Summer Travel: Cheap Outdoor Vacation Destinations for Families in Oregon

If you are looking for a budget friendly vacation for your family this summer, consider an outdoor adventure in Oregon. Oregon is home to unique and varied natural areas ranging from mountains to pristine public beaches to high desert. Many cheap outdoor travel destinations are within 3 hours of downtown Portland.

This article will highlight 5 of the best outdoor locations for inexpensive summer trips for families in Oregon.

General Tips for Budget Friendly Camping Vacations
1. Make a packing list before your trip so you do not forget basic camping supplies.
2. Pack extra blankets and clothing as weather can be unpredictable in Oregon.
3. Pack your own food and water to keep costs down.
4. Make reservations as soon as you can. Some campgrounds fill up very early.
5. Let your kids help pick your outdoor destination, and they will enjoy the adventure more.

1. Visit Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is Oregon's singular national park, and a must-visit destination for all outdoor enthusiasts. Imagine a deep, crystal clear blue lake sparkling in the crater of an extinct volcano. The view from the crater's rim is inspiring and thrilling for any traveler. There are many cheap activities for visitors ranging from taking a rim drive to hiking to having a relaxing picnic under the canopy of spectacular pine forests.

Budget Tips: Rather than rent a room at the expensive Crater Lake Lodge, pack your tent and reserve a camping spot at the Mazama Campground for about $22 a night.

Fees: The entry fee to Crater Lake is just $10 per car for a 7 day pass.

2. Visit the Blues and Learn About Oregon Trail History
Oregon City is the official end of the Oregon Trail. However, the Oregon Trail traverses a large portion of the state that you can visit during your outdoor adventure. One great adventure is to pack your car with camping gear and head out to Baker City in eastern Oregon. Make a campground reservation at Anthony Lakes, about 30 miles from Baker City for about $8 a night.

Start your outdoor adventure by taking in some history at the Oregon Trail Interpretative Center. You can hike around the center and still see some wagon ruts. Use Anthony Lakes Campground as your base, and choose your own family adventure. You can explore more Oregon Trail historical sites in and around the Blue Mountains or go visit nearby Hell's Canyon.

3. Soak in Waterfall Spray at Silver Falls
Oregon is home to many beautiful waterfalls. The most famous waterfall is Multnomah Falls located in the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Another budget-friendly waterfall wonderland is Silver Falls State Park, located in the lower hills of the Cascade Mountains east of Salem, the state's capitol.

Reserve a campsite, yurt, or cabin at this state park. Tent sites start at about $12 a night.

Take your family hiking and revel in nature's beauty. This park has a spectacular hike called the Trail of Ten Falls. The lush green forest contrast beautifully with the waterfalls and make for extraordinary photography opportunities.

4. Explore Surf and Sand Dunes on the Central Oregon Coast
Oregon's beaches are fully accessible to the public. Most Oregon beaches offer wonderful opportunities for cheap family outdoor adventures. One such spectacular location is Jessie Honeyman Memorial State Park on the south-central Oregon coast. This great park gives visitors the chance to indulge in many favorite outdoor activities including swimming, hiking, biking, canoeing, and driving dune buggies.

Campground fees start at about $12 a night for tents at Honeyman.

5. Visit Lava Country in Central Oregon
If you family enjoys mountains, particularly volcanoes, then plan your next budget outdoor vacation for central Oregon. Central Oregon contains many spectacular volcanic features including Lava Butte, the Newbury National Volcanic Monument, Smith Rock State Park, Mt. Bachelor, and the Three Sisters.

Make your base at one of the great little campgrounds located near Mt. Bachelor along the Cascade Lakes Highway. Sparks campground is free while a few other nearby campgrounds have modest fees.

Branch out from your campground and explore the lava fields, hike in grassy meadows, fish in local streams, and or just bask in the central Oregon sunshine.

Source:
personal experience at all campgrounds/locations mentioned in this article