Oregon boondocking is absolutely wonderful. The state boasts mild temperatures, beautiful scenery, and a wide variety of environments depending on which area you visit. On the western side of the state, you are greeted with thick forests and mountainous areas. The eastern side of the state is more remote with lots of high mountain desert and sparse vegetation. In northern Oregon, it rains a lot, and there is a higher population. Southern Oregon has plenty of wilderness rich in forested areas.
Ready to check out this beautiful state? Here are our top Oregon boondocking spots.
Boondocking Sites in Oregon
Miami Bar Boating Site
The Miami Bar Boating Site is on the beautiful Illinois River outside the tiny town of Selma in southern Oregon. If you’re in a small RV, this is a great place to camp on your way to the coast. The spot is located on the rugged and crystal green Illinois River, a favorite place for local families to swim or fish. It also isn’t too far from the Oregon Caves National Monument, a great place to visit while you are there.
Mayfield Pond Recreation Area
Mayfield Pond Recreation Area is a beautiful spot in the high desert near Bend. This is a popular place for horseback riding and bicycling. Keep your eyes open for pronghorn sheep, mule deer, osprey, and red-tailed hawks. Enjoy the old-growth juniper woodlands and grasslands around the lake in this peaceful area or enjoy some trout fishing. Bend is also the home of the best skiing in the state, and is the biggest city in eastern Oregon.
Note: This spot may require four-wheel drive.
Hult Pond
Hult Pond is located northwest of Eugene near the little town of Blachly. This little pond is sometimes called Horton Lake or Hult Marsh. It was developed in the early 1900s to be used by loggers for moving and storing logs. Today it is surrounded by wetlands and is a wonderful area for camping, fishing, hiking, and relaxing. Surprisingly, this camping spot can accommodate big rigs, so if you feel comfortable driving on the rugged roads, you should be able to find a place to stay.
Edward Creek Learner’s Loop
Edward Creek Learner’s Loop is a camping area located in the Tillamook State Forest northwest of Portland. This is a great area to visit if you’re staying either in Portland or along the Oregon coast. The camping spot is close to water, has cell phone access, and allows pets. It has plenty of space for RVs, including big rigs, which is great news for those of us who prefer something bigger than your average campervan.
Where to Boondock in Oregon
- In northern Oregon, you can follow the Columbia River and find spots along the way in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
- There are also plenty of spots between Interstate 5 and the Oregon coast. These include state forest spots, BLM spots, and spots in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Siuslaw National Forest.
- In eastern Oregon, you can enjoy a variety of areas, especially near Bend in Willamette National Forest and Deschutes National Forest.
- Other national forests that offer boondocking opportunities include:
- Fremont-Winema National Forest
- Malheur National Forest
- Mt. Hood National Forest
- Ochoco National Forest
- Umatilla National Forest
- Umpqua National Forest
- Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Boondocking in Oregon is an adventure worth experiencing. Dry camping through the state will allow you to see areas “off the grid” that even residents have not seen. Don’t have an RV to jump into camping in Oregon? Rent one on RVshare!
