Peanut butter and chocolate. Cookies and milk. Winter and an RV. Those are classic combinations, aren’t they?
As we shared last week, there are lots of reasons to get your RV on the road in January and February—especially by heading to Oregon for a winter RV camping trip. If you love solitude, access to wildlife, and plenty of fun, Oregon is the best destination for a winter camping trip.
Now, in this blog post, we want to talk about the best year-round campgrounds with RV hookups in some prime locations on the Oregon coast, in Central Oregon, and in the Willamette Valley. We will touch on what makes these campgrounds great, activities you can take on in the surrounding area, and more.
On the Coast
If you’re looking for an adventure in Oregon, the coast is an option that truly can’t be beat! It can be a little windy and rainy, but the temperatures are usually relatively mild. As well, the Oregon Coast has some of the most breathtaking beaches and wildlife in the state.
Our first recommendation for ideal winter camping trips on the Oregon Coast is the Barview Jetty County Park Campground. This campground, while often overlooked, is actually the second largest campground in Oregon with around 308 campsites, including 69 full RV hookups. It has direct access to the beach, making it ideal for those looking to experience the coast in the winter. Situated between Rockaway Beach and Tillamook, there is plenty to do and see away from your camping grounds; you can visit Rockaway Beach and the lively boardwalk, or the Tillamook Cheese Factory. As well, the Tillamook State Forest offers plenty of hiking trails and scenic areas to explore; check out the State of Oregon’s Tillamook State Forest Recreation guide.
Up next on the coast is the Sunset Bay State Park on the southern Oregon Coast. Located near Coos Bay, there is plenty to see and do. It has a large white sand beach protected by large cliffs. This campsite also has a park area that is oriented away from the beach, making it ideal for families; there are volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and shaded picnic tables, as well as a basketball court. The campground is just a short walk away and has 35 RV hookups available. Many of the sites and both of the restrooms are ADA accessible. The Sunset Bay State Park is an ideal place to observe tidepools and spend a few days relaxing with your family, exploring Coos Bay, and enjoying the beach. If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot to go camping in January and February, the Sunset Bay State Park is a great option because there is plenty for everyone in your crew to enjoy!
Our final pick for the Oregon Coast is the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, located in the Central Oregon Coast. This is a smaller campground, featuring only 17 sites with hookups; 8 are full hookups and 9 are electric and water only. But don’t let the size fool you! It’s still got plenty of features that make it a great option for that winter camping trip you’ve been dreaming of. It features trail access to Lake Marie, firewood available for sale, and a picnic table and fire pit at every campsite—so after a day exploring the lake and hiking trails, you can spend a cozy evening bundled up, making s’mores with your friends and family. Located just south of Winchester Bay, this small-but-beautiful campsite is ideal for access to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. If you love your toys, this recreation area is a lot of fun, but there is also access to hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, and beach access. Winchester Bay is also a great place for crabbing, so you can experience some of that famous Oregon Coast seafood! This campground is also convenient for visiting the Umpqua River Lighthouse, which holds guided tours and features a museum.
Camping in the Willamette Valley
The Willamette Valley has some of the best weather in Oregon; it can get rainy and a little cold, but there is plenty to do and see, even in the winter months!
First on our list is Champoeg State Park Campground, just a little southwest of Wilsonville. This park features 8 full hookup sites, as well as 67 sites with water and electric. This park boasts some incredible opportunities to learn more about Oregon and its rich history; you can visit the HIstoric Butteville Store that was founded in 1863. There are also guided walks through the historic town of Champoeg, as well as tours through the visitor center, the Newell House, and the Pioneer Mothers Log Cabin museums to learn more about pioneer life. This park would be perfect for those traveling with their families and young children; they will learn, experience nature, and develop an appreciation for the past and present! Being so close to Wilsonville as well, there are lots of opportunities to experience both the great outdoors and a quaint little city.
Next on our list is the Belknap Hot Springs Campground, located in the National Willamette Forest just west of the South Sister and east of Eugene. The Belknap Hot Springs are on the banks of the upper McKenzie River; this hot springs resort in particular has operated since the 1870s. Aside from the hot springs, this park has plenty of gardens and short hiking trails to explore, as well the McKenzie River Trail that skirts the resort. Since campsites are located just along the McKenzie, you have access to plenty of fishing, as well as hiking and backpacking.
In Snowy Central Oregon
Our first pick for Central Oregon winter camping is the Tumalo State Park Campground. This campground is just a little north of Bend, with access to the beautiful Deschutes River and, of course, Mount Bachelor for trips up to the slopes. This campground has 23 full RV hook-up sites and a full picnic area. Just 13 miles away is the beautiful Tumalo Falls, an 89-foot free-fall cascade surrounded by lots of hiking trails and breathtaking scenic areas to view either Tumalo Falls or one of the other 8 waterfalls. Being so close to Bend, the Tumalo State Park Campground means you can experience the best of both worlds: the great outdoors and the fun of the big city. Spend the morning hiking through trails around the campground and then spend the afternoon in downtown Bend, exploring shops and restaurants.
Our final pick for Central Oregon is the Camp Sherman RV Park, located in the Metolius River Basin and the Metolius Recreation Area. Camp Sherman was founded in 1911 and is part of Hoodoo Recreation, which means you have access to plenty of adventure, like skiing, hiking, and more in the winter time.
Let’s Go RVing!
Needless to say, taking a winter camping trip in your RV through Oregon is a great way to experience nature, peace and quiet, and all your favorite winter activities. Your RV doesn’t have to spend the winter cooped up, at least; you can have just as much fun as during the spring, summer, and fall.
As always, if you decide to take a spin in your RV this winter, don’t forget to follow our tips for winterizing your RV and our tips for staying safe on a winter camping trip.
