Oregon State Parks are a treasure, offering over 50 campgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts. While many of these campgrounds allow advance reservations, perfect for meticulous planners, a fantastic opportunity exists for spontaneous adventurers: first-come, first-served camping. This system opens doors to campsites without the need for prior booking, offering flexibility and a touch of old-fashioned camping charm.
For those who prefer the security of a reservation, it’s worth noting that even reservation-based campgrounds often release same-day available spots through the online reservation system. This is a handy backup, accessible from your home or directly at the park via your devices or with ranger assistance, space permitting. Remember that reservations are typically required for cabins, yurts, tepees, group facilities, and during peak seasons at many parks. Always check specific park details to be sure.
How First-Come, First-Served Camping Works
Embracing the first-come, first-served approach means securing your campsite directly upon arrival. These campgrounds operate on a self-registration system, streamlining the process for eager campers. To claim your spot, simply head to the campground booth or kiosk. There, you’ll find self-registration envelopes where you can make your payment according to the posted rates. You’ll typically need to provide your vehicle license plate number and zip code on the envelope. For detailed information on camping fees, refer to the Oregon State Parks rates page.
Discover Oregon Campgrounds with First-Come, First-Served Sites
Ready to explore the first-come, first-served campgrounds Oregon has to offer? Here’s a breakdown by region to help you plan your next spontaneous camping trip:
Southern Oregon Gems
Central and Eastern Oregon Treasures
- Bates State Recreation Area
- Cascara Campground at Fall Creek State Recreation Area
- Catherine Creek State Park
- Cottonwood Canyon State Park (First-come, first-served from November to March; reservable Lone Tree Loop campsites and End of the Road Group Camp from April to October)
- The Cove Palisades State Park (Limited first-come, first-served campsites available in spring and fall)
- Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area (Features a mix of first-come, first-served and reservable campsites)
- Farewell Bend State Recreation Area (A Loop operates on a first-come, first-served basis; B and C Loops are reservable)
- Hilgard Junction State Recreation Area
- Jasper Point Campground at Prineville Reservoir State Park
- Lake Owyhee State Park (Offers both first-come, first-served and reservable campsites)
- Minam State Recreation Area
- Red Bridge State Recreation Site
- Smith Rock State Park (Provides special walk-in bivouac camping on a first-come, first-served basis)
- Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor
Embrace the spontaneity and adventure that first-come, first-served camping in Oregon State Parks offers. With a little planning and an adventurous spirit, you can discover some of Oregon’s most beautiful outdoor destinations. Remember to check the Oregon State Parks website for the most up-to-date information and any changes to campground availability.
