Eastern Oregon has many places to pitch a tent or rent a cabin, from riverside enclosures to hilltop spots with sweeping views.

Cottonwood Canyon

The newest state park in Oregon, Cottonwood Canyon, is also its second-largest. Established in 2013, includes spaces for tent camping and cabins. Along the John Day River, the rugged park offers hiking, biking and horseback trails and fishing, as well as views of the sheer canyons and grasslands. The river is prime for kayaking or drift boats. The park is on Highway 206 between Condon and Wasco, and is open year-round for camping.

Ukiah-Dale

Ukiah-Dale, a campground about an hour south of Pendleton on Highway 395, is along the North Fork of the John Day River and Camas Creek. It’s a spot for tent camping, relaxing by the river, exploring the forests and spotting wildlife or hunting elk. Campers can enjoy wildflowers in the spring, as well as hunting for mushrooms and berries. This park is open from April to October, for both camping and day use.

Minam

If you’re looking to get a bit more remote, this park may have what you’re looking for. Tucked in a steep valley along the Wallowa River, the park has tent camping sites and river access, popular for fishing and rafting. You may see elk, deer, bear or even a bigorn sheep, and can rent rafts nearby. The campground is closed in winter but the park is open year-round.

Harris County Park

This park, owned by Umatilla County, is about 14 miles southeast of Milton-Freewater. Along the rushing south fork of the Walla Walla River, the park is open from early spring to late fall, and is adjacent to the Umatilla National Forest. There are overnight camping spots and a year-round camp host, as well as daytime recreation areas.

Penland Lake

Space is limited — there are only seven first-come, first-serve campsites on the Umatilla National Forest portion of the lake — but it’s worth the early start. The sites are near the shoreline of the lake and adjacent to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife property. There is fishing, boating (electric motors only) and swimming, and picnic tables at a day use area on the waterfront. The campground is maintained from Memorial Day until mid-November, or when snow forces its closure. The lake is 29 miles south of Heppner on Willow Creek Road, or 29 miles west of Ukiah on Forest Road 53.

Jubilee Lake

Its elevation makes Jubliee Lake best suited for the late summer, as the snow sticks around well past Memorial Day. It’s the largest campground in the Umatilla National Forest, and one of the most popular for overnight and day use. Fishing is good, swimming is chillingly refreshing and there are nearby hiking trails to enjoy. It’s 32 miles from Weston through Tollgate.

Hat Rock Campground

For an easy night’s stay near one of Oregon’s most unique natural landmarks, try the Good Sam campground next to the Hat Rock State Park. Tent and RV spaces available. There’s quick access to the Columbia River and a short hike to the namesake rock, a marker on the Lewis and Clark trail. It’s on Highway 730 nine miles due west from Umatilla.