Oregon's Best Kept Camping Secret Is This Waterfront Spot With More Than 50 Glorious Campsites
Sarah McCosham
Author
Oregon’s camping game is strong. Whether you’re looking to spend the night in an old-growth forest or high desert, the beach, or the backcountry, you can pitch a tent and enjoy a truly wondrous camping experience pretty much anywhere in the Beaver State. But if you’re looking for a place that’s a bit more off the beaten path, there’s a waterfront spot in Willamette National Forest that boasts more than 50 glorious campgrounds. Waldo Lake camping is about as picture-perfect as it gets.
Editor’s Note: This area has been damaged by wildfires since publication. Please check the state website for updated information.
Related Stories
This Oregon Campground Was Once The Site Of A Gruesome Massacre
You Can Rent This Entire Campground In Oregon For Just $150 Per Night
The Most Epic Resort Campground In Oregon Is A Playground With A Pool, Hot Tub, Casino, Games, Trails, And More
Enjoy this beautiful flyover video of Waldo Lake from Through The Sky. Just imagine the amazing camping at Lake Waldo you can experience here:
In addition to the 50 dispersed camping spots on the lake, Waldo Lake Campground has over 200 developed sites available at North Waldo Islet and Shadow Bay. Have you been camping at Waldo Lake in Oregon before? If so, please share your Waldo Lake camping experience in the comments! Learn more and reserve your waterfront spot at Waldo Lake by visiting Recreation.gov or the USDA Forest Services website.
Craving a last-minute camping adventure in the Beaver State? (We don’t blame you!) Oregon State Parks offer more than 50 beautiful campgrounds, and these nine sites are the best no-reservation places to camp in the state.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Even more Oregon campgrounds
Where are the best places to go camping in Oregon?
You really can't go wrong with any area of Oregon for your next camping adventure. The state is simply beautiful. Here are a few of the best places to go camping in Oregon that don't need a reservation for your next weekend getaway:
- Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor, Pendleton, OR: This beautiful area is simply divine with rushing water winding through an old-growth forest with wildlife everywhere you turn. It is a primitive campground, but you don't need to be on a huge waiting list to enjoy it.
- Fall Creek State Recreation Area, Eugene, OR: Central Oregon is just as magical as the rest. And this lovely campground is open for tent or RV camping from May through September. The 167-acre park is a great spot for swimming, fishing, boating, and plenty of hiking.
- Cottonwood Canyon State Park, The Dalles, OR: Switch up your camping experience with a trip to Cottonwood Canyon. This gorgeous area is 8,000 acres of amazingness. A key feature of the canyon is the John Day River, which cuts through the canyon and offers exciting adventures on the water. Head to the Lone Tree Campground for primitive camping on one of its 21 sites for tent camping or self-contained RVs.
- Catherine Creek State Park, LaGrande, OR: Can you imagine pitching your tent by a gently flowing creek in the middle of the wilderness? Match that picture in your head with this incredible campsite with crystal-clear water flowing over rocks and pebbles gently rolling with the current as Ponderosa pines stand guard at the water's edge.