- Stroll the beaches at dusk for spectacular sunsets.oregon coast at sunset image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com
The Oregon coasts features nine lighthouses overlooking miles of stunning beach. State parks offer camping right on the beach, or campers can stay in private campgrounds nearby. Located midway along the coast is the small town of Florence. Campers can stay in one of the six Siuslaw National Forest campgrounds, spending their days swimming or hiking. Day trips nearby include the Old Town in Florence, the Sea Lion Caves, and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. - Take a tour of one of Oregon's world-famous vineyards.pino noir grapes in the sun image by jc from Fotolia.com
Known for its prestigious vineyards, Willamette Valley is a great area to explore in a camper. The weather responsible for opulent wine grapes also makes for ideal camping weather. Albany, located in the heart of this fertile valley, is a wonderful town to consider. Campers in this historic setting can explore the 50 historic covered bridges, tour a vineyard or hike to beautiful waterfalls in the Silver Falls State Park. - After crossing the Cascade Mountains, green valleys give way to high desert plains. Little rain crosses past the mountain range, and the sun shines 300 days a year. This dry weather makes for excellent camping and outdoor activities. An exceptional location for trailer camping is at Tumalo State Park just outside of Bend. The Deschutes River runs alongside the campground, rich with rainbow trout and visiting wildlife. Hikers and mountain bikers can take advantage of the trails nearby.
- Oregon is separated into distinct zones, each affected differently by the ocean and mountain ranges. Along the coast temperatures are cooler year-round, with smaller fluctuations between winter and summer. Travel from May to September to avoid most of the rain, and bring a jacket for the cooler ocean air. The Willamette Valley has a similar rainy season, but experiences more pronounced seasons. The Cascade Mountains and eastern Oregon have cold, snowy winters, making travel precarious in some areas. Summers are hot and dry on the plains of the Eastern side.
- Oregon’s RV laws are not as restrictive as some states. Motorhomes can be up to 55 feet long in Oregon. Vehicles with trailers cannot exceed 65 feet in length. Brake systems are required when pulling a tow vehicle behind the RV.
Much of the coastal and Willamette Valley regions have small hills and curves, and generally easy driving for RVs. Steeper grades tend to be found in the Cascade Mountain range, along Highway 26 from the coast to central Oregon, and scattered near the northern border. Travelers can check road conditions with the Oregon Department of Transportation.
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