Desert and dog-friendly camping in Oregon
With quiet beaches, vibrant cities, and massive expanses of forest, Oregon has something for everyone.
97% (1527 reviews)
- Oregon
97% (1527 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Oregon
Star Hosts in Oregon
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top desert and dog-friendly campgrounds in Oregon
96%
(74)
Back Side of Painted Hills Camping
1 site · RV, Tent320 acres · Mitchell, OR
This 320 acre plot of land on which you can hike anywhere has been in our family since 1993.
Large, graveled spot for tents or two vehicles with excellent view for miles and miles and night star gazing. Primitive outhouse. Juniper forest with sage brush... basically high desert vegetation. We only allow one reservation per night, although there is lodging (reserved) at the log home almost out of sight up above you. You can arrange vehicles or tents to not be in view or block any view from house way above. 320 acres to hike and roam. Mitchell is 10 miles away with well stocked grocery and feed store, restaurants, small brewery, and tire shop. We give directions fairly quickly. Road is wide, but steep at top. 4 wheel drive is recommended. Very close to the Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National monument, Ochoco National Forest is seven miles. John Day River for swimming, rafting about 20 minutes. If you can book, it means you can drive on up with out contacting us. As you drive in if at night, you will see a light on the outhouse.
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Picnik Place
2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Bend, OR
Hi and welcome to Picnik Place! This is a 20 acre farm, so there is plenty of land to roam free and explore, as well as having your privacy from the primary residents. With this spot, you are nestled under a juniper tree with a lava rock backdrop and can watch the sun dip below the volcanos in the distance. This spot is very simple and tucked away. There is an off-grid solar power hook-up that you can use, but it will not be enough power to run the AC and toaster oven at the same time! While feeling remote and removed from the Bend tourism, it only takes 15 minutes to get downtown, where there are ample restaurants, shops, coffehouses, etc. It takes 7 minutes to get to Trader Joe's and Home Depot, and 10 minutes to get to St. Charles Hospital.
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B:30 Desert Destination
3 sites · Tents10 acres · Prineville, OR
Enjoy Cascade Mountain views during the day and unlimited stargazing at night. Camping is situated on 10 acres and just 10 minutes from the Crooked River, Prineville Reservoir and Millican Valley OHV Trail System . A 15 minute drive will take you to a very scenic hike at Chimney Rock Trail. Bend and Prineville are both a 30 minute drive away.
The group tent site has two separate-12' x 14' flat gravel pads and will accommodate tents of all reasonable sizes. Also includes an outdoor shower/compostable toilet, BBQ with picnic area, and propane fire pit.
The other two separate tent sites are roughly 20'x20' flat gravel pads and will accomodate 2 individual tents if needed. Also includes shared compostable toilet and individual propane fire pit.
Wood fire bans are in effect year round. We do provide propane fire pits at each site as an alternative. Propane tanks are also included.
Group site outdoor shower available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
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$32
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Shasta View Wanderer's Retreat
1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Klamath Falls, OR
Welcome to Shasta View Wanderer's Retreat, your ideal basecamp for outdoor adventures. Located approximately 60 miles from Crater Lake National Park, 30 miles from Lava Beds National Monument, and 12 miles from Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, our retreat offers unparalleled access to a variety of natural wonders.
Within just 30 minutes, you'll find numerous opportunities for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and biking, with private access to miles of hiking trails on public land right from the campsite. Keep your eyes peeled for the impressive eagle activity in the area, as bald and golden eagles are frequently spotted soaring above or perched nearby.
At night, you may have the opportunity to join us for star viewing parties under our dark, expansive sky—an experience you won't forget.
While our site offers access to seclusion, it's not entirely secluded on its own. Nestled at the bottom of a pasture in a farming area, it's within sight of the owner and a neighbor. However, rural living offers a sense of privacy, allowing you to relax and be yourself amidst nature. Keep in mind that you may encounter bugs, coyotes, deer, and some nearby farming activity during your stay.
Our communal camping area features level ground, fire pit, potable water spigot, camp toilet, and a picnic table. Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be leashed or kenneled on the property—feel free to let them off-leash on the adjacent public lands.
Owners are available to provide information and maps for hiking and outdoor recreation activities. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Shasta from your campsite, with seasonally flooded fields adding to the picturesque scenery. You're also welcome to explore the hills nearby, offering even more breathtaking vistas to discover.
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STEEP DREAMS
2 sites · Lodging17 acres · Sisters, OR
RELAX!!.... Or hike, or bike, or swim or simply recharge your batteries!
Stay the night in our tipi or cabin while taking in the peaceful views of mountains and the treetops. Camps are located on the top of a canyon where you can see for days on this one of a kind central Oregon property. Camps are located next to county and BLM land if you want to hike, bike or take a dip in the pond. 20 minutes to Bend, 15 minutes to Redmond and only 10 minutes to Downtown Sisters.
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$50
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Haystack Ranch
12 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Spray, OR
My family has owned the ranch since 1977. We bought it from my parents a few years ago to keep it in the family. We love living here, and although it is just the two of us working it, we are slowly getting it to what we want it to be. The house we live in is over 100 years old and used to be a stage coach stop back in the late 1800's to early 1900's, You can still see some of the old stage coach roads on the property, and we are trying to preserve those the best we can. Also in the early 1900's this ranch used to be the place to go on the fourth of July. People from all over would bring their prize horses to compete in a horse race for the name of the fastest horses around While others would bring picnic baskets to set back on the knoll in one of our fields to watch. Learn more about this land:We are a 500 Acre working ranch located in Beautiful East Central Oregon, We are Between The stunning Painted Hills, and Umatilla National Forest. Just a few miles away from the Gorgeous John Day River, where Rafting, Tubing, Fishing, Swimming is always a welcome retreat. A few miles above us is Bull Prairie Lake and the wonderful Umatilla National Forest where hiking, sight seeing and wildlife viewing is always available.
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$35
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Harmony Farm Sanctuary
1 site · Lodging10 acres · Bend, OR
Absolutely breathtaking mountain views from the tiny house and all over the property. Located on an active farm sanctuary. You will wake up to the sights, sounds and smells of our rescued farm animal friends.
Learn more about this land:
Tiny house with stunning mountain views located on a farm animal sanctuary, Harmony Farm Sanctuary. You will wake up in the morning to the sound of roosters crowing and our crew of friendly animal residents. It can be noisy at times but we find it delightful! The tiny house has huge, direct views of the Three Sisters mountains and Broken Top and plenty of outdoor sitting space to enjoy it and a little propane fire pit to enjoy the sunsets. The tiny house offers an amazing "glamping" experience and a unique opportunity to learn more about what we do at our animal sanctuary and even take a tour!
The Space: Our hand made tiny house offers a double sized mattress (bedding included) in the upstairs area (access via an attached ladder!). Room for an additional person across from double bed also in upstairs area or put provided mat on the floor. Please note: the space is small for 3 people.
The Kitchen: Tiny house kitchen area has a small refrigerator, small counter space for meal prep, a tea kettle for hot water, water jug for fresh water, french press coffee pot and coffee/tea, hot plate for cooking, popcorn maker and popcorn, pots and pans, silverware, napkins, bottle openers, etc. We now have a new small outdoor kitchen with a two burner propane stove!
The Facilities: The tiny house offers a composting toilet for night time pee pee needs and offers a port-a-potty for all other uses please! If you want to know a secret river dipping spot or where to go to find showers please let me know!
The Location: Aside from the farm sanctuary we are conveniently located between beautiful Bend, Oregon and Sisters, Oregon. We have hiking and biking trails within .3 of a mile! We also have books to recommend 100's of other hiking, biking, nordic skiing and alpine skiing nearby! And, since we are outdoor enthusiasts ourselves, we are happy to recommend places to ski, hike, mountain bike, float or paddle!
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Milk A Sheep Camp at Tin Willows
4 sites · RVs, Tents450 acres · Lexington, OR
Didn't know you could milk a sheep? Or thought only cows made cheese? Come find out how it's done on this seasonal working ranch here in Eastern Oregon. Lambs are born in the spring and their moms are milked all summer long.
I raise my sheep on fresh grass and sunshine. Come see for yourself here on the ranch.
Pitch a tent on the pasture and literally count the sheep around you before falling asleep or climb the hill and see for miles in every direction. We may be close to the road, but it doesn't feel like it.
We can accommodate campers, RVs, trucks, tents, and vans. 4 sites to chose from.
Each site has access to a toilet, potable water, shower, picnic tables, trash disposal, and we allow campfires (outside of burn bans), and pets.
We also sell fresh eggs, firewood, and lamb sausage.
Our guests love staying with us: "There’s fireside fun in fresh country air, rolling hills around the farm to walk along to enjoy the wide expansive view, and sights and sounds of animals around camp to make for a relaxing day. There’s kittens, dairy sheep, gigantic but friendly herd dogs, and a variety of chickens and ducks. The host was kind and friendly. Try the sheep’s milk cheese - what a treat!"
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Tom's Rest Canyon Retreat Center
5 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · OR
TOM'S REST was created by Tom's wife Cheryl in an effort to carry out their plans to provide respite for those in need. Tom Edwards worked tirelessly for years to clear this wild recreation space where he planned to live while helping others. Tom suddenly and unexpectedly passed February 2, 2015 while in the process of making his move to Sisters with his High School sweetheart of 45 years. Cheryl continued his passion and their dream to make this a place for those in need as a way to honor the most giving man she ever knew. This process, while overwhelming, has brought some healing and it is our hope to continue that healing for others in need from life's many trials. We continue to use our funds to promote healing in grief and other trials of life.
We would appreciate hearing from those that have anything to contribute in way of maintenance and housekeeping, services to provide those in need such as massage or counseling, or any other contributions you are led to give. We are developing a list of volunteers to be called upon when someone in need is referred to us and will keep you informed as things develop.
Anyone having a grief, widows/widowers, caregiver, cancer, hospice or other group that would like to have their group listed should message us as well. These respite visits are short getaways to refuel and support individuals during tough times.
Those that come to enjoy Tom's Rest will be ministering to those in need through your paid visits here and hopefully, gain some needed respite of your own. We have taken every precaution for distancing and cleanliness with the ever changing Covid policies for your safety and concerns. Most feel they are pretty much 'on their own' in this retreat area with the option for seclusion OR mingling if so desired.
My deepest thanks to all who have stood alongside through this journey and continue to do so. May we collectively create TOM'S REST with Tom's intention and the passion he infused in us to carry it through to fulfillment.
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$49
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Tom B.’s Land
3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Hines, OR
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Justesen Ranches
19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents350 acres · Tygh Valley, OR
Justesen Ranches is family owned working cattle, wheat and recreation ranch. Our properties are located in the Columbia River Plateau in North Central Oregon.
Enjoy wide open spaces, reservoirs for wildlife watching and clear night skies for star gazing. This is a leave no trace, pack it in, pack it out camping area.
The property is located in Tygh Valley and is only a few minutes from the general store and the stunning White River Falls State Park. The Deschutes River whitewater rafting hub of Maupin is just a 10 minute drive away. The lodge two hours from Portland and 30 min from The Dalles.
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Desert Rose Private Campground
3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Prineville, OR
Welcome to our family's Private Campground - The Desert Rose. A boondocking site for you and your family to enjoy!
We have a Yurt, a cabin, 3 RV/Travel trailer pads and 2 tent sites created here and plenty of room for everyone to have their own space yet be all together. You can book the entire campground, or just one of the units. Whether it's just you, or you're bringing a crew, we know you'll love it here!
Our favorite hikes in the Central Oregon area is Smith Rocks and Chimney Rock. The Prineville reservoir is roughly a 12 minute drive and the starry nights here are something to behold.
Up the road is the most unique petting zoo that we recently found! Find it and you might just be able to hold a baby kangaroo!
Boondocking site means there is no hook-ups or running water so you'll want to bring in your own water and heat if you're here in the colder months.
Your four legged furry family members are welcomed! They must be accompanied at all times and not left on the property alone. The dog run is for you to keep closer tabs on them while relaxing, not for leaving them while going into town or enjoying the area. The dirt is very soft and it wouldn't take very long for them to dig under to get out and go looking for you. The cabin or yurt is also not a pet storage area - with no power or AC, pets are not allowed to be left alone in the dwellings.
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$55
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Available this weekend
Under $50
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Desert and dog-friendly camping in Oregon guide
Overview
Oregon has long been known as an outdoor destination, with snow-capped mountains, rugged high desert, Pacific Coast beaches, and roaring rivers all within a few hours’ drive of one another. While Portland attracts visitors with its celebrated food scene and music venues, Oregon offers much more for those who’d prefer a quieter getaway out in nature. If you’ve come to camp or hike, you’ll have no shortage of options to choose from—in fact, there are 11 national forests, hundreds of state parks and recreation areas, and 2.5 million acres of protected wilderness within the state’s borders.
Where to go
The Willamette Valley
Extending from the border with Washington state down to the community of Springfield, the Willamette Valley is Oregon’s main economic and cultural hub. Although it’s home to the state’s three most populated cities (Portland, Salem, and Eugene), much of the Willamette Valley is dominated by forests and countryside, with plenty of state parks, hiking and mountain biking trails, hot springs, and rivers.
Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge
Just east of Portland on the border with Washington, the Columbia River Gorge offers easy access to miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and great skiing and snowboarding. The adjacent Mt. Hood region has equally beautiful scenery and is as popular for winter skiing and snowboarding as it is for hiking, swimming, and camping in the summer months.
The Oregon Coast
This region is popular year-round, attracting whale-watching fans in the cooler months and campers and hikers in the summer months. Popular Oregon Coast activities include hiking, tide pool viewing, clamming, crabbing, off-road vehicle rides on the sweeping Oregon Dunes, and sampling world-famous cheese and ice cream in Tillamook. While some brave souls don wetsuits for surfing and diving, the Pacific Ocean waters rarely get warm enough for comfortable dips. Some of the area’s best camping options can be found at Harris Beach State Park, Sunset Bay State Park, and Cape Lookout State Park, all of which offer tent camping, yurt rentals, and RV sites with hookups.
Eastern and Central Oregon
Stretching from the portion of the Cascade Range south of the Columbia Gorge all the way east to the Oregon-Idaho border, central and eastern Oregon offer a dryer, sunnier alternative to the rainier parts of the state, with a mix of lush forest and craggy high desert landscapes. Highlights include Deschutes National Forest, popular for backpacking and backcountry stays, while campers in search of a more developed camping experience can head to one of the many Oregon state parks along the Deschutes River, near Bend.
Southern Oregon
Oregon’s southernmost region offers a variety of scenery, with a mix of lakes, forests, and rivers interspersed with rolling expanses of countryside (not to mention some great wineries). The region’s most famous natural attraction is Crater Lake National Park, Oregon’s only national park, set near the southeastern reaches of Umpqua National Forest.
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