Best Camping in Oregon

Oregon's camping options span Crater Lake's rimside campgrounds, Silver Falls State Park's canyon, the Wallowa Lakes alpine setting, and the dispersed high desert of Steens Mountain.

Crater Lake: Mazama Campground
Oregon's most popular national park campground — 213 sites in the caldera's southern rim forest. The proximity to the lake and the Rim Drive is the draw; campsites fill by midday in summer (reserve well in advance). The campground sits at 6,000 feet — nights are cool even in August. The Crater Lake viewpoints are a 5-minute drive.

Silver Falls State Park
Oregon's most popular state park campground — 104 sites in a forested canyon within walking distance of the Trail of Ten Falls. The park has equestrian camping as well. The October fall foliage in the canyon is extraordinary.

Wallowa Lake State Park
In the Wallowas at the foot of the lake — camping steps from the glacial lake with mountain peaks above. The park has 121 full-hookup sites and 88 tent sites. The gondola to Mount Howard summit is nearby; horse packing into the Eagle Cap Wilderness starts from Wallowa Lake.

Alvord Desert / Steens Mountain Dispersed Camping
BLM dispersed camping on and around Steens Mountain — the Page Springs Campground (at the foot of the Steens south of Frenchglen) is the main hub. Primitive dispersed camping on the Steens Mountain Loop Road (high clearance vehicle recommended above 8,000 ft) gives access to Kiger Gorge and the summit.

Smith Rock State Park
Bivouac camping only at the Bivy site (walk-in camping) below the rock formations — basic but spectacular. Sites overlook the Crooked River canyon and the Monkey Face formation. The site fills with climbers; reserve months in advance. The surrounding Redmond high desert in early morning is excellent.