Family-Friendly Camping Adventures in Carlton, Oregon
Nestled in the heart of Oregon’s picturesque wine country, the charming town of Carlton offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. For families seeking a memorable camping experience, Carlton and its surrounding areas provide a variety of campgrounds and parks that cater to all ages and interests. Let’s explore some of the best family-friendly camping sites in and around Carlton, Oregon.
Henry Hagg Lake / Scoggins Valley Park
Located just a short drive from Carlton, Henry Hagg Lake and Scoggins Valley Park offer a fantastic camping experience for families. The park features a 40-mile shoreline, providing ample opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. With over 200 campsites, including RV and tent sites, families can enjoy a comfortable stay amidst the stunning natural surroundings.
The park also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playground, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment for kids and adults alike. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars, as the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bald eagles and ospreys.
Champoeg State Heritage Area
Champoeg State Heritage Area, situated along the scenic Willamette River, is another excellent option for family camping near Carlton. This historic park offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and educational opportunities, with a focus on the area’s rich pioneer history.
The park features 79 campsites, including RV sites with hookups and tent sites, as well as six yurts and six cabins for a more comfortable camping experience. Families can enjoy hiking and biking trails, fishing, disc golf, and a variety of interpretive programs that bring the park’s history to life.
Silver Falls State Park
While slightly further from Carlton, Silver Falls State Park is a must-visit for families seeking a truly unforgettable camping experience. Known for its stunning waterfalls and lush forests, the park offers over 100 campsites, including RV sites with hookups, tent sites, and rustic cabins.
Families can explore the park’s famous Trail of Ten Falls, a 7.2-mile loop that takes hikers past ten breathtaking waterfalls, some of which you can even walk behind. The park also features a playground, picnic areas, and a variety of ranger-led programs that provide educational and entertaining experiences for all ages.
L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, located near the town of Buxton, is another fantastic option for family camping in the Carlton area. The park offers a variety of camping options, including RV sites with hookups, tent sites, and rustic cabins.
Families can enjoy hiking and biking trails, including the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, which offers 21 miles of scenic beauty. The park also features a disc golf course, a playground, and a variety of interpretive programs that highlight the area’s natural and cultural history.
Oxbow Regional Park
For families looking for a camping experience closer to the Portland metropolitan area, Oxbow Regional Park is an excellent choice. Located along the Sandy River, the park offers a variety of camping options, including RV sites with hookups, tent sites, and rustic cabins.
Families can enjoy swimming, fishing, and floating on the river, as well as hiking trails that wind through the park’s lush forests. The park also features a playground, picnic areas, and a variety of ranger-led programs that provide educational and entertaining experiences for all ages.
A Family Adventure Awaits
With its stunning natural beauty, diverse outdoor recreation opportunities, and family-friendly campgrounds, Carlton, Oregon, is the perfect destination for a memorable camping adventure. Whether you choose to stay at Henry Hagg Lake, Champoeg State Heritage Area, or one of the many other fantastic camping sites in the area, your family is sure to create lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the great outdoors. For history enthusiasts, camping near Carlton’s historic landmarks offers a unique opportunity to combine outdoor adventure with cultural exploration.
So pack your bags, load up the car, and head to Carlton for a camping experience that will bring your family closer together and inspire a love of nature that will last a lifetime.