Sometimes, you just need to escape into nature at a moment’s notice. Life can be a lot sometimes, and spending time in nature truly is the best kind of medicine. Here in Oregon, there are seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including many state park campsites in OR that are open year-round. But if you’re really wanting a last-minute adventure, consider some no-reservation camping in Oregon where you just kinda show up:

1. Unity Lake - John Day
Unity Lake State Recreation Site, Unity, OR 97884, USA
Claudiagronbery/Google Local
Unity Lake State Recreation Site is an oasis of green in Oregon's high desert that offers wonderful water recreation to boot. The small campground is the perfect jumping-off point for visiting nearby historical sites and wilderness areas. The park offers no-reservation, seasonal camping from April 1-Oct. 31, complete with hot showers and electrical hookups.
2. Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor - Pendleton
Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor, Ukiah, OR 97880, USA
Barbara Morehead/Google Local
Old-growth forest, rushing waters, wildflowers, and wildlife: this is the magic of Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor. This pristine paradise features a primitive, no-reservation campground for those looking to really get away from it all.
3. Fall Creek State Recreation Area - Eugene
Fall Creek State Recreation Area, 84610 Peninsula Rd, Fall Creek, OR 97438, USA
Silvia Ceja/Google Local
Six parks comprise Fall Creek State Recreation Area, one of Oregon's more wonderful state parks. Open for camping May through September, you can pitch a tent or hook up your RV whenever the mood strikes.
4. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area - Pendleton
Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, 65068 Old Oregon Trail, Meacham, OR 97859, USA
Tom C/Google Local
Near the beautiful Blue Mountains, Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area preserves an area along the Oregon Trail where travelers once replenished their water supplies. Today, it's a charming campsite offering year-round adventure in The Beaver State. In addition to a select number of no-reservation sites, the park also has teepees and rustic log cabins available to rent.

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5. Cottonwood Canyon State Park - The Dalles
Cottonwood Canyon State Park, Wasco, OR 97065, USA
Tyler Hulett/Moment Collection via Getty Images
Open for camping year-round, Cottonwood Canyon State Park is 8,000 acres of breathtaking Oregon wilderness. Its most notable feature is the John Day River, a rushing and resplendent force that commands attention. The Lone Tree Campground sits near the iconic river and features 21 primitive campsites for tents or self-contained RVs, all of which are first-come, first-served.

Check out this introduction video posted by the National Parks Service when this beautiful slice of paradise opened:
6. Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site - John Day
Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site, U.S 26, Mt Vernon, OR 97865, USA
SeaTheBlondie/Google Local
Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site is a lush little oasis located along the dazzling John Day River. The park features a year-round picnic area and a small seasonal campground that's open March through November, plus two tepees available for rent. While you can camp here without reservations, the park also accepts online reservations up to six months in advance.
7. Catherine Creek State Park - LaGrande
Catherine Creek State Park, Medical Springs Hwy, 58235 OR-203, Union, OR 97883, USA
Jesse Stephens/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Located in a canyon carved out by the eponymous creek, this pristine park is simply perfect for a quick escape. The park is open for no-reservation camping April through October, and with its crystal-clear waters and towering ponderosa pines, Catherine Creek State Park will quickly become your favorite Oregon campsite.
8. Bates State Park - John Day
Bates State Park, Old West Scenic Bikeway, Bates, OR 97817, USA
Ross Anderson/Google Local
Originally a working lumber mill in the Blue Mountains, today, Bates State Park is one of Oregon's best-kept secrets. The park features 28 primitive campsites and is open seasonally for camping May through October.
9. Lost Lake - Hood River
Lost Lake, Oregon 97014, USA
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
For those who want a quick getaway to a gorgeous place, Lost Lake delivers. This pristine lake is located beneath the shadow of majestic Mount Hood, making it one of the most scenic campgrounds in the state. And with 148 campsites, only a few of which can be reserved in advance, you're sure to find a spot.

Explore Lost Lake like never before in this stunning 4K drone video:

Keep in mind, weather and external conditions can affect these no-reservation campsites. As such, we recommend checking the Oregon State Parks website, which has up-to-date information on the state’s camping conditions!

For another immersive nature experience in Oregon, definitely check out forest bathing at Westfir Lodge. It’s a relaxing, revitalizing experience that will heal you from the inside out!

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More to Explore

No Reservation Camping Near Me

Tori Jane | April 14, 2023
  1. Where can I find some awesome, no-reservation camping near me?

Oregon is an awesome state for anyone who enjoys roughing it; you’ll find campgrounds galore here, from the best campgrounds in the US to some awesome no-reservation camping. We have no doubt you’ll be able to find the perfect place for camping in OR, like:  

  • The Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site – This campground in southern Oregon fills up fast, so make sure to arrive as early as you possibly can!  
  • The Cascara Campground – This wonderful camping area is within the Fall Creek State Recreation Area and is first-come, first-served.  
  • Hilgard Junction State Park – With 18 first-come, first-served campsites available within this stunning, sprawling forest, Hilgard Junction is a favorite for obvious reasons.  

Learn more about Hilgard Junction State Park and all its delights.   

  1. What are some of the best places for camping in Oregon?

If you’re willing and able to make reservations ahead of time for a more planned-out adventure, there are lots of options for you, too! Some of the best places to go camping in Oregon include:  

  • Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area – This campground has all sorts of spots available, from the fancier to the more rustic. We love the cabin rentals!  
  • Beverly Beach State Park – Like most of Oregon’s state parks, Beverly Beach State Park is a beloved favorite among Oregon campers thanks to its being open year-round.  
  • Tumalo State Park – Nestled along the Deschutes River, this stunning park is an amazing place to call it a night – or ten.  

Learn more about each of these amazing places to go camping in Oregon.    

  1. What are some great places for primitive camping in Oregon?

Okay, so forget the fancy RV hookups and electricity – how about some good old-fashioned primitive camping in OR? We’ve got plenty of ideas for that, too, such as:  

  • Catherine Creek State Park – This beautiful little slice of paradise is the perfect example of how delightful primitive camping in OR can be.  
  • Walton Lake – There are non-primitive sites here, too, but what’s the fun in that?  

Learn more about all the wonders of Catherine Creek State Park.   

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