Visiting Scenic Eastern Oregon

When one thinks of Oregon, they often think of moody skies, dense rainforests, windy coastlines, and rainy weather. What most people don’t know is that only about one-third of the state of Oregon falls within the “rain shadow,” which is the area to the west of the Cascade Mountain Range that receives over forty inches of rain per year. And while the beaches, cities, and forests of Western Oregon draw in millions of yearly visitors, Eastern Oregon has just as much to offer in the way of scenery, activities, and awesome places to visit. So hop in, buckle up, and let’s take a tour of some of Harvest Hosts’ best locations for RV camping in Oregon.

1. Red Oak Farms Alpacas

Red Oak Farms Alpacas is located in La Pine, Oregon. This small farm raises alpacas for their fur and has a small gift shop full of alpaca fiber products made in Peru. They also breed and sell alpacas to other farm owners. Previous visitors really enjoyed meeting the owners, touring the farm, and learning all about raising and farming alpacas. They offer two pet-friendly spaces for RVs under forty-five feet in length.

Bend, Oregon

Travelers visiting Red Oak Farm Alpacas should consider stopping in the nearby city of Bend before continuing on their way. Bend has often been described as an ideal location for those who love the outdoors, as there are activities to enjoy here in all four seasons, including swimming, paddling, climbing, skiing, tubing, snowboarding, and more. In addition to the outdoor activities, visitors also enjoy breweries, history, museums, and more.

2. Mecca Grade Estate Malt

Leaving the Bend area and heading north will bring you to Mecca Grade Estate Malt. At Mecca Grade, the brewers boast the creation of the missing ingredient in your beer: a malt of uncompromising character and complexity, made for brewers and beer lovers alike. Here, all beers are brewed with a single-source malting grain grown in the same two-square-mile radius area for uniformity.

As farmers/maltsters, the owners are then able to apply their knowledge of crop production from pre-plant all the way through harvest and onward into the malting process. Through this process, their hope is that their customers will be able to literally taste and appreciate their farm in each glass of beer or spirit.

Guests here can tour the property, taste beers and ciders, enjoy the taproom, purchase malt to make their own beers at home, and peruse merchandise and bottled beers to buy and take home. They offer three pet-friendly spaces for RVs of any size.

3. Blown Away Ranch

About two-and-a-half hours northeast of Madras, visitors can find Blown Away Ranch in Ione, Oregon. This beautiful location operates as  a large working wheat farm in eastern Oregon, complete with plenty of livestock, equipment and open space. For purchase, they offer fresh seasonal vegetables, fruits, cut flowers, cut herbs, along with farm fresh eggs collected daily and several home baked goods available each morning.

Harvest Hosts guests are invited to choose between a campsite under the stars in the middle of a wheat field, campsites near a huge wind tower, or a campsite next to the animals in the farmyard. They also have electric (30amp and 50amp) and water hookups available for a small nightly fee. Be sure not to miss this fantastic location! They offer five pet-friendly spaces for RVs of any size.

4. Sno Road Winery

Just under an hour away from Blown Away Ranch, Eastern Oregon travelers will arrive at Sno Road Winery. Nestled in the small, historic town of Echo, Oregon, Echo West Vineyard sits on the windswept bluffs overlooking the Umatilla River. Harvest Hosts guests can enjoy the winery, the vineyard, seasonal music events, ranch tours, historic town sites, museums, an arboretum, and a local golf course. There is also a mountain bike path and walking trails nearby. Previous guests have enjoyed the wine, the food, the views, and the overall experience. They offer ten pet-friendly spaces for RVs of any size.

5. Almosta Farm at Cove

About ninety minutes southeast of Sno Road Winery, travelers will arrive at Almosta Farm. This small family farm raises registered Nigerian goats, chickens, and honey bees, while also growing fresh, seasonal produce. They offer WiFi, potable water, and electricity for a small fee. There are limited generator usage rules, and there may be some baked goods, whose availability you can check within forty-eight hours of your planned arrival.

With friendly, welcoming owners, a beautiful setting, and excellent products, this location is not one to miss! Currently, they offer one pet-friendly space for an RV of any size, as well as potable water and WiFi.

Wallowa Mountains

Those visiting this area should take note of the gorgeous Wallowa Mountains to the east. Known as the Swiss Alps of the Pacific Northwest and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Oregon, these lovely mountains are well-worth the stop. The little town of Joseph, Oregon, at the base of the mountains is also a friendly and worthwhile stopping point.

6. Copper Belt Wines

Continuing about an hour south, we will arrive at Copper Belt Wines in Baker City, Oregon. Located near the Snake River, this small, family-owned winery is established on an old family homestead and grows all of their own fruit, focusing on the production of European-style whites and reds. They offer a full, on-site winery, as well as winery merchandise, on-tap beers, tours, a picnic area, and more. Don’t forget to check out the stars on a clear night! This location has three pet-friendly spaces for RVs of any size.

7. Hines Pine Mill House

Last but not least, we can find Hines Pine Mill House about three hours south of Baker City, in the small town of Hines, Oregon. This location operates as a bed and breakfast in a building built in the year 1929. They offer a wide variety of handmade products, including artisan soaps, saltwater taffy, crocheted goods, loose leaf tea, and handcrafted cutting boards and shelves.

In addition, they prepare an incredible, fresh breakfast every morning - a guest favorite! Currently, they offer two, pet-friendly spaces for RVs under forty-four feet in length. See their host profile page for special directions on arriving and parking.

Steens Mountain Wilderness

No trip to Eastern Oregon would be complete without a visit to the stunning Steens Mountain Wilderness. This incredible area is about three hours from Hines, Oregon, which is the closest “large” town. There is a small, dry camping campground at the base of the mountain wilderness, which offers nice campsites and water-filling areas for five dollars per night.

Steens Mountain is stunning, and there is a wonderful scenic drive which takes guests past all the best stopping points. There is also plenty of hiking and additional outdoors activities found in the area. A few hours away, curious travelers can also visit the Alvord Desert. 

Western Oregon is gorgeous and very popular, but Eastern Oregon is equally scenic and full of fun activities to enjoy. Between the city of Bend, the Wallowa Mountains, and the Steens Mountain Wilderness area, there is no shortage of beauty to see and activities to enjoy. The plentiful Harvest Hosts locations also offer plenty of camping opportunities and a chance to see the rural and homey aspects of this region. Consider a fun trip here in the fall, spring, and summer months for the most enjoyable visit.