Favorite Things

Finding your camp

For reserving most State Park campsites, we use ReserveAmericam.com. As far as I know, all Oregon State Parks use this system. As of March 2, 2021, you can reserve 6 months in advance for OSP.

Use Recreation.Gov for National Forest and Federal land camping.

Oregon counties each use a different system. A couple of our favorites are Douglas County https://travel.dcparks.us/travel.dcparks.us/Search-by-Map/Chief-Miwaleta-RV-Park-and-Campground/Reservations

and Columbia County https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/ParksForestsRecreation/reserve-a-campground

The above listed sites are great for reserving sites and general park information. If you want detailed information including user reviews and photos, I recommend Campendium.com.

Setting up camp

For some people, the trip doesn’t start until the rig is parked and the camp is set up. To make this a more enjoyable experience, I have a few suggestions.

Walkie Talkies

Unless you are driving by yourself, you probably use a ground guide to help you back into your spot. Cell phones are a great way to communicate between the driver and guide, if you have service.

Using a two way handheld radio is more reliable. I would suggest the Midland X-talker series. You can get a decent pair for around $50. (https://midlandusa.com/two-way-radios/)

Getting Level

For those without self leveling rigs, get the LevelMate Pro. This is a Bluetooth controlled device that sends real time info to your phone regarding the levelness of your rig. Check it out at https://logicbluetech.com/levelmatepro/

In some cases, I have been able to reposition the trailer within the site to find a level spot without getting out of the truck.

If you are off level left/right, you will know how high to raise one side within 1/4 inch. This is when you place an Anderson leveler block behind the appropriate wheel and back up until your LMP reads level. This is so much easier and faster than any other leveling method I have tried. (https://andersenhitches.com/products/camper-leveler)

wandering from camp

If you are looking for a good hike, download the Alltrails App. It has information on over 100,000 trails nationwide. The user reviews and photos help you to have realistic expectations for your hike. It also gives you accurate elevation gain and lengths of trail. The GPS synched maps help you stay on the right path.

For local restaurants, things to do, tours, hotels, etc., I highly recommend TripAdvisor (website and App). Real reviews by real people. You can search a specific destination or see what is nearby.