each. Each site also has a private potty. Giving you privacy unlike other campgrounds. Face Rock State Beach is a short 10 minute drive away. We have farm animals to meet and trails to walk through the woods. There are games to play, a camp community garden, hot showers, and even a heated dish washing station. We are 10 minutes from the beautiful Bandon by the sea which offers: fun shopping, crabbing dock, world class golfing, Whiskey Run mountain biking trails, West Coast Game park, horseback riding on the beach, Circles in the Sand, restaurants and of course stunning beaches. Come and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing stay. We look forward to hosting you!

Powder Creek Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents362 acres · Beaver, OR

Powder Creek Ranch is 362 acres, nestled into a valley, surrounded by forest in the Oregon Coast Range. The campground is in a secluded meadow next to Powder Creek, a pristine year round stream, perfect for wading and playing in. If you're looking to unplug and escape from the chaos of city life, we are all about peace and quiet and connecting with nature. Each of our 13 large campsites offers access to the creek, a picnic table and campfire ring. All sites accommodate RVs as well as tent camping. One of the campsites is next to the beaver pond, where you're likely to see a variety of wildlife. Our property also has 1/2 mile of Nestucca River frontage where you can swim or fish, whichever floats your boat. Niagara Creek/Pheasant Creek falls is a nearby hiking trail and there are roads as well as deer and elk trails to explore all over the ranch. If you feel like venturing further, the beach is 23 miles away in Pacific City. We also offer pasture raised pork for sale. A variety of sausages (breakfast, chorizo, Italian, Bratwurst and French Garlic links) and pork chops.

Hidden Forest Get-away

5 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Rogue River, OR

Elk Haven Ranch consists of 40 acres at the base of a mountain range that is BLM federal land. There is an elk herd and of course deer on the property. This property is a haven for them, no hunting is allowed. If you are looking to throw a Frisbee with your dog in a forested and meadow setting, without tons of campers right next to you, then this is your place. Room to roam, fresh water April through September and easy access to a common electricity plug-in where you can charge your cell phones and air mattresses on the electric pole by the entry gate. If you are looking to play games, just ask us for the corn hole or horse shoes, or help yourself to the games already out and available. Let us know what your goals are and we will do our best to accommodate for your stay.

"ART CAN" Airstream + Sauna!

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Portland, OR

Our 27' 1973 Airstream Overlander has been completely refurbished with lots of love and attention to detail. The outdoor space is a chill zone full of native plants, trees, flowers and an 8 ft. barrel sauna! This space is ideal for anyone looking for a quiet place to land while they explore the city and/or endless nature in the surrounding areas - Forest Park, Mt Hood, The Columbia Rive Gorge, and the coast! We are biking distance to several fabulous neighborhoods and restaurants along with tons of hiking opportunities in Forest Park, Columbia Slough trail, Mt Tabor and more. We have 2 bikes available for you to use during your stay!

The Aloha Ranch

15 sites · RVs, Tents19 acres · Cheshire, OR

5-2023 Update: Empty Tipi is now available to rent . Just text me details 🙏🏽🌺🤙🏽 We are working cleaning up forest for safety in fire season. Clearing dead and unhealthy trees and brush. Also looking to improving the land and making it healthy for the wild critters and more enjoyable for everyone. Apologies for any inconveniences it may cause while land is being restored and grass grows back in some spots. We've opened up a bigger space to the creek and going to Make bigger and better ponds and swimming holes. It's much needed. Thank you having patience with us as we are making improvements. It will make camping experience more enjoyable as well for the future. Also, We are putting up a 20' Tipi this weekend and we plan on fixing up the inside proper and will be renting it out to those interested in sleeping in a Tipi. It will most likely sleep 6-8 depending on bedding I can fit inside. Until then I'm happy to rent it out empty like a big tent. Sleeping 6-8 but you will need to bring your own cots, bedding etc. Just text me for details. Mahalo so much for your patience while we do these improvements. 🤙🏽🌺 25 years I’ve been here on this secret land Located in the Willamette Valley. We have tons of wildlife as well as animals here on the land. We have we have drum circles, sweats, gatherings, group bonfires where you can sit out around the fire and see every star in the sky . This was a Christmas tree farm years ago, and I have let it go natural. I’ve planted new trees and now we live amongst our own forests . We hope to one day have tree houses, earth ships, Tipis and log cabins to rent. We are open to RVs and fifth wheels but no plug-ins yet. We’re a work in progress So it’s tent camping for now . Hope you come and visit us There are Rv and 5th wheel spots but you must be self contained. This is our sacred and safe place we hope you come to visit and see the beauty we see every day. Learn more about this land: Please keep safe distance with everyone on the land. Respect any and all other Campers and space. Fire pit burning depends on regulatory requirements and conditions and could change daily. Inquire with land owners before burning. Please ware mask when approaching the front porch in respect for the Senior who is vulnerable to illnesses. Bring your oun sanitizer and respect all Common area's. Lets all stay safe and enjoy the quiet and peacefulness of what we love here....Nature and Tranquility... Checkin is after 10am and no later then 9pm. Thank you for being respectful of hours... We are almost 20 acres of county and forests, about 24 miles NW of Famous Eugene Oregon, And we are nestled in between Fern Ridge reservoir and triangle Lake, headed to the Florance coast. We have 2 year round running creeks and 3 beautiful forests. We are a work in progress, but we have a year-round working farm. We grow our own food, flowers and animals. We are currently working on a big outdoor kitchen, where we will have pizza ovens, canning facilities and a beautiful place to gather in the woods. Again still a work in progress. Some spots have fire pits. Again depending on time of year and heat conditions. Because we have so many trees, we have to make sure no fires are to close to any tree's. Again, please Ask before burning. No random burning unless oked by land owners. Thank you for for helping to keep everyone safe. We have numerous ponds throughout the property and swimming holes. We turned the 4 stall barn into a music room where we gather and host events. Soon we will have designated Spots, equipped with fire rings. We will have teepees, tree houses, glamping tents. As of now we have room for numerous big groups spots for tent camping. Soon we’ll have plug-ins for RV and fifth wheel travelers. We have alot of space to camp and still have your privacy. Currently we have an out house and hose shower and you can also use the potty Under the Star's. We provide Toilet paper and try to keep stocked but, just ask if outhouses are out of paper. There are lovely walking trails throughout the property and tranquil sitting areas. We will update our progress as it happens. Hope to see you soon.. Remember to bring your own cooking equipment like grills. There's a cleaning station near shower. Water is straight from the well and beautiful drinking water. Aloha Remember, Pack in Pack out any and all trash. Also please Use designated compost areas of only compostable foods. No Meats or meat grease. Please leave your camp site better then you found it and pick up any trash in your area.

Below the Falls Lodge

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Coos Bay, OR

Relax and revive in this artistic 'cabin' with wonderful views of historic Glenn Creek from every room. An architectural dream, you enter this lodge style home through a pivoting hobbit style front door with hardware from the 1800's. Highlights of this original home include a gourmet kitchen with labradorite granite counters, 800 year old juniper tree spiral stair case, huge beams and exposed rafters, a sauna, and a romantic wood stove. Also each upstairs bedroom has a hanging bed with three 8 foot skylights above for indoor star gazing. Original artworks from local artists are throughout the home. Many pleasantries await the curious such as embedded fossils in the cracked mud walls.Nestled amongst towering fir and cedar trees, with windows everywhere, you'll feel and see nature's presence. This home site has a remarkably peaceful way about it. Recently featured in Southern Oregon Magazine and KCBY 11 TV's ~In Focus~ 'Goin' Green' and Oregon's Solar Home Tour, this is a unique 'green' home. This home was built with environmentally friendly materials. Building with little impact on the surroundings was very important to us during construction. The myrtle hardwood floor in the kitchen and living room was milled on site which came from trees that stood where the house is now. Same story for the beautiful maple flooring in the ½ bath. All of the large beams and fir flooring came from two 4' thick 104 year old douglas fir trees which also stood and were milled where the house is now. The fir trees sprouted after the last forest fire that came through the canyon. One of our neighbors fell a sixty five year old redwood that was over six feet thick! We used some of it as a wonderful wainscot paneling throughout the house. All of the finishes used are no or low VOC. Surrounding the house is native vegetation, huge trees and a few herbs and spices for cooking. You'll enjoy the fully equipped kitchen with labradorite granite counters. The kitchen island has a new five burner gas stove with a convection oven and warming oven. The island has plenty of granite and wood counter space. Hanging from the exhaust hood are stainless, non-stick, and cast iron cookware. We also provide shade grown fair trade coffee and a grinder, espresso machine, coffee maker, toaster, microwave, utensils, chef knives, glasses and frosty cocktail glasses in the freezer. The dining room table has a river view and can seat six comfortably. There is also seating for three at the island bar. From the kitchen you can visit with the folks in the living room thanks to the open floor plan. Beside the wood stove are two chairs and the futon couch with reading lamp. A CD changer, TV with a DVD player and VHS machine are in the downstairs bedroom. Bring your favorite videos or browse our selection of movies. The property has 150 feet of creek frontage with great views of Glenn creek, the forest and distant cliffs. Enjoy wildlife viewing with River Dippers, Chipmunks, Kingfishers, Great Blue Herons, Screech Owls, Pileated Wood Peckers, Elk, an occasional Bald Eagle or River Otter and other wildlife from the house and back deck. Build a fire and have lunch on the nearby picnic table and benches.

Under $50

99%

(589)

Dew Valley Ranch Nature Retreat

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Bandon, OR

ADULT RETREAT: NO OUTSIDE PET/SERVICES ANIMALS. CHILDREN 12 OR OLDER ONLY....Due to the listing being shared with free range farm animals, we are unable to Host any animals. Dew Valley Ranch Nature Retreat is a Private Membership Association. We promote a quiet relaxing get back to nature vibe to nurture your mind, body and soul. We specialize in private camping and unique glamping experiences. All our sites are on an acre or more of wooded land each. Each site also has a private potty. Giving you privacy unlike other campgrounds. Face Rock State Beach is a short 10 minute drive away. We have farm animals to meet and trails to walk through the woods. There are games to play, a camp community garden, hot showers, and even a heated dish washing station. We are 10 minutes from the beautiful Bandon by the sea which offers: fun shopping, crabbing dock, world class golfing, Whiskey Run mountain biking trails, West Coast Game park, horseback riding on the beach, Circles in the Sand, restaurants and of course stunning beaches. Come and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing stay. We look forward to hosting you!

The Aloha Ranch

15 sites · RVs, Tents19 acres · Cheshire, OR

5-2023 Update: Empty Tipi is now available to rent . Just text me details 🙏🏽🌺🤙🏽 We are working cleaning up forest for safety in fire season. Clearing dead and unhealthy trees and brush. Also looking to improving the land and making it healthy for the wild critters and more enjoyable for everyone. Apologies for any inconveniences it may cause while land is being restored and grass grows back in some spots. We've opened up a bigger space to the creek and going to Make bigger and better ponds and swimming holes. It's much needed. Thank you having patience with us as we are making improvements. It will make camping experience more enjoyable as well for the future. Also, We are putting up a 20' Tipi this weekend and we plan on fixing up the inside proper and will be renting it out to those interested in sleeping in a Tipi. It will most likely sleep 6-8 depending on bedding I can fit inside. Until then I'm happy to rent it out empty like a big tent. Sleeping 6-8 but you will need to bring your own cots, bedding etc. Just text me for details. Mahalo so much for your patience while we do these improvements. 🤙🏽🌺 25 years I’ve been here on this secret land Located in the Willamette Valley. We have tons of wildlife as well as animals here on the land. We have we have drum circles, sweats, gatherings, group bonfires where you can sit out around the fire and see every star in the sky . This was a Christmas tree farm years ago, and I have let it go natural. I’ve planted new trees and now we live amongst our own forests . We hope to one day have tree houses, earth ships, Tipis and log cabins to rent. We are open to RVs and fifth wheels but no plug-ins yet. We’re a work in progress So it’s tent camping for now . Hope you come and visit us There are Rv and 5th wheel spots but you must be self contained. This is our sacred and safe place we hope you come to visit and see the beauty we see every day. Learn more about this land: Please keep safe distance with everyone on the land. Respect any and all other Campers and space. Fire pit burning depends on regulatory requirements and conditions and could change daily. Inquire with land owners before burning. Please ware mask when approaching the front porch in respect for the Senior who is vulnerable to illnesses. Bring your oun sanitizer and respect all Common area's. Lets all stay safe and enjoy the quiet and peacefulness of what we love here....Nature and Tranquility... Checkin is after 10am and no later then 9pm. Thank you for being respectful of hours... We are almost 20 acres of county and forests, about 24 miles NW of Famous Eugene Oregon, And we are nestled in between Fern Ridge reservoir and triangle Lake, headed to the Florance coast. We have 2 year round running creeks and 3 beautiful forests. We are a work in progress, but we have a year-round working farm. We grow our own food, flowers and animals. We are currently working on a big outdoor kitchen, where we will have pizza ovens, canning facilities and a beautiful place to gather in the woods. Again still a work in progress. Some spots have fire pits. Again depending on time of year and heat conditions. Because we have so many trees, we have to make sure no fires are to close to any tree's. Again, please Ask before burning. No random burning unless oked by land owners. Thank you for for helping to keep everyone safe. We have numerous ponds throughout the property and swimming holes. We turned the 4 stall barn into a music room where we gather and host events. Soon we will have designated Spots, equipped with fire rings. We will have teepees, tree houses, glamping tents. As of now we have room for numerous big groups spots for tent camping. Soon we’ll have plug-ins for RV and fifth wheel travelers. We have alot of space to camp and still have your privacy. Currently we have an out house and hose shower and you can also use the potty Under the Star's. We provide Toilet paper and try to keep stocked but, just ask if outhouses are out of paper. There are lovely walking trails throughout the property and tranquil sitting areas. We will update our progress as it happens. Hope to see you soon.. Remember to bring your own cooking equipment like grills. There's a cleaning station near shower. Water is straight from the well and beautiful drinking water. Aloha Remember, Pack in Pack out any and all trash. Also please Use designated compost areas of only compostable foods. No Meats or meat grease. Please leave your camp site better then you found it and pick up any trash in your area.

Powder Creek Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents362 acres · Beaver, OR

Powder Creek Ranch is 362 acres, nestled into a valley, surrounded by forest in the Oregon Coast Range. The campground is in a secluded meadow next to Powder Creek, a pristine year round stream, perfect for wading and playing in. If you're looking to unplug and escape from the chaos of city life, we are all about peace and quiet and connecting with nature. Each of our 13 large campsites offers access to the creek, a picnic table and campfire ring. All sites accommodate RVs as well as tent camping. One of the campsites is next to the beaver pond, where you're likely to see a variety of wildlife. Our property also has 1/2 mile of Nestucca River frontage where you can swim or fish, whichever floats your boat. Niagara Creek/Pheasant Creek falls is a nearby hiking trail and there are roads as well as deer and elk trails to explore all over the ranch. If you feel like venturing further, the beach is 23 miles away in Pacific City. We also offer pasture raised pork for sale. A variety of sausages (breakfast, chorizo, Italian, Bratwurst and French Garlic links) and pork chops.

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Waterside camping in Oregon guide

Overview

Oregon has long been known as an outdoor destination, with snow-capped mountains, rugged high desert, Pacific Coast beaches, and roaring rivers all within a few hours’ drive of one another. While Portland attracts visitors with its celebrated food scene and music venues, Oregon offers much more for those who’d prefer a quieter getaway out in nature. If you’ve come to camp or hike, you’ll have no shortage of options to choose from—in fact, there are 11 national forests, hundreds of state parks and recreation areas, and 2.5 million acres of protected wilderness within the state’s borders.

Where to go

The Willamette Valley

Extending from the border with Washington state down to the community of Springfield, the Willamette Valley is Oregon’s main economic and cultural hub. Although it’s home to the state’s three most populated cities (Portland, Salem, and Eugene), much of the Willamette Valley is dominated by forests and countryside, with plenty of state parks, hiking and mountain biking trails, hot springs, and rivers.

Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge

Just east of Portland on the border with Washington, the Columbia River Gorge offers easy access to miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and great skiing and snowboarding. The adjacent Mt. Hood region has equally beautiful scenery and is as popular for winter skiing and snowboarding as it is for hiking, swimming, and camping in the summer months.

The Oregon Coast

This region is popular year-round, attracting whale-watching fans in the cooler months and campers and hikers in the summer months. Popular Oregon Coast activities include hiking, tide pool viewing, clamming, crabbing, off-road vehicle rides on the sweeping Oregon Dunes, and sampling world-famous cheese and ice cream in Tillamook. While some brave souls don wetsuits for surfing and diving, the Pacific Ocean waters rarely get warm enough for comfortable dips. Some of the area’s best camping options can be found at Harris Beach State Park, Sunset Bay State Park, and Cape Lookout State Park, all of which offer tent camping, yurt rentals, and RV sites with hookups.

Eastern and Central Oregon

Stretching from the portion of the Cascade Range south of the Columbia Gorge all the way east to the Oregon-Idaho border, central and eastern Oregon offer a dryer, sunnier alternative to the rainier parts of the state, with a mix of lush forest and craggy high desert landscapes. Highlights include Deschutes National Forest, popular for backpacking and backcountry stays, while campers in search of a more developed camping experience can head to one of the many Oregon state parks along the Deschutes River, near Bend.

Southern Oregon

Oregon’s southernmost region offers a variety of scenery, with a mix of lakes, forests, and rivers interspersed with rolling expanses of countryside (not to mention some great wineries). The region’s most famous natural attraction is Crater Lake National Park, Oregon’s only national park, set near the southeastern reaches of Umpqua National Forest.