Are you ready to leave city life behind and get that off-grid experience? Oregon’s campgrounds let you do just that, and if you’ve been dreaming of spending the night under the stars and waking up to the scent of pine trees, you can do all of that without spending a single dime. That’s right – there are some awesome free campsites throughout Oregon to suit every type of camping style.
But where can you find free camping in Oregon? The search is over! Below, you’ll find the best free camping spots in Oregon, along with the facilities and nearby attractions you’ll find at each, making planning your road trip easier than ever and making sure you keep more of your hard-earned cash in your pocket!
Are you ready? Let’s hit the road!
Free Oregon Camping Spots
Before we start looking at these campgrounds in more detail, it is important to note that, while they are free to stay at, they are best accessed by RV. Reach out to the team at Travellers Autobarn today, and we’ll help you find the perfect RV or campervan for your adventure.
Annie Creek Sno-Park
Located near Crater Lake in the southern part of Oregon, Annie Creek Sno-Park is the free campground to go if you’re planning a road trip during the winter. That being said, it is open year round, and with its forest surroundings, you’ll be in a serene setting no matter what time of year you visit. The only thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need a Sno-Park permit if you want to camp here between November 1st and April 30th, but no permits are required for summer camping.
There’s a pretty bare-bones setup here, and you won’t have access to potable water or electricity hookups, but there are toilets onsite. Don’t let this lack of facilities put you off, though. Many campers here find that it adds to the charm, especially if you want to reconnect with nature and get that authentic off-grid camping experience.
The biggest attraction here is Crater Lake National Park, which is just a short drive away and is perfect for planning a day filled with adventure! The Garfield Peak Trail is a particularly popular activity, that offers unparalleled views of Crater Lake, and if you’re visiting during the winter, there are plenty of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities to be had. Annie Creek is another popular hiking destination, and you’ll spot local wildlife and native plants along the way.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Toilets
Mt. Ashland Campground
Set high up in the Siskiyou Mountains (close to Ashland), Mt. Ashland Campground offers you sweeping views of the mountains, towering pine trees, and a cool breeze you won’t get closer to sea level. This is particularly good during those hot Oregon summers, but you’ll need to remember to pack some extra layers as it can get pretty cold here at night.
The campground operates on a first-come-firs-served basis, and while there aren’t any running water, showers, or trash cans, there are vault toilets you’re welcome to use. With this in mind, make sure you bring everything you need before pulling up (drinking water, food, and cooking supplies), and take all of your trash with you when you leave.
Along with the rustic camping experience you’re offered here, another great thing about Mt. Ashland is that the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) crosses right by the campground. So, if you’re looking for hiking trails, you’ve pretty much hit the jackpot! The Grouse Gap Trail, in particular, is a wonderful hike with views of wildflower meadows and mountains along the way, and because it’s short, you can easily head out and back in again in just a few hours. Also, if you’re into stargazing, Mt. Ashland’s high elevation means you’ll get minimal light pollution and amazing night skies.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Vault Toilet
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FAQs about free camping in Oregon
Yes, excellent free camping spots around Oregon are perfect if you’re travelling by campervan. One of the best options for those avid free campers is Annie Creek Sno-Park, located near Crater Lake in southern Oregon. This campground is open all year, and while it’s especially popular in winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, it’s a peaceful place to stay any time of year. It’s a short drive from Crater Lake National Park, where you can hike the Garfield Peak Trail or explore scenic lookouts. Keep in mind that if you’re visiting between November and April, you’ll need a Sno-Park permit.
Another great free camping option is Mt. Ashland Campground. Set high in the Siskiyou Mountains, this spot offers cooler temperatures during the hot summer months, sweeping mountain views, and direct access to the Pacific Crest Trail. It’s a great place to relax in nature, go hiking, or stargaze.
Yes, a self-contained campervan is the way to go when freedom camping in Oregon, because many sites have very basic facilities. Places like Annie Creek Sno-Park and Mt. Ashland Campground don’t have running water or hookups, and neither has showers. You’ll find basic vault toilets, but that’s about it. Having your own toilet, water, and waste setup will make the trip more comfortable.
At most free camping areas in Oregon, including Mt. Ashland Campground and Annie Creek Sno-Park, the general rule is you can stay up to 14 days within a 28-day period. After that, you’ll need to move to a different location. Always check local signs and regulations, as the rules can change depending on the area or season.
No, you don’t need to book in advance because most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Both Annie Creek Sno-Park and Mt. Ashland Campground are first-come, first-served. They’re free, but spots can fill up quickly during busy weekends or in summer, so it’s best to get there as early as possible to secure a good spot. Remember, if you’re visiting Annie Creek in winter, you’ll need a Sno-Park permit.
Yes, you can get a fine if you’re caught camping in the wrong area in Oregon. Fines generally range from $200 to $500, depending on where you were caught. To avoid getting a fined, keep an eye out for local regulatory signs that indicate freedom camping areas.
DISCLAIMER: Any prices displayed are correct at the time of publishing. We highly recommend contacting any campsite or RV park prior to booking to confirm prices. Please ensure you review our Terms and Conditions before visiting certain campsites.
SEE OUR CAMPERVANSAbout the Author
Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.
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