Full 395 Itinerary: Every Camp and Stop from Oregon to Arizona
We officially made it. From Central Oregon to Southern Arizona, all the way down Highway 395 in our EarthRoamer.
What follows isn’t a perfect itinerary or a list of the “best” stops—it’s just where we went. What we stumbled into. Where we slept. The places that surprised us, and the quick stops we want to explore more later on. If you’re planning your own Highway 395 trip, hopefully this gives you a few ideas.
Scroll to the bottom to watch the third and final video of this roadtrip!
OREGON
Fort Rock We didn’t spend long at Fort Rock—just a quick walk and some photos before the light faded—but it was impressive. We left feeling like we owed it more time. It’s a solid day trip from Central Oregon, and one we definitely want to revisit.
Marsters Spring Campground This place was a gem. Just $6 a night (or $3 with the Parks pass), no reservation needed, and we rolled in late with plenty of spots left. Nestled along a creek, peaceful with some nice mountain biking nearby. Only downside: mosquitoes.
Chewaucan River MTB If you're already camping at Marsters, this ride kicks off right from camp. It’s a scenic out-and-back with just enough challenge to feel like you earned your dinner. We crossed a few creeks, pedaled through wildflowers, and climbed just enough to make the downhill sweet. Bonus points for peace and quiet—we had the trail completely to ourselves.
Lake Abert Wildlife Area This stop felt more like a curiosity than a destination. The lake itself is beautiful in a stark, salty way. We didn’t see any birds, but we know they come through. Worth a quick pullover, especially if you're into big, quiet landscapes. If you're not a birder, you probably won’t linger long.
CALIFORNIA
Laufman Camp (Plumas National Forest) We hadn’t planned on staying here. Our original campsite was closed due to fire, so we pivoted and ended up here. Quiet. Simple. Pretty golden light on the hills.
Grover Hot Springs Dispersed Camp Not to be confused with the state park. We found a quiet little pullout spot just outside Markleeville. One of our favorite spots on the trip, it was right on a creek with a grassy field to camp in. If you visit, make sure you have a vehicle that can handle the rocky (but short) trail.
Monitor Pass Hands down, one of our favorite parts of the entire trip. The views were outrageous—wildflowers everywhere, snowy peaks in the distance, and barely any traffic. We drove slow, stopped often, and honestly didn’t want it to end.
Leavitt Falls Overlook Gorgeous, even if you can't get super close to the falls themselves. The drive up was winding and beautiful. The only downside was not being able to get close enough to feel the power of the 200 feet of cascading water.
Bodie Ghost Town If you’re a history lover, this is a must-see. It’s well-preserved and full of small details that make you imagine what life was like when the gold rush faded. We explored solo, but next time we’d do the guided tour. You get more context—and access to some of the mining areas you can’t see otherwise. There’s an entrance fee (well worth it to support the park staff and docents), but we couldn’t help but laugh at the irony—paying to visit a town that became famous because no one wanted to go there.
Grant Lake Camp Beautiful and surprisingly quiet. The camping area was flat and scenic. There are a few easier spots to get to, and then a few spots that we wouldn’t recommend unless you’re in a capable rig.
Convict Lake It was still early in the season, so the water was too cold to paddle, but this lake is a stunner. We stopped for a quick walk, but it left us wanting more—we’d love to come back in late summer and spend the day.
Manzanar Airport We didn’t stay long, but the stark, open landscape made for incredible photos. Not much to see in terms of attractions, but a solid place to stretch your legs and let the dogs run.
Alabama Hills Iconic for a reason. We camped along Movie Road, where so many Westerns were filmed. It’s dusty and a little chaotic to navigate late in the day—the signage isn’t super clear—but the rocks and the light made it one of the most memorable campsites of the trip.
Indian Wells Brewing Company One of those quirky roadside stops that you don’t forget and we will absolutely return to every single time we’re passing through. Their sodas are bizarre and amazing. Just keep your eyes peeled—it’s easy to miss the turn.
ARIZONA
Moore Tank Camp (Coconino National Forest) It was late when we rolled in, and this place was busy. Not bad, just not as peaceful as some of our other spots. That said, if you can find a tucked-away site, the pine forest is lovely.
Shultz Creek Jedi Loop MTB This ride was a blast. A mellow forest climb followed by a fun, fast descent. Not too technical, but not boring either. The perfect reset after a few long driving days.
East Wing Tank Camp (Coconino National Forest) This was more our vibe. Quieter. More space between camps. No trash. We found a secluded spot down a side road and barely saw anyone else.
Watch the final part of our journey—from Convict Lake through Arizona—right here!