The best star host campgrounds near Salem, Oregon

The scenic heart of Oregon is also its capital city. Nestled in the Willamette Valley, Salem is surrounded by diverse landscapes ripe for adventure. Think wetlands, rolling hills, and dense hardwood forests.

Must-see Oregon staples lie in every direction. Portland, the Cascade Mountains, and the Pacific Coast are all just a short drive away. You also find striking wilderness gems right at Salem's doorstep. For starters, spot 200 bird species at Basket Slough, fish the Willamette River, or kayak the riverfront city parks.

Ready to answer the call of the wild? Fall asleep to the crashing of waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park—the biggest state park in Oregon. Rocky canyons and lush forests fill the 9,200 acres. Follow the Trail of Ten Falls to see the famous cascades. (The South Falls drops a whopping 177 feet!) The park's 35 miles of trails are perfect for exploring on foot, by bike, or by horse.

For more camping nearby, check out North Santiam State Park. The hike-in and boat-in sites are your ticket to ultra secluded tent camping. Locals come here to fish the Santiam River for steelheads and trout. For more adventure, get psyched about whitewater rafting or kayaking.

Further into the mountain wilderness, Detroit Lake serves up 32 miles of shoreline for you to enjoy. Hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming are a few favorite activities. For lakeside camping, choose from several national forest campgrounds perched on the shore.

Around Salem, you can also find a host of RV parks and secluded camping spots. Just imagine sleeping under the stars on an organic farm or glamping in a luxury yurt. Just keep in mind that summer is the peak season. For lower campsite competition, think about planning your Oregon trip for spring or fall.

99% (6.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

The scenic heart of Oregon is also its capital city. Nestled in the Willamette Valley, Salem is surrounded by diverse landscapes ripe for adventure. Think wetlands, rolling hills, and dense hardwood forests.

Must-see Oregon staples lie in every direction. Portland, the Cascade Mountains, and the Pacific Coast are all just a short drive away. You also find striking wilderness gems right at Salem's doorstep. For starters, spot 200 bird species at Basket Slough, fish the Willamette River, or kayak the riverfront city parks.

Ready to answer the call of the wild? Fall asleep to the crashing of waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park—the biggest state park in Oregon. Rocky canyons and lush forests fill the 9,200 acres. Follow the Trail of Ten Falls to see the famous cascades. (The South Falls drops a whopping 177 feet!) The park's 35 miles of trails are perfect for exploring on foot, by bike, or by horse.

For more camping nearby, check out North Santiam State Park. The hike-in and boat-in sites are your ticket to ultra secluded tent camping. Locals come here to fish the Santiam River for steelheads and trout. For more adventure, get psyched about whitewater rafting or kayaking.

Further into the mountain wilderness, Detroit Lake serves up 32 miles of shoreline for you to enjoy. Hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming are a few favorite activities. For lakeside camping, choose from several national forest campgrounds perched on the shore.

Around Salem, you can also find a host of RV parks and secluded camping spots. Just imagine sleeping under the stars on an organic farm or glamping in a luxury yurt. Just keep in mind that summer is the peak season. For lower campsite competition, think about planning your Oregon trip for spring or fall.

99% (6.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Ruah Ranch

98%

(699)

14mi from Salem · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Sublimity, OR

Ruah Ranch is situated on an old donation land claim and was also the site of nomadic Native American tribes. Abundant wildlife graces our acres as well as the beautiful Thoroughbred horses we raise. You'll likely be serenaded by coyotes in the evenings and may catch sight of them during the day.  Three different species of raptors frequent the skies above the ranch and beavers have established outposts along the stream. Beautiful thoroughbred horses will greet you every morning from their nearby pasture while you enjoy your coffee in the shade of the trellised Wisteria. Silver Falls State Park is a short drive away where you can enjoy hiking and biking and even guided horseback rides. The Oregon Gardens are just a bit further north on the outskirts of Silverton and many wineries dot the landscape all around. If you like horses we’ll be happy to give you a tour of the ranch and introduce you to the resident equines, many of which have horse racing royalty up close in their lineage.

2. Full Hookup RV lot on Quiet Street

96%

(25)

49mi from Salem · 1 site · RV · Portland, OR

This is nice rv pad at our house where we live when we are not traveling. When we are gone, we rent the main house as a furnished rental when are traveling. We also rent our furnished studio apartment above the garage on airbnb or furnished Finder. This is a nice neighborhood only 10-15 minutes to downtown Portland!

3. Sweet Relief

100%

(239)

47mi from Salem · 1 site · Lodging · Damascus, OR

Close to Portland but far from the hustle. The forested 20 acre property slopes South, making it ideal to keep our solar powered cabins and wifi fully charged.Water, outdoor shower and composting outhouse are never more than a five minute walk on our groomed trails. In early spring you may see taps on some of the beautiful Maple trees. . (Why buy Maple Syrup from the store when you can spend days of hard work laboring to make your own!)Summer Brings the berries, Eat the Blueberries and Blackberries to your hearts content. Find refuge from the summers heat by relaxing by the year round spring fed brook or maybe take a nap on a hammock.Chilly fall evenings can still warm your heart by relaxing in the the Greenhouse or near the campfire. We are exited to share our little slice of heaven with you, and our extensive personal knowledge of Oregon's hiking and recreational opportunities.

4. Fern Haus

97%

(76)

47mi from Salem · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Gales Creek, OR

40 acres of secluded forest, fields, creek, and orchards. The Fern Haus is an abandoned once-was nursery and tree farm. Patches of overgrown plants and trees can be found all across the property. Enjoy fishing in the creek only steps from one of our many campsites, or strolling in the cottonwood and alder trees. You'll encounter all sorts of wildlife during your stay. Hang in a hammock, sleep in one of our 20ft. bell tents, stay in our Forager geo-dome, enjoy our new Witches Cabin, or use one of our many tent camping sites. Large nearby field is perfect for stargazing! *Ask us how to reserve the entire property with multiple bell tents, the geo dome, witches a-frame cabin, tons of camping spots, and massive 3600sqft outdoor greenhouse event area for a large group, reunion, party, retreat or wedding!

5. Riverside Camping

97%

(168)

45mi from Salem · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Lincoln Beach, OR

We are closed for the season to let our land rest and, well it gets pretty soggy around here in the winter months. We'll open up in again in April but, we're taking reservations for the 2026 season... Our one designated site, closest to the river bank we call the Riverside Site. It can be reserved for up to 4 people. It can only accommodate smaller tents, campers, pop up trailers, small pod-type trailers and larger rigs up to 15'. has a rustic firepit and your own deck for viewing the river. For groups of 5 or more or people or camping with large 10 person tents or trailers over 20', there will be an additional fee and you will need to set up camp in our Riverwood Site, about 150' from the riverbank. You will still have full access to the deck and firepit in the other site but, larger rigs cannot maneuver in the site without tearing up the grass and leaving ruts on our property. **Please note**When you make the reservation you will add an "Extra", ADDITIONAL CAMPSITE. We have indoor bathroom facilities for our guests in a separate apartment we have downstairs of our house. There is a small living and dining area, kitchenette with barista bar, microwave and small fridge. It is about 150' walk and is visible from the campsites but, still feels private. We also offer our little Bunkie, the Glass House for an extra fee. The Bunkie sleeps two comfortably. It has a nice mattress (Please bring your own sleeping bags), a comfy bench, a coat rack, remote control lights and a nice electric heater. There are curtains all around for privacy. You'll use the bathroom facilities in the apartment. All of our guests have full access to our personal dock to get down to the water. Feel free to fish off the dock, swim, Kayak, SUP or just enjoy the evening on the dock. Our property is about a 10 minute drive to the Ocean/Hwy 101, just south of Lincoln City. There is hiking close by and miles of coastline to explore. We are happy to help you have the best experience at the coast...Just ask! Debbie and Rick and our two Cattledogs, Luna and Piper

Stories from the community

The quaint cabin that rests in 20 acres of beautiful lush property

J

Julie

2 weeks ago

With pets

3 nights at Sweet Relief

My husband and I loved staying at Trent's cabin! We were looking for a quiet, romantic getaway where we could take long walks in the woods and relax in a comfortable cabin at night. The wood stove hot tub was amazing. Trent was a great host and was very attentive to our needs while also making sure we had all the privacy that we could want. I would stay here again anytime!

T

Tony

3 weeks ago

1 night at Ruah Ranch

Great location close to Silver Falls. A quiet comfortable night and a great place to wake up to. Welcoming host.

P

Paige

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Sweet Relief

This was a beautiful quaint staycation spot with the hot tub as the main event and it was worth it! The host was very welcoming and hospitable. This is a wonderful place to stay and I can’t wait to come back

L

Lock

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Fern Haus

My daughter and I had a lovely stay at this amazing property in the Witches Cabin. My daughter and I explored around the property and we had the best time. Dionne is a amazing host that helped us find the location and also came out to make sure we were all good at our campsite later on in the night. I recommend going to this hipcamp any time!

F

Fan

November 2025

22 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Ruah Ranch

Just what I needed! The host (Chloe the Corgi) was super nice and friendly and so was her human. :) Lee was super helpful (and fun to hear all about the horses on the property—even got to meet “Indy”). Spot3 was near the main house (a tiny bit down hill from it) but didn’t mind it at all. Still felt private. The propane fire pit area was a perfect place for a couple of friends to visit and catch up and enjoy a beautiful sunset together. All-in-all I highly recommend and would stay again!

Shawn

November 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Riverside Camping

Private, cozy and the perfect distance to everything!

J

Jennifer

November 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ruah Ranch

The area was beautiful. Fun to camp and wake up to horses, barn cats and chickens roaming around.

P

Paige

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fern Haus

We had the best time in the forager site! The room was cozy, clean, and had everything we needed. We had a big storm come through the night of our stay and the hosts were super hospitable and brought us a backup power bank. The heater blankets on the bed were a great touch too! We will certainly be back!

J

James

October 2025

20 ft Class B

1 night at Riverside Camping

Good directions from Debbie. I didn’t stay long but everything was as described. Would definitely stay here again!

J

Joia

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fern Haus

The sunseeker tent was so cute!! I highly recommend for groups, especially with doggies:) the outhouse was so nice and clean, and the land is so beautiful and well maintained.

S

Sean

October 2025

22 ft pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Riverside Camping

We loved camping next to the river. Relaxing and fishing off the dock was just what was needed.

Jay

September 2025

15 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Riverside Camping

we enjoyed our stay along the river,quiet and a great place to relax

W

Windi

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Fern Haus

The Stargazer Bell Tent was a lovely little spot! There was a creek that was easy to get to and just adorable. The campsite itself and the tent were nicely cared for and the people nearby at the other campsite weren't much of an issue (except for leaving the outhouse quite messy, causing us to clean up after them). The outhouse was surprisingly very nice, for an outhouse! You can tell a lot of love goes into this whole spot at Fern Haus. The only tiny complaint I have is that all of the furniture pieces (chairs at the table inside the tent, chairs by the firepit, the picnic table itself, and the chairs by the creek) were cheap, flimsy, unstable, and rickety. I did not feel safe sitting in anything supplied at the campsite. I was glad we brought our own camp chairs! But other than that, we had a great time! Comfy bed, too! Thanks for the adventure!

J

James

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Sweet Relief

Wonderful experience and great place especially if you’re looking to escape the city for a few days! The animals and garden was pretty awesome and getting to pick eggs and eat our own green beans was super fun. The host was fantastic too. Very accommodating and friendly. 5 stars would recommend.

L

Lindsey

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Fern Haus

The whole property was so lovely and we very much enjoyed staying in the Witches Cabin! It couldn’t have been a more cozy and comfortable stay. Dionne made everything seamless and was very quick to respond to any questions. All the camp sites looked so fun, and we will certainly be back!

A

Allison

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sweet Relief

100% recommend staying here! The location is nice. Plenty of activities around, but also the perfect place to just stay in. The property is gorgeous and they thought of everything! It’s so secluded and cozy, the hosts are amazing and made sure we had everything we needed and more. You get far more than just a place to stay, you get a whole experience. We plan to make this place a tradition.

R

Ryan

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ruah Ranch

All and all a great camping location and well worth the money for basically a private site with bathroom facilities. One thing of note: both sites are exposed to the sun so if its a hot day and you are arriving mid afternoon be prepared to set up in those conditions.

Alyson

August 2025

21 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Riverside Camping

This camp is a clearing under tall trees located between 2 homes, with a beautiful view of the river. It was dark and quiet at night. There's a deck for sitting on and viewing but it's not the same one to access the river. River access is in front of the hosts house. Debbie's facilities are wonderful. A clean bathroom, morning drinks and even a microwave and little refrigerator. Theres a comfy couch if you get rained out! This location is perfect for playing in Lincoln city and then returning for the night. Info if you're wondering about presences of dogs; They were barely around, quiet and friendly. We would recommend this site for anyone with minimal camping gear, because Debbie has you covered.

L

Laura

August 2025

35 ft travel trailer

With pets

8 nights at Full Hookup RV lot on Quiet Street

The ease and efficiency of Teresa's place was perfect for our stay in Portland. The full hook ups were a surprise find. Theresa is a great communicator. The neighborhood is well equipped and an easy drive to downtown. Make sure to try Parkrose Coffee.