Oregon's Best Family Vacation Campgrounds

Browse our guide to the best family camping spots in Oregon. Find campgrounds with activities and attractions that are favorites with children of all ages, from swimming to fishing, campfire programs to Junior Rangers, horseback riding to hiking trails.

All of the campgrounds on our Oregon's Best Camping website are good family destinations. Certainly nearly any of our lake and beach campgrounds would make excellent vacation destinations for families. On this list of Family Vacation Campgrounds we have highlighted the very best for each region -- campgrounds with the most to offer families with children and teens.

Cascade Lakes

Crescent Lake Campground

Crescent Lake Campground sits on the shore of beautiful Crescent Lake. A nearby beach area is a popular gathering place for launching all kinds of watercraft from paddle boards and pedal boats to sailboats and ski boats. Also popular are swimming, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking.

The nearby Crescent Lake Resort rents Sea-Doos, fishing boats, kayaks, Aqua Cycles, and paddle boards.

North Coast

South Beach State Park

While nearly any campground near a sandy beach has plenty of attractions for children, South Beach State Park offers even more. Activities include biking on a paved jetty trail (bike rentals available at the Hospitality Center), a playground, horseshoes, and disc golf. In the summer there are guided hikes, kayak tours, interpretive programs, and Junior Rangers.

Nearby in south Newport visit the Mark O. Hatfield Marine Science Center and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Devil's Lake State Recreation Area

The campground at Devil's Lake is only a 10-minute walk from D River State Recreation Site with a great beach. All kinds of boating are popular at Devil's Lake from kayaks to jet skis. Boat Rentals are available. Swimming and fishing are also favorite activities. Summer interpretive programs are offered at the amphitheater. Join in the fun of Lincoln City's Finders Keepers when colorful, hand-crafted glass floats are left at random places on area beaches for anyone to find and keep.

Cable TV is available at some campsites.

South Coast

Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park

Two lakes within Honeyman State Park provide some great recreation. Cleawox Lake is a favorite for swimming with its sandy beach and diving platform. Non-motorized boats are permitted on the lake. At much larger Woahink Lake swimming is also popular at the sandy beach and swim area. Fishing is good for cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and largemouth bass. A Welcome Center in the park has bicycles for rent. Nearby is a playground. Evening programs are offered at the amphitheater during the summer.

From October to April, ATVs can drive directly onto the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area from H Camping Loop.

Umpqua Lighthouse State Park

Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, near the center of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, serves as a good base for those headed out for some OHV riding. ATVs can be rented in nearby Reedsport and Winchester Bay. The campground is next to Lake Marie, which is popular for non-motorized boating, fishing and swimming from a beach area. A nature trail leads around the lake.

Crater Lake Area

Crater Lake Campgrounds

Crater Lake National Park has many scenic wonders that can be appreciated by taking the drive around the lake and stopping at some of the more than 30 pullouts. In the summer ranger-led activities include ranger talks, Junior Ranger activities, afternoon hikes, and evening programs at Mazama Campground. Trolley and boat tours are also available. Those hiking down the Cleetwood Cove trail to the lake can also fish and swim (brrr!) at the cove. Many other hikes are available.

Complete facilities are available at Mazama Village, including stores, restaurants, laundry, and showers.

Diamond Lake Area

Diamond Lake Campground

With 238 campsites spread along the shore of Diamond Lake, it is likely children and teenagers will make plenty of friends during their stay. Bring your bicycles and ride around the lake on a paved trail. Fish for trout from shore or boat. Head out kayaking or paddle boarding. Nearby Diamond Lake Resort rents fishing boats, patio boats, pedal boats, bumper boats (sure to be a hit with kids). They also rent mountain bikes. Also nearby, Diamond Lake Corrals offers trail rides from one hour to all day. In the summer the campground provides campfire interpretive programs.

The campground has hot showers.

Willamette National Forest

Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

Nine-mile-long Detroit Lake has plenty of room for boating, water skiing, and fishing. Near the campground are designated swim areas and an accessible fishing dock. Visitors also enjoy horseshoes, volleyball, and basketball. With 270 campsites children and teenagers are bound to make plenty of new friends. During the summer children can participate in the Junior Rangers program. Hot showers are great after a day at the lake.

Mount Hood National Forest

Timothy Lake's Pine Point Campground

Timothy Lake is surrounded by great campgrounds. Pine Point is one of the best. The lake is popular for fishing and non-motorized boating. Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks are often seen on the lake. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are also favorite activities at Timothy Lake.

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Grants Pass Area

Lake Selmac County Park

Lake Selmac County Park are spread along the shore of 140-acre Lake Selmac. Included in the park are swim areas, a playground, basketball court, and field sports. Fishing is good at the lake from shore or boat. Along the west shore, Lake Selmac Resort rents pedal boats, canoes, row boats, fishing boats, and kayaks. A disc golf course is located nearby. The Oregon Caves make a great day trip from the campground.

South-Central Oregon

Emigrant Lake County Recreation Area

Emigrant Lake offers plenty of activities for children and teens. The main attraction is the Water Slide which is open during the summer. The lake also has a swim beach, boating, fishing, and hiking. A playground is a nice attraction for youngsters. The campground has full hook-up sites available along with hot showers.

Howard Prairie Lake Resort

Howard Prairie Lake Resort and campground are operated by Jackson County Parks. They have 7 other campgrounds around the lake. The 155-acre resort includes almost 2 miles of lakefront, a campground with 243 sites, a full-service marina, laundry, and a restaurant. The lake is popular for fishing, water skiing, and swimming. Full and partial hook-up sites are available. Showers at the campground are free.

Umpqua River

Millpond Campground

Millpond Campground is a hidden gem along Rock Creek. The adjoining day-use area contains a softball field, playground, pavilion, and swimming area along the creek. Several nature and hiking trails connect to the campground. The nearby Rock Creel Fish Hatchery has free, self-guided tours available every day. Everything about this small campground is beautifully maintained.

Whistler's Bend County Park

Whistler's Bend County Park offers 147 acres along the North Umpqua River. The park has a nice mixture of forest and meadow, giving it an open feeling. A boat ramp is available. Among the activities at the park are fishing, hiking, horseshoes, and disc golf. A play structure keeps kids active. Swimming is possible when water levels are safe, but there are no lifeguards on duty.

Upper Willamette River

Cottage Grove Lake's Pine Meadows Campground

The open space around Pine Meadows Campground gives children plenty of room to run and play and to ride bicycles. Cottage Grove Lake is a favorite for boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming at a designated swim area. A playground is nearby. Summer campfire programs are offered at the amphitheater.

Baker Bay Park

Baker Bay Park (shown at top of page) at Dorena Lake is a popular spot for children. The swim area with its floating play structures keeps kids in the water all day. Boating is popular in the lake and a mooring dock is available near the swim area. At some campsites along the water boats can be landed close at hand. A snack shack is found nearby along with a playground. Campsites are close together and busy.

Willamette Valley

Promontory Park Campground

Promontory Park is by North Fork Reservoir with a nearby marina offering boat rentals, including jet skis, pontoon boats, and kayaks. A designated children's fishing pond is for those 17 years old and younger. The park also has a playground, horseshoes, and a fishing dock.

Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park, east of Salem, features beautiful waterfalls and miles of inviting trails, including one that passes behind South Falls. The park has a playground, volleyball court, and horseshoe pits. At the Natural Play Area kids can climb a tree, hide in a bear den, and explore a variety of natural wonders. And of course there are hot showers.

Foster Reservoir's Sunnyside County Park

Sunnyside County Park is beside Foster Reservoir with boating, water skiing, and fishing. In the park are a playground, dog park, stocked fishing ponds, and a volleyball court. Amenities include restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers.

Oxbow Regional Park

Fronting the Sandy River, Oxbow Regional Park offers miles of trails, a fabulous playground, and excellent campsites. Hot showers are provided.

Milo McIver State Park

Visitors enjoy a disc golf course, a great playground, access to the Clackamas River, and fishing at Lake Estacada. The Clackamas Fish Hatchery is located in the park.

Columbia River Gorge

Memaloose State Park

With campsites overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, Memaloose State Park makes a great place for families to spend a day or two. During the summer, campfire interpretive programs are offered. Children have fun at the playground and participating in the Junior Rangers Program. Along the Columbia River Gorge is Bonneville Dam with many interesting attractions.

Deschutes National Forest

Suttle Lake's Blue Bay Campground

Visitors to Blue Bay Campground along the shore of Suttle Lake enjoy fishing, boating, water skiing, and windsurfing. Boats can be rented at nearby Suttle Lodge. Great hiking and mountain biking trails lead along the shore of the lake. The hike to the summit of Black Butte offers wonderful views of the area.