Camping Off the Grid: Oregon’s Top Dispersed Campsites for 2025
Navigating through the wild heart of Oregon, away from the tourist crowds and into the sweet solitude of nature can stir something powerful within you. There’s something supremely magical about noshing on some great Portland sourdough, heating up some real Dutch Bros. coffee over a campground stove, and being thoroughly swallowed up by the breathtaking wildlands of our beloved state. Here we go, discover the off-grid Oregon magic that fills our souls and mends our hearts—counting down the top 10 dispersed campsites of 2025.
1. Tumalo State Park
A mere stone’s throw from Bend’s famous Deschutes Brewery, Tumalo State Park promises a pristine experience on the banks of the Deschutes River. When the moon graces the night sky, nothing beats a dinner of local smoked salmon from Newport Avenue Market with Tumalo’s whispering wind as your soundtrack.2. Steens Mountain Wilderness
Calling all you adventurous souls! Steens Mountain is a high desert treasure filled with sweeping plateaus, fragrant sagebrush, and jaw-dropping gorges. Before heading up, make sure to swing by Burns, a small town nearby, for your last-minute supplies. The Steens Grocery offers everything you might need, from firewood to the latest fishing gear.
3. Cottonwood Canyon State Park
It’s hard to feel anything but peace in Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Nestled near the John Day River, this park is a haven for wildlife spotting and stargazing. Don’t forget to pack your telescope from OMSI’s gift shop—it’s the perfect place for some amateur astronomy.4. Mt. Hood National Forest
Close to Portland yet far from city noise, Mt. Hood National Forest offers many dispersed sites with magnificent mountain views. After visiting one of the local farmers’ markets such as Montavilla Farmers Market or Hillsdale Farmers Market, camp near Trillium Lake and take in the stunning reflection of Mt. Hood in its calm waters.5. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Oregon’s Central Coast hides a gem: Cape Perpetua. From high tide pools to lush forest, every nature lover will find a corner to call their own. Load up on fresh seafood in Newport’s Historic Bayfront before your trip—you won’t regret it!6. Alvord Desert
A complete climate switch-up, the Alvord Desert is an expansive, lunar-like playground. Make sure to check out Fields Station on the way—it’s the ultimate stop for burgers or their famous milkshakes. Star-gazing here turns magical with no light pollution to interfere with the brilliance of the night sky.7. Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
This diverse and enchanting expanse of wilderness is a camper’s paradise, where the famous Rogue Waterfalls are not-to-be-missed spectacle. Gold Beach Books in the nearby coastal town is a great stop to pick up a novel for those quiet campfire evenings.8. Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge
Famous for spotting spectacular wildlife, Hart Mountain boasts stunning, wide-open landscapes that will make you feel truly off-grid. Be sure to hit up the Plush General Store for all your camping essentials—they have everything you need for your outdoor adventure.9. Waldo Lake Wilderness
As one of the purest lakes in Oregon, Waldo Lake offers serene camping spots along its crystal clear water. On your way, Eugene’s Fifth Street Public Market has amazing local produce and artisan goods to add a gourmet touch to your camping meals.10. Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
At the crossroads of the Cascade, Klamath, and Siskiyou mountain ranges, this biologically diverse area offers plenty of remote camping spots with extraordinary scenery. Head to Ashland’s Growler Guys for craft beer on tap before setting up camp under the majestic Oregon stars.Camping in Oregon—whether in the depths of the wilderness or by the rush of a meandering river, alongside a silent mountain lake or on the edge of a blooming desert—it’s a practice in solace, in serenity, in returning to the heart of what Oregon truly is about. And remember, wherever you wind up in this great, wild state of ours, always leave it as you found it. Camp responsibly and revel in the wild beauty of our clear Oregon skies. Happy camping, my fellow Oregonians!