Oregon is a camper’s dream, blending rugged coasts, misty forests, and volcanic peaks into one vast natural playground. From quiet alpine lakes to dramatic ocean bluffs, this Pacific Northwest gem offers every kind of wilderness experience imaginable. Whether you crave solitude under ancient pines or a campsite near rushing waterfalls, Oregon’s beauty never disappoints. Here are twenty stunning destinations where you can pitch your tent and truly feel alive.
1. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake, Oregon’s crown jewel, formed in the caldera of an ancient volcano, is the deepest lake in the U.S. Its stunning blue water draws campers from around the world. Mazama Campground sits among towering pines, offering easy access to the Rim Drive’s scenic overlooks. Hike down to Cleetwood Cove for a swim in the icy lake or join a ranger-led talk under a brilliant canopy of stars.
2. Silver Falls State Park
Nicknamed the crown jewel of Oregon State Parks, Silver Falls is a wonderland of cascading water and mossy trails. The Trail of Ten Falls loops through a lush canyon, letting you walk behind thunderous waterfalls like South Falls. The spacious campground includes sites for tents and RVs, surrounded by Douglas firs. The park’s blend of tranquility and dramatic scenery makes it ideal for families and photographers.
3. Cape Lookout State Park
Perched on a forested peninsula stretching into the Pacific, Cape Lookout offers dramatic ocean views and soothing wave sounds. Campsites are nestled beneath towering spruce trees just steps from the beach. Spend your day hiking to the cape’s tip for whale sightings or beachcombing for shells at low tide. The golden sunsets and sea breeze create the perfect atmosphere for peaceful coastal camping.
4. Wallowa Lake State Park
Surrounded by snow-capped peaks known as the Alps of Oregon, Wallowa Lake is a pristine mountain escape. Its clear waters are perfect for kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding, while nearby trails lead to breathtaking alpine meadows. The campground offers well-kept sites with lake access and spectacular mountain views. At dusk, watch the alpenglow reflect off the peaks as campfires flicker around the lakeshore.
5. Smith Rock State Park
In central Oregon’s high desert, Smith Rock’s sheer cliffs rise dramatically from the Crooked River. It’s a world-class rock climbing destination, but also ideal for hikers and wildlife watchers. The Bivouac Campground sits on a ridge overlooking the canyon, offering minimalist sites with unbeatable sunrise views. As the sky turns orange over the basalt spires, you’ll understand why this spot defines Oregon adventure.
6. Lost Lake Campground
Hidden in the forests near Mount Hood, Lost Lake is one of Oregon’s most picturesque camping destinations. The mirrored surface of the lake perfectly reflects the snow-dusted peak, especially at sunrise. The campground features lakeside spots perfect for paddling, fishing, or simply soaking in the serenity. Evenings bring the soothing crackle of campfires and the distant call of loons echoing across still waters.
7. Alvord Desert
For a surreal camping experience, the Alvord Desert offers wide open silence under a sky that feels endless. This dry lakebed near the Steens Mountains lets you camp directly on the cracked earth, surrounded by dramatic desert scenery. Nights reveal some of the clearest stargazing in Oregon, untouched by city light. It’s a dream for solitude seekers and photographers chasing the perfect sunrise shot.
8. Cannon Beach RV Resort
While best known for its iconic Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach also offers cozy coastal camping. The RV resort sits minutes from the sand and downtown shops but feels worlds away once you’re settled among the evergreens. Spend the day exploring tide pools, flying kites, or hiking Ecola State Park’s cliffside trails. Evenings invite a stroll along the shoreline as the Pacific glows with fading sunlight.
9. Trillium Lake Campground
Just south of Mount Hood, Trillium Lake offers mirror-like reflections of Oregon’s tallest peak. The campground provides a peaceful alpine setting perfect for kayaking, swimming, or lounging on the lakeshore. Pine-scented breezes sweep across the water as snow-fed streams whisper nearby. With scenic trails circling the lake, it’s one of the most photogenic and family-friendly spots in the entire region.
10. Fort Stevens State Park
Located near the Columbia River’s mouth, Fort Stevens combines rich history with coastal adventure. The campground sits amid dunes and forests, close to the wreck of the Peter Iredale, a haunting shipwreck half-buried in sand. Visitors can explore old military bunkers, bike paved trails, or fish from the jetty. It’s a rare place where Oregon’s wild beauty meets echoes of the past.
11. Waldo Lake Wilderness
Nestled in the Cascade Range, Waldo Lake’s pure, sapphire water is so clear you can see 100 feet down. Campsites ring the shoreline, where non-motorized boating preserves the peaceful vibe. Paddle through misty mornings or explore forested trails that weave between lava outcroppings. With no nearby towns or noise, it’s an unmatched sanctuary for those craving total tranquility.
12. Mount Hood National Forest
This massive wilderness region offers dozens of campgrounds, from lakeside getaways to high elevation lookouts. Whether you’re camping near Timothy Lake or along the Clackamas River, Mount Hood looms majestically above. The area’s network of trails invites hikers, bikers, and backpackers alike. Even in midsummer, you’ll find patches of snow glittering under starlight, a true Oregon classic.
13. Nehalem Bay State Park
Set between the ocean and the bay, Nehalem Bay offers the perfect balance of beach adventure and calm waters. The campground lies behind sand dunes with easy access to the shoreline. Horseback riders can trot along the surf, while kayakers paddle the quiet bay. Bald eagles soar overhead, and the salty breeze carries the rhythm of the waves, coastal Oregon at its best.
14. Deschutes River State Recreation Area
This desert canyon along the Deschutes River is a paradise for anglers and rafters. Campsites line the riverbank, shaded by cottonwoods that rustle softly in the wind. The area’s trails climb through volcanic hills, offering sweeping views of golden cliffs. With warm evenings, starry skies, and the sound of rushing water, it’s a favorite stop for anyone exploring eastern Oregon.
15. Beverly Beach State Park
Nestled between forested cliffs, Beverly Beach feels like a hidden gem along the central coast. The campground’s tent sites are tucked under wind-sculpted pines just a short walk from the sand. Explore tide pools, visit the nearby Oregon Coast Aquarium, or simply listen to the ocean as you drift to sleep. It’s a family-friendly haven that captures Oregon’s coastal charm perfectly.
16. Sparks Lake
High in the Cascades near Bend, Sparks Lake combines alpine beauty with volcanic mystery. The wide, shallow waters reflect the South Sister and Broken Top mountains like a painting. Dispersed camping allows solitude amid lava rocks and meadows of wildflowers. Kayaking at dawn, when mist floats above the lake, is pure Oregon magic, peaceful, wild, and unforgettable.
17. Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park
Located near Florence, this park blends freshwater dunes, coastal forest, and two scenic lakes. The campground is huge yet serene, with access to miles of sandy trails and swimming areas. Rent a kayak to explore Cleawox Lake or climb the dunes for panoramic views. It’s a perfect mix of adventure and comfort, ideal for families or first-time campers.
18. Umpqua Hot Springs Campground
Tucked deep in the forest near the North Umpqua River, this campground leads to natural hot springs overlooking a rushing gorge. After a day of hiking, soak in the mineral pools while the forest hums around you. The campsites are rustic, but the setting is pure serenity. It’s a rejuvenating spot that feels like Oregon’s wild heart healing, hidden, and unforgettable.
19. Ochoco National Forest
In central Oregon’s rolling high desert, Ochoco National Forest offers peaceful camping under open skies. The forest’s mix of pine, juniper, and rugged cliffs makes it ideal for stargazing and solitude. Trails lead to hidden waterfalls and scenic lookouts with sweeping views. It’s a quiet, underrated destination for those seeking space, silence, and unspoiled natural beauty.
20. Mount Jefferson Wilderness
This rugged alpine wonderland challenges campers to embrace true wilderness. Lakes shimmer at the base of snow-dusted peaks, while trails wind through meadows bursting with wildflowers. Permits are required to limit visitors, preserving its fragile beauty. Camp beside Pamelia Lake or hike to Jefferson Park for stunning views of Oregon’s second-highest peak, a perfect finale for a true outdoor explorer.
