Oregon’s Best Kept Camping Secret Is This Waterfront Spot With More Than 50 Glorious Campsites

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: Wildfires have damaged this area since publication and it is temporarily closed. Please check the U.S. Forest Service website for updated information.

Imagine waking up to this: pure, unfiltered natural beauty.

This is Waldo Lake, and this striking blue body of water is nestled in the heart of Willamette National Forest.

The second largest and second deepest lake in Oregon, Waldo Lake covers almost 10 square miles and reaches depths of up to 420 feet in some areas.

It's known for its stunning clear waters, and when conditions are right, you can gaze up to 120 feet beneath the surface. It's truly a dazzling sight to behold.

And at Waldo Lake's numerous campsites, that's exactly what you'll get to do.

The lake's Islet Campground boasts more than 50 waterfront spots, each offering lovely lakeside views.

This Waldo Lake campground is set in a mossy forest of mountain hemlock and spruce trees. Most of the campsites at here are quite spacious, and there are a number of multiple-family spots available, too.

Depending on which campsite you choose, you may even feel as though you have your own private beach!

Its clear shores make for wonderful stomping and splashing for kids.

Waldo Lake isn't simply a place to gaze upon, however. It's a wonderful playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and swimming all popular pastimes here.

To maintain its calm waters, only boats with electric motors are allowed on the water, and there's a 10 mph speed limit, so you'll be able to enjoy a calm, relaxing float out here without the waves or crowds.

Waldo Lake is a wonderful place to take your family to enjoy an unrivaled experience in one of Oregon's best natural areas. This is waterfront camping at its best!

Waldo Lake, Oregon camping is more than your traditional pitch-a-tent experience! In addition to the more than 50 dispersed camping spots on the lake, Waldo Lake Campground has over 200 developed sites available at North Waldo Islet and Shadow Bay as well.

Have you ever visited this stunning lake before? If so, please share your Waldo Lake camping experience in the comments! Learn more and reserve your waterfront spot here 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.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/oregon/no-reservation-campgrounds-or/