As excited as we all are to wave goodbye to 2020, one thing's for sure: we’ve never seen a holiday season quite like this.
Social distancing measures implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19 have completely changed the game, and more and more top destinations are looking bare.
That doesn't mean you can't enjoy your holiday; it just means it's time to get creative! If you're among those looking for alternatives, Christmas Valley, Oregon, is just the place to be. Here are just some of the most popular spots in this quaint little town:
The Best Restaurants in Christmas Valley, Oregon
Named after a nearby dry lake known as Christmas Lake, Christmas Valley is a small, unincorporated town in Oregon with that charming, off-the-beaten-path kind of vibe.
It may not be popular as other destinations in Oregon, but it is a perfect place for people looking to stumble upon something new, offering rustic lodging and old-fashioned cuisine. Take a look:
Lakeside Restaurant, Motel & RV Park
Formerly known as the Lakeside Terrace, the restaurant onsite at Lakeside Restaurant, Motel & RV Park is among the most popular in Christmas Valley. Located at the heart of the town in a facility that also offers lodging, this spot makes life easy for tourists planning to stay for a little while.
Beyond its strategic location at the center of town, this place is popular for being a one-stop facility ideal for all kinds of travelers, from solo individuals to group tourists and young families.
It boasts magnificent lakefront views, whether you choose to stay at the motel or park your RV in the expansive, grassy field—and if you never leave your furry best friends behind, you’ll be glad to hear they also offer pet accommodations.
The Lodge
If you love a good burger, be sure to swing by at The Lodge when you visit Christmas Valley. They say old is gold, and that's never been more true at this classic spot dating back to the ‘60s with rave reviews for burgers like the mushroom Swiss or jalapeño bacon.
The facility exudes rich country vibes thanks to its rustic wooden design, which features crossbeams and taxidermy all over the place. It has a nine-hole golf course and a small artificial lake, which is the picture-perfect place to hang around and enjoy some good conversations with your buddies when you visit.
The Farm House Café
The Farmhouse is a classic country café with some good old-fashioned vibes. It’s one of the most loved restaurants in Christmas Valley, particularly famed for its cowboy and cowgirl burgers. The staff is always very friendly and welcoming to anyone stopping by on their trip through the town.
Beautiful spot; adorable staff. Not a lot of traffic in this part of the world, but it's worth a stop if you are in the area. They are grateful for visitors, and it shows how accommodating they are!
Ann O
Gifts N’ More
If you love taking souvenirs back home, then you should stop over at Gifts N’ More. They have a wide variety of knives, keyboards, trinkets, and other eclectic gifts.
They also offer some pretty tasty chocolates, and their coffee will instantly jumpstart your day while their pies and burgers will keep you coming back again and again.
It's no secret why they have a 4.7 rating on Google and sites like Trip Advisor.
Great food, wonderful owners, and friendly people. Many cute gifts. A place to go when going thru town. The best homemade almond roca ever also the Marionberry pie was hot from the oven & heavenly. "Laverne & Shirley" were happy to find this place on our trip.
Jane R.
Top Motels in Christmas Valley, OR
If your stay here spans a few days, then you need a cozy place to sleep. Luckily, Christmas Valley offers plenty of options for any discerning traveler:
Desert Inn Motel
The Desert Inn Motel has been operational since 1964. It is minutes away from a national forest, dunes, and a golf course, making it ideal if you are looking for a cozy place to stay the night and enjoy various recreational activities during the day.
Room options include single units, rooms with two queen beds, and standard double rooms. Overall, it’s a great place to stay, though be warned: past visitors have complained about rude and stressed staff.
Lakeside Restaurant Motel & RV Park
If you'd like to sleep in a cozy, classic-modern room and wake up to stunning views, then Lakeside Restaurant, Motel, & RV Park is your best bet. Sitting on the banks of Baert Lake, this location is a chance for you to connect with nature before you set out to explore the rest of Christmas Valley.
This is a one-stop motel, which means you don't need to eat out because we have an onsite restaurant and even in-room dining options. Our room selection includes a queen, king, and double room. We're pet friendly and are equipped with free WI-FI, TV, bathtubs, and all you need to make your stay a breeze.
The Best Camp Grounds & RV Parks in Christmas Valley
Prefer to go everywhere with your RV trailer? Do you enjoy sleeping in nature and living off the land? If so, here’s a selection of the top RV parks in Christmas Valley:
Lakeside Restaurant, Motel & RV Park
If you fancy life on wheels, then you understand the necessity of an RV-friendly hotel. Thankfully, you don't have to look elsewhere because Lakeside Restaurant, Motel & RV Park makes the perfect base for your RV trailer as you tour Christmas Valley.
Rates are highly affordable, and whether you're just passing by or staying in Christmas Valley for a while, the grassy RV park will make an excellent home for your trailer. It is also ideal for regular campers and looking at what it offers, it's no surprise it's among the top-rated spots in the area.
Peters Creek RV Camping Park
Located in Oregon’s high desert, Peters Creek RV Camping Park is another excellent option for RV trailer owners and off-road activities lovers. When you're not at the camping base, you can indulge in rock crawling for fun. There are picnic tables, a solar shower, and even potable water to make your stay comfortable.
If I could give 6 stars, I would. Great hospitality and very beautiful. Nicely built. a rare find.
Walid C
Ana Reservoir RV Park
The Ana Reservoir RV Park is like an oasis in the desert. There's plenty of green grass and all the amenities you need, like a nice hot shower, a laundry room, and reasonably clean restrooms. It’s among the most reputable RV parks in the area, and their nightly rate is just $32.
Really lovely RV park in an open valley with mountains to the west. High desert views every direction. Was pleasantly surprised that wireless was good considering how remote we are.
Almon R.
Rockhorse Park at Horse Ranch
Rockhorse Park at Horse Ranch is a popular RV Park in Fort Rock. It's located 30 minutes from Christmas Valley and is Cannabis and pet friendly. It features a glass and smoke shop and doubles as a wedding and festival venue. You may, however, find it a bit pricey.
Silver Lake RV Park & Mobile Home Park
Showers, laundromat, and full-hook-up RV parking are just some of the amenities you will enjoy at Silver Lake RV Park.
RV parking rate per night is $30, while weekly is $150.
Wonderful place to camp for cycle tourers, conveniently located near a store and a diner. Hot showers and green grass makes for good camping, along with a peaceful night's sleep.
Carrington S
Elaine’s RV Park
Located just 27 minutes away from Christmas Valley, Elaine’s RV Park is a great place to set camp for the night if you find yourself outside Christmas Valley late. It's close to the nearby Silver Lake and is kid as well as pet-friendly, featuring full-hookups and pull-throughs for RV campers. Rates start at $15 per night.
This place is so laid back.
David G
The Best Places to Shop in Christmas Valley
Christmas Valley might be small, but it has everything. When you need to do some shopping, there are several places to get this done:
Sagewood Grocery Store
With Holiday festivities on the way, you can't afford to miss out on a good turkey. Sagewood Grocery store in Christmas Valley offers you a wide selection of freshly carved turkeys, as well as a bounty of local produce.
Have great customer service help me find things we need it. They are polite have great prices on things.
Sarah B.
Fast Break Convenience Store
Need some snacks to sustain you through your stay? Need fuel to keep you going on your trip across Oregon? Just pass by Fast Break Convenience Store. Locals love to meet up around the area to chat, and the services are super friendly.
Small town gas station where you can listen to local’s chat about their 3-4 point bucks/elk and taxidermy. Interesting. Friendly service -- just what you'd expect in a small town.
Erin H.
The Best Places for Service in Christmas Valley
Need your RV trailer checked before you hit the road? Here are the best places for auto service in Christmas Valley:
V&V Automotive Repair
Whether you need emergency road services, pro-automotive repairs, or diesel repairs, the V&V Automotive repair shop does it all. They’re open from nine in the morning to five in the evening, Monday through Friday.
The place to go for auto repair in north lake county, honest, reliable, and knowledgeable. Fixed my cars up fast and right on multiple occasions
David K.
Santa Supply Co
Established in 2006, Santa Supply Co is a hardware store with a broad selection of tools and equipment you might need to make your visit to Christmas Valley seamless.
"One of the best hardware stores in Christmas valley."
Ken D.
Things to Do in Christmas Valley, OR
There’s a lot to see and do in Christmas Valley, from breathtaking walks through nature to historic sites guaranteed to transport you to a different time. Here are some of the most popular excursions in the area; make sure to add them to your plans if you still have room!
Crack in the Ground
For most off-road activity lovers, visiting Crack in the Ground is usually at the top of the list of things to do in Christmas Valley—and honestly, can you blame them? Crack in the Ground is an open cave that starts at ground level and then slopes into a two-mile fissure. It’s among the best places to hike in Christmas Valley and throughout Oregon as a whole, attracting travelers from all over.
Derrick Cave
Located just northwest of Lake County, the Derrick Cave is at least 12,000 ft long, 80 ft wide, and 46 ft high. It was named after a pioneer rancher in Christmas Valley and offers quite an excellent caving adventure.
Fort Rock Homestead Museum
The Fort Rock Homestead Museum is a protected historical site made up of churches, schools, and homestead cabin structures from the early 1900s. These were moved from various parts across Fort Rick Valley to give visitors an idea of what life was like back in the day. It's similar to a ghost town and should be high on your list of places to go in Christmas Valley.
Christmas Valley Sand Dunes
You can't come to Christmas Valley and not explore the sand dunes. They stretch for over 11,000 acres and reach up to 60 ft high. They're simply stunning and provide a perfect backdrop for photography. If you're looking for interesting things to do in Christmas Valley, you need to add this destination to your list.
Explore Christmas Valley with these Travel Essentials
Now that you know the best Christmas Valley has to offer in lodging and activities, here are some essentials you should consider taking along with you to make your trip easy and comfortable:
Navigation tools: Christmas Valley might be small, but it’s still easy to get lost in this rural town. Get yourself a GPS device, or go the old-fashioned way and bring a map and compass.
Light: If you're going to camp or explore areas like Derrick's cave, you'll need a flashlight, a lantern, or a headlamp.
Sun protection: Remember: this is a desert town, and the weather can get pretty hot. Don’t forget high SPF sunscreen and light but sun-protective attire.
First aid: Accidents happen. Equip yourself with a functional first aid kit. It should include at least an insect repellant, foot care, and an emergency guide.
Repair Kit: Knives, duct tape, scissors, screwdriver, and multitool equipment always come in handy when you least expect it.
Extra clothes: It could rain, you may fall into a pool of mud, or your clothes might get torn. Make sure you don't forget to bring extra clothes on standby before you regret it later.
Shelter: Who knows where the night will find you? Pack at least a tent and a space blanket for such moments.
Extra food: High nutrition provisions ready to eat are always a plus, no matter where your journey takes you.
Extra water: This is a no-brainer, but if you're going to tour Christmas Valley, you'll need plenty of water.
Fire tools: Matches, fire starters, and a lighter are always a must-have.
Explore Christmas Valley at Your Comfort Today
Christmas Valley is one of the best off-the-beaten-track spots in Oregon. It’s small, desert-like, and a true haven for the off-road lover and adventurer. If you’re planning on coming here soon, you need a good place to call your temporary home, and Lakeside Restaurant, Motel & RV Park is the perfect place to be.
It’s the crème de la crème of Christmas Valley lodging thanks to its strategic location, a diverse array of modern amenities, and incredibly friendly staff.
Get in touch to book your stay. We hope to catch you around soon!