Oregon campgrounds

[Ray and Susan Huff]

Last week we traveled to Central Oregon (hope the governor doesn't read this!) for a tour of an Oliver II Twin.  We made a point of going in the middle of the week, knowing campgrounds might be full on the weekend. The weather was beautiful . . . . . we stayed at Cold Springs CG (USFS) where there were sites available.  Met the Oliver in Redmond Thursday morning, then journeyed to Bend for a mandatory stop at the Sparrow Bakery; if you've never had an Ocean Roll do stop here when in the vicinity.

We decided to spend a night on the trip home along the Metolius River where we could enjoy nature and do a bit of biking.  Alas, out of a dozen campgrounds along the river, everyone was full!  Frustrated, we continued west.  We didn't investigate any of the FS campgrounds along McKenzie River Hwy 126, where there might have been vacant sites.  Instead we called one of our favorite places, Belnap Hot Springs Resort, and they had an open spot for that night only.  This is an older hot springs resort with a lot of options - lodge rooms, rustic cabins, deluxe cabins, RV sites (many along the river), hike/bike trails, a secret garden, disc golf, and two hot springs pools - one of which is reserved for campers only; the other open to the public.  Definitely worth a stay - a serene forest setting along the beautiful McKenzie River.  The grounds are well maintained and the staff friendly; when we checked in, the receptionist remembered us from previous year's visits! 

Secret Garden

Belnap Resort Site #1 

McKenzie River at Belnap Resort

Oregon is a beautiful state with its rivers, waterfalls, beaches, forests, deserts, geology and historic attractions.  Unfortunately camping is not user friendly right now;  I certainly hope the situation improves.  My best advice, if you plan a visit to the Pacific Northwest, is to check campground status and availability.  If state park campgrounds are on your radar, be aware you must have a reservation (good luck with that!).  I heard, though have not verified, that they do not accept walk-ins, even if there happens to be a vacancy.  Reservations can be made up to a day before arrival, but not the day of.  USFS, BLM, and other public campgrounds are more apt to have vacancies, depending on the location.  Most are self-check-in, so reservations might not be necessary, but check on specific campgrounds at Reservation.gov.  Dispersed camping is allowed on USFS and BLM lands, unless posted "no camping".  Fire season opened today, so campfires are prohibited except in campgrounds with approved fire pits.  Private campgrounds/parks are most likely your best bet, unless you are lucky enough to get a reservation at a state park.  Check Reserve America for availability.

 

 

Edited June 24, 2020 by Susan Huff