Travel Guides
Travel Guides
Oregon RV Camping Near Crater Lake and Silver Falls State Park
Explore Crater Lake and Silver Falls State Park by RV. Discover top-rated private RV campgrounds in Oregon offering full hookups and amenities near these iconic natural wonders.
Overview
Oregon is a haven for outdoor lovers—and RVers are especially well-positioned to explore the state’s natural beauty. From deep volcanic lakes to lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls, the state is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.
But like many sought-after destinations, the most popular parks in Oregon—such as Crater Lake National Park and Silver Falls State Park—can have limited camping availability, especially for RVs. Luckily, several nearby private campgrounds offer full hookups, spacious sites, and excellent amenities, making them ideal basecamps for your adventures.
Here’s how to explore two of Oregon’s top outdoor destinations—Crater Lake and Silver Falls—while camping in comfort
1
Crater Lake National Park
At nearly 2,000 feet deep, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the clearest in the world. Formed nearly 8,000 years ago by the collapse of Mount Mazama, the lake is a brilliant sapphire blue, fed entirely by rain and snow. It sits within a vast volcanic caldera surrounded by 2,000-foot cliffs and dotted with geological wonders like Wizard Island and Phantom Ship.
Highlights of Crater Lake National Park include:
1) Rim Drive, a 33-mile scenic road encircling the lake with more than 30 overlooks.
2) Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only legal access point to the lake for swimming and boat tours (a strenuous hike, but worth it).
3) Crater Lake Lodge, a historic 1915 lodge offering stunning views and a taste of the park’s history.
4) Hiking trails, including the Garfield Peak Trail and Mount Scott, the highest point in the park.
5) Winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the snowy months.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Crater Lake Resort (Fort Klamath, OR): Located about 30 minutes from the southern park entrance, Crater Lake Resort offers full hookup RV sites, cabins, tent sites, and even glamping options. The resort sits along peaceful Fort Creek and features amenities like kayak and canoe rentals, laundry, and a charming general store. With its quiet, woodsy setting and proximity to the park, it’s a favorite among Crater Lake visitors.
Lemolo Lake / Crater Lake North KOA Holiday (Idleyld Park, OR): Just 30 miles from the northern entrance, this KOA offers an incredible range of water-based recreation. Nestled beside the scenic Lemolo Lake, the campground features RV sites, tent sites, cabins, and a marina with boat rentals, including kayaks, paddleboards, fishing boats, and pontoons. There’s also a 10-mile hiking/biking trail around the lake, a general store, and a café. It’s a great basecamp for Crater Lake and Umpqua National Forest.
2
Silver Falls State Park
Often referred to as the “Crown Jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls State Park is a paradise of old-growth forests, moss-covered canyons, and—most famously—waterfalls. Located just over an hour southeast of Portland and about 25 miles from Salem, this lush, 9,000-acre park is best known for its Trail of Ten Falls, a nationally recognized hiking loop that takes you past—and even behind—some of the state’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Park highlights include:
1) South Falls, a 177-foot waterfall you can walk behind.
2) Trail of Ten Falls, a moderate 7.2-mile loop that features 10 waterfalls, including North Falls and Lower South Falls.
3) Hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, with over 35 miles of paths to explore.
4) Wildflower viewing, especially in spring and early summer.
5) Birdwatching, as the park is home to owls, woodpeckers, and songbirds.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Silver Spur RV Park (Silverton, OR): Located about 15 miles from Silver Falls, this full-service RV park features extra-long pull-through sites, 50-amp hookups, Wi-Fi, and a clubhouse with a hot tub and seasonal pool. The park also has laundry facilities, a game room, and proximity to Silverton’s charming downtown, which has restaurants, a Saturday farmers market, and the nearby Oregon Garden. It’s a peaceful, well-maintained park that makes a perfect basecamp.
Sun Outdoors Portland South (Wilsonville, OR): About 30 miles from Silver Falls, Sun Outdoors Portland South is located just off I-5 and is one of the most highly rated RV parks in the region. The park offers full hookups, indoor pool and spa, laundry, and beautifully landscaped grounds. While it's a bit farther than Silver Spur, it’s ideal for those wanting access to both the park and the Portland metro area.
Premier RV Resort of Salem (Salem, OR): A solid mid-distance option, this resort is about 25 minutes from Silver Falls State Park. It features large paved sites, a clubhouse, hot tub, convenience store, free Wi-Fi and cable, and pet areas. It's well-suited for both short stays and longer visits and is conveniently located for supplies and dining in Salem.
Why Choose Private Campgrounds When Visiting Oregon’s Parks?
Booking campsites inside Oregon’s most popular parks can be a challenge—especially if you’re traveling in an RV or visiting during peak season. Many public park campgrounds are seasonal, have limited availability, and don’t offer full hookups.
Private campgrounds near Crater Lake and Silver Falls provide:
1) More space and amenities, including full hookups, Wi-Fi, and recreation options.
2) Easier booking, with many allowing online reservations and more flexible check-in/check-out times.
3) Added comfort, such as laundry, camp stores, hot tubs, and pet-friendly spaces.
4) Best of all, you’ll still be just minutes from the park—close enough to experience all the natural wonders without the stress of snagging a hard-to-get public campsite.
Camping Near Oregon State and National Parks
Oregon is a dream destination for RVers, offering landscapes that range from volcanic lakes to forested waterfalls. Whether you’re marveling at the sapphire waters of Crater Lake or hiking behind the roaring falls at Silver Falls State Park, you’ll find that staying at a nearby private campground allows you to experience it all in comfort.
With spacious RV sites, full amenities, and quick access to two of the state’s most incredible natural areas, these private campgrounds provide the perfect home base for your Oregon adventure.
