Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Oregon

How many state parks are in Oregon? Well, the answer is … tons! You will find 361 Oregon parks throughout the state, providing countless opportunities for day trips, weekend getaways, or even week-long family vacations. With so many of these incredible destinations, it is hard to narrow down your options and find the best state parks in Oregon to visit. That’s why we are here to help. The following are just 15 of the best state parks in Oregon that you need to visit ASAP. From those with incredible camping opportunities to hiking destinations to parks where you can escape the crowds, below you will find several of our favorites. Oregon state parks are full of hidden gems, natural beauty, and lots of adventure. Take a look and see for yourself.

Most Popular State Parks In Oregon

With more than 300 state parks in Oregon, there are plenty of parks to choose from when searching for adventure. However, some parks offer more to see and do, bringing in visitors from across America. While there are many popular parks in Oregon that we could list, make sure the following three parks are at the top of your bucket list.

Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, USA

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Location: Near Silverton, Oregon

Wow Factor: This is known as the “Crown Jewel” of Oregon state parks. It is home to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Oregon.

Need To Know: While extremely popular, this park is large, making it easy to spread out and escape the crowds.

No list of the best state parks in Oregon would be complete without including Silver Falls State Park. This is not only one of the largest parks in the state, but it is also one of the most incredible destinations in the Pacific Northwest. With more than 9,000 acres to explore, you’ll find plenty of things to do at Silver Falls State Park including chasing waterfalls. Check out the Trail of Ten Falls, a trail that takes you past 10 of the park’s waterfalls.

Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, USA

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Location: Cannon Beach, Oregon

Wow Factor: The views from this state park are incredible. It also offers an excellent vantage point for observing migrating whales.

Need To Know: This state park is best for a day trip. Just don’t forget your camera — you’ll regret it.

When you visit Ecola State Park for the first time, you will quickly see why it draws people from all around the state. This park stretches for nine miles along the Oregon Coast and features remarkable ocean views, rock formations, and even whale-viewing opportunities. When considering things to do at Ecola State Park, make sure you add the hike to an overlook of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse to your list.

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Oswald West State Park, Arch Cape, OR 97102, USA

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Location: Arch Cape, Oregon

Wow Factor: With more than a dozen trail options, choose from treks along the beach to those with gorgeous overlooks and more.

Need To Know: There is too much to see in this state park in a single day. We recommend visiting multiple days to discover all of its gems.

Oswald West State Park is a favorite destination for many Oregonians. Here, you will find rugged beaches, gorgeous forests, and even hidden caves. This is the type of place where you can easily escape your daily worries. Plus, the list of things to do in Oswald West State Park is extremely long with countless hiking trails, sandy beaches, and sea caves to explore. This is one of the best state parks in winter in Oregon and is home to one of our favorite winter hikes — Cape Falcon Trail.

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Best State Parks In Oregon To Camp

There is nothing quite like spending a night under the stars and some of the best Oregon state parks make it easy to turn a day trip into an overnight adventure. Pack up the best camping gear and spend the night surrounded by some of Mother Nature’s greatest creations. There is nothing quite like it.

Fort Stevens State Park, 1675 Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR 97121, USA

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Location: Hammond, Oregon

Wow Factor: This is home to one of the nation’s largest public campgrounds in the United States.

Need To Know: This state park offers year-round camp sites and reservations can be made at least six months in advance.

Not far from the beautiful town of Astoria is Fort Stevens. This state park is home to one of the nation’s largest public campgrounds, in addition to a historic shipwreck and a military fort that once guarded the mouth of the Columbia River. This camping destination is one you’ll never forget with up to 174 full hookup sites, 203 electrical sites, six tent sites, 15 yurts, 11 deluxe cabins, and primitive hike-in sites. It’s extremely impressive.

Cape Lookout State Park, 13000 Whiskey Creek Rd, Tillamook, OR 97141, USA

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Location: Tillamook, Oregon

Wow Factor: This state park is located on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the ocean. It’s a beautiful destination for hiking but we are particularly fond of beachcombing.

Need To Know: This is a popular camping destination and can fill up on weekends and holidays. While near the ocean, the campsites do not have ocean views.

If you want to camp near the beach, Cape Lookout State Park will not disappoint. This popular camping destination has options for every type of camper including 38 full hookup sites, 170 tent sites, 13 yurts, six deluxe cabins, and more. As you search for things to do in Cape Lookout State Park during your camping adventure, I recommend exploring the Cape Trail or beachcombing.

Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, Florence, OR 97439, USA

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Location: Near Florence, Oregon

Wow Factor: This park is home to two beautiful freshwater lakes and is just a few miles away from the ocean.

Need To Know: No walk-in campsites are available at this park. However, you can make same-day online reservations.

Approximately three miles south of Florence and two miles from the ocean you will find Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park. While this is the best state park in Oregon in spring when the flowers are in bloom or even in the fall when the weather is just perfect, anytime is wonderful for camping. This state park is home to the second largest Oregon state park campground and it is open year round. There are RV and tent sites available, as well as several yurts and group camping areas. Stay for a few days and explore this park — you’ll be sad if you don’t.

Beverly Beach State Park, 198 NE 123rd St, Newport, OR 97365, USA

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Location: Newport, Oregon

Wow Factor: This state park is tucked away in a forest and near numerous attractions like the beautiful Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

Need To Know: While typically open year round, this campground is temporarily closed until summer 2024 for maintenance and construction projects.

Beverly Beach State Park is a beautiful destination tucked away in a forest. When searching for things to do at this Oregon state park, you can walk the beach, marvel at the tide pools, observe whales, and more. Camping here is an absolute must as this year-round campground is quite large, offering dozens of campsites for tents and RVs. There are 21 yurt rentals available as well.

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Best State Parks In Oregon To RV

If you don’t like to rough it and spend the night in a tent, that’s not a problem. Many Oregon state parks are perfect for an RV and provide a long list of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. At the following two state parks in Oregon, you can relax and enjoy time outside — complete with many comforts of home.

Nehalem Bay State Park, 34600 Garey St, Nehalem, OR 97131, USA

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Location: Nehalem, Oregon

Wow Factor: Not only is this campground located right by the Pacific Ocean, but there is plenty to do including horseback riding and hiking.

Need To Know: Reservations can be made for most campsites but a handful are first-come, first-served from November 1 – April 30.

You will have a hard time leaving Nehalem State Park in Oregon. This beautiful campground is located on a 4-mile sand spit and the campground is just a short walk from the ocean. Here, you’ll have plenty of campsite options to choose from as there are 265 electrical sites with water. Plus, the campground is open all year long so you can enjoy this gorgeous natural area of the Beaver State no matter the season.

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Wallowa Lake State Park, Joseph, OR 97846, USA

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Location: Joseph, Oregon

Wow Factor: The location of this state park is gorgeous. It’s near a glacial lake and the Wallowa Mountains — nothing could be better.

Need To Know: Generators are prohibited at this state park.

If you are looking for somewhere away from the coast and full of adventure, Wallowa Lake State Park is it. This breathtaking park is located next to a glacial lake and the Wallowa Mountains, providing views that will immediately inspire. There is a large day-use area, but we recommend loading up your RV and staying for a while. You will find 121 full hookup sites at this park.

Best State Parks In Oregon For Hiking

All of Oregon’s state parks offer a long list of incredible activities. However, we particularly love hiking. From family-friendly hikes to long treks that take all day, the best state parks in Oregon have hiking trails that allow you to explore. Lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails — you’ll never regret it.

Cascadia State Park, 48241 Cascadia Dr, Cascadia, OR 97329, USA

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Location: Cascadia, Oregon

Wow Factor: This park is much quieter than others and is home to the beautiful Lower Soda Creek Falls.

Need To Know: This is a seasonal park and is open from May to September.

Not far from Salem is Cascadia State Park, the perfect place for an adventure. There are plenty of things to do at Cascadia State Park but we love that it’s tucked away and much less busy than other parks in the state. This is also one of our favorite parks for hiking. While there is not a long list of hiking trails to tackle, the ones found in the park are bucket-list-worthy, especially the Lower Soda Creek Falls Trail. This 1.4-mile out-and-back trail takes you to beautiful 150-foot falls.

Smith Rock State Park, Oregon 97760, USA

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Location: Approximately 30 miles from Bend, Oregon

Wow Factor: This state park has the most remarkable landscape including deep canyons, rivers, rock formations, and more.

Need To Know: Some areas of the park may have limited access due to golden eagle and falcon nesting.

Hikers of all ages will love Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon. This unique park is home to rock formations, Crooked River views, and miles of trails to explore. You will find hikes of all lengths and with varying difficulty levels but we love the Misery Ridge Trail, which can be a bit challenging but the views at the top are unforgettable.

The Cove Palisades State Park, Culver, OR 97734, USA

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Location: Culver, Oregon

Wow Factor: The scenery found at this Oregon state park is hard to compare. With river and canyon views, you’ll quickly fall in love with this area.

Need To Know: This is a popular state park in central Oregon. We suggest avoiding weekends and holidays to stay away from the crowds.

The Cove Palisades State Park in Central Oregon — it is unforgettable. This state park is home to both the Deschutes and Crooked River canyons and there are camping and water activities galore. We suggest packing your hiking gear and heading off on an adventure. From a long 7-mile round-trip hike to a family-friendly nature trail, there is a trailhead for every member of the family.

Little-Known State Parks In Oregon

Many of the best state parks in Oregon will draw individuals from all over the state but that doesn’t mean the lesser-known parks don’t have much to offer. Inside these parks, you will find incredible gems, stunning beauty, and even an extra dose of peace and quiet. Below are three of our favorite little-known state parks in Oregon — each with so much to do and see.

Catherine Creek State Park, Medical Springs Hwy, 58235 OR-203, Union, OR 97883, USA

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Location: Union, Oregon

Wow Factor: Tucked away in the most beautiful location, this is one destination where you can find peace and quiet.

Need To Know: This state park is seasonal and is closed during the winter.

When you visit Catherine Creek State Park, you will feel tucked away from the worries of the world. This state park is located in a small canyon and next to a creek, creating the most serene setting. Bring a picnic, hike the short 3-mile trail, or spend the night in one of the primitive camping sites. This is the perfect escape into nature.

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Cape Meares Lighthouse, 3500 Cape Meares Loop, Tillamook, OR 97141, USA

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Location: Near Tillamook, Oregon

Wow Factor: Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is the perfect day trip destination with unique natural wonders, a lighthouse, and wildlife sightings.

Need To Know: The lighthouse at this state park is the shortest on the Oregon Coast and dates back to the late 1800s. It was one of the most powerful and largest of its time.

Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is one of my favorite destinations in Oregon. Stop at the various overlooks and enjoy incredible Oregon Coast views. Talk a walk to the lighthouse and, of course, spend some time admiring the unique Octopus Tree. You’ll also want to keep your eyes out for wildlife. You never know when you’ll spot a whale in the distance or seabirds flying by.

Tumalo State Park, Oregon 97703, USA

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Location: Near Bend, Oregon

Wow Factor: Tumalo State Park is the best state park in Oregon in summer. Camp, hike, fish, swim, kayak, and more at this park.

Need To Know: Tumalo Falls are not located at this state park in Oregon.

Tumalo State Park sits along the Deschutes River in central Oregon. There are lots of things to do in Tumalo State Park to make it the perfect day trip destination. Bring a picnic and enjoy a meal at the day-use area along the banks of the Deschutes River. You may also want to tackle the 2.4-mile segment of the Deschutes River Trail that weaves through the park. Don’t forget a fishing pole or kayak and spend some time at the river. There is also a small wading area where the entire family can splash and cool off during the summer months.

What state parks in Oregon would you add to this list? What do you consider to be the best state park in Oregon? Do you prefer state parks or a national park to visit? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments. And, if you are looking for even more of these incredible destinations to visit, take a look at our collection of articles. You will easily find something to inspire your next adventure.