Desert Camping in Oregon
Discover the best desert camping across Oregon. Discover the magic of desert camping. Dramatic landscapes, star-filled skies, and serene solitude.
Desert Camping in Other States
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Pine Mountain Campground
Perched at 6,300 feet where Oregon's high desert meets endless sky, this mountaintop refuge delivers some of the darkest nights in the Pacific Northwest, with the Milky Way blazing overhead and distant valley lights twinkling far below.
Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse
This ridge-top retreat towers above Ponderosa pine cathedral groves where eagles circle overhead and the Milky Way blazes across unpolluted night skies, with sweeping Blue Mountains vistas stretching to distant peaks.
Ollokot Campground
Towering old-growth ponderosa pines create a cathedral forest where vanilla-scented bark and native grasses transport you far from civilization's reach.
About Desert Camping in Oregon
Desert camping in Oregon offers a surprising and captivating alternative to the state's famous coastal and mountain landscapes, revealing a rugged high desert terrain of sagebrush plains, volcanic formations, and star-filled skies that stretch endlessly across the eastern horizon. While Oregon is better known for its lush forests and dramatic coastline, the state's high desert regions in Central and Eastern Oregon provide exceptional camping experiences characterized by wide-open spaces, dramatic geological features, and some of the darkest night skies in the Pacific Northwest.
Best Time
The optimal season for desert camping in Oregon runs from late May through early October, when higher elevation sites are snow-free and accessible, though specific timing depends on elevation and location. June through September offers the most reliable weather with warm days, cool nights, and minimal precipitation, making this the peak season for desert camping adventures.
Scenery Highlights
- Unique desert landscapes
- World-class stargazing
- Mild winter temperatures
- Solitude and wide-open spaces
Explore Desert Camping in Oregon
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Water is the most critical consideration for desert camping in Oregon—bring significantly more than you think you'll need, as many campgrounds lack potable water sources and natural water may be scarce or unreliable.
- 2Plan for at least one gallon per person per day for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
- 3A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for many desert campgrounds, as forest roads can be rough, rocky, and occasionally sandy.
- 4Check current road conditions with local ranger districts before departure, as spring runoff and summer thunderstorms can make roads temporarily impassable.
Desert Camping in Oregon FAQ
We've ranked 20+ desert campgrounds in Oregon based on scenery, stargazing conditions, and accessibility. Top options offer dramatic landscapes and incredible night skies.
Desert camping in Oregon is best from October through April when temperatures are moderate. Winter offers mild daytime temps and cold nights perfect for campfires.
For desert camping in Oregon, bring extra water (at least 1 gallon per person per day), sun protection, layers for cold nights, and sturdy tent stakes for sandy or rocky ground.
Popular Oregon Campgrounds Book Fast
The best desert camping in Oregon book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
Outdoorithm
Just now
🎉 Site opened up!
Pine Mountain Campground
Your preferred dates
Quick! This site typically books within hours.
Find Your Perfect Oregon Campground
Create your free account to save favorites, set availability alerts, and get personalized recommendations.
- Search 20+ desert camping in Oregon
- Set alerts for hard-to-book sites
- Get personalized recommendations for your trip
- Compare campground amenities
- Check weather forecasts
No credit card required. Every feature is free to use.
