Camping in Western Oregon
A Guide to Campgrounds Along the Oregon Coast and Cascades
Enjoy the splendor of Oregon's scenic beauty, from the Oregon Coast to the Cascade Mountains, by staying at one of its many state park campgrounds.
Camping in Oregon is as easy as picking your location, packing your tent and warm clothes and driving to the location. Most campgrounds are equipped with restrooms, some even boast showers. Half of Oregon’s State Campgrounds are first come, first served while the other half accept reservations in advance. During the peak summer months, make sure to call the campground to ensure you have a place to stay. If tent camping is not appealing or appropriate, try using one of the many yurts, cabins or teepees available at many state parks. Yurts sleep up to 5 adults, include a futon sofa, bunk bed, heat, electricity, a skylight and a door, which locks. Pets are not allowed in the yurt but can stay outside. Just bring bedding, food and dishes and you are ready to go yurt camping. Yurts are available year round. Teepees are similar to yurts but are only available in late spring through fall, and are only located at two Oregon State Parks in Eastern Oregon.
Here are examples of several Oregon campgrounds to explore and enjoy:
Jessie M. Honeyman State Park is located 3 miles south of Florence on the central Oregon Coast. The park is located several miles away from the beach, within the Oregon sand dunes. There are two fresh water lakes available for fishing, boating and swimming. Services and amenities include nature programs, interpretive events, bird watching, showers and walking trails. This park is the 2nd largest campground in Oregon.
Detroit Lake State Recreation Area is home to the Detroit Lake State Campground, situated along part of the lake’s 32 miles of shoreline. Some sites are located right along the shore. Imagine waking up to the lapping lake waves glistening in the sun, or views of the magnificent Mt. Jefferson. Detroit Lake, or rather reservoir, is 400 feet deep and nine miles long. Fishing, boating, swimming and water skiing are many of the recreation options available at the park. The Detroit Lake State Campground is open from March 1 through November 28. Celebrate the 4th of July by enjoying the fireworks show over the lake, which happens the weekend before the holiday. The lake’s only public boat launch is located 1.5 miles west of the campground, at Mongold Day Use Area, which also includes a designated swimming area.
Perhaps one of the most beautiful places for a campground is Cape Perpetua, located on the Oregon Coast between Florence and Yachats. The Cape Perpetua Campground is open from May until September, and usually heavily used. The campground is nestled amongst the old growth, below the towering cape, named the highest point along the Oregon Coast. Hike the Saint Perpetua trail, a swayback trail rising from 100 – 800 feet, reaching the top of the cape. During the gray whale migration along the coastline, view the whales from atop the cape. Watch for the blows before they dive below. Take the hiking trail to the Giant Spruce, following the meandering stream or take a walk to view the tide pools.
