9 Glorious Campgrounds In Oregon Where No Reservation Is Required
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:
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
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
