Tepees, also spelled "teepees" and "tipis," are a comfortable and authentic way to experience Oregon's outdoors. According to the Nez Perce tribal website, the first tepees in Oregon were "made using 12 wood poles with tule mat covers." The conical structures sometimes have a hole at the top, allowing for small fires to burn safely inside. There are several locations for tepee camping in Oregon. The option is especially useful and affordable if you don't own a tent but want a true camping experience.
State Parks
There are six locations for tepee camping in Oregon. Lake Owyhee and Clyde Holliday are both state parks with tepees. The authentically decorated structures are 18 to 26 feet in diameter and can sleep between 5 and 12 people.
The campsites feature electricity, outdoor fire pits, picnic tables, and futon mattresses. Lake Owyhee State Park is situated next to a 53-mile long lake in eastern Oregon and is open April 15 through Oct. 31.
According to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, "bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope live here, as do golden eagles, coyotes, mule deer, wild horses and (rarely) mountain lions."
The abundant wildlife makes the park a hiker's delight. Clyde Holliday State Park is located beneath the Strawberry Mountains, next to the John Day River in eastern Oregon. Tepees are available here from mid-April through September in this pristine wilderness area.
American Indian Casinos and Resorts
The Wildhorse and Kahneeta (Kah-nee-ta) casinos offer tepee camping with a deluxe twist. Both on American Indian reservations, these locations provide the authentic experience of tepee camping paired with the luxuries of a resort.
According to the Wildhorse Resort and Casino, tepee sites include an "outdoor swimming pool and spa, showers, laundry room and a free continental breakfast." Wildhorse is located in the city of Pendleton, in northeastern Oregon.
Kahneeta High Desert Resort and Casino has tepees that sleep up to 10 people. "Tepee rates include swimming passes to the Village hot springs pool and two parking permits," according to Kahneeta's website. Located in central Oregon, Kahneeta is the closest tepee camping location to the Portland metropolitan area.
Both locations provide futons and are open year-round, but winter camping is not recommended.
Privately Run Teepee Camping
The Rimrock Inn and Camp Dakota are both privately owned establishments with tepee camp grounds.
The Rimrock Inn is located near the Wallowa National Forest in northeastern Oregon. The inn is also a restaurant and offers outdoor dining to visitors and guests. The authentic decor inside the tepees as well as the indoor fire pit make Rimrock a historically inspired camp spot.
Camp Dakota provides a family camping experience and offers a full array of on-site activities including paintball, truck racing, gold panning, disc golf, treasure hunting, and horseshoes.
Both locations provide sleeping pads and are open year-round.
Highlights
By camping in tepees, you are able to experience a piece of history while you explore some of Oregon's finest outdoor wilderness areas. Because the Nez Perce American Indians once resided in Oregon and used tepees for shelter, tepee camping is a truly authentic Oregon experience.
The ease of arriving to a camping spot that has a shelter is an added benefit to families with young children who want to enjoy hassle-free camping.
Considerations
Keep in mind that even in the summer, central and eastern Oregon can experience cold temperatures at night. It is important to come prepared with blankets and clothing for all types of weather.
Even though some tepee camping locations provide futons, they do not provide sleeping bags or pillows. Popular locations are often booked up to a year in advance, so the sooner you reserve you tepee the better.
Member Comments
AdventureSideca January 1
Hood River Community Education is offering a week long guided sidecar tour and Tipi camp out on the slopes of Mt.Hood August 19-26, 2011 Each day we will lead a challenging and scenic tour of the lakes and forests along the flanks of this towering volcano and return at days end to our base camp of authentic tipis
more information at: http://adventuresidecar.com/