Oregon Camping Offers a Vast Range of RVing Choices

By RA Manseau

Portland Oregon Sign, Oregon Camping

Oregon camping accommodates a vast range of interest. From the salty west coast beaches and tide pools to the historic gold rush country, there are plenty of Oregon campgrounds to welcome you to this beautiful state.

The Oregon Coast Highway offers breathtaking scenery. From the mouth of the Columbia River, through the beautiful white sand dunes of central Oregon, to the lush coastal forest of southern Oregon, the views of the Pacific Ocean sunsets are breathtaking. All along this beautiful coastal route you will find hospitable Oregon campgrounds and public access parks.

Newport is situated along the central coast and is a great destination for your RV Oregon camping vacation. This area is the home of the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Oregon’s tallest lighthouse, Oregon’s only lighthouse still standing with living quarters attached along with some wonderful beaches.

Continue reading below

Five Tips & Hints to RV Oregon

Plan ahead and book your Oregon campsite online!
Oregon is divided into two regions by the Cascade Mountains. The western region contains the coastal mountain ranges and the extensive Williamette Valley. The eastern region contains the high plateau country and a rich agricultural area.
RV Oregon year round! Average seasonal temperatures in January through March range from 30.6 degrees to 43.2 and July through September temperatures are perfect - from 61.2 to 70.5 degrees.
For up-to-date Oregon traffic info visit TripCheck.com.
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and was formed more than 6,500 years ago! Be sure to make a stop to see it on your next Oregon camping trip.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is fun for all ages. Imagine large sharks, rock fish and bat rays swimming just a few feet away all around you. The Passages of the Deep are acrylic tunnels that allow the visitor to feel totally immersed in the deep without ever getting wet. This unique exhibit is just one of the marvelous underwater learning experiences that keep visitors coming back year after year.

Yaquina Bay lighthouse is open for tours and is very interesting. The lighthouse was built in 1871. It is the only lighthouse still standing on the Oregon coast that has the keepers quarters attached. The lighthouse is open to the public for tours, except for the lantern room, which is still in use.

Yaquina Head is a superlative natural area. The tallest lighthouse in Oregon is here and opens for tours. To climb the 1872 lighthouse, children must meet a height requirement for safety reasons. Yaquina has fabulous tide pools to explore and enjoy. Please, be careful not to step on plants or animals. This is a very FRAGILE environment.

As you explore beaches and coves, there are a few safety precautions that everyone should always pay heed to along the Pacific coast. First, always check the tide schedule ahead of time and plan your excursion so that you do not get stranded by high tides. Tide schedules are usually printed in the local news papers. Second, never turn your back on the ocean! The waves are unpredictable and sneaker waves can pull you out to sea. Third, before swimming at any beach that does not have life guards on duty, do a little research and make sure that it is not prone to undertows. Also, never swim alone. For a more complete beach safety guide consult the Oregon Coast Visitors Association.

RV Oregon to the southern section and discover Ashland. This is the home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival that is celebrated each June, an annual event started in 1935. Ashland has over thirty art galleries. This, coupled with the numerous acting groups and theaters, has earned Ashland a place on the list of “Best Small Arts Towns of America.” In addition to all the art, it is home to the ScienceWorks Museum which is a great place to take the whole family. They have hands-on exhibits for even the youngest scientist in your family to explore, learn and marvel. This museum is receiving national acclamation. Ashland is also in Oregon’s wine country. And, if you want a little more thrill and excitement in your Oregon camping vacation, Ashland is also a perfect base for playing at Emigrant Lake or taking a whitewater or kayaking trip on the river. Ashland could easily fill your whole vacation without ever giving you time to get bored.

Crater Lake National Park, RV Oregon

RV Oregon to the north of Ashland and you will find the Cascade Mountains. High in the Cascades you will find Crater Lake. This is one of the deepest lakes in the world. The lake and surrounding tree line is awe inspiring. There are over 90 miles of hiking trails in the area. Fishing and scuba diving are superb. The lake area is shrouded in winter snow from mid-October til mid-June leaving a very short summertime window for the average visitor to enjoy the park; however, for those that choose to brave the winter snow, cross country skiing and camping are permitted. The park roads are closed most of the winter due to the fact that the average annual snow fall is 533 inches. Crater Lake National Park has some restrictions on where you can hike. Fishing and scuba diving require permits.

Historic Baker County in eastern Oregon is a wonderful place to settle into an Oregon campground. Whether you are looking for the peace and quite of hiking in the back country or the thrill of white water sport on the Snake River, Baker County will accommodate. The area was the center of the Oregon gold rush in the late 1800’s and if the buildings could talk they would surely have some wild tales for us. Baker is majestic mountains, beautiful valleys and rich history. Who could ask for more?

The State of Oregon offers the RV camper a long list of activities and sites for the whole family’s entertainment. Oregon campgrounds are friendly and plentiful. This state will help your family build memories that last a life time.