The Amazing Campground in Oregon We Want To Visit All Year Round

When you're staring at a gray sky from your kitchen window, it can be hard to imagine winter camping in the Pacific Northwest. Just today, it was so blustery outside while I was writing that my power went out. Still, if you've got the right gear and a plucky attitude, I think there are some enormous benefits to enjoying Oregon's campgrounds out-of-season. The number one spot I recommend to the winter-camping-curious is Fort Stevens State Park, a gem tucked just outside Astoria that has convinced me to spend nights beneath the stars year-round.

Though some might bemoan the widening definitions of "camping," I think the more ways there are to camp, the more accessible and inclusive camping becomes to everyday people. To that end, if you're not up for a traditional tent experience during the winter, I can hardly blame you. Booking a van or even an R.V. rental has never been easier, and Fort Stevens has 174 full-hookup sites with water, electricity, and sewer. This means adventurers can soak in Oregon's natural beauty—and some much-needed vitamin D—without the downsides.

Now, if you'd like something a little different, Fort Stevens also has 15 yurts and 11 deluxe cabins. Several of these glamping options are ADA accessible and pet-friendly. Plus, one of the biggest benefits of off-season camping is the relative ease of making reservations. Some of Oregon's state parks even offer discounts for winter travelers. Still, remember that great minds think alike! Fort Stevens State Park is one of the nation’s largest public campgrounds and is popular year-round, especially over weekends and holidays. Reservations are required for camping at this Oregon state park, and you can book your campsite six months in advance.

And while you may want to relax at camp, if the weather permits, put on your hiking boots and explore. Fort Stevens contains approximately 15 miles of stunning trails for campers to enjoy. From abandoned bunkers to Sitka spruce coastal forests to wetlands to beaches, various sights will keep you and your travel party entertained. My favorite attraction is the Peter Iredale Shipwreck, a local landmark that dates back to 1906.

If all else fails and you really need to warm up, charming Astoria is located twenty minutes away. This small Oregon town is one of my favorites in the entire state, boasting an outsized cultural impact (it was the film location of 1985's "The Goonies") and some excellent dining options.

If you're looking for a spot to camp off-season, I can't recommend Fort Stevens State Park highly enough. Its well-maintained campground has all the amenities you'll need for a successful excursion, even if the weather doesn't cooperate, and nearby Astoria offers travelers a much-needed reprieve from the possible pitfalls of drizzly nights outdoors.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.