Oregon is loaded with picturesque, pothole-free country roads that lead to waterfalls and other scenic spots. If you feel like traveling, but not in a plane or staying at hotels, you might want to rent a self-contained, roomy RV, sleek Airstream or colorful camper van for a weekend or longer.
Outdoorsy, an online rental marketplace, connects recreational vehicle owners with people who’d like to use them.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the peer-to-peer sharing company has grown more than 4,500%, according to Outdoorsy’s data, because people see campers as a safe and affordable way to travel.
Added bonus: Gas prices remain low.
It’s not all for fun escapes. Some people are trading a work-from-home setup for a work-from-the-road arrangement.
Class As, vintage Airstreams and kitschy camper vans are outfitted with bedding, kitchenware and camp equipment. Some owners add 120v outlets and USB ports for charging phones and laptops, and goodies, like Brew Dr. Kombucha, Field Trip Jerky and Grizzlies Granola.
Rental fees include 24/7 roadside assistance and discounts at Kampgrounds of America (KOA)‘s more than 520 campgrounds across North America.
An app allows for contactless key exchanges. All RV owners have been advised to implement higher sanitation standards and follow the CDC’s cleaning guidelines before and after each rental.
Before you go, check govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19 for the most current travel recommendations and best practices to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. Also read 10 things to consider before going back outside during the coronavirus pandemic in Oregon.
Airbnb, Vrbo, TripAdvisor, RV Share and other online travel platforms also rent RVs and campers.
If you’re thinking of a last-minute getaway, here are 10 types of family- and pet-friendly Oregon homes on wheels that can be delivered to you, an RV park and camp site:
GRONK - Ford E350 4x4 SportsmobileOutdoorsy
Gronk-Ford E350 4x4 Sportsmobile based in Troutdale: The four-wheel-drive Econoline has a pop top, built-in refrigerator and solar panel, sink, two-burner propane stove, on-board water, two beds, five seat belts and 6-feet 8-inches of standing room.
• Around $285 a night depending on travel dates
Kodiak Karavan based in Portland: The camper van is half the size and more fuel efficient than an RV.
• Around $135 a night depending on travel dates
Dream Machine - Full Camper - ManualOutdoorsy
Dream Machine based in Portland: The manual transmission Vanagon camper is equipped for an extended wilderness adventure or surf mission.
• Around $180 a night depending on travel dates
2019 Forest River Sunseeker based in Canby: The Class C motorhome has a 16-foot awning, full kitchen and bathroom. Bedding, board games and movies are also included.
• Around $164 a night depending on travel dates
2017 Winnebago View based in Ashland: The Mercedes Sprinter Class C diesel motorhome has a U-shaped dinette, kitchenette with a fridge and freezer, plus a bathroom.
• Around $250 a night depending on travel dates
2017 Ford Fourwinds based in Dallas, Oregon: The bedroom slides out and there is a power awning, camp rug and outside shower. There is no extra charge for extra mileage or generator hours.
• Around $220 a night depending on travel dates
Nessie the Nissan based in Portland: The Nissan NV 2500 HD cargo van is designed to live completely off the grid for up to two weeks with two solar panels and an inverter. There is an option to plug into power but it is not needed unless it is not driven for more than a week.
• Around $155 a night depending on travel dates
2016 Pleasure Way Plateau based in Portland: The decked-out luxury Class B rig works for extended time off the grid or a luxury trip at a campground.
• Around $295 a night depending on travel dates
Land Rover LR3 based in Hillsboro: Camp in places that are unreachable to most people in a van, car or most trucks. The Land Rover has state-of-the art independent air height adjustable suspension with up to 12 inches of ground clearance, locking differential (heavy duty package) and multi-terrain mode options.
• Around $149 a night depending on travel dates
1976 Modernized Airstream Land Yacht based in Medford: This iconic, completely remodeled coach has comfortable seating for lounging and dining. With the removable, adjustable, swiveling dining table, the living room/dining room can be used for late night card games or rainy afternoon movies.
RVs are in Oregon’s DNA. Wally Byam, who founded Airstream in in 1931, was born in Baker City. Holiday House modern travel trailers were dreamed up by Medford’s David Holmes of Harry & David fruit basket fame. The canned ham-shape Alohas started in -- you guessed it -- Aloha and Timberlines hailed from Sandy.
• Around $90 a night depending on travel dates
MidCentury Modern in the Redwoods in Eureka:Airbnb
Work from someone else’s Oregon home: Book an office getaway: Are you craving a change of working-from-home scenery? Consider this: People are booking a larger place or one in an interesting location where they can spread out, use the desks and WiFi, and when work is done, they can leisurely explore a new neighborhood.
It’s also a good way to try out a city if you’re thinking about relocating.
For this getaway gallery, we searched for unique listings in Oregon, or right over the border in California, that are perfect for remote work.
The Pine Grove School house in Manzanita: The completely remodeled Pine Grove School house in Manzanita can be rented as a vacation stay. There are nine bedrooms, five bathrooms.Amy Graves
Stay in the Manzanita schoolhouse and other unique Oregon getaways: It is time to plan for a family getaway? Here’s a unique place to stay on the Oregon coast: The completely remodeled 1927 Pine Grove Schoolhouse with forest and water views in Manzanita can be rented as a vacation stay.
The one-acre property, 12 blocks from the beach, is owned by a longtime Portland family that has been visiting Manzanita and Oswald West State Park since the 1970s.
The landscaped grounds of the Manzanita Schoolhouse have a lake view and plenty of lawn to space out safely and play croquet, badminton, bocce ball. Toss a softball or fly kites. Or just sit in the gazebo or around the fire pit. You can also barbecue under the stars on the three grills.
The best of Oregon’s oddball vacation getaways: Treehouses, RVs, yachts: You might not be able to take a vacation now, but you can dream of one and even make plans. To inspire you, we’re selected a list of the best of Oregon’s oddball vacation getaways, from treehouses and a fire lookout tower to sleek Airstreams and colorful camper vans.
The best of Oregon’s getaway ideas: Escape to beaches, vineyards, mountains: You might not be able to take a vacation now, but you can dream of one and even make plans. To inspire you, we’re selected a list of the best Oregon getaway ideas, from beaches and rivers to vineyards and mountains.
Lookout tower near the Umpqua National Forest: The elevated home, modeled after fire lookout towers built by the U.S. Forest Service in the early 1900s, rises three stories from a meadow on 160 acres of private land surrounded by the Umpqua National Forest.Airbnb
10 tempting, crazy Oregon getaways when you’re ready to get out there: Oregon has an amazing collection of eclectic places to stay, from the coast to the Wallowa Mountains, tiny Tiller to populated Portland, a beach cottage to a cabin. And then there are some weird rentals in alluring locations.
The landmark Salishan Resort on 250 forested acres in Gleneden Beach, has upscale guest rooms with views plus activities. from golf to tennis, spa and indoor pool and even an aerial adventure course.Salishan Resort
Wild, romantic honeymoons: Start a marriage off right or rekindle your relationship: Which destination is right for you two? You’ll find it on the coast or in the mountains, desert or forest. Or maybe in a lighthouse?
Sahhali Luxury Beach House of Neskowin, ORVacasa
Zen-like getaways: Oregon offers calm vacation destinations (and serene ideas for your home): Oregon has zen-like vacation homes in which to safely escape. Or, if you’re looking for design ideas or serene colors that promote tranquility, you’ll find inspiration just looking at photos of this week’s getaway gallery of calming places.
Are you ready to relax and only hear the sounds of ocean waves, rustling leaves or birds?
Lakefront, dog-friendly home with private dock and deck:Vacasa/Airbnb
Get away to an Oregon vacation home with a dock: Make a splash with the whole family: A dock is one of those wonderful, in-between spaces that links one surface, land, to another, water. There’s really no need for a boat. You can enjoy the wooden platform just because it lets you look out and it sways a bit, as if you’re dancing without any effort.
In this getaway guide, we look at docks connected to an Oregon vacation home large enough to invite the whole family, when you’re ready to travel again.
Tomahawk Island houseboat: Linger on the deck while docked at the marina on Hayden Island and take in the Columbia River or use the two kayaks and set out on an adventure.Airbnb
Oregon getaways for the whole family: Are you ready to plan for fun on the water? When your family or friends feel it’s time to break away from home, Oregon’s wide open spaces and waterways will beckon. How about boarding a houseboat or yacht?
The GetMyBoat app lets you search for boat rentals, fishing charters or other water experiences in a desired location by price, type of experience and number of guests.
10 cozy, cool, crazy cabin vacation getaways: Escape to Oregon mountains and lakes or the California desert: The need to be in nature may be strong, but there are so many ways to relax amid towering trees in the mountains or next to a lake.
In this week's vacation getaway roundup, we look at cabins of all kinds, from a classic A-frame in a forest to a modern dwelling in the desert.
Rustic or luxury? Cozy or expansive? It’s up to you to decide: Are you dreaming of a romantic escape or group reunion?
A solar-powered cabin on 20 acres of private woodlands 10 miles from Milo McIver State Park near Estacada and 16 miles away from the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Vancouver, Washington.Sweat Relief/Hipcamp
Escape to one of Oregon’s wacky, funky, adorable getaways for rent like this quaint, solar-powered cabin near Vancouver: Getaways mean more than staying in a different shelter. Vacations are supposed to be physical and mental escapes from real life.
If you truly want an experience that's unlike the place you lay your head, check out Oregon's wacky, funky, adorable lodging, from a Swiss Family Robinson luxury tree resort to an off-the-grid yurt.
How about sleeping in a teepee on a yak ranch in Bend?
In this home stay gallery, we check out 10 oddball abodes that you can check into.
Are you ready to escape to a scenic spot near mineral hot springs?Hipcamp
Are you ready to escape to a scenic spot near mineral hot springs? Oregon has an abundance of natural hot springs, some easily accessible, others completely remote, reports Oregonian/OregonLive’s travel writer Jamie Hale, who compiled a list of day-use springs.
Relax in a pool bubbling with geothermal energy, but play it safe by staying hydrated, cooling down and avoiding alcohol and drugs.
In this week’s getaway gallery, we look at places to soak in nature here and beyond state boundaries. The vacation stays may be a long scenic drive away from a hidden hot springs, but that’s part of the adventure.
2019 Lightweight Aero teardrop trailer sleeps two ($65 a night, based in Sherwood) through OutdoorsyOutdoorsy
Rent oddball RVs, sleek Airstreams, colorful camper vans, teardrop trailers a la Airbnb: A long holiday weekend may inspire a road trip. You can ride your own wheels or rent a roomy RV, sleek Airstream or colorful camper van, through a company or private owner, a la Airbnb.
In this getaway gallery, we look at personalized mobile homes that are kitschy, cute or cool.
Hilltop Treehouse Retreat in Lopez Island/Airbnb
10 cool treehouses: These elevated vacation getaways are for rent Do we really ever grow out of wanting a treehouse? A vacation rental might answer that question.
In this week’s getaway roundup, we look at 10 vacation rentals, near and far, designed to elevate your point of view.
These modern dwellings in mostly remote forests are perfect perches for birdwatchers and nature lovers, but they’re not always easy to reach. They’re rustic and may offer waterfront views but not indoor running water.
10 accessible Airbnb rentals in Portland, Palm Springs and London: Srin Madipalli is a devoted world traveler who uses a wheelchair. To make it easier to find accessible lodging when booking online, he co-created Accomable, an online resource that was acquired by Airbnb in 2017.
Since then, Madipalli, who heads Airbnb’s accessibility team, has refined the homestay rental company’s search filters to help people with disabilities and their families find places that can be easily enjoyed without steps or stairs, and other accommodations.
“No two people with a disability are the same, so we offer 27 accessibility filters for a spectrum of needs, and we’re working on more,” says Madipalli.
Portland high-rise apartments can be rented by the day: The owners of some high-end Portland apartment buildings allow units that are not yet leased to be rented through short-term vacation stay sites like Stay Alfred and Portland-based Vacasa.
While the neighbors have settled in for the long haul, with year-long contracts and a key to a mailbox, short-timers are using lockboxes or concierge desks to check in for day or two.
The fee for a furnished apartment, which can be $80 to more than $1,000 a night, includes a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and housekeeping services.
Online travel agencies comply with permits, pay lodging taxes and in some buildings, contact customers disturbing the peace.
Dome Sweet Dome -- a must experience!
Bend ranks 4th in U.S. as a vacation rental hot spot. Here are 10 getaways, from funky to fancy: Bend residents may feel as if at least one person in their neighbor is renting out a room or a whole house to tourists. And they may be right.
A study released Wednesday found that Bend has 1,658 Airbnb listings per 50,000 people, which vaults the city on the Deschutes River to the fourth most saturated vacation rental market among more than 750 U.S. cities, according to IPX1031, an investment property exchange service.
Monroe Studio~Modern Cozy Gem!/Airbnb
Airbnb picks the West Coast’s top destination, and it’s Eugene: These are the most wish-listed rentals Of Airbnb’s more than 7 million homestays scattered across the world, which West Coast city rose to the top as a destination more people want to visit in 2020?
The reasons? Travelers like to be around nature and big events, says the lodging company. Green-thinking Eugene has both hiking trails and the University of Oregon’s constant activities.
Sunny studio with private deck/Vacasa
Here are 10 ideal Airbnb rentals for sweet Cannon Beach getaways: For people who dream of having a beach house, an Oregon Coast vacation rental is a sweet substitute.
In addition to hotels and B&B, Cannon Beach visitors can check into a cottage or condo, wrapped in classic cedar shingles and equipped with a kitchenette and patio, that’s operated by hospitality professionals as well as homeowners with space to spare.
Airbnb’s research found visitors book their Cannon Beach getaway at least two months before their trip. Nightly rentals are restricted and people devoted to special events like the crowd-pleasing Sandcastle Contest and hilarious corgi run race to reserve a place.
Blue Moon House & Cottage ~ Just 5 Blocks from OSF
10 top Ashland Airbnb home stays for couples, families, girl groups: Online travel agent Daniel Perry manages 100 vacation rentals in Ashland, from a single room to an entire house, where a chef can be hired to make meals. We asked the owner of BookStayHop to suggest a home stay for various Ashland visitors, from singles and couples to large groups.
Many of the vacation rentals are in Ashland’s downtown area, which allows out-of-towners to leave a car behind and live like a local, says Perry.
The Inn at Arch CapeThe Inn at Arch Cape
Getaway ideas to close-by, less-crowded places: The Portland-based travel experts at Vacasa vacation home rentals checked where spring breakers escaped to in 2018 and 2019, and found alternative smaller towns and cities nearby. These getaways can be a deal.
Luxury Retreat with Natural Hot Tub/HomeAway
10 vacation rentals with closeup views of Oregon’s fabulous fall colors: If you live in Oregon, you can look out almost any window and see greenery. Starting now through mid-October, you’ll also see bronze, crimson and golden autumn leaves.
10 luxury home rentals let you dream big on vacation: Vacations are supposed to be a fantasy come true. Yet, most of us stick somewhat to a budget. But ... we can dream.
Here are 10 luxury home rentals that cost more for one day than most people’s monthly housing expenses. Still, there’s something appealing about looking at perfect scenery from a secluded perch surrounded by nature and deluxe perks (yes, a butler).
In time for holiday giving – or making plans for a wedding or family reunion – we spotlight off-the-charts, Neiman Marcus fantasy gift level of getaways to rent, in Oregon and once-in-a-lifetime, fabulous destinations.
The Eagles Nest is a tepee with two queen beds and a private soaking tub, available at Crystal Crane Hot Springs near Burns in southeast Oregon.Crystal Crane Hot Springs
Dozens of Oregon getaways let you soak in natural hot springs: Ease into the new year by soaking the day away at Crane Hot Springs, a getaway off Oregon Route 78 east of Burns that the Oregonian/OregonLive travel writer Jamie Hale calls “an oasis.”
If you’re too relaxed to leave a cedar tub bubbling with mineral water from natural hot springs ($15 an hour) or the soothing, 101-degree pool ($10 for four hours), stay overnight inside a rustic room or tepee, or set up a tent or park your RV at one of the campsites.
Perhaps you’d like to explore beyond the remote resort? The slow winter season in southeast Oregon’s high desert will allow time to learn about the area’s fascinating prehistoric history and other places to soak.
Where to stay for Willamette Valley’s Wine Country Thanksgiving: From a tiny house to vineyard villa: Thanksgiving weekend in Oregon’s wine-growing regions is an action-packed chance for patrons of pinot noir and other varietals to barrel taste this year’s vintage as flavors mature and to enjoy food pairings with bottles that have been released (and perhaps are on sale).
Vacation getaways: Yachts, yurts and other unusual Oregon home rentals: To celebrate a seriously special occasion, you can charter the Disco Volante, a 45-foot yacht with three levels of luxury. We’re talking swim platforms and sun pads, and a ban on red wine and orange Cheetos to protect the pricey teak and tan finishes.
10 glamorous historic mansions and homes for rent: Are you curious about what luxury looked like a century ago and how it feels today? In this week’s home stay getaway gallery, we peek into 10 historic mansions and homes that you can rent for a day or longer.
Las Vegas lodging: Here are places to stay close to the arena, so you can walk, take a hotel tram, Las Vegas Monorail or a ride share to the games. See more places to stay, some on the Las Vegas Strip, others in quieter locales including the Nobu Hotel penthouse suite.
10 Oregon coast getaways to enjoy a Victorian-style Christmas at the Heceta Head Lighthouse: Lighthouses are a beacon to captains and people curious about these rare, old navigational towers.
10 Oregon coast getaways to see Shore Acres’ stunning holiday light display: If you’re looking for a place that’s all aglow for the holidays, Shore Acres State Park’s display of 325,000 decorative lights on the southern Oregon coast will blow you away.
10 vacation getaways to join Mount Hood’s New Year’s Eve parties: Are you searching for a memorable way to watch the dawn of a new decade? How about ringing in 2020 from Oregon’s tallest mountain?
Prospect Historic Hotel Bed and Breakfast Inn
10 snowy getaways near Crater Lake get you close to free ranger tours: Are you ready to be whisked off on snowshoes to explore corners of Crater Lake? Rangers offer free tours and equipment, but you’ll need to get there first since the Crater Lake Lodge and all park campgrounds are closed until late May.
Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories
Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022).
© 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.
Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.