Willamette National Forest

Shhh. It’s a secret. Except that it really isn’t because there isn’t a ton of tree cover and the sites are kind of close together. But don’t overlook this 5-site campground located on the Middle Fork of the Willamette River yet. Set far from the road and covered in interesting vegetation, the Secret Campground is just as good as any when it comes Read more...

Embody american hero Huckleberry Finn at Gold Lake Campground. Hike to a primitive log shelter circa 1940s followed by river rafting and fishing for an iconic camping experience. Open from May 23 to October 13, Gold Lake isn’t too busy so you might catch a lakeside site. Check website for closures.

Mmm, hazelnut, and no, we’re not talking about the coffee creamer. Spacious and scented, the Sand Prairie Campground is heavily wooded with hemlock, cedar, dogwood, Douglas fir and hazelnut perfect for taking in not only the sights and sounds, but the smells of basecamp! If the tree variety doesn’t leave you in awe, the 27-mile Middle Fork Trail l Read more...

The Blue Pool Campground is close to the highway, but local attractions and activities trump the truckstop vibe! Tenters gain extra reprieve by snagging one of the seven walk-in, tent-only sites right on Salt Creek. At $17 a night its cheaper than a motel and only a mile from the McCredie Hot Springs. For those just travelin’ through, this one’s a Read more...

North Waldo Campground is the most popular campground on Waldo Lake. With a drier climate than many nearby campgrounds, fewer mosquitos are found here in the summer. The campground is a common starting point for the many gorgeous hiking trails and other nearby lakes in the area. Enjoy water activities including boating, swimming, and fishing. Read more...

A local favorite, the Salmon Creek Falls Campground is a small piece of paradise (hint: think fairy wonderland). Imagine yourself swimming in turquoise pools under two cascading waterfalls or picking wild thimbleberries and hazelnuts in the old growth forest along Salmon Creek. Open from the end of April through October, catch the magic in the spr Read more...

Prance amongst Ponderosa pines you camping king or queen, you. Fish, hike, or cycle all within the vicinity of your forest fortress and take in the royal, riverside beauty of Campers Flat Campground. Campsites are equipped with toliets, drinking water, and cost $13 a night. Check website for closures.

Be tickled by the tininess of Indigo Spring’s three-site campground set in a stand of Douglas fir trees. Located near the origin of Indigo Springs and the Oregon Central Military Wagon Road, Indigo Springs is free but provides no water. Check website for closures.

Enjoy a touch of history at the Sacandaga Campground conveniently equipped with toilets and drinking water. Whether its the historic Oregon Central Military Wagon Road you’re after or just some easy swimming in the river, this 17-site, $8/night (what a steal!) campground has a space for everyone. Check website for closures.

Timpanogas Campground is located in a high elevation stand of silver, grand, and noble fir. You can find activities for all seasons! Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and fishing in the summer and fall. In the winter, follow one of the many snowmobile routes, and try cross-country skiing in the spring! The Timpanogas Basin offers 23 miles of hiking Read more...

Fish for Brook in the alpine air at Blair Lake Campground; or go the herbivore route and eat all of the wild huckleberries that grow in the late summer and early fall. At $8 a night this tent-only, lakeside campground has three car-accessible and five walk-in sites, vaulted toilets and drinking water. Check website for closures.

You can find Shadow Bay Campground on a bay at the southern end of Waldo Lake, surrounded by a towering forest of conifers. This spot is quieter than other campgrounds on the lake, but is also populated by more mosquitos in warmer months. Enjoy sailing, fishing, canoeing, and swimming in the lake, and many nearby hiking trails! The campground Read more...

Today’s menu: angler’s delight. Far removed from the main road and set next to a picturesque babbling brook, the Frissell Crossing Campground is a quiet place to set up camp. Tote your hook and rod down to the river for some fishing and practice some self-reflection amidst this unbelievably beautiful area. Check website for closures.

Islet Campground is located near the sandy beaches of northern Waldo Lake. The wind blows consistently in afternoons, offering relief from the hot summer sun. Several stunning hiking trails and wilderness areas are nearby; you can opt for a short walk along the lake or a longer hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. You’ll also have access to a nearby h Read more...

Recently shaped by fire and restored in 2005 (reconstruction of amenities and habitat revival), Bedrock Campground is the place to BE during summer weekends when visitors seek shelter from the high urban temps. Also during the summer months you’re likely to catch a glimpse of an impressive fireweed bloom that sets the hills ablaze with Mother Natu Read more...

Bunker down for a night or two at Broken Bowl Campground before heading down the 13. 7 mile Fall Creek National Recreation Trail to enjoy mature forest shade and natural bath in the Fall Creek. Picnic tables, toilets and drinking water available onsite make for an easy going stay. Check website for closures.

Black Canyon Campground is going up pretty much every weekend of the summer so arrive early to stake your spot. Luckily, your chances aren’t too shabby as this isn’t just another 5 site respite, here you’ll find 72 tent, auto, and trailer sites. That’s what’s up. Stationed alongside the Middle Fork of the Williamette River, you can bet this is the Read more...

Skookum Creek Campground is a popular starting point for backcountry hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Nine tent sites with water and fire rings are located on the creek, a short walk from the parking lot and restrooms. No reservations necessary! Make sure to check the official site weather alerts or closures.

Don’t move too fast at the Kiahanie Campground or risk distrupting the perfect quietness of this fly-fishing nirvana. It is rarely crowded and has access to all of our favorite camping activities: hiking, swimming, picnicking and naturally, fly-fishing. Check website for closures.

McKenzie Bridge Campground is kind of a big deal. You have picnic tables, toilets, drinking water, nearby boatin’, river and stream fishin’. Sounds like a choice spot to us! Wanna guarantee your place? Of the 20 available sites, 8 can be booked in advance, so reserve now or forever hold your peace, love, and camping. Check website for closu Read more...

Surrounded by water and connected through trails, the Delta Campground is huge! With a total of 38 sites, an amphitheatre and Delta Day use area, this pristine camping area has a lil’ sumthin’ for everyone. And did we mention it’s location in a grove of centuries old Douglas fir trees? if If you never want to leave this enchanted forest, we get it Read more...

It’s at the end of the road, folks. The Puma Campground sits literally at the end of the road and at the intersection of two creeks–pack the polka dot bikini. The small 11-site, family-friendly campground has toilets, picnic tables and drinking water. Check website for closures.

Big Pool Campground is a small, shady, and splashy five site camp that offers wet ‘n’ wild water access and sustains heavy traffic during summer weekends! Sites are open with little shrubbery to space one campsite from the next, so this may not be the most welcome place to waltz around in your birthday suit. Like all the cool places, it’s first-co Read more...

Three drive-up and two walk-in sites mark the Dolly Varden Campground on Fall Creek. All campsites sit on the water, are well spread out and provide easy access to the beginning of the 13. 7 mile Fall Creek National Recreation trail. No drinking water is available on site and it is open from April 25 to September 28. Check website for closur Read more...

You know that photo that your friend posts to Instagram of a lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and a diversity of fir trees--all of which is reflecting on the lake? Here. Just here. We’d say book your site now but you can’t so just pack up the car and leave now!

There’s nothing french about the French Pete Campground, but it is pretty cool. Escape the summer heat under the canopy of Douglas fir and Vine Maple while enjoying creek and trail access by foot (Three Sisters Wilderness access is just across the road!). This heavily used campsite is ideal for fisherman, families and is just 10 miles down the roa Read more...

Don’t be confluenced by the junction of the McKenzie River and Cougar Reservoir–there’s plenty of hiking here too. Semi-open and dotted by mixed conifers, The Cougar Crossing Campground is the tale of two terrains sitting on the water and within walking distance of the Three Sisters Wilderness Park that lies east of the site. Make a reservation fo Read more...

Shady grove my little love… Break out the pic ‘n’ guitar at the Sunnyside Campground after a long day of wildflower and wildlife viewing. Situated near the South fork of the McKenzie River activities in the area range from swimming and boating to hiking and biking. Motorhomes discouraged due to a steep entrance, this (mostly) tent-only campground Read more...

Which came first, the river or the creek? No need to answer because both parallel Olalie Lake Campground! Not to be confused with the Olallie Lake (in Mt. Hood National Forest), this grouping of 17 sweet spots is ripe for the tenting, car camping, or trailering. The lower loop dishes up dang good views of both the river and the creek, and in the o Read more...

The well-shaded Trout Creek Campground sits in a forest of hemlocks and Douglas-firs, where the South Santiam River meets Trout Creek. A great spot for families, you’ll find plenty of hiking and river activities nearby. There’s lots for kids--young and old--to explore here. You’ll be close to the Menagerie Wilderness, an Elk Refuge, the Old Walton Read more...

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sound of no motorized boats. Be overwhelmed by the serenity of the brilliant, turquoise water of Clear Lake, get educated by evening nature talks at the nearby amphitheater or simply take in the grandeur of the surrounding 3,000 year old lava fields. The Coldwater Cove Campground is packed with amenities, sits across Read more...

Nope, it’s not a new genre of music, but it is a really cool camping spot! House Rock Campground is located where the South Santiam River meets the Sheep Creek. Enjoy the scenery and sounds of the cascading river in this beautiful old growth grove. There is room for tents and cars at the 17 campsites, but no trailers allowed (there isn’t enou Read more...

If you had to choose between drinking water and fire to warm yourself at night which would you choose? Well, at Limberlost Campground you don’t have to! Kind of. Here you won’t find a fancy spicket to fill your belly with fresh water, but just bring a filter for the creek and voila! Better than bottled anyday. All sites come with a picnic table an Read more...

This place is paradise if you not only enjoy people watching, but people watching rafters catapulting down the McKenzie River’s famous white water. In addition to being the best faux sports television you’ll find in nature, Paradise Campground is one of the few places where you can camp in the cradle of a lush, old growth grove of Douglas fir (sni Read more...

Mona Campground Attention anglers, commodores and landlocked mermaids: welcome to aquatic paradise. OK, so it’s not near the ocean but the Mona Campground does sit on the northwest shore of Blue River Reservoir, surrounded by lush vegetation and rows of mixed conifers. Mona is known for its great fishing, swimming, and boating activities and Read more...

Lookout Campground Ahoy able bodied seaman (and women)! Set your anchor at Lookout Campground for a long weekend, lakeside getaway. Situated in an open, sun-filled meadow this 20-site campground is loaded with amenities and–-BONUS–-a boat ramp. At $12 a site ($6 per extra vehicle) its pretty tight, but hey, the more the merrier, right? Lookou Read more...

Let’s cut to the chase: extreme camping isn’t for everyone. If your packing list looks like a liquor store run, you might want to consider a campground with some basic amenities–for safety’s sake. Lucky for you (and your thirsty–er–outdoorsy buddies) this rustic 6-site, tent-only, free campground is equipped with vaulted toilets, picnic tables, fi Read more...

Trail Bridge Campground is so hot right now. Not temperature hot, but like Hansel hot, it’s high in demand! Find the 46 campsites, including 27 walk-in/tent sites and 19 RV sites scattered about large old-growth douglas fir, and open grassy meadows. Find pretty much all of the amenities here, including a campground host (April-October), flus Read more...

You’ll find the Yukwah Campground on the banks of the South Santiam River, surrounded by a forest of second growth Douglas-fir. This is a great spot for hiking, swimming, and fishing! You can also walk along the short Nature Trail, which runs through the campground and leads to two platforms for viewing the river. This site is particularly ac Read more...

Get your landlubbin’ self on a boat, and go explore Lakes End Campground! These 17 sites are popular with people looking for a remote, removed from the beaten path camping experience. Locate the boat launch on the eastern shore of Smith Reservoir, and travel 1. 8 miles north across the lake to find this campground less traveled. It’s primitive, an Read more...

You’ll find Ice Cap Creek Campground on a bluff up above the McKenzie River and Carmen Reservoir. The McKenzie, designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, won’t be visible from your campsite, since you’ll be surrounded by a stand of hemlock, Douglas fir, and cedar. Ideal for hikers, this location provides easy access to McKenzie River Tr Read more...

This tent-only, little cub campsite next to Big Lake Campground offers a quieter, more secluded camping experience and a good chance for wildlife sightings than its more motorized brethren up the shore. Located at the top of the Santiam Pass and surrounded by dense forest of hemlock and fir, sightings of black bears, deer, racoon, cougars and elk Read more...

River views don’t get much better than this! Fernview Campground is perched high above a scenic portion of the South Santiam River. Follow the nearby Trout Creek Trail to the historic Long Ranch, which is now an Elk Refuge. Two of 11 the sites are for tents only, but the others can accommodate your car or trailer. Sites are available on a fir Read more...

The Lost Prairie Campground is located along Hackleman Creek, nestled among towering trees of spruce, and Douglas fir. This campground is great for those wanting a historic experience; just like the olden days, water is available by handpump only and you’ll have access to Old Santiam Wagon Road, which helped early travelers cross the Cascades! Read more...

A holy grail for water recreation seekers, this multi-use campground stretches across the western shore of–you guessed it–Big Lake. Boasting all the best camping amenities, including a boat ramp and four bathroom facilities, campers have tons of outdoor activities to choose from including water skiing, kayaking, swimming, hiking and even sailing. Read more...

Packard Creek Campground is huge and nearly fully accessible. Perfect for large gatherings, Packard Creek hosts 36-sites–about half sit directly on the water–boat docks, restrooms and an amphitheater. Family reunion anybody? Check website for closures.

Lost Lake is no lost cause, in fact it’s quite the popular destination for fishers and hunters who are looking for a good catch! Fishing is catch and release only though, so you’ll have to bring something extra to snack on while you stay. Located on the west shore of Lost Lake, take note that the water levels can be lower in the summer as the wate Read more...

The Whispering Falls Campground is located on the North Santiam River, surrounded by a forest of towering trees. Don’t have a date? No probs; as the name suggests, the River will whisper sweet nothings in your ear all night long as it cascades past your tent. The campground is also located near trails with stunning views of the forest, lakes, and Read more...

Bah, humbug! Even Ebenezer Scrooge would find it difficult to be grumpy here! Humbug Campground is located on the gorgeous Breitenbush River in an old-growth forest of conifers. Spectacular views can be found from the nearby hiking trails and Gold Butte Lookout. The lone cabin on top of the Lookout can also be rented out for a rustic adventure! Read more...

Marion Forks Campground is a great spot for campers seeking some solitude. The campground and trails are less crowded than other areas in the vicinity… most people pass right by this gem on their way to the Marion Restaurant! Head up to Independence Rock for a brisk morning hike (you might be the only one there). There is no water available o Read more...

Breitenbush Campground is located along the cascading Breitenbush River, where you’ll have easy access to fishing and hiking trails. An abundance of plants and foliage separate campsites here, so campers have some privacy. This popular spot has 30 campsites available for tents, cars, and trailers. Each site has a picnic table and a grill. Nea Read more...

Riverside Campground is located… on the riverside! Near the North Satiam River, this is the perfect location for those seeking a quiet getaway, while still being close to civilization. You’ll have easy access to several trailheads, and the Marion Forks Restaurant is a quick drive away. 21 of the campground’s 36 sites can be reserved in advanc Read more...