Oregon Camping Destinations: Our Top 5
Oregon is consistently ranked as one of the top states in the U.S. for camping. With a vast array of natural scenery, including lush, green forests and valleys, snowy mountains, hot springs, beautiful deserts, a dramatic coastline, and crystal-clear lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, it’s easy to understand why. Temperate weather, countless outdoor activities, bountiful produce, and kind, welcoming people only add to the unforgettable experience of camping in Oregon. But where to begin your Oregon camping adventures? Below are our top five Oregon camping destinations to help inspire your travels.
Introduction to Oregon Camping Destinations
When it comes to Oregon camping destinations, your options are endless! The Oregon State Parks system, which includes 255 parks, is one of the most popular in the United States. Many, though not all of these parks are open to campers. Then you have five Oregon national park sites and 11 national monuments to explore. Additionally, Oregon is home to a large number of RV parks, for those who prefer more convenient, comfortable camping. Essentially, Oregon has a destination and lodging option for each and every style of camper.
Our Top 5 Oregon Camping Destinations
With so many incredible and diverse camping options around the state, it’s tough to narrow it down, but we’ve highlighted our top five standout destinations for you below:
#5: Bend, Oregon
If you are a fair-weather camper, the Bend area in Central Oregon is a great destination (during the summer), boasting the highest average days of sunshine per year. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, lakes, and biking and hiking trails, outdoor enthusiasts will have access to plenty of exciting activities to keep them busy during their trip. For those who prefer to sit back and relax, Bend is also home to a plethora of craft breweries and a lively culinary scene. In the summertime, Bend campers flock to the Deschutes River to float through town in the sunshine.
#4: Smith Rock State Park
Another one of our favorite Central Oregon camping destinations is Smith Rock State Park, located in the high desert. The sheer cliffs of Smith Rock make it an ideal place for rock climbing, suitable for a wide range of experience levels. There are also plenty of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails around the park. While exploring keep an eye out for wildlife such as golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otters, and beavers. The nearby Bivy Campground is a great year-round, walk-in campground – but keep in mind that it’s only available on a first-come-first-served basis and can fill up quickly on weekends and in the summer.
#3: Crater Lake
In Southern Oregon, Crater Lake reigns supreme as far as popular camping destinations go. Crater Lake is actually the only true national park in Oregon. The perfectly blue Crater Lake is the deepest lake in America and one of the deepest on earth! It’s a memorable place for a swim in the summer. Then you have the surrounding, 2,000 ft high cliffs of the volcanic crater, which makes for an incredible sight and steep hiking. The park is also home to many incredible old-growth forests. It’s important to note that due to the lake’s high elevation, the climate can change quickly and extreme weather is common during the winter season.
#2: The Oregon Coast
Thanks to the landmark 1967 Oregon Beach Bill, all 362 miles of Oregon coastline are open to the public… and almost all beaches are also dog-friendly! Driving up or down U.S. Route 101 along the Oregon Coast, you’ll discover quaint towns, isolated beaches, dramatic rock arches, hiking trails, dunes, shipwrecks, haunted lighthouses, aquariums, and much more. There are plenty of camping options available along the Oregon coastline, including a large number of state parks.
#1: Silver Falls State Park and Silverton, Oregon!
Last, but certainly not least, our personal favorite camping spot is Silverton, Oregon, and Silver Falls State Park. We aren’t alone in highlighting this one-of-a-kind destination: the park is referred to by many as “the Crown Jewel of Oregon”. The park’s majestic Trail of Ten Falls is world-renowned and meanders through dense forest landscape, passing by and even behind multiple waterfalls over 100 feet tall. In addition to the popular Trail of Ten Falls, the park has over 35 miles of back-country trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Furthermore, the park’s day-use area includes spacious lawns, barbecue stands, picnic shelters and tables, a playground, horseshoe pits, an off-lead area for dogs, and a charming creek — the perfect place to host a gathering or enjoy the outdoors with your loved ones.
Located less than an hour from Portland, Oregon, and only 20 miles from Salem, Silverton makes for an easily accessible camping destination. Furthermore, the weather in the area is temperate, so the park is not only open but equally beautiful, throughout all four seasons of the year. Finally, highly-rated Silverton lodging, just a short drive from the park, makes for comfortable and convenient camping.
Your Next Oregon Camping Destination
Are you ready to start adventuring in Oregon? Silver Spur RV Park & Resort in Silverton, Oregon is a great place to start. With full-hookup RV sites, authentic teepee camping, and a cozy cabin for rent, we offer comfortable, year-round accommodation options for all types of campers. We also offer luxurious facilities and amenities – including a swimming pool, jacuzzi, game room, main lodge, and more — that set us apart from many other camping destinations in Oregon. Beyond adventures at nearby Silver Falls State Park, there is so much more to do and see in Silverton and the surrounding areas.
Call us at (503) 873-2020 or make a reservation online today and we’ll prove to you that Silverton is one of the best camping destinations in Oregon!
