Camping can be a great family experience, and it’s fun for your little ones to explore and learn about nature. You can swim, roast marshmallows, tell scary stories, and feel nature all around you in a way you can’t at home. Oregon’s natural beauty makes for some great choices when you want to have a family trip!

Whistler’s Bend 

So this campsite is near Roseburg, Oregon, and has over one hundred and forty acres of land, and it’s a great place to keep your kids busy with fun. If you’re going to go swimming, I highly recommend remembering the life jackets. You can have a great time in the river; the rapids are fun. For older children, there is a disc golf course and open fields to play in, but there are also hiking trails and forests to explore, which is something your little ones might like. 

One thing to note, however, is that a few bad eggs have decided that the hot springs are clothing-optional, so I recommend skipping the hot springs area and enjoying the rest of what this campsite has to offer instead. 

Wallowa Lake State Park

This campsite is in Eastern Oregon. You’ll find it near LaGrande, to be exact. The campsite is located between the mountains and a glacial lake. Families who like hiking or getting in the water will love this site. Not to mention, for parents, it will take a load off your stress levels because they offer grand amenities, too! Not only are there hot showers, a marina, a playground, and restrooms, but they also have designated dump stations, ramps for boats, and picnic areas that you can enjoy. 

For the truly daring, they have two yurts that you can enjoy. For those unfamiliar with the term, a yurt combines a tent and a cabin, originating in central Asia. If you’ve never stayed in one, it can be quite the experience. 

LaPine State Park

This site is another excellent option for families near Bend and offers the Deschutes River. It’s considered one of the best places for family camping because it provides excellent activities. Not only can you do the typical swimming and hiking associated with camping, but you can also go mountain biking and fishing, and in the winter, you can ski or try your hand at snowshoeing. There is no lifeguard at the swimming beach, so you must pay close attention to your children.

One area of particular interest to most is the Heritage Tree. It’s a wonderful place to go fishing; it’s quiet and serene. In addition to these activities, they offer log cabins and a pet-friendly area for families. They also recommend purchasing your firewood at the site, as it reduces invasive bug species. 

Natural Bridge Campground 

Near Prospect, Oregon, this is a little farther away, but it’s a hidden gem and well worth it. It’s less crowded than others on this list, and there are many areas to choose from. Not to mention, the views are absolutely amazing. Now, I’ve got to warn you on this one. There are vault toilets and no drinking water, so you’ll have to bring your own. However, while you are ‘roughing it,’ there is plenty to enjoy. 

Fishing is excellent here, and the catches can be quite impressive. Not to mention the local hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. You can also take advantage of the day-use area, which is relaxing. If you’re a fan of kayaking, this is also a favorite activity here. They have strict rules about pets being on a leash, but they can also enjoy the campsite.

Helpful Reminder

None of the campsites have lifeguards, and it’s essential to ensure that you’ve brought the proper measurements for safety, including life jackets. The water can go from calm to choppy, and it will help ensure that your children are safe. I would also recommend a bug repellent and a first aid kit, as sometimes the branches on trails can scratch. 

Experience Nature 

Experiencing nature by going camping is a fun and wholesome activity you can enjoy with your family, and it’s great for making memories. I remember being younger and sitting in my papa’s van as he told us stories. We would listen to the crickets and look up at the stars. It’s one of the memories that stays with me as an adult, and you can do the same with your children. Don’t forget the bug spray and clean drinking water!