Cover Image Used With Permission From Camille Gullickson

Winter may seem like an odd time to plan a summer camping trip, but with many of the most popular campsites booking out six months or more in advance, the time is right to plan your family camping trip for next summer. Also, for me personally, planning fun experiences and travels in the new year helps me get through the bleakest winter months. Read on for three great Oregon campground recommendations for families. (For the full article, which includes recommendations in California and Washington, check the blog here.)

Beverly Beach State Park Campground, Oregon State Parks, Oregon (near Florence)

We have enjoyed several wonderful three-generation family camping trips at Beverly Beach State Park during the summer months. The campground is well maintained and family-friendly, and it features lovely secluded creekside spots in the trees right near the Pacific Ocean. It is also closely located to Newport and big stores (like Fred Meyer) with all the items you might have forgotten, as well as Newport tourist attractions, such as the Newport Aquarium.

Good to know. While sunny beach days may be on your mind, come prepared for a variety of windy and cold weather regardless of the month, because Oregon coastal summers can be unpredictable. Pack your windbreaker!

Availability & booking. Campsites are now reservable up to six months in advance, but check the website for up-to-date information as conditions may change due to COVID-19.

Little Lava Lake Campground, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon

We enjoyed a wildly successful COVID-19 camping trip at Little Lava Lake campground last summer. This small campground is located on peaceful Little Lava Lake (right near bigger Lava Lake), with basic but relatively spacious sites in the lodgepole pines. The campground only offers a vault toilet, but that was not a problem for us because of our COVID-19 camping protocols. There were a handful of day-trippers that flocked to the lake on the weekend, but it is generally much quieter and lesser-known than many of the other bigger lakes near Bend. This campground is also conveniently located to some stunning Cascades hikes.

Good to know. We were warned so many times about mosquitoes and how bad they might be in the Cascades lakes in July, I went a little overboard, purchasing everything from a picnic canopy to face nets. Experienced camping friends have told me that August is always the best and safest month as far as mosquitos are concerned, but they were only a mild annoyance in July. Still, it’s probably good advice to be safe rather than sorry, and pack some extra gear along if you can. Also, the popular trails near Bend can be quite crowded on summer weekends, so camping at less desirable times or mid-week is best. 

Availability & booking. Individual sites at this campground are reservable on a six month rolling basis. Click here to reserve your site for next summer.

Union Creek Campground, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon

This lovely campground features spacious sites nestled among old-growth trees along the Rogue River and is located just a short drive from Crater Lake National Park. We loved our stay at Union Creek campground so much we have always wanted to return. Full disclosure, though, we went a bit too early in the season (June) and it poured rain much of the time and there was even a small blizzard at Crater Lake. Inclement weather aside, most of us had a great time, and we’d like to go back a little later in the season next time.

Good to know. Camping in June in Oregon can be unpredictable! By waiting just a bit later, I’m sure you’ll have a marvelous experience, friends who visited Crater Lake just a few weeks later were snapping photos in tank tops.

Availability & booking. Individual sites at this campground are reservable on a six month rolling basis. Click here to reserve your site for next summer.

Have you experienced any of these wonderful West Coast campgrounds?