5 Oregon Campgrounds: Hikeable Canyons, Historic Homes & Old Fashioned Lighthouses

From beaches to backpacking, the Oregon State Parks Department provides outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations.

1) Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Cottonwood Canyon State Park is rugged and vast, from the vertical cliffs carved by the John Day River to deep side canyons and arid, rocky grasslands that extend for miles in all directions. The park’s 8,000-plus acres are open for exploring, stargazing and contemplating the elemental forces that carved this unique landscape.

The Pinnacles Trail and the Lost Corral Trail, each 4.3 miles one way, follow either side of the John Day River downstream. The Lost Corral Trail, leaving from JS Burres, is open to both hikers, bikers and equestrians. The Pinnacles Trail, leaving from the end of the campground, is open to bikers and hikers.
Upstream, the Hard Stone Trail travels 1.5 miles one way and open to foot traffic only. Or, you can strike out on your own along old, ranching roads that lead into the back country.

The J.S. Burres day-use area is a popular boat launch for rafts, kayaks, canoes and drift boats. If you’re an angler, the John Day River has steelhead, catfish, carp and small mouth bass. As an added bonus, there’s another 10,000 acres of public land surrounding the park managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

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2) Tumalo State Park

Nestled in the heart of sunny central Oregon, Tumalo rests along Oregon's spectacular Deschutes River. The campground is simultaneously close enough to the town of Bend to make an quick jaunt to the grocery store, but far enough away to escape the commotion. Its location makes it an ideal stepping stone for any type of outdoor activity you could possibly dream of: lush green golf courses, clear blue-ribbon trout steams, pristine alpine lakes, miles upon miles of challenging yet scenic hiking and mountain bike trails, and of course the Cascade Mountains are all within easy reach.

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3) Fall Creek State Recreation Area

Cascara campground, on the upper end of the Fall Creek Arm of the lake, is tucked away amid towering Douglas fir trees. This rustic campground offers 39 campsites, vault toilets, potable water, a launch ramp and swim area. The first come, first served campsites are private, with many having views of the lake. Looking for a place to camp with your group?

A lake front reservable RV group camp, Fisherman's Point, is just across the road from Cascara campground.And if you want to get out on the reservoir for the day, check out one of the five day-use areas. Winberry, with its two-lane boat ramp and parking for more than 100 cars and 150 boat trailers, is the largest. It features flush restrooms, a swim dock and swim beach, and picnic areas and fire rings. There is a day use fee at Winberry.

"Oregon's been hitting the family-friendly camping nail on the head since the 1950s, and happily, we've been growing and changing with the times ever since. Whether you want to pitch a tent, grab a yurt, or park an RV, you can find an Oregon State Park to fit your style every month of the year. For people who like a more relaxed feel, you can still find great camping in fall, winter and spring," Chris Havel, Oregon State Parks Department.

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4) Frenchglen Hotel State Heritage Site

Frenchglen Hotel is a small slice of peace and quiet in southeastern Oregon at the gateway to the mighty Steens Mountain. You don't need to drive to the Sierra Nevada or Montana to get that glorious wide-open sky feeling. Come and enjoy the history and unique beauty of this timeless piece of Oregon history.

Much like stagecoach travelers of the early 20th Century, you can stay in one of the hotel's rustic rooms. The dining room and lobby are great places to meet and get to know your fellow travelers. And like the olden days, the restrooms are down the hall.

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5) Bullards Beach State Park

Bullards Beach is a large, family-oriented park located just two miles north of Bandon. The campground is nestled among shore pines and protected from the strong ocean breezes. The park offers three loops of campsites, all of which are equipped with at least water and electrical hook-ups.

In addition, the park boasts thirteen Yurts (three of which are pet-friendly), making year-round camping a very popular choice. The horse camp features access to the beach and dunes for our equestrian campers. A refurbished hiker/ biker camp offers storage lockers that contain solar powered USB charging ports for electronic devices. Well known for excellent fishing and crabbing opportunities on the Coquille River, our boat launch facilities remain busy during the summer and fall seasons.

From the registration booth in the campground, take a walk or bike ride on the mostly paved pathway to the beach (a little more than a mile). The path weaves through the open, grassy fields and lowland forest across a plain to the sandy dunes. All along the path are views of the Coquille River. Across the river is Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, sporting a variety of wildlife.

The historic Coquille River Lighthouse is located at the end of the beach access road in the park. It's staffed from mid-May through the end of September with park volunteers who interpret the history of the area. From this point, there are 4.5 miles of open beach to explore. Bring your mountain bike to ride along the hard-packed sand along the edge of the surf, or just enjoy a leisurely stroll along the ocean shore. And there's more nearby. Across the river is Bandon by the Sea. Visit a variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants in the town that is called "The Cranberry Capitol of the World," as well as the "The Storm Watching Capitol of the World." Learn the legend of Face Rock and access miles of shoreline at our day-use state parks on Beach Loop Drive.

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Photos & Images via Oregon State Parks Department