One of the best things about living in the Beaver State is that we can enjoy the outdoors in Oregon whenever we want to. This certainly applies to camping, too, as many of the state parks in Oregon are open to visit - and camp -- even in the coldest months of the year! Here are state parks to visit in Oregon for year-round fun... even when the weather outside is frightful (and also when it's not)!

1. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area is located along the Oregon Trail. It's packed with history and surrounded by old-growth forest - perfect for a fun family weekend. You'll find four campsites available during winter months, but you might want to snuggle into one of the six rustic log cabins to stay nice and cozy.

2. Beverly Beach State Park

Situated in a forest on the east side of Highway 101, the campground at Beverly Beach State Park is spectacular. A quick walk through the tunnel underneath the highway takes you to a pretty beach. During winter months, the campground can get a bit muddy, but several loops with electrical sites are open, and loop C is available for tent campers on a first come, first served basis.

3. Deschutes River State Recreation Area

Many of the parks along the Columbia River are closed for the winter, but the DDeschutes River State Recreation Area is located in a sheltered canyon that actually keeps it a little warmer, even during winter months. While most camping loops are closed, A loop, with its 34 hookup sites, is open year round (the water is shut off in the winter, so bring plenty along). There's no reservation needed November 1st through Mid-April - it's first come, first served.

4. Tumalo State Park

Right on the Deschutes River, Tumalo State Park has a lot to offer year-round. How about trout fishing and hiking in the summer, and skiing and boarding at nearby Mt. Bachelor in the winter? You'll find 23 full hookup sites and over 50 tent sites, but during winter months, loops A and C are closed.

5. Valley of the Rogue State Park

Novelist Zane Grey romanticized the Rogue River, but he was hardly exaggerating - Valley of the Rogue State Park has a wild beauty beyond compare. The park is near Crater Lake, the town of Jacksonville, and the Oregon Caves National Monument, and the campground is situated right on the banks of the river. During the winter, A, B, and C loops are all open, and the park just got four brand new yurts.

6. Silver Falls State Park

Home to one of Oregon's most beautiful waterfalls, Silver Falls State Park is just an hour east of Salem, so it's the perfect spot for a quick getaway. Take the Trail of Ten Falls, and bring your camera! Tent sites are closed during the winter, but you'll find 52 electrical sites open year-round, and 14 cozy cabins.

7. Alfred Loeb State Park

Located on the southern coast, Alfred Loeb State Park is nestled in a myrtlewood forest with 200-year-old trees. The Chetco River runs right through the park, and is a great spot for fishing. 48 electrical sites are first come, first served, and there are three rustic cabins that you can reserve in advance.

8. Wallowa Lake State Park

The Wallowa Mountains are every bit as stunning in winter months as they are in the summer, and a stay at Wallowa Lake State Park is time spent in a winter wonderland. Most of the campground closes at the end of October, but those who wish to enjoy some peaceful solitude can book one of five hookup sites or two yurts.

9. Sunset Bay State Park

Whether you want to watch the ocean waves roll in, explore the tide pools, or hike through the coastal forest, Sunset Bay State Park

is the perfect spot. The campground offers 29 full hookup spots, 34 electrical sites, 66 tent sites, and eight yurts, all open year-round.

Make sure to click on the links for each campground to get specific information about winter camping. Many campgrounds are open, but don't provide running water during cold months, so plan ahead!

What's your favorite spot for winter camping? The nine state parks in Oregon listed in this article are just a few of the parks open year-round to visit and camp. Check out the Oregon State Park's website to find even more!