Oregon Summer Camping Guide — 18ft RV from Star, ID 🏕️

Self-contained dry camping, 18ft rig. Driving from Star, Idaho into Oregon. June–September.

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Table of Contents

1. Overview
2. Best Campgrounds Within 4 Hours of Star
3. Best Campgrounds 4–6 Hours from Star
4. Best Campgrounds 6–8 Hours from Star (Coast & Deep Oregon)
5. Boondocking / Dispersed Camping
6. Hot Springs
7. Activities & Day Trips
8. 18ft RV Tips for Oregon
9. Packing Checklist — Oregon Edition

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1. Overview

Oregon is Idaho's polar opposite in many ways — lush rainforests, a dramatic Pacific coastline, volcanic peaks, high desert, and river gorges. From Star, you cross into eastern Oregon quickly and enter a landscape of open rangeland, painted hills, and canyon country before climbing into the Cascades or dropping to the coast.

What Makes Oregon Amazing for Camping

• The entire Oregon coast is public — no private beaches. 363 miles of coastline, all accessible.
• Incredible diversity: desert, forest, mountains, coast, volcanic landscapes — all in one state
• Extensive national forest and BLM land for free dispersed camping
• World-class hiking, fishing, and scenic drives
• Generally cooler temps than Idaho in summer (especially coast and Cascades)

Summer Weather

• Eastern Oregon (high desert, 3,000–5,000 ft): Hot and dry — 85–100°F. Similar to Boise. Bring shade.
• Cascades (4,000–7,000 ft): Perfect — 65–85°F days, 40–55°F nights. Some higher passes don't open until late June.
• Coast: Cool and foggy — 55–70°F all summer. Layers are mandatory. Fog burns off by afternoon most days.
• Central Oregon (Bend area, 3,600 ft): Warm and sunny — 75–90°F with cool nights. 300 days of sunshine.

Driving from Star to Oregon

• Star to Ontario, OR (border): ~1 hour west on I-84
• Star to Baker City, OR: ~2.5 hours
• Star to John Day, OR: ~4 hours
• Star to Bend, OR: ~5.5 hours
• Star to Portland, OR: ~6.5 hours (I-84 through the Gorge)
• Star to the coast: ~7–8 hours

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2. Best Campgrounds Within 4 Hours of Star

Wallowa Lake / Joseph Area (3.5 hours)

This is the "Swiss Alps of Oregon" — seriously stunning. The Wallowa Mountains are dramatic, glacially carved peaks surrounding a pristine lake.

Wallowa Lake State Park

• Drive time: 3.5 hours (Star → La Grande → Joseph)
• Elevation: 4,400 ft
• Why it's great: At the foot of Wallowa Lake with the Eagle Cap Wilderness as a backdrop. Tramway to the summit of Mt. Howard (8,150 ft) for panoramic views. Swimming, fishing, hiking.
• Reservations: Reserve at oregonstateparks.org — book early, very popular in summer
• Cost: $30–$44/night (full hookups available but not needed)
• Cell service: Yes (in Joseph)
• RV fit: Easy — paved roads, good-sized sites
• Nearby: Wallowa Lake Tramway, Eagle Cap Wilderness trailheads, Joseph (bronze foundries, art galleries, great restaurants)

Hurricane Creek Campground (USFS)

• Drive time: 3.5 hours
• Elevation: 5,000 ft
• Why it's great: Small, quiet, right at the Hurricane Creek trailhead into Eagle Cap Wilderness. Dramatic canyon setting.
• Reservations: First-come, first-served
• Cost: Free
• Cell service: None
• Nearby: Hiking into Eagle Cap Wilderness (lakes, glacial cirques)

Hells Canyon — Oregon Side (3–4 hours)

Hells Canyon Overlook / Hat Point

• Drive time: 3.5–4 hours (Star → Joseph → Imnaha → Hat Point)
• Elevation: 6,982 ft (Hat Point)
• Why it's great: The deepest canyon in North America from the Oregon rim. Views are absolutely staggering — you can see Idaho across the canyon.
• ⚠️ Road warning: The road to Hat Point is 24 miles of narrow, winding gravel/dirt. Passable in 18ft but go slow and check conditions. Not for the faint of heart.
• Reservations: First-come
• Cost: Free
• Cell service: None
• Nearby: Imnaha River, wildlife viewing (bighorn sheep, eagles)

Ollokot Campground (USFS, Imnaha River)

• Drive time: 3.5 hours
• Elevation: 4,000 ft
• Why it's great: Along the Imnaha River in a gorgeous canyon. Great fishing. Remote and uncrowded.
• Reservations: First-come, first-served
• Cost: $8/night
• Cell service: None

Baker City / Elkhorn Mountains (2.5–3 hours)

Anthony Lakes Campground (USFS)

• Drive time: 3 hours
• Elevation: 7,100 ft
• Why it's great: High alpine lake surrounded by granite peaks. Excellent hiking (Elkhorn Crest Trail). Cool temps even in July. Great fishing.
• Reservations: First-come, first-served
• Cost: $12/night
• Cell service: None
• Nearby: Anthony Lakes ski area (summer hiking), Elkhorn Scenic Byway, Baker City historic downtown

Union Creek Campground (USFS)

• Drive time: 2.5 hours
• Elevation: 6,800 ft
• Cost: $8/night
• Why it's great: Near Anthony Lakes, quieter, along a beautiful creek

Strawberry Mountains / John Day Area (4 hours)

Strawberry Campground (USFS)

• Drive time: 4 hours (Star → John Day → Strawberry Mountains)
• Elevation: 5,700 ft
• Why it's great: Base camp for hiking into the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. Alpine lakes (Strawberry Lake is a 2.5 mile hike), wildflowers, minimal crowds. One of Oregon's hidden gems.
• Reservations: First-come, first-served
• Cost: $8/night
• Cell service: None
• Nearby: Strawberry Lake, John Day Fossil Beds (30 min), Prairie City

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3. Best Campgrounds 4–6 Hours from Star

Painted Hills / John Day Fossil Beds (4–4.5 hours)

The Painted Hills are one of Oregon's most photographed landscapes — layers of red, gold, and black volcanic ash deposits that look like an alien watercolor painting.

Priest Hole BLM Campground (John Day River)

• Drive time: 4 hours
• Elevation: 2,400 ft
• Why it's great: Along the John Day River, close to Painted Hills. Free camping. River access for fishing and floating.
• Reservations: First-come
• Cost: Free
• Cell service: None
• Nearby: Painted Hills Unit (30 min), Sheep Rock Unit, Clarno Unit

Shelton Wayside (Wheeler County)

• Drive time: 4 hours
• Elevation: 2,200 ft
• Cost: Free
• Why it's great: Right along Hwy 26 near the Painted Hills. Simple but convenient.

Bend / Central Oregon (5–5.5 hours)

Bend is Oregon's outdoor recreation capital — craft beer, mountain biking, paddling, skiing, and sunshine.

Todd Lake Campground (USFS, Cascade Lakes)

• Drive time: 5.5 hours
• Elevation: 6,200 ft
• Why it's great: Small, pristine alpine lake reflecting Broken Top peak. One of the most beautiful campsites in Oregon. Walk-in only (200 yards) — but you can park your rig nearby and carry gear.
• ⚠️ Note: Very small, fills early. May not accommodate RV camping — confirm before going.
• Cost: Free
• Cell service: None

Lava Lake Campground (USFS)

• Drive time: 5.5 hours
• Elevation: 4,750 ft
• Why it's great: On the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Views of South Sister and Broken Top. Great fishing (brook and rainbow trout). Kayaking.
• Reservations: First-come, first-served
• Cost: $16/night
• Cell service: None
• Nearby: Elk Lake, Hosmer Lake, Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

Devils Lake Campground (USFS)

• Drive time: 5.5 hours
• Elevation: 5,500 ft
• Why it's great: Walk-in camping at a turquoise alpine lake near South Sister trailhead. Stunning setting.
• Cost: Free
• ⚠️ Note: Walk-in sites — RV parking may be limited

Cultus Lake Campground (USFS)

• Drive time: 5.5 hours
• Elevation: 4,700 ft
• Why it's great: Larger campground on a beautiful lake. Good swimming, kayaking, fishing. More RV-friendly than some Cascades sites.
• Reservations: Recreation.gov
• Cost: $18/night
• Cell service: None

Tumalo State Park

• Drive time: 5 hours
• Elevation: 3,600 ft
• Why it's great: Right outside Bend along the Deschutes River. Walking distance to town. Great base for exploring all of central Oregon.
• Reservations: oregonstateparks.org
• Cost: $30–$44/night
• Cell service: Yes
• Nearby: Bend breweries, Smith Rock, Deschutes River Trail

Smith Rock State Park Area (5 hours)

Skull Hollow Campground (BLM/Crooked River)

• Drive time: 5 hours
• Elevation: 3,100 ft
• Why it's great: Free camping near Smith Rock — Oregon's most iconic rock climbing and hiking destination. Sunrise over the rock spires is unforgettable.
• Reservations: First-come
• Cost: Free
• Cell service: Limited
• Nearby: Smith Rock (world-class climbing/hiking), Terrebonne, Bend

Newberry Volcanic Monument (5.5 hours)

Paulina Lake / East Lake Campgrounds (USFS)

• Drive time: 5.5 hours (south of Bend)
• Elevation: 6,300 ft
• Why it's great: Two lakes inside a volcanic caldera. Obsidian flows, hot springs in the lake, excellent fishing. Otherworldly volcanic landscape.
• Reservations: Recreation.gov
• Cost: $16–$18/night
• Cell service: None
• Nearby: Big Obsidian Flow trail, Paulina Falls, natural hot springs in the lake

Steens Mountain / Alvord Desert (5–6 hours)

One of the most remote and spectacular landscapes in the American West. Seriously.

Page Springs Campground (BLM)

• Drive time: 5.5 hours (Star → Burns → Frenchglen → Steens)
• Elevation: 4,200 ft
• Why it's great: Base camp for Steens Mountain. Along the Donner und Blitzen River (yes, that's its name). Bird watching paradise.
• Reservations: First-come
• Cost: $8/night
• Cell service: None
• Nearby: Steens Mountain summit drive (9,733 ft), Kiger Gorge, Alvord Desert, Alvord Hot Springs

South Steens Campground (BLM)

• Drive time: 6 hours
• Elevation: 5,700 ft
• Why it's great: Higher elevation, closer to the summit road. Spectacular Steens views.
• Cost: $8/night

Alvord Desert / Hot Springs (dispersed)

• Drive time: 6 hours
• Why it's great: A flat, white alkali playa beneath the 5,000-ft east face of Steens Mountain. Completely surreal — like camping on another planet. Alvord Hot Springs is a rustic concrete pool right at the edge of the desert.
• Cost: Free (hot springs is $5/person honor system)
• Cell service: None — you're off the grid

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4. Best Campgrounds 6–8 Hours from Star

Oregon Coast (7–8 hours)

Worth the drive for a longer trip. The Oregon coast is one of America's greatest landscapes.

Cape Lookout State Park

• Drive time: 7.5 hours
• Elevation: Sea level
• Why it's great: Dense old-growth forest right on the beach. Dramatic cape with a 2.5-mile trail through forest to a viewpoint over the Pacific. Whale watching (gray whales).
• Reservations: oregonstateparks.org — book months ahead
• Cost: $30–$44/night
• Cell service: Limited
• Nearby: Tillamook (cheese factory!), Three Capes Scenic Route, Oceanside

Cape Blanco State Park

• Drive time: 8 hours (southern coast)
• Elevation: 200 ft
• Why it's great: Westernmost point in Oregon. Dramatic windswept headland. Less crowded than northern coast parks. Lighthouse.
• Reservations: oregonstateparks.org
• Cost: $30–$34/night
• Nearby: Port Orford, Humbug Mountain, Prehistoric Gardens

Nehalem Bay State Park

• Drive time: 7.5 hours
• Elevation: Sea level
• Why it's great: Huge campground on a sand spit between Nehalem Bay and the ocean. Beachcombing, crabbing, kayaking in the bay. Horse camping available too.
• Reservations: oregonstateparks.org
• Cost: $30–$34/night
• Cell service: Yes
• Nearby: Manzanita (charming beach town), Oswald West State Park (short hike to secret beach)

Jessie M. Honeyman State Park

• Drive time: 8 hours (central coast near Florence)
• Elevation: 100 ft
• Why it's great: Massive sand dunes (Oregon Dunes NRA), freshwater lake swimming, close to the coast. Dune buggy rides available. Forest + dunes + beach all in one.
• Reservations: oregonstateparks.org
• Cost: $30–$44/night
• Nearby: Oregon Dunes, Florence, Sea Lion Caves, Heceta Head Lighthouse

Crater Lake (6.5 hours)

Mazama Campground (NPS)

• Drive time: 6.5 hours
• Elevation: 6,000 ft
• Why it's great: The only campground in Crater Lake National Park. Deepest lake in the US (1,943 ft), impossibly blue water in a volcanic caldera. One of the most stunning natural sights in America.
• Reservations (2026 schedule):
  • June 11–30: First-come, first-served
  • July 1–September 27: Reservations required via Recreation.gov
• Cost (2026):
  • Tent / Walk-in: $35/night
  • RV no hookups: $35/night
  • RV electric: $48/night
  • RV full hookups: $57/night
  • Walk-in hiker site: $5/night
• Cell service: Very limited
• RV fit: 18ft is fine — some sites accommodate up to 50 ft
• Nearby: Rim Drive (33 miles around the crater), Cleetwood Cove Trail (only trail to the water), boat tours to Wizard Island
• ⚠️ Opens late: Full Rim Drive doesn't open until July most years due to snow. Mazama Campground opens around June 11 typically.

Columbia River Gorge (6–6.5 hours)

Eagle Creek Campground (USFS)

• Drive time: 6 hours (I-84 through Pendleton and The Dalles)
• Elevation: 200 ft
• Why it's great: In the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. Spectacular waterfall hikes — Multnomah Falls is 20 minutes away. Lush fern-covered canyon.
• Reservations: Recreation.gov
• Cost: $15/night
• Cell service: Yes
• Nearby: Multnomah Falls, Wahclella Falls, Bonneville Dam, Hood River (windsurfing/kiteboarding capital)

Mt. Hood (6.5 hours)

Trillium Lake Campground (USFS)

• Drive time: 6.5 hours
• Elevation: 3,600 ft
• Why it's great: Classic reflection of Mt. Hood in the lake — one of the most photographed scenes in Oregon. Excellent for kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
• Reservations: Recreation.gov
• Cost: $20/night
• Cell service: Limited
• Nearby: Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge (historic), hiking, skiing (Timberline has year-round skiing)

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5. Boondocking / Dispersed Camping

Oregon Rules

• National Forest: Free dispersed camping almost everywhere unless posted. 14-day stay limit.
• BLM Land: Same rules. Eastern Oregon has massive tracts of BLM — endless free camping.
• State land: Generally not open to dispersed camping.
• Fire restrictions: Oregon gets aggressive with fire bans in summer — always check before building a fire.

Best Dispersed Areas

Eastern Oregon (Closest to Star)

• Malheur National Forest (4 hrs): Huge, uncrowded forest south of John Day. Ponderosa pine forests, meadows, and virtually nobody around.
• Ochoco National Forest (5 hrs): Rolling forested hills east of Prineville. Great dispersed sites along forest roads.
• Steens Mountain BLM (5.5 hrs): Vast high desert with pulloffs and established dispersed sites. Epic isolation.
• Owyhee Country BLM (3–4 hrs): Remote desert canyonlands south of Ontario. Free camping everywhere — bring everything you need.

Central Oregon

• Deschutes National Forest (5.5 hrs): Tons of dispersed camping along forest roads near Bend. Cascade views, pine forests.
• Cascade Lakes Highway pulloffs: Various dirt roads lead to free lakeside camping

Finding Spots

• iOverlander app — crowd-sourced free camping spots with reviews
• FreeRoam app — similar, good filtering by vehicle type
• Campendium — reviews of both paid and free sites
• USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) — show which roads allow vehicle access. Download free from the forest's website.

Tips for 18ft in Oregon

• Eastern Oregon forest roads are generally wide and well-maintained — your 18ft will be fine
• Cascade roads can be narrower and steeper — check ahead
• Watch for soft pumice soil in central Oregon — your rig can sink in volcanic sand
• Late June opening for many mountain roads — snow lingers at elevation

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6. Hot Springs

Eastern Oregon

Alvord Hot Springs ⭐ (Must-Do)

• Location: East side of Steens Mountain, edge of the Alvord Desert (5.5–6 hrs from Star)
• What: Two rustic concrete pools with unbelievable views across the vast white alkali desert with the 5,000 ft wall of Steens behind you. Sunrise and stargazing are otherworldly.
• Cost (2026): Privately operated. Day use ~$10–$15/person, day-use hours 8 AM–10 PM. Overnight camping ~$30/night for two people (gives you 24-hour pool access).
• Access: Now a gated property — check in at the office for the gate code and Alvord Desert playa info. Call ahead to confirm availability.
• Nearby camping: Dispersed camping on the desert playa is still free; on-site Alvord Hot Springs camping has the convenience of pool access and basic amenities.

Crystal Crane Hot Springs

• Location: Near Burns, OR (4.5 hrs from Star)
• What: Private hot springs with a large warm pond and individual soaking tubs. More developed. RV sites available on-site.
• Cost: $7.50/person for day use
• Nearby camping: On-site RV spots ($25–35/night)

Snively Hot Springs

• Location: Near Ontario, OR (1.5 hrs from Star — closest Oregon hot spring!)
• What: Small natural pool along the Owyhee River. Rugged access.
• Cost: Free
• ⚠️ Road warning: Rough dirt road to access. Check conditions.

Cascade Range

Bagby Hot Springs

• Location: Mt. Hood National Forest (7 hrs from Star)
• What: Historic wooden soaking tubs fed by natural hot springs in an old-growth forest. 1.5-mile hike in.
• Cost: Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day or $30/year)
• ⚠️ Popular: Go on weekdays. Can get crowded and occasionally sketchy.

McCredie Hot Springs

• Location: Near Oakridge, OR (7 hrs from Star)
• What: Multiple pools along Salt Creek. Easy roadside access.
• Cost: Free
• Nearby: Oakridge mountain biking (world-class trail system)

Umpqua Hot Springs

• Location: North Umpqua River area (7.5 hrs from Star)
• What: Tiered natural pools on a cliff above the river. Stunning setting. Short hike in.
• Cost: Northwest Forest Pass required
• Nearby: Toketee Falls, Watson Falls, North Umpqua Trail

Paulina Lake Hot Springs

• Location: Newberry Volcanic Monument, inside the caldera (5.5 hrs from Star)
• What: Natural hot springs emerging along the lakeshore. Soak where hot water meets the cold lake.
• Cost: Included with monument day pass ($10) or camping fee
• Nearby: Paulina Lake Campground

Central Oregon

Belknap Hot Springs Resort

• Location: McKenzie River area (6.5 hrs from Star)
• What: Developed resort with large pools and gardens along the McKenzie River. Beautiful setting.
• Cost: $10–15/person day use. RV sites available ($45–55/night).

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7. Activities & Day Trips

Hiking (Top Picks by Region)

Trail	Location	Distance	Difficulty	Highlights
Eagle Cap Basin	Wallowa Mtns	13 mi RT	Moderate-Hard	Alpine lakes, granite peaks, wildflowers
Strawberry Lake	Strawberry Mtns	5 mi RT	Easy-Moderate	Alpine lake, waterfall, solitude
Painted Hills Overlook	Mitchell	1 mi RT	Easy	Psychedelic colored hills — bring a camera
South Sister Summit	Bend	12 mi RT	Hard	10,358 ft volcanic summit, views of 100+ miles
Misery Ridge (Smith Rock)	Terrebonne	3.8 mi loop	Moderate	Stunning views of the Crooked River canyon
Tam McArthur Rim	Bend	5 mi RT	Moderate	Best panoramic view in central Oregon
Steens Summit	Steens Mtn	Drive-up	Easy	9,733 ft, views into Kiger Gorge and Alvord Desert
Cleetwood Cove	Crater Lake	2.2 mi RT	Moderate (steep)	Only trail to the lake — swim in the bluest water you'll ever see
Multnomah Falls	Columbia Gorge	2.4 mi RT	Moderate	620 ft waterfall — Oregon's most famous
Cape Lookout	Tillamook Coast	5 mi RT	Moderate	Old-growth forest to a dramatic ocean headland

Fishing

• Wallowa Lake: Kokanee, rainbow trout, mackinaw
• Anthony Lake: Brook trout, rainbow
• Deschutes River: World-class fly fishing — redside rainbow trout, steelhead
• Cascade Lakes (Hosmer, Elk, Lava): Brook trout, Atlantic salmon (Hosmer — fly only), rainbow
• John Day River: Smallmouth bass, steelhead (seasonal)
• Steens Mountain streams: Wild redband trout
• Oregon fishing license: ~$33/year for residents, $25.75/day for non-residents. Buy at myodfw.com
• ⚠️ Idaho license doesn't work in Oregon — buy an Oregon license

Scenic Drives

• Steens Mountain Loop Road: 60-mile drive from sagebrush to 9,733 ft summit. Kiger Gorge overlook is jaw-dropping. Free. Opens ~July.
• Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: 66 miles from Bend past a chain of alpine lakes with Cascade peak views. One of the most beautiful drives in Oregon.
• Painted Hills / Journey Through Time Scenic Byway: John Day → Painted Hills → Mitchell. Psychedelic colored hillsides.
• Elkhorn Scenic Byway: Loop from Baker City through Granite and Anthony Lakes. Mountain mining towns and alpine scenery.
• Columbia River Gorge / Historic Highway: Waterfalls, Vista House, dramatic gorge scenery.
• Pacific Coast (Hwy 101): The legendary Oregon coastal drive. Every mile is stunning.

Unique Experiences

• Painted Hills at sunrise/sunset — the colors shift with the light. Magic.
• Alvord Desert — drive or walk on a dry lakebed with a 5,000-ft mountain wall behind you
• Crater Lake boat tour to Wizard Island — swim in water so blue it doesn't look real
• Smith Rock — watch climbers on the Monkey Face formation, hike the Misery Ridge loop
• Wallowa Lake Tramway — gondola to 8,150 ft, 360° mountain views
• Oregon Dunes — rent ATVs or dune buggies near Florence
• Lighthouses — Heceta Head, Cape Meares, Cape Blanco — all visitable and scenic

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8. 18ft RV Tips for Oregon

Road Conditions

• I-84 (Star → Oregon): Interstate, perfect condition. Your gateway to eastern Oregon.
• Hwy 26 (John Day / Painted Hills): Well-maintained two-lane highway. Easy.
• Hwy 20 (Burns / Bend): Long, straight, through high desert. Easy but remote — fuel up when you can.
• Hwy 97 (Central Oregon): Major north-south route. Good condition.
• Steens Mountain Loop Road: Gravel/dirt above Fish Lake. Narrow in places. Doable in 18ft but go slow. Check opening date (usually July).
• Hat Point Road (Hells Canyon): Narrow, winding, steep gravel. Passable but nerve-wracking in 18ft. Scout conditions first.
• Cascade forest roads: Variable — some are smooth gravel, others are rough. Check USFS conditions.
• Coast (Hwy 101): Paved but winding with some tight turns through towns. 18ft is fine.

Dump Stations

• Ontario, OR: Travel centers on I-84
• Baker City: Oregon Trail Interpretive Center area, local RV park
• Burns: Burns RV Park / Safeway area
• Bend: Tumalo State Park, Scandia RV Park, Walmart area
• La Grande: Hot Lake RV Resort area
• Joseph: Wallowa Lake State Park (campers)
• Coast towns: Most state parks have dump stations (even for non-campers, small fee)
• Sanidumps app — maps every dump station

Water Fill-Up

• Gas stations in small towns — ask politely, most will let you fill up
• State park campgrounds — often have water spigots accessible
• Bend: Multiple options
• Fill up in Boise/Star before crossing into eastern Oregon — towns are few and far between

Propane Refill

• Ontario: Multiple stations near I-84
• Baker City: Local hardware/farm stores
• Burns: Gas stations
• Bend: U-Haul, Suburban Propane, local shops
• La Grande: Local suppliers
• Eastern Oregon tip: Fill up before heading into the backcountry. Propane availability is sparse between towns.

Fuel Stops — Plan Ahead!

⚠️ Eastern Oregon is REMOTE. Gas stations can be 60–100 miles apart.

Key fuel stops:

• Ontario → Baker City (75 mi)
• Baker City → John Day (80 mi)
• John Day → Burns (70 mi)
• Burns → Bend (130 mi — fill up in Burns!)
• Burns → Frenchglen (60 mi — Frenchglen has very limited fuel)

Oregon-Specific Rules

• Self-serve gas is now legal statewide — Oregon's 72-year ban on self-serve gas was repealed by the legislature in August 2023. Stations can choose either model and most rural and chain stations now offer self-serve. (A 2024 union effort to reinstate the ban did not succeed in reversing the law.)
• No sales tax — everything you buy in Oregon is tax-free (stock up!)
• Northwest Forest Pass — required for parking at many USFS trailheads. $30/year annual pass or $10 for a 5-day pass. Buy at ranger stations, REI, Discover Your NW, or via Recreation.gov digital pass.
• Fire restrictions — Oregon is strict. Check oregonsmoke.org and USFS alerts.

Wildlife

• Black bears: Central and western Oregon. Same precautions as Idaho.
• Cougars: Present statewide. Unlikely encounter but be aware hiking.
• Rattlesnakes: Eastern Oregon, especially in desert/canyon areas. Watch where you step.
• Ticks: Spring through mid-summer in grassland/brush areas. Check after hiking.
• No grizzly bears in Oregon.

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9. Packing Checklist — Oregon Edition

Everything from the Idaho checklist, plus:

Coast-Specific

• Rain jacket and waterproof layers (even in summer!)
• Windbreaker — coast is breezy
• Warm fleece or hoodie (50–60°F summer evenings on the coast)
• Tide table (free at any coastal visitor center or tides4fishing.com)
• Tide pool exploration shoes (water shoes or old sneakers)
• Kite (constant coastal wind — great fun)
• Binoculars (whale watching, seabirds, sea lions)
• Clamming/crabbing gear + shellfish license (if interested)

Desert-Specific (Eastern Oregon)

• Extra water (5+ gallons beyond your tank — towns are scarce)
• Extra fuel container (gas stations 60–100 miles apart)
• Sun shade / canopy (minimal tree cover in high desert)
• Hat and sunscreen (high desert sun is brutal)
• Snake gaiters or tall boots for hiking in canyon/desert areas

General Oregon Additions

• Northwest Forest Pass ($30/year annual or $10 for a 5-day pass — needed at most USFS trailheads)
• Oregon fishing license (separate from Idaho)
• Extra layers (Oregon weather is more variable than Idaho)
• Rain gear (even east of the Cascades, afternoon storms happen)

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Quick Reference: Best Bets by Vibe

What You Want	Go Here	Drive from Star
Alpine mountains like the Sawtooths	Wallowa Lake / Eagle Cap	3.5 hrs
Deepest canyon in North America	Hells Canyon (Oregon side)	3.5–4 hrs
Alien landscape / painted desert	Painted Hills	4–4.5 hrs
Volcanic wonderland	Newberry / Cascade Lakes	5.5 hrs
World-class rock formations	Smith Rock	5 hrs
Absolute remoteness + hot springs	Steens Mountain / Alvord Desert	5.5–6 hrs
Outdoor town + craft beer	Bend	5–5.5 hrs
Deepest lake in the US	Crater Lake	6.5 hrs
Epic waterfalls	Columbia River Gorge	6 hrs
Pacific Ocean beaches	Oregon Coast	7–8 hrs
Free camping close to Star	Owyhee Country BLM	3–4 hrs

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Suggested Trip Itineraries

Weekend Warrior (2–3 days)

Wallowa Lake Loop: Star → La Grande → Joseph → Wallowa Lake → return

• Camp at Wallowa Lake State Park or Hurricane Creek
• Ride the tramway, hike to Ice Lake, explore Joseph

The Painted Desert Loop (3–4 days)

Star → Baker City → John Day → Painted Hills → Star

• Camp at Anthony Lakes and Strawberry Campground
• Visit Painted Hills at sunrise, John Day Fossil Beds
• Elkhorn Scenic Byway

The Epic Oregon Circuit (7–10 days)

Star → Wallowa Lake → Painted Hills → Bend → Crater Lake → Coast → Columbia Gorge → Star

• Camp at 4–5 different spots
• Hit every major Oregon landscape: mountains, painted desert, volcanic lakes, deepest lake, ocean, waterfalls, gorge
• This is the ultimate road trip

The Remote & Wild Trip (4–5 days)

Star → Burns → Steens Mountain → Alvord Desert → back

• Camp at Page Springs + dispersed at Alvord
• Soak in Alvord Hot Springs under the stars
• Drive the Steens summit road
• This is for when you want to feel like the last person on earth

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Happy camping in Oregon. 🏕️🦞