1 10

The Joy of Painting… in a Campervan

The Joy of Painting… in a Campervan

Discover the misty magic of Oregon’s iconic Mount Hood with a campervan-based painting escape. This two-day creative retreat is designed for beginner and hobbyist painters who want to learn Bob Ross’s wet-on-wet technique in the very landscapes that inspired it. With a campervan as your base, you’ll paint, relax, and reconnect with nature — all with a mountain view.

Oregon isn’t just stunning—it’s the spiritual home of Bob Ross. This landscape inspired a generation of painters, and now it’s your turn to bring it to life on canvas. Combine iconic scenery with the comfort and freedom of a campervan, and you’ve got a creative experience that’s as liberating as it is inspiring.

Trip Highlights

🏞️ Paint snowcapped Mount Hood reflected in Trillium Lake — a true Bob Ross scene
🎨 Two guided painting sessions led by a certified wet-on-wet instructor
🚐 Stay in a peaceful lakeside campground in your campervan
🔥 Share a campfire meal and connect with fellow creative travellers
🌲 Optional hikes and forest walks between sessions

What’s Included

  • 2 guided painting sessions (approx. 2.5 hrs each)
  • High-quality painting supplies provided (brushes, canvas, easel, paints)
  • Local instructor on-site for both sessions
  • 1 group campfire dinner
  • Detailed travel pack with location map, tips, and optional route ideas

Why Painting With a Camper?

  • Wake up with a perfect painting view just outside your door
  • Store wet canvases safely in your van as they dry
  • Avoid hotel check-ins — park right next to the landscape you’ll paint
  • Enjoy freedom and flexibility, even if the weather shifts

Extend Your Trip

Make it a long weekend or weeklong loop — great add-ons include:

🚣 Crater Lake National Park – Dramatic water, cliffs, and clean lines
🌿 McKenzie River Trail – Forest hikes, waterfalls, and natural hot springs
🍷 Willamette Valley – Wine tasting and scenic backroads
🌊 Oregon Coast – Combine mountains with surf and sand dunes

Book This Trip
Details coming soon. Sign up to get informed of prices and dates when we have these available.

Click here and be among the first to hear when these experiences are ready to book ⇾⇾⇾

Itinerary details

📅 Day 1: Arrive at Trillium Lake
Drive ~2 hours from Portland
• Pick up your campervan in Portland and take the scenic drive up to Mount Hood
• Check in at Trillium Lake campground and settle in by the lake
• Early afternoon: optional walk along the Trillium Lake Loop Trail (easy, 2 miles)
• 📍 Afternoon Painting Session 1: Set up with the group at a lakeside viewpoint. Capture Mount Hood’s reflection on canvas as the light shifts toward golden hour (2.5 hours)
• Evening: group campfire dinner and sharing session

📅 Day 2: Morning Painting Session + Optional Activities
• 📍 Morning Painting Session 2: Begin your day with a second guided session by the lake. Refine your technique, add depth and highlights, or paint from a new angle (2.5 hours)
• Late morning: brunch at your van or picnic on site
• Afternoon: Optional paddleboard rental, forest stroll, or short drive to Timberline Lodge for panoramic views
• Late afternoon: Begin your onward journey with the suggested add-on route below

📅 Day 3: Travel to Willamette Valley
Drive ~2.5 hours
• Head south into Oregon’s lush wine country
• Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of wine tasting or stop at a farm café
• Stay overnight at a vineyard or countryside campground

📅 Day 4: Explore the McKenzie River Trail
Drive ~1.5 hours
• Follow the scenic McKenzie Pass to waterfalls, forest trails, and natural hot springs
• Hike to the Tamolitch Blue Pool or soak in the Belknap Hot Springs

📅 Day 5: Head to Crater Lake National Park
Drive ~3.5 hours
• Arrive at the rim of Crater Lake and take in the iconic deep-blue views
• Walk the Rim Trail or take a boat tour to Wizard Island (in summer months)

📅 Day 6: Oregon Coast Loop (Florence to Yachats)
Drive ~4 hours to Florence
• Drive west to the Oregon Coast
• Explore the Oregon Dunes, visit Heceta Head Lighthouse, and walk the beach trails
• Stay overnight in a coastal campground near Yachats or Florence

📅 Day 7: Oregon Coast Continued (Newport to Pacific City)
Drive ~2.5–3 hours along the coast
• Head north along Highway 101
• Visit Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, then explore tidepools and cafes in Newport
• Stop at Depoe Bay or Pacific City for coastal views, and consider a final beach picnic

📅 Day 8: Return to Portland
Drive ~2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on route
• Enjoy a final scenic drive back to Portland via inland or coastal route
• Return your campervan and reflect on your art-filled adventure

Top tips for this trip in a campervan

Oregon weather can change fast—layers and waterproofs are key

All sites selected for van access and natural inspiration

Van sharing options available for solo travellers on request

Paint Drying Time: Bob Ross–style wet-on-wet oil paintings typically take 3 to 5 days to dry to the touch. We recommend bringing a shallow box or padded case to store your canvas flat in your van while it dries. There are also options that we can share with you to buy such a case online for $20-50 which can store 2–4 wet canvases safely for onward travel or flights

Other great itineraries

Suggested campsites

View full details

Why 'With a camper'?

Every experience tailored to a campervan

As campervan travelers ourselves, we understand both the delights of traveling in a motorhome and well as the smaller details (such as parking) which make it harder.

We use this knowledge to curate and design the very best experiences for you and your campervan.

Remarkable experiences you will remember

Our curated experiences are hand-picked to make your trip special. Whether it is an experience that is iconic to the destination, an inspiring place to take part in a certain activity or a visit to one of the best local restaurants, our goal is to introduce you to the experiences that you will want to write home about.

Something for every passion

We believe that campervan travel is a fantastic way to enjoy your passions.

Whether your interest hiking, cooking, architecture or to enjoy a great party we have a range of great campervan experiences to get you out traveling.

Book an individual experience or the whole trip

Our experiences come in a range of shapes and sizes. So whether you want to add an individual activity to your existing itinerary or you are looking for an end-to-end trip then we have choices for you.

Travel with your own camper or let us help you find the perfect rental

Our experiences are designed for anyone traveling in a campervan. For travelers without their van we offer various 'campervan included trips' but also the opportunity to book a van from one of our preferred van rental partners.

Explore other passions and how they can be experienced better by camper