Camping in Oregon

There are many great camping locations in Oregon. From coastal camping to camping in central Oregon, there are beautiful campgrounds and state parks scattered across the state. Whether you're planning a weekend waterskiing on Diamond Lake, hiking the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, or just soaking up the sun and enjoying the waves at one of Oregon's beautiful beaches, there are plenty of camping opportunities for tents and RVs in Oregon.

Along Oregon's northern coast, camping is abundant at a variety of state parks, national parks, and private campgrounds. Enjoy horseback riding, kayaking, or fishing while camping among the beautiful wildlife of Nehalem Bay State Park. Primitive camping for small aircraft is available near an airstrip, as well as sites for hikers, bicyclists, and horse camping. This Oregon camping facility also features 265 electrical sites that accommodate RVs up to 60 feet long and 18 yurts, small, furnished, circular huts that sleep 5 people.

If you're thinking of combining a weekend of Oregon coast camping with some off road fun on the beach, Sandbeach Campground is the ideal location. Pack up your ATVs and your favorite Coleman family camping tent and get your campsite early because these are on a first come, first serve basis. Choose from one of the three developed campgrounds and camp on the beach if you like.

The central Oregon coast offers plenty of camping activities as well. Two hour kayaking tours along Beaver Creek make South Beach State Park a popular Oregon coast camping destination. From fishing, windsurfing, or just enjoying the beauty of the Pacific coast, camping at South Beach State Park is a great getaway. Camp in one of the 27 yurts or enjoy an electrical campsite with wi-fi access.

Bullards Beach State Park, along the southern Oregon coast, is a terrific family camping destination. Visit the Coquille Lighthouse, hike or bike through the beautiful coastal dunes full of wildlife, or enjoy a day of boating on the peaceful Coquille River. There are plenty of family activities nearby and you can choose from one of the shaded campsites with full hookups, a comfortable yurt, or even a horse camping site with beach access.

Camping in central Oregon isn't quite as abundant as the coast, but it is just as much fun. The Deschutes River State Recreation Area is a favorite campground for kayakers, hikers, and equestrians. The 34 electric campsites, 25 primitive sites, and restrooms are perfect for a weekend of horseback riding or enjoying the rapids of the scenic Deschutes River, whether in a kayak, inner tube, or jet ski.

The only state park in the Portland area that offers camping, Milo McIver State Park, is a beautiful outdoor retreat that provides plenty of fun for the entire family. The Milo McIver campground is small and secluded with 9 designated tent camping sites and 44 electric sites and there is a wide array of programs and exhibits available through the park. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, or playing disc golf. The scenic Clackamas River is perfect for canoeing and rafting, and there are several picnic areas with gorgeous views.

From Oregon's most scenic waterways to the tranquil Oregon coast, camping in Oregon is always fun for everyone. Relax by the shore, hike a scenic trail, or kayak Oregon's whitewater. Whatever your favorite camping activities, Oregon's state parks have something for you!

For more tips and information about Camping Gear, check out http: www.summitcampinggear.com.

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Pacific Northwest Hiking - The Right Gear For Oregon Trailways

Hiking is one of Pacific Northwest outdoor enthusiast's favorite activities. Oregon and SW Washington offer an incredible variety of forests, parks and national monuments ready for exploration and appreciation. Hikers should not be taken by surprise in this incredible area of the country however. Forest, coastal lands and cave hiking all present unique challenges to any hiker. The Pacific Northwest can prove to be dangerous if hikers are unprepared.

Forest Trail Hiking

The Northwest's forest trails are ideal hiking destinations because the scenery and beauty are unmatched by any other location. These trails wind through lush pine and fir tree wooded areas, tranquil open meadows, and creek and river crossed landscapes. The native wildlife - beavers, foxes, deer, elk, songbirds, squirrels - make it an ideal place for nature watchers. Oregon and Washington have very well maintained trailways and they take pride in their stewardship of the forests here. However, hikers should still be prepared for the unexpected in these areas.

The most important item to pack on any hiking trip, especially in the summer months, is water. Food is a close second. Emergency lights and signals are also essential for any recreational hiker. Traditional roadside flares or signal lights are not an option in the Northwest wilderness as likelihood of starting an unintentional fire is very high. A LED emergency light is small, lightweight, affordable, and offers powerful, high-quality light that can be used as a distress signal as well as a flashlight.

A multi-purpose pocket knife is also essential to safe hiking in the Northwest. These tools often include miniature scissors and pliers, tweezers and a compass which can all be useful to a hiker. The basic knife blade in these tools can be helpful to scratch trees and branches in order to mark an unfamiliar trail should you get lost. Consider packing mosquito repellent and sun block when hiking these forest trails as well.

Coastal Hiking

The Pacific Northwest is known for its unpredictable and sometimes treacherous coastal weather. Hikers are advised to dress for the elements when hiking along coast range trails. A rain jacket and sturdy, waterproof boots are essential. The Oregon or SW Washington coast is are often overtaken by dense, heavy fog coverage. These fogs can come in without warning, stranding and disorientating hikers who are unprepared. It is important to bring a powerful LED flashlight or lantern when hiking this area to illuminate the trail or campsite as well as alert help should you need it.

Cave Hiking

Cave hiking is one of the more dangerous forms of recreational hiking. This activity requires specific safety equipment and long-term planning. Along with multiple light sources, appropriate clothing and plenty of food and water, one must also make sure to bring protective head gear, rope, and climbing gloves. Experts recommend headlamps when cave hiking to allow for hands-free hiking. If considering cave hiking in the Northwest, contact a professional in the area who can provide specific equipment needs and precautions.

Hiking the Pacific Northwest trails is an incredible outdoor experience. A summer can be spent enjoying several trails, all with their own unique landscapes and beauties. Whether hiking through the Umpqua or Deschutes National Forests or exploring the Coast's Oregon Sand Dunes, hikers will not be disappointed so long as they come prepared.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes for Discount Lights and Knives.
Get what you need for your next hiking trip, including LED Lenser lanterns and flashlights on the DLK website for waterproof LED lights for camping, hunting and hiking.

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