Same-Day Campsite Booking Will Be Expanded Across the State on Jan. 1, 2024

Campers will still be able to pitch a tent on a first-come, first-served basis at 11 parks all year long.

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park Campsite at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park. Photo courtesy of Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept.
By Andi Prewitt

While camping was likely the last thing on your mind last week while the Pacific Northwest was pounded with an atmospheric river, it’s never too late to begin making outdoor plans for spring—and Oregon State Parks just made it a little easier to snag your next campsite.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, recreationists will be able to reserve an overnight spot the same day they plan to use it at 40 parks across the state. Currently, most campgrounds require bookings at least 24 hours in advance.

The rule change was prompted by a trial run that started with two parks on the coast before expanding to all 17 Oregon parks along the Pacific. Because the booking modification went so smoothly, Oregon State Parks decided to include more properties.

“The transition to same-day reservations at Nehalem Bay State Park was nearly seamless,” park manager Ben Cox stated in a press release, “and has been generally well received by guests.”

If you plan to stay in a tent or RV, you have until 11:59 pm to make a reservation online. Yurt renters need to lock in their stay before 6 pm to get the necessary key or code to the door. Bonus: The $8 reservation fee is waived on all same-day bookings.

Campers will still be able to pitch a tent on a first-come, first-served basis at 11 parks, most of which are located in Eastern Oregon. A handful of other sites will switch to that model from same-day bookings during the winter, when demand is low.


Below is a list of permanent first-come, first-served year-round campgrounds:

Central Oregon

Cascara Campground at Fall Creek State Recreation Area, Fall Creek

Jasper Point (Prineville Reservoir State Park), Prineville

Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne


Southern Oregon

Goose Lake State Recreation Area, New Pine Creek

Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site, Chiloquin


Eastern Oregon

Bates State Park, Bates

Catherine Creek State Park, Union

Hilgard Junction State Park, La Grande

Minam State Recreation Area, Wallowa

Red Bridge State Wayside, La Grande

Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor, Ukiah

Andi Prewitt

Andi Prewitt

Andi Prewitt is WW's arts and culture editor. She writes about Oregon’s trifecta of fun: craft beer, food and the outdoors. A native Oregonian, Andi’s claim to fame was being named Princess of Newberg. It’s all been downhill from there.

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