Oregon

Goose Lake, State Campground;  June 2016>>. Goose Lake Campground link
Goose Lake Campground is 40 miles north from the highway 395 intersection, turn west at the New Pine Creek turnoff. Well kept large sites with tables, fire/cooking rings, electricity and water. $22 per night plus $7 for extra vehicle. Flush toilets and showers, group fire ring and a trail that circles the campground that is approx 1 mile around. No camp host on duty during our stay, but wood and ice available on the honor system. Dump station at entrance. Supplies are available in Lakeview, 14 miles to the north – True Value hardware, Safeway, and Napa Auto Parts, along with various places to eat, variety stores and local radio stations for weather information. Wild Plumb Winery is 2 miles south of the campground – free tastings and hours provided in one of the many brochures available at the info boards in the park.

💪🏽Can I walk/run/exercise here?
You bet – early morning is best, and to avoid mosquitos, use the main road coming off the highway – only slight inclines and minimal traffic. There is also an area adjacent to the campsites with two large trees and tables, perfect for doing weights, meditating or tai chi.

 

Burns RV Park, Oregon;  June 2016>>. Burns RV park link
Burns RV Park is just a bit out of town on the north east end. When doing through town, follow the signs at the light that point left to John Day (Highway 395). The park is on the right side of the road. They have upwards of 50 sites, of varying size placed in between private residences. $40 for full hookups, wifi, showers, laundromat, a small store in the office with essentials, even a bbq grill you can rent for $2. Family run, very nice people, but a bit disorganized. It seemed as if they were trying to squeeze every dollar they can out of every inch of their property and services. The park is also located on Highway 395 – so highway noise is a sure bet. Not our cup of tea – but perfect for the little league families. Gas, groceries and hardware supplies are all available in Burns.
We learned the next day as we travelled out of Burns toward John Day, Oregon, there were several pull out spots on the highway that would have accommodated us nicely for a one night no-slides-out stay. Most notably approximately 10-13 miles up the road is a large pull out to the right, circular and paved, with a large tree in the center – big enough for two semi trailer trucks. A forest service campground, Idlewild is also in this area, approx 18 miles from Burns.

💪🏽Can I walk/run/exercise here?
Not really – there is a large grassy area between the front sites and the back row, but not much privacy. There is a city park with some pavement and areas of grass approximately a mile from the RV park, so you could either drive there or walk/run on the dirt shoulder of Highway 395 to reach it.

Clyde Holliday State Park, Oregon; July 2016>>  Clyde Holliday park link

The campground has approx 30 sites, back in, paved, level, spacious, divided with shrubs and trees and grassy. Full showers and flush toilets, ice and wood are available, as are tepees. $24 per night plus $7 for extra vehicle. The campground is right on Highway 395/26, so if you get a site near that you will definitely have road noise. A nature trail leads to a pond and along the John Day River and also to a large day use area with abundant shade, tables, bbq stands and bathrooms. Benches are placed periodically along the bank of the river, for a quiet stop to watch the water flow over rounded river rocks. The park staff is busy, busy here – keeping everything watered and mowed and clean. It is a pleasure to stay in a place where they take pride in the grounds and facility. Bring mosquito spray – they aren’t as bad here as Goose Lake, but they definitely are around. John Day offers all services: groceries, hardware stores, drugstore/variety store, auto parts, restaurants and even a Farmers Market on Saturdays. We think this place is a gem!

💪🏽Can I walk/run/exercise here?
Yes – the nature trail is gravel and kept in good condition, but not very long – not quite a mile from one end to the other, so we made the circuit a couple of times a day. Highway 396/26 is easily accessible and has gravel/dirt shoulders. Most sites are large with plenty of room for any other activity – weights, yoga, tai chi, etc.

Ukiah-Dale Campground, Oregon; July 2016>>   Ukiah Dale campground link

Approx 70 miles north of John Day on Highway 395, take a right at the junction in Mount Vernon. Gas, propane, ice and convenience store in Mount Vernon if you don’t want to backtrack into John Day for those things. Over 4 summits from 3500 to 5000 high, and the campground is on your right. Approx 25 sites – “primitive” (dry) in and amongst the tall pines. $10 per night plus $7 for extra vehicle. Road and sites are paved, but it is an older campground so the road is narrow and the sites bumpy – definitely need your levelers. Flush toilets, water faucets and “waste water only” cisterns are placed here and there. Wood is available from camp host. Beautiful surroundings, but right on highway, so intermittent loud road noise during the day from cars and semi trucks. Otherwise quiet and lots of shade. On the Camas Creek, easy access to the water. Nearby Ukiah has a very funky General Store with a little bit of everything – but I wouldn’t guarantee what, on any given day.

💪🏽Can I walk/run/exercise here?
Exercise, yes – plenty of room to do weights, yoga, etc. I was able to spread my mat on one of the vacant paved sites and do a Balletone session – with a beautiful backdrop. Walking or running, not so much – there aren’t any obvious hiking trails, and the campground loop is less than 1/2 mile – the highway doesn’t have much of a shoulder, so not very safe.
Walmart, Pendleton, Oregon; July 2016>>

We had read an online post that the manager at this Walmart said to park in the back, just be sure not to be in the way of the trucks that pull in to unload. The area is spacious and fairly level. We notice lots of other RVers parked in the front lot; Carol later tells us that it is best out front if you want to get tv channels – we prefer to have less tv and less traffic. It is pretty loud though, trucks coming and going early and a train track close by with trains passing pretty much all night long. Strong free wifi, and obviously easy access to supplies. Carol had told us of a city dump station- it is on 6th street, near City Hall – but beware of navigating the town – it seems that every other street is one-way, and there are lots of dead end signs. The visitor information office is only open during business hours on weekdays; Carol told us they have a good selection of maps and information on camping options in the area. There are restaurants, wine bars and bakeries downtown and a Farmers Market on Fridays.

💪🏽Can I walk/run/exercise here?
Yes, the riverwalk is perfect for a walk or run – it is 2.8 miles long and nice views along the way. The path also winds in and out of various park areas, which are perfect for doing yoga, stretching or tai chi.
Pilot RV Park, Stanfield, Oregon Exit 188; July 2016>>    Pilot RV park link

We had thought we might stay in another freebie spot – the Stanfield Rest Area, because it has a horse area – but no RVs are allowed in that back horse area – so the option of being in the general parking area would suck. We backtracked to the previous exit to the Pilot Travel Center – they have a small RV park in the back. No one answered the phone, so we picked an empty spot, filled out the self check-in paperwork and hooked up. The camp host did provide us with the wifi and bathroom/laundry codes. There are approximately 50 spots – set close, but the grass areas in between are green and mowed. Lots of either full timers or monthlies, but not junky. Full hookups, level, cable tv, modern and clean bathrooms with showers and laundry facilities. $35 per night, $31 for Good Sam members. It is near where the trucks park and pull in and out, but it was livable for one night. Note: do NOT use the first entrance – go a little further up the road and use the big rig entrance – much easier to circle around to the back to reach the RV park, and wait to get gas a few miles down the road at exit 182, is the Space Age Travel Center – much better place, not so congested and busy.

💪🏽Can I walk/run/exercise here?
In a word, no. Wait until your next stop.

Boardman RV Park and Marina, Boardman, Oregon; July 2016>>   Boardman Marina & RV link

Exit 164 off of I-84. Go right from the off-ramp (the sign reads ” ⬅️ Boardman ➡️” because the town straddles the Interstate) then on the railroad overpass, veer left – the park entrance is on your right. We suggest you make reservations during the summer! Their motto is “best kept secret” but it is pretty busy and full every night. Approx 65 sites, full hookups, good wifi, beautiful spacious green sites – some even have privacy/windbreak fences, laundry (all machines worked well), showers, flush toilets – the bathrooms and showers could use a good cleaning and a fresh coat of paint – but otherwise everything about this facility is great. Wood and ice available at camp host site. River sites are approximately $5 more and worth it! Lots of people camp here with their boats since the marina and boat ramp is right on the premises. Check in and out times (12 noon) are pretty strict because it is busy and most people want to get in their site ASAP. The town of Boardman has gas, grocery store, restaurant, and a well stocked hardware/variety/liquor store.

💪🏽Can I walk/run/exercise here?

Oh yes! The paved path is ideal for walking, running, bike riding. If you do the whole loop from RV park to hotel end and back it is 3 miles – the majority of which is along the river – so great views- if you add the other side (to marina and back) it would be approximately 6 miles round trip. For weights, yoga, etc. – your site is so big you’ll have plenty of room – or you can go to one of two day use areas or three beach areas also.

Giles French Campground, Rufus, Oregon; July 2016>>  Giles French Army Corps link

Exit 109 for Rufus off of I-84W. Go right and under the freeway toward the river. As the road veers to the right, you can either stay to the right or turn left. Both areas are dry camping. To the left: Rufus Landing Army Corps of Engineers site. The road turns to gravel fairly quickly, and leads to a large area along the river – all gravel and room for MANY rigs. There are some trees back from the river, but it seems that most people are pulling right up to the high banks overlooking the river. There is a small gravel beach area – it also seems that this area is where people camp who want to bank fish, or kiteboard and windsurf. We saw lots of them out on the river – it is pretty much always windy on the river. No bathrooms, water or dumpsters at this area. No dump station.

To the right: Giles French Campground – also an Army Corps of Engineers site. Paved road (ends at the John Day Dam facility) and many paved parking lots and a few paved walking paths. This facility is minimally maintained. Garbage dumpsters are emptied and bathrooms might be stocked (both pit and flush). No water is available, and no dump station. There is a boat dock on the west end, along with a paved area accessible to Columbia River Tribes only. The paved parking areas have trees, and afford better protection from the wind; but not close to the river, and no view of it either. Also during the summer months, much of the area is taken up by tribe members camping there to take advantage of their ability to net and sell the salmon. It seems that they also set up tents and small camps that they leave up for the season – some were occupied some weren’t – and many of the vehicles of the fishermen had license plates from different states: Oregon Idaho Washington. In between the paved areas are gravel pull outs and other areas that are fairly level for parking within feet of the bank. All along this section are the wooden platforms used by the Indian fishermen. The view from these areas is great – the dam, the barges and boats going through the lock, and the flocks of Pelicans and seagulls – we saw a few Ospreys and herons too. And don’t forget the blackberry bushes!

On the Washington side, there is a long low gravel area that we saw many people camped – it looked just as windy there, but easier access to the river bank – sloping gravel – and closer to the channel leading to the lock , so a closer view of the boats coming and going- it looks like easy access from Highway 14, partially paved to a certain point along the river.

Rufus offers gas, a restaurant, lounge and the Family Market & Deli for minimal groceries and a small deli menu – which is mostly burgers and breaded chicken items.
But, if you take the back road from Rufus to exit 104 – Biggs Junction, there are multiple gas/minimarts with lots of options for supplies. This back road is the best way to reach the junction – because the junction off of I84 is BIGGS-time busy! This is also where you cross the river to go over to Maryhill, Washington. At the base of the bridge on the Washington side there is a fruit stand, the Maryhill State Park where you can buy the all important Washington Discovery Pass, and privately owned Peach Beach RV Park.
💪🏽Can I walk/run/exercise here?

Yes – lots of room to do pretty much anything. The paved road to the dam is very busy and not much of a shoulder, but if you time your walk or run around the shifts and traffic you will be fine. Early morning is best, before the wind starts to blow!
Memaloose State Campground, near Mosier, Oregon; July 2016>>   Memaloose state park link

Exit 73 off I-84W – go through the rest area and the park entrance is on the west end (access from I-84 E is not direct, you have to go to Exit 76 at Rowena, under the interstate and then get back on I84 W to get to Exit 73). Over 100 sites, some full hookup some dry camping some tent only. The full hookup sites are either on the top tier – very close to Interstate = 24 hour road noise, or on loop B, side hill and pretty close together. The river view sites are nice and a bit larger, but there is NO access to the river – the railroad tracks are between the river and the park and it is very well posted that crossing the tracks is Trespassing! So big train noise in those spots. Bathrooms, showers, small amphitheater area, two camp hosts, wood and ice for sale. This is ok for a night or two, but not much to do in the park itself. But, your camping receipt/pass gets you day use entrance to any of the Oregon State Parks nearby. Because of the oddball entrance to this campground, for exploring or supplies either go to Hood River to the west, or west to Mosier (1mile) to turn back east to go to The Dalles. Instead of taking I84 to The Dalles you can go through Mosier and stay on Highway 30 east. It’s a winding drive, but gives you a great view from the cliffs on the south side of the river – highway 30 essentially turns into 6th street in downtown. Hood River is a bigger town – and it is definitely busier and you have to pay to park everywhere. The Dalles has gas, Safeway, brewery, and free public parking for cars AND RVs.

💪🏽Can I walk/run/exercise here?

Yes – for a walk or run, the campground loops are paved and have some good elevation changes to get your blood pumping, you can also include a loop up through the rest area to add some distance. For weights or calisthenics there are usually an empty spot or two you can use – but there is also an overflow camping area on a service road on the west end of the main road that has a large grassy area that is separate from the main campground – it was totally empty when I was there.

Another option on the river in the area is north on I84 a bit – Celilo Falls – an Army Corps of Engineers camping area/day use/boat launch.  On the left side of the parking lot are some spaces that are designated for overnight camping, as well as the back row seats of parking.  The park is very nice – grass and shade trees and tables – easy access to the water, and bathrooms – BUT very close to highway and VERY close to train tracks like 20-35 feet) and it is LOUD.  But in a pinch it would work for overnight and it’s free.

Tillamook County Airport Campground, Tillamook, Oregon; August, 2016>>   Tillamook link

Off Highway 101 Southbound, approximately 5 miles south of town – just past the flashing overhead light structure on your left – Matlock Road – airstrip will be directly in front of you with buildings and campground is on your right.  50 sites, a few tent sites, no hookups, no dump station, $15 per night – fairly level – many are spread out so wide spaces in between. Two water sources randomly placed in the park. Most sites have fire ring and picnic table. Flush toilets by airport gate – that is also where you get envelopes and drop box for payment. No camp host, no ice or water. Very basic place, but the cornfields block most of the highway noise out, it is open and flat and you have a beautiful view across the valley to the east and of the airstrip. Nicely mowed and maintained – we had read that they recently cleaned the place up and that the full timers had been moved out – this was true while we were there. Verizon cell service was average. No wifi. Supplies available in town – Safeway – has wifi- hardware, laundry, restaurants, etc.

IMHO: Best sites are B10 or the sites on the west side up against the trees/bushes for wind break. We were in B10.

Spotted along the way south: numerous pull outs at the sloughs along Highway 101 – especially at Greenhead Slough on left, 10 miles out of Bruceport- Bush Pioneer County Park- also just  after the Willapa Refuge on right , at turn off for Highway 101 to head west to Cape Disappointment there is a large pull our area on right – spot at the junction at Waliput RV park – chinook r
💪🏽Can I walk/run/exercise here?

Yes, you can walk/run the loops, all are level and since not too crowded you can do them without even going by a filled site – also the paved road from the highway to the airport/campground is level and if the airport gate is open you can even run in the tie down or parking area. Most sites are large and lots of grassy area for yoga, weights etc. Also, if you walk down to the tent area and just by the fence, there is a small private grassy area perfect for tai chi or meditation- private and blocked from wind, but lets in early am sun. (Provided no one is using the tent site).

Newport Marina & RV Park, Newport, Oregon; August, 2016>>.  Newport Marina RV link

On 101 south, go through Newport and across the Yaquina Bay Bridge, exit to the first right – sign says Hatfield Marine Center and Oregon Aquarium. Road winds down to the right – go past brewery on your left & the park entrance will be on your left also. 92 sites, full hookups, cable tv, very level, laundry, showers and bathrooms, dump station, small store for supplies on site – nice facility – sites are close together, but there are small, patches of sea grass or regular grass in between, and most sites are wide enough for car to be parked next to your rig – most are pull through. We paid $33.50 per day with Good Sam discount. In addition, lots of dry camping options in the Marina area – either in the parking lot near one of the brewery distribution centers, or on the bay side of the Marina in a dirt/grass lot. A sign in the parking lot said $19 per night – but not sure if the price is different for the dirt lot. Ice is available at store – no fire rings, so no wood. Verizon cell service is good – wifi is not – very spotty and don’t count on it. Since you are in a Marina, a great view of the bridge and bay- lots of fishermen and boats coming and going. Rogue Brewery and a separate House of Spirits bar are on the property – food also available at the brewery building. A public pier by the brewery that you can walk out on to watch people throwing their crab pots. All types of supplies available in town – north over the bridge: Walmart Safeway Fred Meyer, etc. in the Marina there is also a Bed & Breakfast … On a little 2 story paddle boat – it doesn’t move, but it looked like it would be a fun place to stay.

💪🏽Can I walk/run/exercise here?

Yep – not necessarily in the RV park, but there are all kinds of paved walkways around the park and the surrounding facilities of the Marine Center and the OSU campus, and the boat launch parking lot is wide open and flat for a good run or walk. We also walked across the bridge to the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse- approx 3 miles round trip – exhilarating!! There is also an estuary trail that leads from the back side of the aquarium to the marine center that winds along the inside shore of the bay. For weights or yoga, you can go to the beaches on the estuary trail, or the public areas under the bridge – I also found another small spot to the north of the boat launch lot – near the fueling station – no one else was there and the area has some flat spots and a nice view of the bridge.

other options along the way and in the area:  Tillamook RV Park on west side of town on the river; Cape Lookout State Park; Camper Cove RV Park south on 101, parks and campgrounds on the Nestucca River – and some possible boondocking spots where 101 crosses the river.

Carl Washburne State Park; near Florence, Oregon, September, 2016>>  Washburne link
On Highway 101 southbound, approximately 12 miles south of Yachats, the campground is on your left. 58 sites with full or just electric/water hookups – also tent sites and yurts. Firewood sold by camp hosts (but beware – it is usually pretty damp and you need a lot of kindling to get a fire going) no ice sold here. Sites are fairly close together and not very big, but lots of vegetation between- most are very level. Loop A is a little narrow and is on hillside – Loop B is below and wider access – varying lengths of sites – you have to eyeball or walk them to – but definitely many that will fit 30-40 foot rigs. Flush toilets and showers (no tokens needed). Dump station located across highway at day use area. Lots of walking trails to beach and to ponds and forest behind park, also to Haceta Head Lighthouse- your camping fee gets you into the lighthouse fee area. Verizon cell service is nil at the campground, but we got 3 bars at the day use area across the highway and down at the beach. The day use area has wide parking area and picnic tables. You can access the beach via the day use area- walking or driving to it across or there is a .5 mile path from the campground that takes you there via the forest and under the highway.

💪🏽Can I walk/run/exercise here?

Big time! There are lots of trails from the campground to the beach or to the forest around the park – the China Creek loop is approximately 1.5 miles, the path to the beach is .5 miles, and the trail to the lighthouse is 3 miles one way. You can walk/run to the day use area across the highway – where you can stay on the fairly flat paved roads, or head down to the beach for a run or walk on the shore – wide sandy uncrowded beach. For tai chi, yoga or meditation- the beach is where it is at :).
Spotted along the way and nearby: LOTS of RV parks south of Newport – private and state campgrounds; Jetty Fishery and RV; Kelly’s Marina – right on Marina – close quarters – but right on Marina; Spencer Beach State Park; Shore Good RV park; Twin Rocks; Seal Rock RV; Beachside State Park; Tillicium State Park; Bear View Jetty RV; Kilichis River, Bob Creek Wayside free; Stonefield and Ponsler waysides free! Sutton Lake and Darlingtonia near Florence.

Valley of the Rogue State Park; near Rogue River, Oregon, September, 2016>>.   Valley of the Rogue link

On I-5 traveling south, take Exit 45B – this is also the exit for a rest area, so don’t let that throw you – once off the freeway, you take a right to enter the park. Over 150 sites – in different loops – all pretty level and somewhat spaced out. Flush toilets, showers, and laundry! Wood sales – didn’t see any ice. Strong Verizon cell service. Dump station. Supplies available in Rogue River, also bars restaurants gas etc. If you want big box stores, Grants Pass has everything – including my new fave store – Fred Meyer – like Walmart, but better.
The park map makes it look like you are closer to the river than you actually are – and there is a lot of freeway noise – lots of big trucks – but like anywhere, it becomes white noise. This is a nice park – well taken care of, all the amenities, and the walking trails are great. We were in D30 – IMHO best spots are D16, D18, F16, F21. Loop F is set off more by itself, and has laundry facility – so we would prefer F loop overall. They have a large area for summer ranger led events – especially for the kids.

💪🏽Can I walk/run/exercise here?

Anything you want. The area is very flat and wide open – lots of paved roads and trails. Also lots of shaded but open areas for yoga or tai chi etc. easy to find some privacy. The greenway trail is perfect for a run – the mile markers are handy, and the scenery is nice, sometimes you see the river, sometimes you are winding through some trees – a few inclines for challenges – also some benches for a break overlooking the river – also a bathroom located at the west end of the park.
Spotted near and along the way: Umpqua Wayside – Reedsport, Scottsburg – Wells Creek Inn, Peaceful View Ranch, Bunch Bar