

One of the best things about national forests is all of the free dispersed camping. Deschutes National Forest Fall Creek in Deschutes National Forest. There’s a 10-mph speed limit (yes, it’s enforced) so kayaks and canoes are preferred.ĭon’t forget your fishing rod! You’ll find excellent fishing spots all over this area. If you choose the lake, keep in mind that the majority of these sites are only accessible by boat. When you’re ready to pitch your tent, you can park along the forest road or find a campsite tucked around the lake. With 360-acres of wetland, you’ll feel at peace right outside the city. Keep a lookout for bald eagles and river otters as they’re known to be spotted in the area. Once a brook trout fishery, this shallow lake offers scenic views of wetlands, wildlife, and several peaks, including Mt. Located 25 miles west of town, Sparks Lake lets you explore the wonders of Bend, Oregon with the wilderness as your basecamp. When you’re ready to hit the road, be sure to check out some of the spectacular spots along the 172-mile Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway. You can soak in the Umpqua Hot Springs, approach some the many “problems” in the Umpqua Rocks Special Interest Geologic Areaor take a short hike to the 120-foot Toketee Falls. There’s also an abundance of forest roads where you can find a pull-off to set up camp.ĭuring your visit, be sure to plan enough time to experience the highlights of the forest. For a quieter weekend, try the Mineral Campground or Hobo Campsite. With 192 acres of forest, you certainly won’t be hard-pressed to find free camping here. For a waterfront view, check out out the Twin Lakes or Clearwater Forebay campgrounds. The forest features three wilderness areas, 350 miles of maintained trails, diverse wildlife, and stunning waterfalls. Located in southwest Oregon on the western slopes of the Cascades, the Umpqua National Forest offers a beautiful scenic landscape. Photo: Ketan MorrisĬamping, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, you name it - the Umpqua National Forest has it all. Umpqua National Forest Toketee Falls on the North Umpqua River. This campground offers 15 campsites with fire pits and picnic tables along the Illinois River. Permits are required along the Rogue River Wild section, so plan ahead. If you can’t score a good spot by the Rogue River, try Oak Flat. For riverside camping, snag a prime spot along the Rogue River.

You’ll find one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems at the Siskiyou mountain range, while the Rogue River is known for its high-class rapids and floating trips.ĭispersed camping along with designated free campsites are available throughout the forest, albeit with limited amenities. This national forest is home to eight wilderness areas, three glorious mountain ranges, and several rivers, including the famous Rogue River. Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest Rogue River-Siskiyou National ForestĬraving water activities with a forest setting? Grab the gang and head out to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in southern Oregon. Whatever you pack in, be prepared to pack it out. Ashland Campground has some pit toilets, but there’s no trash or water here. If you prefer to hike in, the sites are accessible via the PCT or along the forest road. Two vehicles are allowed per site, but it can be a tight fit for larger vehicles.

Ashland lupine in full bloom.Ĭar campers will find several spots scattered around the campground, each with parking. Plan your camping trip during late spring, though, and you’ll be delighted to see the Mt. Ashland-Siskiyou Peak Botanical Special Interest Area and accessible by forest road. The campsite is surrounded by the 800-acre Mt. Nestled along the Siskiyou Crest, this is the camping spot for car campers and PCT hikers looking for something more remote. If you’re heading that way, you’ll find a free spot to camp 18 miles south of town at the Mt. Photo: Al CaseĪshland is an artsy town known for their famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Related read: 15 Secluded Cabin Rentals in Oregon 1. In fact, Oregon is only second to Idaho when it comes to National Forest land.īeing the avid primitive campers that we are, we put together a list of the coolest free campsites throughout the state. Here’s your guide to some of the best free camping Oregon has to offer. Whether you’re planning the ultimate road trip or vacationing on a budget, free camping is your ticket to truly experiencing the wonders of Oregon.įree camping can be enjoyed practically anywhere on BLM or national forest land, and Oregon has an incredible amount of both. With 15.7 million acres of BLM land and 16 million acres of national forest, almost 50% of the state is covered by public land. From the high desert to the lowland streams, Oregon is flooded with free camping.
