The best tiny homes 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.

97% (202)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camp Colton

1. Camp Colton

96%
(186)
51mi from Waterloo · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Colton, OR
Escape to 85 acres of Pacific Northwest forest, just an hour southeast of Portland. Our modern-rustic accommodations blend seamlessly with nature—choose from cozy forest yurts, charming cabins, a tiny house, pet-friendly cottages, or the spacious River Falls Lodge. Tent campers and RV travelers will find serene sites under towering firs and cedars. Hike through sun-dappled trails, explore our converging creeks, or swim and canoe in our spring-fed pond. Most sites welcome campfires (burn bans permitting) and furry companions. Whether you seek a bare-bones adventure or comforts like full kitchens, our range of listings lets you unplug at your own pace. Ideal for romantic getaways, family trips, or creative retreats—every stay supports our mission of land stewardship. ****PLEASE NOTE: IN ADDITION TO OUR ACCOMMODATIONS, WE ARE A WEDDING AND EVENT VENUE, SO YOU MAY HEAR MUSIC AND JOYFUL VOICES ACROSS THE CREEK LATE INTO THE EVENING DURING OUR PEAK SEASON (MAY 1 - OCTOBER 31). If you prefer only to stay when there is no event on our large site, please inquire before requesting to book.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$53
 / night
Bamboo Forest Campsite

3. Bamboo Forest Campsite

94%
(100)
26mi from Waterloo · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging · Eugene, OR
Welcome to a truly unique camping experience at Parker Learning Gardens, a nonprofit educational farm spanning 33 acres in the scenic Willamette Valley. Located just 10 miles north of Eugene, Oregon—nestled between the charming towns of Coburg and Harrisburg—our serene Bamboo Forest offers a magical retreat into nature. Tent Platforms, primitive sites Tucked within our 3+ acre Bamboo Forest, beneath the enchanting canopy of towering Linden Trees and bamboo. Enjoy access to a wood-fired earthen cob oven, an outdoor kitchen sink, and a covered cooking and dining area—perfect for preparing and sharing meals in the open air. Explore the Bamboo Forest: Immerse yourself in the lush beauty of our 35-year-old Bamboo Forest, home to over 40 varieties of bamboo. Wander through meandering trails that weave through this dense and peaceful woodland, offering a one-of-a-kind setting for relaxation, reflection, and exploration. Discover the Farm: Beyond the Bamboo Forest, our farm boasts over 500 fruit trees, friendly farm animals, and 12 demonstration gardens. From Spring through Fall, Parker Learning Gardens hosts seasonal educational programs, community workshops, and school field trips—all designed to connect people of all ages with nature. Our mission is to inspire and educate by demonstrating organic farming, ecological land stewardship, regenerative animal integration, and mindful environmental practices. If you're interested in a deeper experience, we may be able to arrange a private educational tour for an additional fee (subject to availability). Otherwise, enjoy full access to explore our Bamboo Forest and the majestic Linden Tree Grove—offering approximately 5 acres of serene natural beauty to wander, relax, and recharge. Nearby Adventures: Located just 5 miles from the I-5 exit in Coburg, our farm sits on the historic floodplain of the Willamette River. Swimming spots are just a short drive away, and within 30 minutes, you'll find incredible hiking trails, family-friendly activities, and vibrant community events (check the Eugene Weekly event calendar). Come experience the tranquility and wonder of the Bamboo Forest at Parker Learning Gardens—an unforgettable retreat where nature, learning, and relaxation come together!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
Hilltop acres

6. Hilltop acres

99%
(76)
43mi from Waterloo · 1 site · Lodging · Eugene, OR
Unique custom built Tiny house with lots of trees/shade but also sun! Sleeping loft with memory foam. Sitting area can make a second bed. Fenced yard for your dog, fire pit ( seasonal…if allowed) flat grassy area to set up a tent if traveling with friends. Easy parking right by the tiny house. We are a country setting on a dead end gravel road, only 15-20 minutes from the heart of eugene and the U of O…”Lorane Hwy” is actually a beautiful country road with minimal traffic. We are 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Oregon coast. There are 2 organic farm stands within 5 minutes of us where you can get fresh produce, berries, homemade baked goods and homemade breads and soap, jams, pickles etc… you are welcome to eggs from our free range organic fed chickens. Our neighbors have chickens, horses and dogs so you may hear a dog barking and other animal sounds… we live in a house down the driveway and are available for any concerns.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$75
 / night

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.

97% (202)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camp Colton

1. Camp Colton

96%
(186)
51mi from Waterloo · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Colton, OR
Escape to 85 acres of Pacific Northwest forest, just an hour southeast of Portland. Our modern-rustic accommodations blend seamlessly with nature—choose from cozy forest yurts, charming cabins, a tiny house, pet-friendly cottages, or the spacious River Falls Lodge. Tent campers and RV travelers will find serene sites under towering firs and cedars. Hike through sun-dappled trails, explore our converging creeks, or swim and canoe in our spring-fed pond. Most sites welcome campfires (burn bans permitting) and furry companions. Whether you seek a bare-bones adventure or comforts like full kitchens, our range of listings lets you unplug at your own pace. Ideal for romantic getaways, family trips, or creative retreats—every stay supports our mission of land stewardship. ****PLEASE NOTE: IN ADDITION TO OUR ACCOMMODATIONS, WE ARE A WEDDING AND EVENT VENUE, SO YOU MAY HEAR MUSIC AND JOYFUL VOICES ACROSS THE CREEK LATE INTO THE EVENING DURING OUR PEAK SEASON (MAY 1 - OCTOBER 31). If you prefer only to stay when there is no event on our large site, please inquire before requesting to book.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$53
 / night
Bamboo Forest Campsite

3. Bamboo Forest Campsite

94%
(100)
26mi from Waterloo · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging · Eugene, OR
Welcome to a truly unique camping experience at Parker Learning Gardens, a nonprofit educational farm spanning 33 acres in the scenic Willamette Valley. Located just 10 miles north of Eugene, Oregon—nestled between the charming towns of Coburg and Harrisburg—our serene Bamboo Forest offers a magical retreat into nature. Tent Platforms, primitive sites Tucked within our 3+ acre Bamboo Forest, beneath the enchanting canopy of towering Linden Trees and bamboo. Enjoy access to a wood-fired earthen cob oven, an outdoor kitchen sink, and a covered cooking and dining area—perfect for preparing and sharing meals in the open air. Explore the Bamboo Forest: Immerse yourself in the lush beauty of our 35-year-old Bamboo Forest, home to over 40 varieties of bamboo. Wander through meandering trails that weave through this dense and peaceful woodland, offering a one-of-a-kind setting for relaxation, reflection, and exploration. Discover the Farm: Beyond the Bamboo Forest, our farm boasts over 500 fruit trees, friendly farm animals, and 12 demonstration gardens. From Spring through Fall, Parker Learning Gardens hosts seasonal educational programs, community workshops, and school field trips—all designed to connect people of all ages with nature. Our mission is to inspire and educate by demonstrating organic farming, ecological land stewardship, regenerative animal integration, and mindful environmental practices. If you're interested in a deeper experience, we may be able to arrange a private educational tour for an additional fee (subject to availability). Otherwise, enjoy full access to explore our Bamboo Forest and the majestic Linden Tree Grove—offering approximately 5 acres of serene natural beauty to wander, relax, and recharge. Nearby Adventures: Located just 5 miles from the I-5 exit in Coburg, our farm sits on the historic floodplain of the Willamette River. Swimming spots are just a short drive away, and within 30 minutes, you'll find incredible hiking trails, family-friendly activities, and vibrant community events (check the Eugene Weekly event calendar). Come experience the tranquility and wonder of the Bamboo Forest at Parker Learning Gardens—an unforgettable retreat where nature, learning, and relaxation come together!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
Hilltop acres

6. Hilltop acres

99%
(76)
43mi from Waterloo · 1 site · Lodging · Eugene, OR
Unique custom built Tiny house with lots of trees/shade but also sun! Sleeping loft with memory foam. Sitting area can make a second bed. Fenced yard for your dog, fire pit ( seasonal…if allowed) flat grassy area to set up a tent if traveling with friends. Easy parking right by the tiny house. We are a country setting on a dead end gravel road, only 15-20 minutes from the heart of eugene and the U of O…”Lorane Hwy” is actually a beautiful country road with minimal traffic. We are 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Oregon coast. There are 2 organic farm stands within 5 minutes of us where you can get fresh produce, berries, homemade baked goods and homemade breads and soap, jams, pickles etc… you are welcome to eggs from our free range organic fed chickens. Our neighbors have chickens, horses and dogs so you may hear a dog barking and other animal sounds… we live in a house down the driveway and are available for any concerns.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$75
 / night

Stories from the community

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

The best tiny homes near Waterloo 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.

Popular Waterloo glamping styles