13 Best Oregon Lakes for Camping
The Oregon Coast is epic and all, but, have you visited the lakes?? Oregon lake camping offers some of the best scenery in the state, plus plenty of awesome activities to keep you busy during the day.
Whether you love hiking, paddling, fishing, or simply cooking over an open fire, these Oregon lake campsites will fulfill all your wildest dreams.
These are just a few of our favorites, the best of the best, if you will. Whether you’re on a quick getaway from Portland or embarking on an epic 1 month road trip, don’t miss these lovely lakeside campgrounds in Oregon!
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Table of Contents
- 1. Camping at Crater Lake
- 2. Camping at Trillium Lake
- 3. Camping at Paulina Lake
- 4. Camping at Upper Klamath Lake
- 5. Camping at Clear Lake
- 6. Camping at Wallowa Lake
- 7. Camping at Cascade Lakes
- 8. Camping at Lost Lake
- 9. Camping at Diamond Lake
- 10. Camping at Frog Lake
- 11. Camping at Billy Chinook Lake
- 12. Camping at Lake of the Woods
- 13. Camping at Detroit Lake
- More Water Adventures
1. Camping at Crater Lake
Crater Lake, at 529 meters, is the deepest lake in the country and is known for its stunning blue-colored waters and epic Crater Rim Drive.
The park has two developed campgrounds, Mazama and Lost Creek Campgrounds, which are both located in a forested area south of the lake.
You can book camping at Mazama Campground online, while the other is first come, first served only.
Other Nearby Accommodation:
Aspen Inn | Cabin on Klamath Lake | Red Blanket Cabin
RELATED: Things to Do at Crater Lake National Park: Hikes, Camping & When to Visit
2. Camping at Trillium Lake
Located inside Mount Hood National Forest, Trillium Lake is a stunning, man-made lake with some of the best views of Mount Hood in the whole state. It’s also one of the best Oregon lakes for camping.
Trillium Lake Campground is the most obvious choice for overnights, as not only is it close to the water, but it also has spectacular views of Mt. Hood.
This is a popular photography spot in Oregon, and camping overnight to get those sunset and sunrise shots would be wise.
There are lots of double and single sites for tent and RV camping, with drinking water and vault toilets available. The campsites here can get booked out in the summer months, so make those reservations plenty early!
Other Nearby Accommodation:
Cozy Mountain Cabin | Timberline Lodge | Wy’East Nest
RELATED: Checking Out Trillium Lake: Paddling, Hiking, and Camping
3. Camping at Paulina Lake
Paulina Lake is the larger of the two lakes in the Newberry Crater and is a popular spot for a range of recreational activities. There are a couple of good camping options at Paulina Lake.
The most obvious choice is often Paulina Lake Campground, which has sites for all sorts of camping, whether you are in a small tent or a large RV. There are picnic areas, nearby shoreline trails, drinking water, and flush toilets.
Another option is Little Crater Campground. All 49 sites perch on a ledge right on the lake, meaning you’ll only have a very short walk to the water from your site. There are vault toilets, picnic areas, and drinking water here too.
Other Nearby Accommodation:
Tall Pines A-Frame Cabin | Sunriver Resort | Cozy Cabin LaPine
RELATED: Your Guide To Newberry National Volcanic Monument
4. Camping at Upper Klamath Lake
This huge lake is Oregon’s largest body of fresh water, covering a vast 24,906 hectares. It sits in the center of the state, surrounded by mountains and forests, making it a picturesque spot to camp for a few nights.
Rocky Point Resort has rustic camping and a lodge. Here, you can rent kayaks and canoes for your day on the lake.
Other Nearby Accommodation:
Cozy Cabin | Cabin 1 on Klamath Lake
RELATED: 7 Awesome Things To Do in Klamath Falls, Oregon
5. Camping at Clear Lake
Clear Lake sits at the headwater of McKenzie River and at an altitude of around 3,000 feet, its temperature is just above freezing. It’s not ideal for swimming, but it’s a great spot for boating, diving, hiking, and of course, camping.
When visiting Clear Lake, it’s best to stay the night at Clear Lake Campground, which offers shady sites for both tents and RVs. Although there aren’t any utility hookups, there are still toilets, drinking water, and firewood available onsite.
Feel like splurging on something a little more glamourous? Book a room at the luxurious Clear Lake Resort.
Other Nearby Accommodation:
Riverfront Sanctuary Log Cabin | McKenzie Riverfront Cabin | Quiet & Romantic Cabin Getaway on McKenzie River
RELATED: Your Guide to Exploring Clear Lake, Oregon
6. Camping at Wallowa Lake
Wallowa is a ribbon lake that is surrounded by the Wallowa Mountains, and its crystal clear waters and stunning scenery make it one of the best Oregon lakes for camping.
You can hike the miles of trails that surround the lake, rent a boat, or take the Wallowa Lake Tramway to the top of Mt Howard.
Once you’re ready to call it a day, you stay directly in Wallowa Lake State Park. There are 121 hookup sites, 88 non-hookup sites, plus other camping areas like yurts and group tent areas to the south of the lake.
To the north is 5 Peaks RV Park, a much smaller privately owned park in the heart of the Wallowa Mountains. All sites have 50 and 30 amp power, water, sewer, cable TV, wifi and more.
Other Nearby Accommodation:
Cow Camp Cottage | Eagle Cap Chalets | The Wilderness Inn
RELATED: Your Guide to Visiting Wallowa Lake— 9 Best Adventures!
7. Camping at Cascade Lakes
Central Oregon’s Cascade Lakes are some of the state’s most well-known lakes. The incredible 66-mile historical Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway allows visitors to access and view all of them.
The Cascade Lakes are made up of 12 beautiful alpine lakes, offering something for everyone.
As the Cascade Lakes region covers a large area, there are plenty of options when it comes to finding a place to spend the night.
There are all sorts of campgrounds, whether you like sites with lots of amenities or something a little bit more off-grid.
A few of the best options include:
- Lava Lakes Campground
- Elk Lake Campground
- Point Campground
- Little Fawn Campground
- South Campground
- Mallard Marsh Campground
- Todd Lake Campground
All offer different amenities and prices, so it is worth doing some research to decide which is best for you.
Other Nearby Accommodation:
Elk Lake Resort | Sunriver Resort | Cozy Cabin LaPine
READ MORE: Exploring the Cascade Lakes in Oregon—Hiking, Camping, & Water Sports
8. Camping at Lost Lake
Sitting within the Mount Hood National Forest, Lost Lake is a popular recreational lake with stunning mountain views from most angles. There is no development around the shores, which adds to its beauty.
Lost Lake is known for its sunsets, sunrises, and spectacular scenery, making it one of the best Oregon lakes for camping.
There are several options when it comes to camping around Lost Lake, but the best of the best is Lost Lake Campground. The campground is adjacent to a full-service resort and has a wide variety of campsites available.
There is a general store onsite as well as pit toilets, and drinking water. One of the best things about this campground is the beautiful views of Mt. Hood.
Other Nearby Accommodation:
Lost Lake Resort | Cooper Spur Mountain Resort
RELATED: 37 of The Best Spots for Camping in Oregon
9. Camping at Diamond Lake
Diamond Lake sits within the Klamath Basin, covering 2,824 acres. It is surrounded by firs and pine, is jaw-droppingly beautiful, and is very serene.
Diamond Lake RV Park is a great camping option. Covering 22 wooded acres, it contains 110 full hookup sites with restrooms, picnic tables, and showers.
Diamond Lake Campground is another option, with 238 campsites surrounded by conifer trees along the eastern shores of the lake.
There is social lakeshore camping as well as some more secluded in-shore sites with drinking water, toilets, showers, and garbage disposal all available.
Other Nearby Accommodation:
Caz’s Cozy Cabin | Snow Pine Retreat Cabin | Dawson House Lodge
RELATED: Diamond Lake and Mount Thielsen Hike
10. Camping at Frog Lake
Frog Lake may be small, but it is no less beautiful than some of its larger counterparts. The views are impressive, and there are plenty of things to keep you busy during the day before heading back to your campsite for the evening.
Located at the north end of the lake is Frog Lake Campground, and although it is somewhat rustic, it is a good place to stay from immediate access to the lake.
There are just over 30 sites for tent and RV camping, although utility hookups are not available, there are toilets and drinking water.
Other Nearby Accommodation:
Mt. Hood Cabin | Knotty Pine Cabin | Best Western Mt. Hood Inn
11. Camping at Billy Chinook Lake
Billy Chinook Lake has a slightly different look to some of the other lakes in Oregon, sitting within a canyon that was carved by three rivers about 11 million years ago.
The lake covers sits inside the picturesque Cove Palisades State Park and is popular for all sorts of boating activities such as jet skiing, sailing, and water skiing.
Perry South Campground sits on the shores of the lake in Deschutes National Forest, filled with picnic areas and scenic overlooks, with many conveniences such as drinking water and toilets.
Camping is also available at the Cove Palisades State Park, with the choice of either the Crooked River Campground or the Deschutes Campground, both of which have over 80 sites.
Other Nearby Accommodation:
RELATED: Your Guide to Cove Palisades State Park
12. Camping at Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods is not as well known as some of the other bigger lakes in Oregon, which makes it a haven for anyone looking to get off the beaten path.
The lake has been named for its dense surrounding woodlands and forest, offering an idyllic escape for lovers of the great outdoors.
Whether you are staying in a tent, trailer, or vintage inspired cabin, Lake of the Woods Mountain Lodge and Resort is a good spot to set up camp and explore the lake.
There are three campgrounds to choose from in this area, Aspen Point, Sunset and Four Mile Lake Campground, all of which are in a wooded setting.
Other Nearby Accommodation:
Cozy Cabin by Lake of the Woods | Crater Lake Getaway-Rocky Point Resort | Klamath Falls Cabin
RELATED: 17 STUNNING Lakes in Oregon
13. Camping at Detroit Lake
Thanks to the two state parks that surround the shoreline (Detroit Lake State Park and Mongold State Park), Detroit Lake is one of the best lakes in Oregon for camping.
There are seven different campsites around the lake so you can wake up to some stunning views of the lake without having to travel very far. Because of the number of campsites, it is a good lake to add to any Oregon road trip.
One of the best campsites around Detroit Lake is the one in the State Recreation Area on the northern shore of the lake. The campground offers nearly 300 sites, some of which are full-hookup, while others are tent only.
Other Nearby Accommodation:
Farmland Guest Cottage | Riverfront Cottage | Bali House
Which of these lakes in Oregon are you running to visit?! Here are more epic adventures around Oregon to check out.
