Eugene has a rich Indigenous history and was once the home of the Kalapuya Native American tribe. Based on archaeological evidence, some believe that their ancestors made the area their home for over 10,000 years. The city got its current name when 1,200 settlers, including Eugene Franklin Skinner, arrived in the Willamette Valley around 1846. In 1851, Skinner donated much of his property in the area to the county for building construction. For this reason, and others, the town would eventually be named Eugene City after Skinner and formally incorporated in 1862 with its name being shortened to the present-day name of Eugene in 1889.
Today, Eugene is a thriving city with a population of 176,654, according to the 2020 census. It's home to the University of Oregon and Autzen Stadium. People visit Eugene for its array of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking at Spencer Butte Park and the Amazon Headwaters Trail. The city is known for its local arts scene. You can explore exhibits at Don Dexter Gallery or take in a play at The Cottage Theatre.
To really get to know Eugene's culture and its heart, you'll want to plan your visit to attend the Eugene Saturday Market. This outdoor, open-air craft market is one of the oldest in the country. Every Saturday, 3,000-5,000 people visit the market to watch live performers, try local food booths and relax at this family-friendly market with a festival atmosphere.
Before leaving Eugene, make it a point to visit the Oregon Air and Space Museum, where you'll learn about aviation history. Also, stop by the Lane County Historical Museum to learn the stories of injustices against the community's diverse peoples throughout history. If you enjoy the Saturday Market, make sure to plan a visit in the summer to attend the Oregon Country Fair, a three-day festival held on 400 acres in the forest of Veneta, Oregon, just 15 miles west of Eugene.
Armitage Park is a breathtaking campground located on the banks of the McKenzie River. The park features recreational activities such as an off-leash dog park, the Crilly Nature Trail, volleyball and horseshoe pits. The campground has 37 RV campsites, each with full hookups. The campground also includes free Wi-Fi. The cost to stay at one of the park's quiet RV spots ranges from $30-$33 per night.
If you're traveling on a tight budget, check out the shaded Black Canyon Campground in Oakridge, 35 minutes southeast of Eugene. RV site rates are only $22 a night, but the camping is rustic as there aren't any hookups. However, the views of the Willamette National Forest make up for its lack of amenities.
Dexter Shores RV Park in Dexter, 20 minutes southeast of Eugene, has 77 RV campsites, starting at $34 per night. The park is the ideal place to relax and enjoy family time, but if you like to have lots to do, you won't be disappointed. The RV park has a disc golf course and a recreational room for larger groups to hang out, play pool or use the kitchen. There are also nearby hiking opportunities at nearby Dexter State Park Recreation Area.
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is located near Winchester Bay, a premier recreation destination. People visit the park to see the 65-foot Umpqua lighthouse but also to hike its beautiful trails, such as the one-mile Lake Marie Trail. The park, which is in Reedsport, an hour and 45 minutes southwest of Eugene, is a popular day-use area that includes protected dunes.
In Newport, an hour and 45 minutes northwest of Eugene, you'll find South Beach State Park, home to miles of wetlands and splendid coastal views. If you enjoy wildlife viewing, especially bird-watching, this state park won't disappoint. Bring your binoculars, and spend the day scanning the skies for blue herons, bald eagles and other birds. For those who prefer being on the water, take your kayak out on the water or try your hand at kitesurfing on the Pacific Ocean.
Also near Newport is Beverly Beach State Park. RVers love this state park because it has full hook-ups, a dump station and firewood for sale. There are also shower facilities at the park. The wind-sculpted forest is breathtaking, and kids and adults love the beaches and tide pools. Whether you decide to stay for a day or visit for a few days, you're not too far from Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Natural Area. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is also nearby, where you can spend a few hours exploring the various marine exhibits.
In Washington, two hours north of Eugene, the Fort Vancouver National Historic site will teach you more about the region's European settlements and its rich history of fur trading in the Pacific Northwest. What sets this national site apart from others is its devoted preservation of not only settlers and soldiers who lived in the area long ago, but also the stories of its Native American inhabitants. This national site is immersive and takes you back in time during your visit as you walk about the reconstructed farms, forts and other exhibits that make you feel like you're living in this rural, yet once-thriving, outpost.
If you enjoy exploring caves and want to visit a backwoods gem, check out Oregon Caves National Monument. Located outside of Cave Junction, three and a half hours south of Eugene lies this somewhat-secret national moment. It's not trying to be secretive, it's just not well-known, which makes it a perfect spot for an uncrowded getaway. While you're here, give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the mossy trails and take in the beautiful forests filled with Douglas firs.
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were adventurers known for their 1803 westward expedition. The journey took them three years to complete before reaching the Pacific Northwest. Approximately three and a half hours northwest of Eugene, the Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks consist of five state parks, two in Washington State and three in Oregon. Take a day or two to explore all the parks to discover more about why their expedition was so important. Check out the reconstruction of Fort Clatsop. The original reconstruction fort was built in 1955. However, it burned down in 2005, and the current reconstruction was rebuilt in 2006.
Willamette National Forest is less than a 30-minute drive east of Eugene, and it's one you don't want to miss. The forest is located in one of the country's most awe-inspiring woodlands. Its floor is 1,500 feet above sea level, but a short drive through the forest will get you closer to the snowcapped mountain of Mt. Jefferson, the second-highest peak in Oregon at 10,495 feet. Plan to spend several days in the forest to explore all its narrow canyons, wandering streams and mountain trails.
Siuslaw National Forest is located along Oregon's coast, less than an hour north of Eugene. In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt established the area as a protected zone, preserving the forest's grand lakes and majestic dunes. Every year, millions of visitors visit the Siuslaw National Forest to hike trails such as Drift Creek Falls Trail, Summit Loop Trail and the densely wooded 13.9 Hart's Cove Trail.
You'll find the Umpqua National Forest on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains, three hours southeast of Eugene. Douglas firs cover millions of acres of forest and are home to wildflowers; waterfalls; and spectacular hiking experiences, including the North Umpqua Trail. This trail encompasses 79 miles and is used by hikers and bikers. It follows the North Umpqua River and provides some of the most spectacular views in Oregon. The trail is broken up into 11 sections, making it easier for hikers of all levels to enjoy parts of the trail.
The heart of Eugene is the University of Oregon. Many people travel here for a football game in Autzen Stadium. Autzen Stadium also hosts the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for track and field. The Oregon Country Fair is just a half hour from Eugene, outside Veneta, OR. You could think of this three-day festival in mid-July as a cross between Burning Man and a Renaissance festival. Other draws include the Eugene Saturday Market and the Willamette River, which offers loads of water recreation opportunities.
About 100 miles north of Eugene on I-5, you'll find the vibrant city of Portland. From food trucks to fine dining, this eclectic city is a foodie haven. It's the perfect jumping-off point for stops along the Columbia Gorge, including Multnomah Falls. If you're a "Goonies" fan, go about 100 miles northwest of Portland to Astoria. The breathtaking Oregon coastline is rugged and dramatic.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon's only national park, is just 140 miles east of Eugene via Hwy. 58. The lake has no inlet and is only fed by rain and snow. It is the deepest lake in the U.S. and is known for its stunning beauty and intensely blue water. You can hike down a fairly steep trail to take a boat tour on the water. No pets, swimming, or personal watercraft are allowed. The area around the lake offers 90 miles of hiking trails. In the winter, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are popular.
For lush temperate rainforests, head about 200 miles south to Redwood National Park. This site is co-managed with the California state park system. The primeval forest offers cool temperatures year-round. Majestic redwoods tower over giant ferns. The park is home to Roosevelt Elk, bears, and bald eagles. It hosts numerous campgrounds and 200 miles of hiking trails open to hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders.
Mount Rainier National Park is 250 miles north of Eugene. This peak can be seen from hundreds of miles around. You'll find old-growth forests closer to the base of this volcano and glaciers near the top. You can walk along the Pacific Crest Trail or hike one of the many other trails in this park.
If waterfalls are your thing, Silver Falls State Park is a must-see. It's 77 miles north of Eugene and features hiking trails that take you to 10 waterfalls. You can walk behind four of these falls, but the jewel is the 177-foot South Falls.
For sand, salty air, and miles of coastline, head about 100 miles northwest of Eugene to Beverly Beach State Park, which is about 10 miles north of the town of Newport. Beachcombing and exploring tidepools are popular activities. You can also hike through the coastal forest. Wildlife viewing is focused mainly on sea creatures. This is a great spot for whale watching from June until mid-November. Beverly Beach State Park is just 8 miles from the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
Another option for beach camping in your RV rental is South Beach State Park. It's less than 100 miles northwest of Eugene, just south of Newport. This is a popular place for beachcombing and riding horses beside the Pacific Ocean. You'll also find hiking trails, including the paved Jetty Trail. This is a great launching-off place for fishing and crabbing. The hardy thrill-seekers can don a wetsuit and surf.
While there are no national sites close to Eugene, there are some must-see spots in the region. The Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is an almost straight shot down I-5 about 188 miles from Eugene. While this is mostly easy driving, you can't drive trailers and larger RVs to the site. You can park your RV rental for free at the Illinois Valley Visitor Center in Cave Junction and take a personal vehicle to the caves, about 20 miles away. The highlight here is the cave tours, which dive deep into the earth where sunlight can't penetrate. The tour is physically demanding, and children under 42 inches tall may not go on the tour.
For history buffs, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Site is worth the drive. It's about 195 miles north of Eugene. The park encompasses several sites along the Colombia River and the coast. A highlight is the replica of Fort Clatsop with seasonal living history exhibits. The park has many hiking trails, and youth can participate in the Junior Ranger program. There is no camping inside the park, but you'll find plenty of RV camping locations nearby.
The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is 130 miles north of Eugene on the Oregon-Washington border. This site includes the Vancouver Barracks, which housed the Buffalo Soldiers. You'll find Black history exhibits at various spots in this national park. You will have to drive through Portland, and I-5 can get extremely congested during the weekday commute hours.
One of the closest RV campgrounds is at Armitage County Park, which is just 5 miles from downtown Eugene. This 57-acre park is situated on the McKenzie River. The campground has a nature trail, a tree-lined river path, a boat launch, and two off-leash dog parks. It features 37 RV spots with full hookups.
If you want all the amenities an RV campground can offer, go to Premier RV Resorts of Eugene, Oregon. It's just 13 miles to the north of Eugene. It is big-rig friendly and has long pull-through sites. Amenities include concierge service, a heated pool and spa, a gift shop, satellite TV, and a book and DVD library. It's also close to champion golf courses.
Pine Meadows Campground is 20 miles south of Eugene, on Cottage Grove Lake. It has 92 standard campsites. You can fish, swim, and boat here. Amenities include campfire programs, a pet area, a playground, and a dump station.
If you're staying at the Premier RV Resorts of Eugene, Oregon, the easiest thing is to take advantage of their on-site dump station. Pine Meadows Campground also has a dump station. If you're staying elsewhere, the Wastewater Treatment Plant in north Eugene has a free dump station and is available 24 hours a day.
Whether you're a solo wanderer or traveling in a pack, you can find an RV rental at RVshare to meet your needs. You can find camper vans, also known as Class B motorhomes, that can accommodate up to four people. These drive similarly to a car and are perfect for windy roads and other locations that full-size RVs dare not go. If you need or want a little more room, a Class C motorhome might fit the bill. Many of these can sleep six people and are able to tow a small vehicle. The largest RV is the Class A motorhome. These can be difficult to maneuver, so you may only want to choose this if your destination is relatively easy to reach.
If you have a truck or SUV that can pull a rig, you can rent fifth-wheels or travel trailers. You can set these up in a campground and drive your personal vehicle to whatever adventure you wish to take. For the budget-minded, you'll find a number of affordable RV rentals in or near Eugene.
Eugene is the perfect springboard for an outdoor adventure in Oregon, and an RV lets you immerse yourself in the natural beauty this state offers. You can be just steps away from the beach, mountain trails, or Crater Lake, Oregon's only national park.
When renting an RV in Eugene, Oregon, you can expect to pay about $200/night for motorhomes and around $120/night for travel trailers.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Eugene, OR RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance, towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my Eugene, OR RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Can I have my Eugene, OR RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
