Camping near Waterloo

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Just outside of Lebanon, Oregon, on the Santiam Highway, sits Waterloo, a tiny city spread out over a mere 0.12 square miles. You’ll find a small convenience store selling snacks, beer, and basic supplies, an auto body shop, and a sportswear shop, but not much else. That said, the town does make for a convenient jumping-off spot for exploring the South Santiam River and the Santiam State Forest. Waterloo also has a park of its own—Waterloo County Park—complete with a disc golf course and direct access to the Santiam River.

96% (5.3K) 1,556 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Waterloo

Carsners Tree Farm (CTF)

1. Carsners Tree Farm (CTF)

100%
(244)
4mi from Waterloo · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Come and enjoy an 8 acre tree farm located near Lebanon, Oregon. We purchased this property in 2019. This is a tree farm with 1000+ planted Christmas trees. We put in campsites, a cabin, a barn loft, and a fire pit. We offer these to guests when not being used by our family and friends. Wildlife includes deer, turkey, and quail & 3 active beehives. Guests are welcome to fresh eggs from the chicken coop. We are fully fenced and gated for your family and pets protection. South Santiam River is less than 1 mile for fishing, kayaking, or rafting. Foster reservoir is 30 minutes away and Green Peter Reservoir is 45 minutes away for boating, swimming, and fishing. There is a loop exercise trail that circles the property and offers 30-degree climbs. You can also play games inside or basketball outside. We thought it would be great to have family gatherings and get togethers here and think of this as our slice of heaven, and hope others enjoy it as well.
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Santiam Serenity

2. Santiam Serenity

100%
(53)
8mi from Waterloo · 1 site
Enjoy the calm, quiet serenity of the South Santiam River. Get back to the basics here and just relax and enjoy nature. We have a small cabin with a bunk bed, and a camping toilet is provided. Bring your tent or camper for extra room. Our campsite is nestled among the trees next to the river. There's lots to enjoy. Do you like hiking? Silver Falls State Park is only 36 miles away. Boating? You can put in your kayak/canoe at Gills Landing in Lebanon and float down the river back to the campsite. Fishing? Bring your fishing pole and try catch and release in our pond. Swimming? Take a swim in the cool water. Of course, you can just relax by the water's edge and enjoy the tranquility provided by the soothing flow of the river. This 192 sq. ft. cabin is very basic. There is no shower, but there is a portable toilet with a wash station located outside. We do provide a full 5-gallon water cooler for drinking since there is no running water. For cooking there is a 24" Blackstone 2-burner griddle, and small propane cans are provided. Also, the cabin is furnished with a small supply of pots and pans. There is a battery that provides lighting, and phone charging is available in the cabin. During the cooler months, there is a small wood stove for heating, and firewood is provided. The cabin sleeps 2, but there is room for a camper and/or tents. This campsite is meant to be very simple, so you should plan on bringing whatever you may need/want for camping.
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Shearer Farming and Camping

3. Shearer Farming and Camping

96%
(46)
9.3mi from Waterloo · 1 site · Tent, RV
ATTENTION: There is no gate to this property. The road department put a sign up that makes our neighbors road look like it should be Crawfordsville Dr. NO GATE If you see a gate you are at the wrong driveway. Again NO GATE 5 Acers of woods, 1 Acer of field/grassland, and one are on the hill with gravel for up RV's. Property is only 0.35 miles from Calapooia river access (local secret spot). 1 mile to McKercher Park and additional river access. General store 0.75 miles away. Next to the historic Crawfordsville Covered Bridge. 8 miles from Brownsville, this town has been featured in multiple movies. 13.8 miles from Foster lake. At the bottom of the property there is a tree house, fire pit, and large grass field that could accommodate 20+ tents. Upper area is a rock parking area with RV hook ups. gas firepit, gas BBQ, and picknic table. I only rent to one group at a time. Rarely camping there when campers are there but father is on site (the grey house) to assist if needed.
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Full hookups
Cascadia State Park

4. Cascadia State Park

State park 18mi from Waterloo · 27 sites
This tranquil park has waterfall hikes, natural waterholes, and woodlands.
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North Santiam State Recreation Area

5. North Santiam State Recreation Area

State park 23mi from Waterloo · 9 sites
This verdant riverside campground is a fine day stop no matter where you're coming from or going to.
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Picnic table
Brownsville Hillside RV Site

6. Brownsville Hillside RV Site

100%
(85)
9.6mi from Waterloo · 1 site
Full 50amp RV hookups located on a hillside overlooking farmlands. Property is situated on 14 acres bordering the Historic Pioneer Cemetery (don’t think creepy, think rad historic gravesites from late 1800’s to current times. Many Veterans honored to live there). *(Note, 20-25psi city water pressure. They have to supplement your water pump)* Beautiful sunsets to the west and is 1.25 miles from downtown Brownsville, a quaint historic town of 1700 people located on the Calapooia River which flows through town and surrounds our 30+ acres Pioneer Park. Our community has many events such as Carriage Me Back (1923 themed festival - early May), Pioneer Picnic (Parade, festival - June), Rally on the River (Vintage Trailers - July), City-Wide Garage Sale (July), Stand By Me (1986 movie partially filmed here - Late July), Antique Fair and Classic Car Show - Early August), etc. Wonderful businesses to support and 30 minutes to Eugene/UofO/Albany/Corvallis/OSU
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Full hookups
Glamping by North Santiam River

7. Glamping by North Santiam River

99%
(106)
18mi from Waterloo · 1 site
Learn more about this land: Stay in a luxurious 15x20 foot canvas tent with a king sized bed overlooking the North Santiam River. Take a short walk down to the swimming hole. Sit and watch hundreds of Swallows, Kestrels, Red Tailed Hawks, Ospray and Bald Eagles! Or kayak down the river and get out at your campsite! The tent is filled with local and hand made items. We have a crazy mix of cows, horses, dogs cats and chickens! We have ground beef, eggs and whole chickens available for sale.  Additional guests are welcome but you will need to bring an additional tent or camper.
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Ruah Ranch

8. Ruah Ranch

98%
(701)
24mi from Waterloo · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
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The Bamboo Forest Retreat

9. The Bamboo Forest Retreat

94%
(105)
26mi from Waterloo · 5 sites
Welcome to a truly unique camping experience at Parker Learning Gardens—a 33-acre nonprofit educational farm rooted in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Just 10 miles north of Eugene, nestled between the storybook towns of Coburg and Harrisburg, you’ll find our hidden Bamboo Forest—a place where the land feels alive and time softens. 🌿 Your Stay Choose from tent platforms or primitive sites tucked deep within our 3+ acre Bamboo Forest, where towering bamboo and a canopy of mature Linden trees create a quiet, immersive world of green. Light filters through in shifting patterns, the air feels cooler, and the sounds of the outside world fade. Guests have access to a wood-fired earthen cob oven, an outdoor kitchen sink, and a covered picnic area—perfect for slow meals, shared stories, and evenings that stretch a little longer than expected. 🌱 Wander the Bamboo Forest This is a rare and established bamboo grove—over 35 years old and home to more than 40 varieties. Meandering trails wind through dense stands and open pockets, offering space to explore, reflect, or simply sit and listen. It’s a place that invites curiosity and calm in equal measure. 🍎 Discover the Farm (from the edges) Beyond the bamboo lies the broader life of the farm—over 500 fruit trees, animals, and 12 demonstration gardens. From spring through fall, the land is active with classes, workshops, and field trips. Note: To protect both guests and programming, we ask that casual exploration remain within designated areas (primarily the Bamboo Forest and Linden Grove). If you’d like a deeper connection to the farm—animals, gardens, and behind-the-scenes systems—we may be able to arrange a private educational tour for an additional fee, depending on availability. 🌾 Our Why Parker Learning Gardens exists to reconnect people with land, food, and ecological systems. Everything here is rooted in organic practices, regenerative agriculture, and thoughtful stewardship—this is a place of learning as much as it is a place of rest. 🌊 Nearby Adventures Just 5 miles from the I-5 Coburg exit, the farm sits along the historic Willamette River. Nearby, you’ll find swimming spots, scenic drives, and within 30 minutes—hikes, markets, and community events throughout the Eugene/Springfield area.
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Willamette National Forest

10. Willamette National Forest

93%
(44)
National forest 92mi from Waterloo · 1153 sites
Experience the wilderness without venturing far from the city.
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Silver Falls State Park

11. Silver Falls State Park

96%
(40)
State park 26mi from Waterloo · 24 sites
An impressive collection of forested waterfalls make this Oregon park a crowd favorite.
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Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

12. Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

94%
(23)
State park 36mi from Waterloo · 25 sites
Escape to the mountains, forest, and lake all in one park.
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Siuslaw National Forest

13. Siuslaw National Forest

96%
(35)
National forest 55mi from Waterloo · 902 sites
Hike through old-growth forest or take in ocean views at this coastal woodland.
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Fernwood Retreat At Bloom Hill

14. Fernwood Retreat At Bloom Hill

99%
(102)
29mi from Waterloo · 3 sites
Welcome to Fernwood Retreat at Bloom Hill! Tucked away in the rolling hills of the coastal mountains, we call it Fernwood because of the beautiful ferns and forest area throughout our 6-acre farmstead. We currently offer three sites that are private and secluded. We are off the beaten path with no road traffic or light pollution which makes the night sky and stars so vibrant it looks like you could reach out your hand and touch them. Wake up in the morning, make some coffee, and stroll the walking paths along the property. You can sit creekside & soak in the sounds of the birds chirping, the squirrels chattering or the water flowing. We offer a meditation area, a communal fire pit, lighted paths, a large swing, farm fresh eggs (supply permitting), and a fenced wetland area with a pond and plenty of wildlife! We are situated in the beautiful Southern Willamette Valley and close to many award-winning wineries like Bluebird Hills Cellars and Broadley Vineyards, breweries like Long Timber Brewing Company, and the classic Benny's Pizza. We're surrounded by hiking and biking trails, waterfalls, and all only an hour away from the Pacific Ocean. William L. Finely Wildlife Preserve is just a few miles up the road as is the historic Hull-Oakes Lumber Mill. Our neighbor is Lainey Morse founder of Original Goat Yoga!! We provide a flush toilet, potable well water and each site has a picnic table. NOTE: Fires are only permitted at the communal fire pit not at the individual sites.
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Old Elkhorn Golf Course

15. Old Elkhorn Golf Course

100%
(208)
30mi from Waterloo · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Previously known as Elkhorn Golf Course. The property sits on 461 acres in the Little North Fork Valley with small ponds, streams and the Little North Fork River flowing through the lower level of the property. It has many open and wooded areas as well as beautiful mountain views throughout. The property is approximately 10 minutes from the Town of Gates and Lyons. It is also 25 Minutes from the Detroit Lake day use area.
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Buena Vista Lavender Farm

16. Buena Vista Lavender Farm

97%
(77)
30mi from Waterloo · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Buena Vista Lavender Farm is a family-owned and operated farm located in Silverton, OR. We have a gift shop where we sell lavender products created onsite, as well as a barn with a variety of animals. This is a perfect place for a quiet and or romantic get-a-way! Just a short drive from Silver Falls State Park, The Oregon Garden, and downtown Silverton, Buena Vista Lavender Farm is a hidden gem for your next visit. With three tiny home properties available to rent, and two RV camp sites, we have a variety of accommodation options to meet your needs. We encourage guest to explore the farm and enjoy the animals and views. We would love to host you on your next adventure!
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GeerCrest Farm

17. GeerCrest Farm

97%
(508)
31mi from Waterloo · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
GeerCrest Farm was settled by the Geer family in 1848, and is still owned and stewarded by the family. The house Ralph and Mary Geer built in 1851 stands and is one of the oldest in Oregon to remain in the same family. The farm features creeks, forests, pastures, orchards and gardens as well as the historic buildings. Currently we have four friendly sheep and a small flock of Mallard ducks to keep us company. The Pioneer Memorial Orchard features over 50 vairieties of pre 1850 apple trees. The Heritage Grove has ten fruit and nut trees that were recognizeds as a memorial the the early pioneers of the nursery trade by Oregon Heritage Tree program. The 20 acre property, offers three tent camp sites Including the Tree House site, as well as two forest cabins and a small forest bunkhouse (sleeps 6). Our peaceful, small farm offers a reflective immersion in nature and history among the occasional quacking of ducks and baaas of sheep. The scenery from all corners of the farm is incredible - a favorite is the westward view of the valley pasture at sunset -- called "Homer's View" after famous political cartoonist and Geer descendant, Homer Davenport. No matter which camping site you choose, the sounds of the creek, pond frogs, or conversing owls are sure to lull you to sleep. Feel free to roam the farm, but always leave gates as you find them, open or closed. Please say hello to our sheep and barn cats (they may say hello first). Explore the Heritage Grove of historic trees, the Memorial apple orchard and pear glade with varieties circa 1840s, indulge your senses in our medicinal herb garden, and chat with our farm family while they water the veggie gardens, if you so wish! Your experience will certainly be unique to the season. Your host Jim Toler represents the fifth generation of the farm and will happily share stories of the farm and it's history. GeerCrest Farm is truly an off-the-beaten-path gem.
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Kings Valley Gardens

18. Kings Valley Gardens

96%
(50)
33mi from Waterloo · 1 site
The peace, quiet and natural beauty of our farm awaits you, along with gardens for you to peruse and harvest from! We offer U-pick blueberries in July, August, and September and have a big vegetable garden and lovely old apple and pear orchard. The Luckiamute River flows just across the road from our property. We're excited to share this healing, beautiful space with you. Learn more about this land: Sturdy, 14' x 16' wall tent furnished with bed and dresser on our quiet farm close to the Luckiamute River in Kings Valley. Well-equipped shady outdoor kitchen with a view of 60-year-old apple and pear orchard. Abundant orchard and garden produce available by donation. Our U-pick blueberry operation is open in July, August, and September.
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Peaceful, Natural Building Oasis

19. Peaceful, Natural Building Oasis

94%
(16)
35mi from Waterloo · 1 site
Peaceful beauty in the country! Glamping on 17 acres in Oregon's wine country. You will be neighbors to our chickens, ducks, rooster, wild turkeys, pileated woodpecker, great blue Heron and more.   Many unfinished cob buildings cover our property, that have been built (and continue to be worked on) in our natural building workshops.  Only a half hour drive to both Eugene and Corvallis. One hour to the coast and only 2 hours to Portland. We are surrounded by many wineries, all closer than 10 miles away. Bennett winery, that is less than 2 miles away, even offers live music and a different food truck every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We are close to both Fernridge reservoir and Triangle Lake, for fishing, boating, and swimming.
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Relaxing Private Roundhouse

20. Relaxing Private Roundhouse

100%
(11)
35mi from Waterloo · 1 site
About this space If you've never slept in the round before, you owe yourself! "Think outside the box"? You can wake outside the box! — well, inside, but not in a box! Windows above & all around, 59,206 pennies beneath. ★ ★ Magic! We give guests more than a pleasant visit and peaceful rest. We'll give you a lasting memory — a story you can tell others when you get back home. Or many stories. (They pack easily and weigh nothing.) The space We love to design spaces that are not in a box. We want to give our guests an experience that is meaningful and memorable. We've tried to anticipate your questions, so scroll down and read our description here before inquiring about details. We use a dynamic pricing model based on four years of bookings, so the dates you ask for will give you an accurate cost, which may differ from the generic listing price. Summer, weekends, track meets — we allow demand to influence rates. We have another space listed here: Our aloft apartment is slightly more expensive, but with a private bath. ***************** "Enchanting, magical, uplifting" -- those are words used recently by our guests, describing this wonderful space. Twelve sides, windows all around, surrounded by nature, yet close to town. ***************** Picture a cabin made of cedar and glass. It has wi-fi, heated or cooled to your comfort, a super-comfortable queen-sized bed with memory foam, a chair for reading, a fold-out desk, and a table and a coffee pot. All the bare essentials, in one place. (Not in all the the photos — we've added lush, room-darkening curtains all around for privacy and to aid those who prefer sleeping later.) It's situated to be rustic and inspirational, nestled into the back corner of a deep lot. There are fruit trees all around and a seasonal pond that attracts ducks in the spring and early summer. Depending on the season, you can listen to birds and frogs from inside the roundhouse, or cross the footbridge to the south-facing deck behind the workshop -- another private space for your "get away from the bustle" contemplations. Or enjoy the firepit. Follow the wending path to the front fence and everything is nearby. The bathroom (with tub and shower) is at the rear of the main house, right near the back door (about 30 yards from the roundhouse). It's private and only barely shared. (We have another bath-and-a-half elsewhere in the house.) We have a clever curtaining and folding wall system that can give you extra privacy if you want it. You'll be left as alone as you choose to be during your visit. With a little bit of planning, we're happy to share our full kitchen with you during daylight hours. Same with the laundry room. We're sharing our home with you, so we ask you to be respectful of that. We love to brag about Eugene and Oregon, and we're happy to share what we have and what we know. We cannot guarantee that your visit with us will be enchanted and uplifting, but that's what we hope it will be. We'll do what we can to make it so. Our listings include a 9.5% room tax assessed by the city of Eugene. Those added funds are used to promote tourism and other good things around Lane County. Guest access Late arrivals are easy to facilitate. The house is easy to find, even in the dark. The street is well lit and we have path lights to guide you to the roundhouse. Since it's a completely separate building, there's no need to worry about waking anyone. "We'll leave the light on for you," as they say. What will you need? Fridge, microwave, coffee pot, toaster oven -- all yours. Laundry, full kitchen, yard, neighborhood -- shared. (Just ask.) We have gorgeous red velvet theatre curtains and a clever folding glass wall to divide spaces, but the intent is to remain permeable for hospitality's sake. Other things to note MISCELLANEOUS NOTES: #1. After over eight years on airbnb, this space is often "taken" for most times. If you'd like to try a similarly inventive space, on the same property, employing much of the same geometry (but larger and self-contained), check out our aloft apartment. #2. Before you confirm your reservation, please double-check certain details. Have you inputted the correct dates and are you reserving for the correct number of (human) guests? This is important because those details may alter the price you're being quoted. (We give solo travelers the lowest possible rate. All others pay a bit more.) #3. Our check-in time is usually (anytime after) 3 pm. Occasionally, we can accommodate early arrivals, or luggage drop-off before the space is cleaned. We always appreciate knowing roughly when you expect to arrive. That helps us prepare. #4. We send all our guests an email with detailed instructions and up-to-the-minute details for their visit. Please include your best email address when you make your reservation. #5. We have a (slight) presence on social media, so if you feel the urge to take pictures and share it with your friends, we'd love it if you'd tag us at "oreroundhouse" and "dksez".... #6 We welcome dogs and other pets, but we ask for a couple of things. First, do let us know when you're bringing critters with you. Second, please don't let them roam our yard unleashed. The fence has holes. Third, leaving pets unattended for long stretches inside hasn't worked very well. Gnawed furniture, yelping, too much hair on the bedspread -- that sort of thing. We have two dog parks within walking distance, so there will be opportunities for them to enjoy themselves too!
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Waterloo camping guide

Where to go

Along the South Santiam River

The South Santiam River offers lots of opportunities for fishing and boating, and the quiet stretch near Waterloo sees less activity than some of the busier areas. The river links up with the Foster Reservoir, a popular spot to go fishing, boating, swimming, and camping in the summer months.

Santiam State Forest

Situated on the western slopes of the Cascade Range, this small forest is full of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails, plus five campgrounds. It's also the site of a couple of pretty waterfalls: Shellburg Falls and Stasel Falls.

Albany and Around

The biggest city in Lynn County, Albany offers a good mix of historic attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities, with multiple parks within city limits plus two golf courses. Albany also has a few historic houses and a hand-carved wooden carousel.

When to go

Summer is ideal for visiting the Waterloo area, with temperatures at their highest in July and August. However, this time of year is also busy, owing largely to Waterloo’s proximity to the most densely populated parts of Oregon, so expect lots of camping families up until Labor Day, when school goes back in session. September is a great time to visit if you want warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and a lower risk of rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can explore fishing, boating, and camping along the South Santiam River, as well as hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails in the Santiam State Forest near Waterloo.

The best time to visit Waterloo is in September, when you can enjoy warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and a lower risk of rain.

Waterloo County Park offers a disc golf course and direct access to the Santiam River, making it a great spot for outdoor activities near Waterloo.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Waterloo, OR trips