Experience the beauty of Oregon through the ultimate off-grid RV adventure. With a diverse range of landscapes, the state offers numerous spots perfect for boondocking. Here’s a more detailed look at the top 10 boondocking spots, each with detailed directions from Portland, Oregon.
Mt. Hood National Forest
(GPS: 45.3726° N, 121.6950° W)
Less than a two-hour drive from Portland, Mt. Hood National Forest offers bountiful recreational activities. Whether you love fishing in serene lakes, trekking along scenic trails, or simply want to bask in nature’s tranquility, Mt. Hood has it all.
Directions: From Portland, get on I-84 E, then take exit 16 for 238th Drive toward Wood Village. Turn right onto NE 238th Dr, which becomes 242nd Dr and then Hogan Dr. Continue on to US-26 E, your destination will be on the right.
Crater Lake National Park
(GPS: 42.8684° N, 122.1685° W)
Situated in Southern Oregon, about four hours away from Portland, Crater Lake is famed for its deep blue waters and stunning landscapes. While camping within the park requires a fee, free boondocking spots are available in the nearby Umpqua and Rogue River National Forests.
Directions: Get on I-5 S from Portland, continue on I-5 S to Roseburg. Take exit 124 to merge onto OR-138 E/NE Diamond Lake Blvd toward Diamond Lake. Continue to follow OR-138 E until you reach the Crater Lake National Park entrance.
Alvord Desert
(GPS: 42.5357° N, 118.4564° W)
Offering an experience quite different from lush green forests or serene coastlines, the Alvord Desert is a unique spot. Around nine hours southeast of Portland, the desert landscape provides a sense of solitude and unmatched stargazing opportunities.
Directions: Get on I-84 E from Portland. Follow I-84 E and OR-205 S to Fields/Denio Rd in Harney County, turn left onto Fields/Denio Rd to reach the destination.
Pacific City
(GPS: 45.2048° N, 123.9623° W)
Just a two-hour drive from Portland, Pacific City offers a chance to boondock near the beach. From enjoying picturesque sunsets and surfing, to fishing or bird watching, this coastal location has it all.
Directions: From Portland, get onto US-26 W, then take OR-6 W to OR-130 W in Tillamook County, follow OR-130 W to Pacific City.
Smith Rock State Park
(GPS: 44.3658° N, 121.1432° W)
About a three-hour drive southeast of Portland, Smith Rock is popular among rock climbing enthusiasts. While the park itself offers paid camping, you can find free boondocking spots in the nearby public lands.
Directions: Take US-26 E from Portland to Madras. From Madras, take US-97 S to NE Wilcox Ave in Terrebonne. Follow NE Wilcox Ave to your destination.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
(GPS: 45.3919° N, 120.5057° W)
Roughly a two-hour drive east from Portland, this park offers primitive camping spots and splendid hiking trails along the John Day River.
Directions: Follow I-84 E from Portland. Take exit 97 from I-84 E, follow OR-206 E to reach the destination.
Breitenbush Hot Springs
(GPS: 44.8206° N, 121.5771° W)
Located in the Willamette National Forest, about two hours southeast of Portland, this location is known for its natural hot springs. Dispersed camping is available nearby.
Directions: From Portland, take I-5 S. Take exit 253 for OR-22/OR-99E toward Detroit Lake/Bend, turn left onto OR-22 E. Continue on NF-46 to your destination.
Deschutes River State Recreation Area
(GPS: 45.6316° N, 120.9057° W)
Approximately two hours east of Portland, this recreation area is a haven for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Free camping is available outside the designated campground.
Directions: Follow I-84 E from Portland. Take exit 97 toward Celilo, continue on Deschutes River Access Rd to the destination.
Ochoco National Forest
(GPS: 44.4162° N, 120.3106° W)
Approximately four hours southeast of Portland, Ochoco National Forest offers a range of activities including hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Plenty of free boondocking spots are available.
Directions: From Portland, take US-26 E to Prineville. Continue on US-26 E to your destination.
Steens Mountain Wilderness
(GPS: 42.6544° N, 118.6253° W)
About eight hours southeast of Portland, Steens Mountain offers breathtaking views, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Dispersed camping is available throughout.
Directions: Get on I-84 E from Portland. Follow I-84 E and OR-205 S to Fields/Denio Rd in Harney County, turn left onto Fields/Denio Rd to reach the destination.
After you’ve explored these stunning locations, there’s nothing better than returning to your RV, confident in your reliable, off-grid power source. At CascadeRV Solar Solutions, we provide customized, eco-friendly solar power systems, designed to eliminate the need for traditional generators. Our services also extend to troubleshooting and repairing existing RV electrical systems. With us, your off-grid adventures in Oregon are powered by clean, renewable energy, allowing you the freedom to explore while preserving the beauty of our natural world. Enjoy Oregon’s boondocking sites with the peace of mind that CascadeRV Solar Solutions has you powered up for the journey ahead.
