BootsnAll Travel Community

Hey All,

I've been in Oregon (portland) for several years now, but due to spending most of my summers in MN and being busy with school, I haven't had much of a chance to get out here in Oregon. Most of the stuff I do is minimalist back-packing...but...

My girlfriend has never been camping and I convinced her to give it a try, so I'm trying to find a place to camp that meets the following criteria:

1. Near something fun to check out during the day (hiking trails, ocean, hot springs, etc.). Also (and obviously) a beautiful spot.

2. Fairly remote, not many other people or no other people. However, a nice mix of potential amenities would be nice (for instance a restroom of any kind would be nice). It would also be nice if fires were ok.

3. Hopefully, within 3-4 hours of Portland (Driving).

4. Anything else in the mix that you think would be nice for a fist time camper. I want to make it a good experience for her!

Thanks so much for you help and let me know if you have any ideas of places to check out!

Are you going to be camping this summer? In my experience, it is difficult to find a remote campsite that also has facilities such as a restroom and a shower and have it be free from too many people. Especially in the summer. But really, for a new camper, sometimes it is reassuring to have some people around. They see all of those other people and think, 'Yeah, if that foo-foo lady can camp, *I* certainly can!'

For first time campers, I think that Harris Beach State Park is a good place to start. The beach is lovely and there are clean, well-kept facilities. Sometimes first time campers are best eased into camping if they can take a hot shower while still sleeping under the stars. The park also offers some excellent programs in the summer, in case you have any interest in the local flora and fauna. The rangers there are fantastic.

For a less busy spot, but still with decent amenities, check out Clyde Holliday Park.

You could use Anthony Lake as a base to camp and then explore the hot springs in the area, including Kropp Hot Springs and Fisher. There are a variety of trails around Anthony Lake ranging from very easy to more taxing.

Have fun -- Oregon camping is beautiful!

[sexist mode]

In my (albeit quite limited) experience of introducing novice-camping women to the wonders of camping, it is important that they have:

A clean, flush toilet available.

Warm soap and water to wash their face at night.

A nice fleece or down jacket, gloves and hat in order to keep warm.

[/sexist mode]

There are a few palces on the coast with Yurts- I stayed at the Umpqua Lighthouse campground there which was wonderful since the coast can be foggy in the summer. Do call and make reservations. Another wonderful area with some great camping, lots of bike trails along the river and hikes to waterfalls and very under utilized is the Norhern Umpqua River on Rte 138 out of Roseburg. Several of the campsites have showers.

a601mom is totally on the mark with the yurts. check out some of the MANY Oregon state parks on the coast. Cheap, clean bathrooms, mildly rustic, and easy drive from the 503.

I agree with static -- (which I almost always do) -- but not just novice camping ladies like warm water. I have camped for weeks at a time and I still prefer campgrounds where there is water available. Preferably in the form of a shower, which is fantastic. But I'll happily take available water in the form of a big lake in which I can swim. As long as I can climb into a sleeping bag feeling reasonably clean, I am a very happy camper.

That being said, I think that nice clean gear is a must for a novice camper. Does your girlfriend have a comfortable and clean smelling sleeping bag? That can make a big difference in her experience. Also nice are big fluffy socks for chilly evenings.

quote:

Originally posted by a601mom:
There are a few palces on the coast with Yurts- I stayed at the Umpqua Lighthouse campground there which was wonderful since the coast can be foggy in the summer. Do call and make reservations. Another wonderful area with some great camping, lots of bike trails along the river and hikes to waterfalls and very under utilized is the Norhern Umpqua River on Rte 138 out of Roseburg. Several of the campsites have showers.

I have stayed in Yurts on the Oregon Coast many time, which makes camping a whole lot easier if you have a wife/GF/Whomever that doesn't like sleeping in tents. I have mostly stayed in central Oregon Coast but there are some great area also if you head south to the Florence area. Honeyman State Park was always nice. You can walk to dunes and there are warm lakes out in the dunes.

These are all great suggestions! Thanks everyone for your help. I still probably won't leave for a couple weeks, so if any new ideas pop up, let me know. I will keep you all posted on the results.

We are heading to Trillium Lake this weekend for the 4th and also have reservations at http://lostlakeresort.org/default.php Lost Lake Resort

They were both recommended by avid campers.

Doug,

Kudos to you for seeking some feedback to make your girlfriend's first backpack experience a good one!

Goodonya!!!

That said...

Do a day hike or two first, if possible.

No new boots on overnight. Make sure they are okay and won't cause blisters. Bring moleskin anyway just in case.

Make sure you have Thermorests. They are magic.
If you have the time and money, invest in a custom
backpack for her with McHale and Company in Seattle.
You will need to make a site visit there.

Bring massage oils for her sore shoulders, etc.

Bring bug juice.

Take your camera . When she is back at work or school, she can "relive" her experience with the photos (online or hardcopy).

Cook all the meals for her unless she offers to help.

If you have time, do some light weights esp core and shoulders with her.

Stretch your achilles before you hike! Make sure that you hike uphill with foot flat (arched) on the ground.

Know and show the "rest step" for her.

Take most of the weight. Ideally, she would just a daypack to carry the first time.

I will close now with a humorous "backpack" true story:

Years ago, a hiking group was out on a day hike and the leader announced it was a surprise bivouac and all were
staying out overnight. They were then asked to empty their backpacks for the Ten Essentials, et al.

One statuesque, beautiful woman in the group emptied her very small pack. In it was...a Reader's Digest and a comb.

The leader of the group, Tom, actually a friend of mine so I know this story is true!, gently asked her:

"Aren't you afraid you are going to be cold tonite?"

She replied, with a quiet smile:

"Tom, I will never be cold."

Now, go out there and have some fun in the mountains!

Check out Smith Rock State park. They don't really make it well know that you can camp there so the people who go are actually really cool

great facilities and it is possible to have a fair amount of privacy. Near Bend. Monkey Face rock is there too, cool hiking at this park.