To make our list the camping experience had to be considered phenomenal and include; a serene environment with a picturesque camping backdrop, offer amenities for both children and adults, it had to be found clean, well-kept, safe, secure and offer additional scenic features and attractions nearby, with easy access.
Alpine Camping
Detroit Lake
Move over Lake Cuomo, because Oregon's Detroit Lake, a sparkling little gem in the Cascade Mountains offers a NW twist on lakeside luxury with a pristine alpine lake backdrop and all the bells and whistles either on the lake or within a short walking distance to one of it's many beautiful shorelines.
The lake itself is over nine miles long and has over 30 miles of sandy shoreline framed by towering Fir Trees and offers exceptional water sports of all kinds including; boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming and all types of personal watercraft.
Accommodations range from true "tent" camping sites, yurt and cabin rentals to motel and private rental accommodations.
For Recreation, Lodging and Shopping consider:
For State Park Campgrounds consider:
For U.S. Forest Service Campgrounds consider:
Kane's Marina is a fabulous resource for all your RV and Boating needs:
In addition to: Memorial Day Weekend, Independence Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend, Detroit Lake celebrates the following annual events;
Sailing Regatta
Detroit Lake Cruise-in Classic Car Rally
Army Core of Engineers Water Graph: Water Level Graph
Click Here for detailed information regarding Detroit Lake State Park.
Cooper Spur Mountain Resort
Cooper Spur Mountain Resort is a mountain lodge and resort specializing in family vacations, weddings, retreats and group events. Located on the magnificent north side of Mt. Hood and set in the midst of the beautiful Mt. Hood National Forest, their lodge is surrounded by pine trees with views of three different mountain peaks.
Just 23 miles south of Hood River, Oregon, and 12 miles from Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort is ideal for those seeking year round mountain adventures. It's a quick and easy 90 minute drive from Portland, yet is secluded to allow guests to remove themselves from their stressful daily lives and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Accommodations include hotel rooms and 2-bedroom condos in their mountain lodge, the Homestead Cabin, 2-bedroom cabins, and a 4-bedroom log home (perfect for large families or corporate retreats). The peeled log structures present a charm and elegance you would expect in this mountain environment. All units have fireplaces with the exception of their lodge hotel rooms. All of their units also have micro-wave ovens and refrigerators so guests can prepare meals and snacks in their rooms as well.
Guests at Cooper Spur Mountain Resort can dine in their restaurant - open evenings this summer at 4:30 PM for family-style buffet dining. Click here to find out more about this unique resort and to book your reservation!
Crater Lake
Crater Lake has inspired people for hundreds of years. No place else on earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in color; sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past. It is a place of immeasurable beauty, and an outstanding outdoor laboratory and classroom.
Find lodging at the historic Crater Lake Lodge or in one of the peaceful cabins or campgrounds at Mazama Village. Either way you will be surrounded by an authentic rustic northwest atmosphere. Enjoy morning coffee as you watch the sun rise over the lake, or spend a quiet evening relaxing by the fireplace. Spend your days gazing at the lake from more than 20 scenic overlooks during a breathtaking trip around Crater Lake on Rim Drive.
Click Here for a link to a place you'll find is like no other!
Elk Lake
Elk Lake is truly an ALL SEASON oasis. In the winter months do you find yourself with excess energy? Picture snow shoeing in to pickup the keys to your cabin or if you find yourself a little winded, imagine hitching a snow mobile, dog sled or snow cat ride in to your cabin. And in the spring/summer months when the snow has melted drive your car up to stellar cabin accomodations on this magnificent alpine lake. Click Here for more details.
Odell Lake
Located in high cascades of Klamath County, Oregon, Odell Lake is one of the largest lakes in Oregon. Fishermen will revel in the lake's population of bull trout, lake trout, rainbow trout, whitefish and kokanee. The six-mile long lake is surrounded by a spectacular array of spruce, hemlock, fir and pine trees. Campers can opt to park the RV at Princess Creek, Odell Creek or Trapper Creek, all offering paved roads and fireplaces. Odell Lake Lodge features a small store, fishing tackle, boat rental and guide services.
Paulina Lake Lodge
Located in the Deschutes National Forest, Paula Lake Lodge is complete Summer and Winter family resort. Their rustic lodge is set on the shore of Paulina Lake, inside world famous Newberry Crater, a lake formed by ancient volcanic activity in the caldera of Mt. Newberry.
Paulina Lodge's experienced staff is anxious to offer advice on where to go and how to hook up for the best fishing. They have rental boats and motors, moorage, gas and oil to keep any boating enthusiast out doing what they love best.
A general store stocked with groceries, sundries, beverages and fishing licenses is available for those last second items and a complete tackle and bait shop are supplied exclusively for their guests.
Stop into the Lodge for a bite to eat from their restaurant, complete with bar and coffee barista its sure to impress even the most seasoned of travelers.
As the name inplies, Paulina Lake Lodge also offers rental cabins for those who like to experience the outdoors without leaving the comfort of home. A recreational paradise for fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, or just plain loafing!
So much awaits you at majestic Paulina Lake, for a better idea of who they are and what they offer browse their site at: www.paulinalakelodge
Sheltered Cove
Shelter Cove Resort & Marina located on the majestic and beautiful Odell Lake. Odell Lake is one of Oregon's largest natural lakes located high in the breath taking central Oregon Cascades. Here at Shelter Cove Resort & Marina you will enjoy a majestic stay in one of our many lodging or camping opportunities.
Shelter Cove Resort & Marina is an "All Season Resort" offering an array of activities from snow skiing to water skiing and some of the best fishing in the northwest. Shelter Cove has all your lodging needs covered whether you have an RV and need hookups, or have a tent and need solitude, or a majestic yet rustic cabin, or even our fully equiped Kokanee Lodge.
All 13 lake front cabins are comfortably furnished with kitchens, towels, and bedding to accommodate 2 to 10 people. Five of the Odell Lake front cabins structures are log. One of the Odell lake cabins is more than 90 years old!! All cabins have modern facilities and two sources of heat. Wood is provided for the 3 Odell Lake cabins that have wood burning stoves. All of Shelter Cove's cabins are nestled among the fir trees along the south shore of Odell Lake.
Enjoy Oregon's famous Odell Lake and see what everyone is talking about. Just 2 miles off Highway 58 Willamette Pass, and just 60 miles southeast of Eugene Oregon, on beautiful Odell Lake. Enjoy the mountains, the lake, and some of natures most scenic beauty. Click Here for a link to make a reservation now!
Coastal Camping
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park - 6 miles South of Reedsport, Oregon
Located less than a mile from the famous Salmon Harbor on Winchester Bay, the campground and developed day use areas are centered around beautiful Lake Marie. Access to this small freshwater lake is provided for angling and non-motorized boating. There is also a small sandy beach set aside for swimming or just relaxing.
The small overnight campground offers RV and tent campsites, along with two beautiful one-room log cabins. These warm and cozy cabins sleep four comfortably. They also have covered porches which overlook picturesque Lake Marie. Two rustic yurts and six deluxe yurts are also available in the campground (the deluxe yurts feature restrooms, a kitchenette, TV/VCR and beds). Showers and restrooms are centrally located. This beautiful and quiet campground has yet to be discovered by crowds of camping enthusiasts.
The park is centered in the stretch of towering sand dunes protected by the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. These dunes, many of which reach heights of 500 feet or more, are ideal for the off-road enthusiast, or for the person who enjoys the magnificent wonders of nature. For more information about the dunes and the recreational opportunities offered, contact the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area visitor center in nearby Reedsport or call (541) 271-3611.
The Umpqua River Lighthouse towers above the entrance to Winchester Bay. The 65-foot tower contains a distinctive lens which emits a red and white flash. The lighthouse and adjacent museum are operated and maintained by the Douglas County Parks Department. Tours are offered May 1 through September 30. Click Here for more detailed information.
Nearby Attractions
Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park - 12 miles North of Florence, Oregon
Located on the east side of Highway 101, this secluded camping spot was thoughtfully designed with a sound and visual buffer of native plants between your site and the highway. The campsites are spacious. There are several trails of varying difficulty leading from the campsites to the beach, wildlife viewing areas, and second-growth forests.
A walking trail leads you under the highway to a five-mile sandy beach and a day-use area, where you'll find space to watch whales, hunt agates, beachcomb, and picnic. Another trail connects you to the Heceta Head trail, which you can use to reach the historic Heceta Head lighthouse.
In the campground at night, you can hear the pounding surf. There is a creek running through the campground, and elk have been known to wander through. Wild rhododendrons bloom in spring.
Click Here for a link to the park brochure.
Nearby attractions
Mercer Lake
C&M Stables
Sea Lion Caves
Sandpines
Ocean Dunes Golf Links
Old Town Florence
Sandland Adventures
Sand Dunes Frontier
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Three Rivers Casino
Jesse M. Honeyman Memorial Park - Three miles South of Florence, Oregon
Situated half way up the Oregon coast and three miles south of Florence on scenic Highway 101 is the second largest overnight camp in the state. There are two miles of sand dunes between the park and the ocean. Two natural freshwater lakes are within the park. Cleawox -- which is great for swimming -- and Woahink, which has a public boat ramp, is used for all water sports. Rent a canoe and explore the lake.
During Discovery Season (October 1 to April 30 every year), you can access the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area directly from your campsite in H loop of the campground. Reservations are recommended for winter holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Spring brings out the pink rhododendrons. Come summertime, this is a great place for family reunions. The fall huckleberries and blackberries are ripe for the picking. During the winter, off-road vehicle users can access the sand dunes from H Loop.
Click Here for a link to detailed information.
Cultural Camping
Kahneeta - Eastern Oregon
Kahneeta offers the best of all worlds in terms of a vibrant cultural experience combined with as much or as little state-of-the-art trappings it's visitors desire. Rough-it by sleeping under a canopy of stars in a traditional TeePee, a quaint cabin or your own RV in the Village, or enjoy luxury amenities and accommodations at Kahneeta's upscale Lodge & Casino situated in a picturesque high desert setting.
Waterpark, Massage, Mudbaths, Golf, Salmon Bakes, Horseback Riding and hiking are just a few of Kahneeta's attractions.
Click here to peruse all your options and to book your accommodations.
High Desert Camping - Eastern Oregon
The Cove at Palisades
Located in Oregon's high desert region, the weather is sunny and warm in the summer months and chilly but generally mild in the winter. The park is situated among towering cliffs that surround beautiful Lake Billy Chinook. Cove Palisades State Park is a year-round recreational destination for the entire family.
The park features a myriad of opportunities for water recreational activities, a full-service campground, store, restaurant, marina and rental services.
Not interested in camping? Deluxe lakeshore log cabins are available. Nature lovers will find nearly 10 miles of hiking trails that give access to areas rich in wildlife and splendid scenery.
The park is home to the popular Eagle Watch event held each February.
Learn about the unusual and unique attributes of this premier recreational and natural resource area ... at water level!
Camping
Electric
Yurts, Cabins & Teepees
Accessible Camping with Restrooms (ADA Compliant) and Showers
Full Hook-up
Lake Boating with Ramp & Slips
Swimming
Mountains
Rock Formations
Desert
Hiking Trail
Bird & Mammal Watching
Nature Programs
Reservations
House Boat Rentals
Click Here for detailed park information.
Other parks and nearby attractions;
Prineville Reservoir - Eastern Oregon
Grab your pole and head to Prineville. A place where, as the golden sun sinks slowly over the ridge and the fiery lake catches the last color reflections of red and green canyon walls, the silent hush of the deeply dark night ushers in the glorious canopy of a million stars; where slumber is deep and peaceful.
Mountain waters flow out of the Ochoco Mountain Range, joining together to form the Crooked River. This river, confined by its canyon and the Bowman Dam, forms Prineville Reservoir.
The fishing's good just about anytime at Prineville Reservoir. It supports rainbow & cutthroat trout, small & largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and crayfish. The trout fishing experience is year-round, ice-fishing included in the dead of winter. Anywhere on the reservoir is suitable.
Bass, catfish, and crappie are more suited towards warmer water temperatures; May thru October. The upper reaches of the reservoir above Jasper Point and the Bear Creek tributary downstream from Prineville Reservoir State Park are known to produce fine fish. Fly fishing opportunities are best along the Crooked River above Prineville Reservoir and downstream from Bowman Dam.
Reservoir water level graph
Click Here for detailed information regarding the park.
