The Beaver State has beautiful landscapes and locations, and there are plenty of options for camping in the state. From the Oregon Coast across to the national forests and vast bodies of water, there are many campgrounds and campsites to choose from. This article will cover what you need to know for camping in Oregon.
Where to camp in Oregon
Oregon is one of the few states that offers dispersed camping, where campers do not have to pay a fee or grab a permit to camp in Oregon’s State Forests all year round. However, campers are still bound by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) regulations, so there can be no campfires or charcoal barbecues on dispersed campsites during the fire-risk seasons. In these area, there are no maps to navigate, so don’t go ahead and camp dispersed if you’ve never camped before or are new to camping, even though ODF have started creating marked out clearings for dispersed camping. Oregon State Parks that you can camp at include Cap Lookout State Park, Umpqua Lighthouse state park, Harris beach State Park, Sunset Bay state park, South Beach state park, Fort Stevens state park, Bullards Beach state park. Each of these state parks have campgrounds and campsites, take a look and see which area has what you need. There are a lot of national forests you can camp in, these include Willamette, Siuslaw, Deschutes, Umpqua and Wallowa Whitman.
What to pack for camping in Oregon
There are essential items to pack into your inventory that carry across all types of camper. However, there are specifics too. If you are a hiker/backpacker who is always on the move, and maybe pitching up for just one nighters on your journey, you’ll need a lightweight tent to ease up your carry. The Tentsile UNA 1-erson Tree Tent is the perfect choice, as it’s incredibly comfortable and quick to set up. Much faster than a traditional tent. If you’re not sleeping and just resting up, the T-Mini 2 Person double camping hammock is just like the UNA, light, quick to set up, and super comfortable.
For the backcountry campers, who require a hub for their base camp. Something a little more sturdy to hold up multiple days and nights no matter the weather or terrain, then a heavy-duty tent will do the job. The Safari Connect 2-Person Tree Tent is made of the most durable materials, and takes no time at all to set up. The suspension system that Tentsile Tree Tents have opens up the versatility of camping, and allows you to camp almost anywhere. Over water and on rocky terrain. The Safari range is heavy, so it’s best to split the carry weight amongst your team of campers, unless you are alone, then a vehicle is recommended.
Now for the beforementioned essentials; sleeping bags are a must, an all season sleeping bag will do you just right for Oregon across the year. A portable phone charger is important, as your phone will be your main GPS system as well as a way to call for help if necessary. Sunglasses are important when camping, even in winter. There’s nothing worse than sore eyes when you’re trying to relax. A first aid kit is a top priority, you never know when you’ll need it, but you should definitely have one. And finally, bring plenty of food and water.
What to consider before camping in Oregon
There are a few things to consider before camping in Oregon, that vary in severity. Look up rules and regulations for things like maximum stays, fires, ‘Leave no Trace’ guidance and anything else that is on the website about camping in Oregon, you can read this https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayDivisionRules.action?selectedDivision=2830 or take a look at a shorter list here https://www.oregon.gov/odf/recreation/pages/camp.aspx.
Ensure your safety by adhering to the guidance on the website previously mentioned, as well as learn basic camping safety procedures. For example, if you can light fires, ensure theya re kept to a handleable level and don’t get over fed. Avoid any dangerous animals by reading up on your area beforehand. And if you are camping in a public campground, keep your valuables safe by keeping them out of sight or on your person at all times.
Ensure your comfirt when camping and researcg were ameneites are located, such as washing machines for your clothes and showers to keep your hygiene in check. Also, trash cans, keep your environment clean and dispose of your waste!
Oregon camping tips
In Oregon there are many campsites and campgrounds, both dispersed and established. Before booking a slot at one, ensure you read their rules and regulations and confirm if its somewhere you want to spend your time. Check if the amenities you require are available. Get familiar with state rules when it comes to comping too. When you do find your desired location, ensure you book as far in advance as possible and consider the time you are booking. High season is during summer, so maybe it’s best for you to take the weather risk for a quitter camp in spring or fall. Pack in preparation for various weather, keep a close eye on weather forecasts closer to your leaving date so you know to take extra clothing.
FAQ
Where can you camp in Oregon?
Oregon has many options for camping, depending on your preferred style of camping you will lean more toward some places than others. However Oregon permits ‘Dispersed camping’ – meaning that campers don’t require a fee or a permit to camp in Oregon State Forests all year round. However, they are still bound by Oregon Department of Forestry regulations, such as no campfires or charcoal barbecues being allowed on dispersed campsites during fire-risk seasons.
Where is best to camp in Oregon?
Depending on how you like to camp, there are varying best ways. For the solo campers, a dispersed campground may be to your liking for a more primitive way of camping. For the groups, an establish campground in a state park would be great fun as you can interact and work with the other campers there.
When does the camping season start in Oregon?
Mid-June to July is the start of the summer, this is when people will tend to go camping as the weather starts to turn to the sunny!
