If you are from the Oregon state and are an avid traveler, chances are you are looking for the best locations or campgrounds where you can spend your leisure time. I got you covered as this article lists down the best campgrounds in the Oregon area, their offered amenities and facilities, and all the fun and exciting recreational activities you can do on the campsite.
1. Cape Lookout State Park, Tillamook
Cape Lookout is a popular campground and day-use area located in southwestern Tillamook County. It lies approximately ten miles southwest of Tillamook and south of Netarts Bay. The famous park is known for exciting activities like hiking, beachcombing, and site visits along the Three Cape Scenic Route.
This state park offers year-round camping with many amenities to enjoy and accepts reservations up to six months in advance through their online booking sites. Some of the excellent amenities they offer are their 38 full hookup sites, 170 tent sites nearby waters, an electrical site with water, and six deluxe cabins, three of them being pet-friendly.
Flush toilets and hot showers are offered here for campers only. There is also firewood for sale, an RV dump station, two group tent camping areas (closed at the moment), and a hiker or biker camp. However, campsites do not have ocean views, so you may need to leave your camp to get near the ocean.
Campings would never be complete without a hike or two. Cape Lookout features miles of hiking trails in different areas of the campground. First on the list is the North Trail that leads from the da-use area to the Cape Trail.
The five-mile hike features magnificent ocean views, like the shore peeking through Sitka spruce and scenic views on the way to the tip of Cape Lookout. This trail is mostly flat, with some places being rocky and muddy. On a clear day, it displays views of the south, 39 miles to Cape Foulweather, and the north, 42 miles to Tillamook Head.
Additional hiking trails are found in two segments of the Oregon Coast Trail, the North Trail, and the South Trail. Miles of ocean beaches are also waiting for you along the Netarts Spit, on the north side of the campground. And if you are in for a short stroll, you can try the park’s Nature Trail, beginning near the registration booth.
Full hookup sites are around $33-$37 per night, while standard sites charge $31-$35.
2. Humbug Mountain State Park, Near Port Orford
Humbug Mountain State Parks features one of the Oregon coast’s highest headlands, home to an inviting and forest-ringed campground along Brush Creek. Starting a trail from the campground would lead under Highway 101, down to a sandy beach beside the Brush Creek estuary.
Humbug Mountain offers a 5.5-mile hike up to the 1,765-foot summit, which features ocean views facing the south. This hike is perfect for those looking for an adventure and intense day activity. Another trail you may consider is the Oregon Coast Trail which also passes through the park.
Magnificent views await hikers at the Old Highway 101. The worn and paved route at the north section of the campground joins Highway 101 and has been closed to vehicles for the safety purposes of visitors.
The campground is open all year round and accepts reservations up to six months in advance. They offer 39 electrical sites with water, two of which are with accessible design, and five are pull-through. Other amenities are 56 tent sites nearby waters, flush toilets with showers, hiker and biker camp, and the availability of firewood. The park also has a reservable picnic area.
Aside from these exciting amenities, the park provides a dump station, an amphitheater, beach access, fishing, hiking, and biking activities, and several magnificent viewpoints in the campground.
Electric and water hookup sites are $26 per night, while tent sites are $18. For biking or hiking activities, each person will be charged $7.
3. South Beach State Park, Newport Oregon
South Beach State Park is situated next to the Yaquina Bay Bridge. It begins in south Newport and stretches several miles down the Oregon coast. The historic park displays great miles of sandy ocean beach and trails for biking and walking.
The campground is a great way to explore Newport. You can jog or ride a bike at the Jetty Trail or ride a horse through the equestrian trail to the beach, beginning at the South Jetty equestrian trailhead. Make this an afternoon activity, and the beautiful sunset will accompany you on your horseback.
Several activity areas are available near the campground, including playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and a nine-hole disc golf course. You can stop by the Hospitality Center to get maps and brochures, purchase camp items and souvenirs, or check out free discs and horseshoes.
Other activities around the park are fishing, crabbing, boating, surfing, and beachcombing. You can also visit nearby attractions like Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and marine life exhibits at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and Oregon Coast Aquarium.
The year-round camping park offers amenities such as 227 electrical sites with water, 60 tent sites, 27 yurts, three group tents, and hiker and biker camps. Flush toilets and showers are available for campers, as well as firewood, dump stations, picnic areas, viewpoints, and beach access. Note that only one extra vehicle is allowed per site.
Fees for an overnight stay are around $31-$34 for electric and water sites, $21 for tent sites, $47 for yurts, and an additional $8 per person for hiking and biking activities.
4. Silver Falls State Park, Sublimity
Tagged as the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls State Park is a one-of-a-kind campground that effortlessly stands out among other parks, marking its place in the national and international scene. The park is definitely deserving of the crown as one of the best campgrounds in Oregon.
Be in awe as you walk a trail behind a waterfall in the famous South Falls and see how the 177-foot curtain of water look from behind. I would not forget to mention that this fall is part of the Trail of Ten Falls, a nationally recognized hiking trail weaving through a densely forested landscape.
Not only did the trail covers the waterfalls from behind, but it also passed a series of other waterfalls along a rocky canyon, descending to a winding creek at the forest floor. The park offers more than 35 miles of backcountry trails perfect for mountain biking, hiking, or horseback riding.
You can enjoy day-use areas in the park such as spacious lawns, barbecue stands, picnic shelters, tables, playgrounds, and an off-lead area for dogs. There is a total of 48 electrical sites with water in the park (18 plus of this are open year-round), 43 tent sites nearby waters, two group camps with tents only, and 14 cabins (seven of which are pet-friendly and open year-round).
Other amenities include dump stations, exhibit areas, an amphitheater, horse trails, wildlife, and swimming areas. The Howard Creek Horse Camp is open May to October and features five primitive sites with horse stalls and a group site for 24 people and 12 horses.
Silver Falls State Park charges $12 per vehicle per night and an additional $10 for an extra vehicle per camp.
5. Coldwater Cove Campground, Willamette National Forest
Coldwater Cove Campground sits at the sound end of Clear Lake in Willamette National Forest in Oregon. The campground offers stunning views of the turquoise-colored lake and the 3000-year-old lava fields, which are all ideal for a relaxing and memorable camping experience.
Clear Lake is known for fishing, canoeing, and boating activities. However, powerboating is not permitted as the calm waters are only for mild activities. Boat ramps and fish cleaning stations are also available in the campground, where you can fish and clean your catch.
You can rent a boat at the resort adjacent to the campground.
The campground sits at an elevation of 3100 feet, surrounded by a mix of maple, alder, and Douglas fir trees. All camping sites here have privacy from neighboring campers, and some sites have limited lake views.
Hike along the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail passing through the campground and running along the Clear Lake. This trail stretches for about 26 miles and is open for all hikers and mountain bikers.
Nearby attractions in this area include the Big Lake Trail Area, Sahalie Falls, and the Koosah Falls. These attractions offer impressive sights of foaming water over two thick flows of ancient lava.
The campground offers single and double-family campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets, trash collection, and drinking water are also provided at these sites. However, no hookups are available here.
Enjoy amenities such as WiFi connection, picnic tables, toilets and showers, and available drinking water. You may also want to visit a general store for your personal needs and the restaurant at the next-door resort.
A single campsite in Coldwater Cove Campground charges $20.99 per night and $40.08 for double campsites.
6. Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, Near Florence
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, located less than a mile from the famous Salmon Harbor Marina on Winchester Bay, is known for the best crabbing and sports fishing activities along the Oregon coast.
The park is also found in the stretch of towering dunes protected by the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. However, there is no direct access to the dunes from the park, having Umpqua Beach #3 as the nearest staging area.
Half a mile from the park is the Umpqua River Lighthouse, operated by the Umpqua Valley Museums, and is open for tours from May through September. The lighthouse is a 65-foot tower containing a distinctive lens that emits red and white flashes.
Umpqua State Park offers small and quiet camping sites, as well as tent sites and cabin and yurt options. They have 12 full hookup sites, eight electrical sites with water, 23 tent sites near waters, hiker and biker camps, and flush toilets and showers.
The cabins and yurts offer visitors a warm and cozy alternative to sleep comfortably. They have covered porches, which overlook the picturesque Lake Marie. Guests can use the shared campground restrooms and showers here.
On the other hand, deluxe yurts have electric outdoor barbeque grills, a private bathroom and showers, and a kitchenette with a fridge and microwave. You can choose between two rustic yurts, two rustic log cabins, six deluxe yurts, or the one ADA deluxe yurt.
Electric and water hookup sites cost $28 and $30 for full hookups. For tent sites, you’ll be paying $31 and $19-$82 for yurts of your choice. An additional $7 will be charged for hiking or biking activities per person.
7. Little Crater Campground, Newberry Volcanic Monument
Little Crater Campground, located on the edge of the beautiful Paulina Lake at the Newberry National Monument, will offer you lots of activities and scenic views with the small fees they charge.
The campground highlights the volcanic landscapes and the diverse forest expected of central Oregon. Little Crater Campground is an ideal leisure place for individual and family excursions, as it offers the best recreational activities and its geological significance to the region.
Campsites near Lake Paulina are anticipated together with activities offered in the campground such as hiking, bird watching, bicycling, sightseeing, and access to nearby trails.
Visitors can take advantage of the lake for boating, kayaking, swimming, and fishing activities. Anglers would have a great time as the lake offers fantastic fishing opportunities. The lake covers 1,531 acres, housing rainbow trout, brown trout, and Kokanee salmon.
The park features 50 sites, all within a minute’s walk to the water. These campsites have ample space for tents, trailers, and RVs. Other amenities in the park include picnic areas, shoreline trails, available drinking water, vault toilets, and boating gear.
Nearby attractions are also something to look forward to visiting the Little Crater. Lava Lands Visitor Center in Bend, Oregon, is a great place to learn about the area’s diverse history, with all its interpretive programs and exhibits.
Guests can also explore the Lava River Cave, the longest continuous lava tube located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, sitting at 5,211 feet long.
The camping fee is $18 for the first vehicle and $9 for extra vehicles. An RV dump station can also be accessed with a $10 fee.
8. Nehalem Bay State Park, Northern Oregon
Nehalem Bay State Park is set between the ocean and the bay on a four-mile sand spit. The campground is situated among the shore pines, a dune away from the rich beach. Enjoy the forested 1.8-mile long bike path and breathe in the breathtaking view of the bay. A lucky sighting of a deer or elk would be waiting on your visit.
Two day-use areas offer access to the bay or ocean. These areas come with restrooms and picnic tables with fire rings. Bay-side day use is also available with a boat ramp. Note that the boat docks are seasonal and open typically between mid-May to mid-October. You can check on the park ahead of time before placing your reservations.
Safety always comes first as the campground provides a life jacket loaner station offering life jackets of various sizes. This ensures that all visitors are safe since the campground is near the ocean.
Kayaking, crabbing, fishing, and clamming are some of the most popular activities in the area. Kayak tours and horseback rides are also available on Kayak Tillamook and Oregon Beach Rides.
Nehalem Bay State Park is open all year-round and accepts reservations up to six months in advance. E and F loops in the area are on a first-come, first-served basis from October to mid-May.
They offer 265 electrical sites with water, 18 yurts, nine of which are pet-friendly, flush toilets and showers for campers, a horse camp with 17 primitive sites, and a hiker/ biker camp. Other camping facilities include an airport camp with primitive fly-in campsites, an RV dump station, a meeting hall, and playgrounds for kids.
If you’ve had your share of the water activities, you may also want to try their hiking trails, horse trails, and the wildlife experience. There are also exhibits to bring your kids to.
The standard sites with electric and water hookups cost $31. Yurts are for $47 and an additional $8 per person for hiking and biking activities.
9. Paradise Campground, Willamette National Forest
Paradise Campground at Willamette National Forest is a true paradise for campers. The place is tucked within a lush, old-growth forest of Douglas fir and western red cedar.
The campground sits on a bend of the river at 1,600 feet elevation. In the heart of the Willamette National Forest, ferns and other lovely plants cover the campground, spanning up to 1.6 million acres on the western slopes of the Cascade Range.
You can feel the sub-tropical vibe along the banks of the McKenzie River. Here you’ll enjoy the catch-and-release trout and steelhead fishing, as well as whitewater rafting and kayaking.
A boat ramp is located on-site for rafters and kayakers to face the whitewater of the McKenzie River. Aside from these water activities, the park is also nearby a golf course, just seven miles west of the campground.
You can access Paradise Campground in three ways, drive-in and park next to your campsite, walk-in, and park in a lot, or hike-in through backcountry sites. Tent sites, RV sites, standard tent and RV sites, and dispersed sites are the accommodations the campground offers.
For campers, you’ll enjoy amenities such as picnic tables, available drinking water and alcohol, firewood, toilets, and phone services. Pull-through sites are also big- rig friendly, so you won’t be concerned about your van size.
Reserve a spot now in this lustrous campground at only $22-$40 per night.
10. Milo McIver State Park, Estacada
Milo McIver State Park is situated along the scenic Clackamas River, 45 minutes away from Portland. The park is home to outstanding recreational activities and is perfect for spending a day up to a week exploring the river, forest, and fields.
The campground is a seasonal camping site, open between mid-March and October 31. They accept reservations up to six months in advance, before the visit. Milo McIver offers 44 electrical sites with water, nine tent sites near waters, hot showers and flush toilets, and an RV dump station.
There are three reservable group tent camping areas with water, flush toilets, and fire rings. The hiker and biker campsites come with water, lockers, a solar charging station, and a fire pit.
River lovers can brave the sometimes wild Clackamas River with rafts, canoes, or kayaks. The picturesque river has steelhead and Chinook runs. Estacada Lake offers fishing enthusiasts a boat ramp and an ADA-accessible fishing dock.
For land activities, you can hike or ride a horse over miles of trails in Milo McIver State Park. Note that bicycles are only allowed on paved trails and roads for the safety of the guests. Another fun place to visit in Milo is their world-class, 27-hole disc golf course located at the Riverbend Day-use Area. Discs are available for purchase or rent at the park office.
The park’s amenities and features include picnic tables, a dump station, wildlife experience, flush restrooms, hot showers, an amphitheater, and an accessible viewpoint.
A $5 fee is charged for all vehicles visiting the campground and using the day-use facilities.
11. Fort Stevens State Park, Hammond
Fort Stevens is considered one of the nation’s largest public campgrounds. It was once a site of a military installation used to guard the mouth of the Columbia River. The port saw service for 84 years, starting from the Civil War to World War II.
Now, Fort Stevens is a state park covering 4300 acres of land that offers all visitors a wide range of recreational activities. Some of these are camping, beachcombing, exploring the freshwater lake and trails, wildlife viewing, and visiting a historic shipwreck.
There are many places to visit in Fort Stevens. Coffenbury Lake offers two picnic areas with swimming, restrooms, and a boat ramp. A two-mile trail also circles the lake.
A long 15-mile multi-use trail is present for all the hiker visitors. Views of the Columbia River Bar from South Jetty Observation Tower, adult and youth bike rentals, and kayak tours on Trestle Bay are other activities you wouldn’t want to miss.
The historic military site features a military museum and information system to learn further about the campground. Guests would truly enjoy a visit to the only Civil War-era earthen fort on the west coast, as well as the many turn-of-the-century concrete artillery gun batteries.
Fort Stevens offers 174 full hookup sites (32 pull-through), 302 electrical sites with water (11 pull-through), six tent sites, nine walk-in tent sites with parking nearby, and 15 yurts (seven pet-friendly).
The campground is so big that you wouldn’t be worrying about a place to stay. They also offer 11 deluxe cabins (five pet-friendly) and a hiker and biker camp. Other amenities include flush toilets and showers, an RV dump station and amphitheater, and beach access.
Fees for campground reservation are as follows: $34-$38 per night for full hookup sites, $32-$35 for standard sites with electric and water hookups, $22 for tent sites, $54 for yurts, $98 for the deluxe cabins, and an additional $8 per person for the hiking and biking.
12. L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, Near Portland
Thirty-four miles west of Portland is the best campground you’ll ever visit. Stub Stewart State Park is set on a forced hillside, making it ideal for camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
The Hilltop Day-use area provides a view of the grand westward. A picnic shelter is available for groups, and there is an off-leash area for your dogs. You can also explore their trail system, which offers numerous trail routes for visitors.
The park features nearly 30 miles of trail covering the park’s 1800 acres size. These trails have interesting names recalling the area’s logging history. Mountain bike trails are also a big thing in this park, with a boating 15 miles of trails for all skill levels of mountain bike trails.
Stub Stewart offers year-round camping with 78 full hookup RV sites, 12 walk-in tent sites with parking and water nearby, a playground on the east loop, a three-hole beginner disc golf course, and flush toilets and showers.
Campers who are not staying the night and staying at the day-use should pay a $5 fee.
Conclusion
Each campground has its different charms and beauties to offer. Honestly, all of them are great campgrounds to spend your vacation time alone or with your friends and family. They are also perfect for bringing yourself closer to nature as most of these campsites lie in the heart of the woods or near lakes, rivers, and beaches. Never miss out on your trip and visit these campgrounds to see for yourself.
