6 Scenic Locations to Go Winter RV Camping in Oregon

winter RV camping in Oregon

There’s little doubt that winter RV camping in Oregon offers some truly stunning views and scenic vistas that shouldn’t be missed. When a state features both a rainforest and a desert, you know that it offers a wide range of climates, so even if the idea of camping out in the snow doesn’t offer a lot of appeal, winter RV camping in Oregon still has something to offer to every member of the family.

Once you’ve decided on the type of camping experience you’re after, you’ll soon discover that each section of Oregon has its own unique characteristics. Let’s take a look at a few of the places you may want to consider visiting during your next RV outing.

Crater Lake National Park – Location: Southern Oregon

Let’s start with one of the most truly spectacular places to visit in all of Oregon, regardless of the season. Crater Lake National Park ranks as one of the most iconic places in the entire state, and in the wintertime, the Rim Drive is closed to traffic, making for an incredible opportunity to ski or snowshoe across this unforgettable terrain.

Twin Lakes – Location: Mt. Hood & the Columbia River Gorge

A pair of picturesque lakes are located roughly 7 smiles south of Government Camp in Mt. Hood National Forest. Reaching the lakes itself requires making a 2-mile trek through the Frog Lake Snow Park using either cross-country skis or snowshoes. While the snowy forest and mountain views are stunning, the trail itself is a little wild, so be prepared to only undertake this trek if you’re up for a moderate challenge.

Champoeg State Heritage Area – Location: Willamette Valley

Moving away from the snow-covered terrain, the Champoeg State Heritage area also offers some truly lovely winter-hiking options without the need for snowshoes or skis. These lovely forests and wetlands feature cinder trails where you watch migratory birds swoop through the forest’s canopy or stop to pay tribute at a pioneer woman’s grave. Like most of Oregon, this area gets plenty of rain in the winter, but very little snow.

Harris Beach State Park – Location: Oregon Coast

Continuing to move west, Harris Beach State Park offers another exciting winter option for those looking to go winter RV camping in Oregon without all of the snow. The Oregon Coast offers a wet, but more temperate climate for campers to enjoy while still offering incredible ocean views. This scenic state park features a few dozen RV hookups and tent sites, and its campgrounds also feature flush toilets and hot showers.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument – Location: Central Oregon

Heading back out to colder territory, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument offers visitors a stunning spectacle of rushing waterfalls that descend into incredibly complex geologic rock formations. Campers can spend the day hiking into the Paulina Lake Lodge, where the snowshoeing and skiing is world class. On the weekends, the lodge even offers a snowmobile shuttle for those more interested in sipping hot chocolate by the fire than spending the day outdoors.