The Best Oregon State Parks for Tent Camping
Ah, Oregon – land of endless skies, lush wilderness, majestic mountains, and the kind of crystal-clear, starlit nights that city dwellers only dream about. Locals know there’s no better way to truly experience the Beaver State’s natural beauty than by immersing oneself in it—pitching a tent, starting a crackling fire, and letting the lulling sounds of nature be the soundtrack to your bedtime stories. Here are the best state parks for just such an adventure:
1. Silver Falls State Park
Situated in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Silver Falls offers 35 miles of backcountry trails, perfect for the hiking enthusiast. Campers can cozy up in any of the park’s 52 tent sites, all within walking distance of South Falls, a magnificent 177-foot waterfall.2. Fort Stevens State Park
History and nature intertwine beautifully at Fort Stevens. This park’s camping grounds by Astoria offer more than 400 tent spots, nestled lusciously between the Pacific Ocean and freshwater lakes. Don’t forget to explore the shipwreck of the Peter Iredale and the historic military fort.
3. Nehalem Bay State Park
For beach lovers, Nehalem Bay State Park is a paradise. Its campground accommodates tent campsites and offers panoramic views of the bay and the Pacific Ocean. Local tip: Keep an eye out for gray whales as they migrate in fall and spring.4. Tumalo State Park
Tumalo offers exceptional tent camping near Bend, with its campground nestled against the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains and the glorious Deschutes River. Worth trying: Go floating down the lazy river, an experience you’ll remember sweetly.5. Cape Lookout State Park
Set on a sand spit between the Pacific Ocean and Netarts Bay, Cape Lookout is perfect for pinch-me-I’m-dreaming-style beach camping. Stop by The Schooner, a locally revered seafood restaurant, for an unforgettable meal before your stay.6. Cape Blanco State Park
Located on a wind-swept coastline, Cape Blanco is the westernmost park in Oregon. Offering spectacular ocean views, it houses the historic Cape Blanco Lighthouse. The campground, with plenty of tent sites, is a beautiful 1.5-mile hike from the lighthouse.7. Harris Beach State Park
Right along the Southern Oregon Coast, Harris Beach boasts some of the most stunning sea stacks in the state and views of the California border from its 152 tent campsites. Look out for tufted puffins cavorting on Goat Island, a bird sanctuary.8. Trillium Lake Campground
Near the base of Mt. Hood, the Trillium Lake Campground offers some of the best mountain views in the state from its ample tent campsites. Perfect for fishing and boating, or exploring the nearby Timberline Lodge, a national historic landmark.9. Champoeg State Heritage Area
Champoeg offers a blend of lush oak savannahs and riverside camping. Its campgrounds boast 50 tent sites and 6 cabins—a handy option if inclement weather is on the horizon. Don’t skip the Newell House, a museum that chronicles Oregon’s early history.10. Wallowa Lake State Park
Nestled in Oregon’s northeastern corner, beautiful Wallowa Lake offers an alpine experience unlike any other in the state. Set up camp in one of the 121 tent sites and spend the day exploring nearby Joseph, a charming, artsy town full of bronze foundries and art galleries.Stay warm, pack a map, and don’t forget that Oregonians leave no trace. The last thing you’ll want is to pack up your tent and leave these stunning locales behind, but remember—an authentic love for Oregon means preserving these natural wonders for future adventurers to enjoy. Happy camping!