The best camping in Detroit Lake State Recreation Area, OR

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Top-rated campgrounds

Action Sports Roamer Sites-Mt. Hood

98%
(765)
45mi from Detroit Lake State Recreation Area · 28 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sandy, OR
Attention... Skiers/Snowboarders, MTB'ers, Hikers, Skaters, Adventurers, all outdoor enthusiast. Our outdoor sauna and spring fed cold plunge is open and ready relieve you of all your mountain soreness. The year 1989 birthed the renowned Windells Camp and High Cascade Snowboard Camps at Mt. Hood, Oregon. What resulted today is a 28-acre action sports mecca that serves as the pathway for nearly every action sports professional and these special Roamer Sites give you a sampling of that experience. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Hood and its year round lift-accessible snow, these adventure rigs sites for #vanlife, roamer trucks, and nimble RVs place you on the campus of one of the world's premiere destinations for actions sports. We also offer glamping tents. With Sandy Ridge mountain bike trails within a mile, and over 40,000 sf of skateboard park, there is something for everyone. Your Roamer Site one of 18 featuring a communal campfire and picnic tables. From 5-7pm M-F and 7-10AM Sat/Sun you'll have access to our private indoor and outdoor skateboard parks, and fitness center. Want coaching and more? We have that! (additional fee and reservation apply). Guests love it here "Great camp setup with RV sites and tent Glamping site in nice big canvas tents. I had a quick in and out one night stay and enjoy the big trees and peace and quiet. Located next to an actions sports camp, and the hills which allow for lots of hiking and relaxing" Please note. Due to Oregon's liability laws, we can no longer offer the Trampolines or on campus Bike Trails as an amenity. Skateparks (indoor and outdoor), remain open, and their is a great public bike trail system just across the street at Sand Ridge.
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$40
 / night

Camp Colton

96%
(186)
33mi from Detroit Lake State Recreation Area · 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.
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$53
 / night

Molalla Ripple

98%
(1244)
35mi from Detroit Lake State Recreation Area · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Molalla, OR
Welcome to Molalla Ripple! Enjoy the sound of the Molalla River rolling over the rocks. Wake up to birds chirping and tall trees swaying in the breeze. The campsites are sixty feet apart for privacy, and one path along the River Shack that leads to the river with two private beach areas to relax. NOTE, Please use the clean bathrooms provided. DO NOT USE THE WOODS or camp site as your bathroom. Thank you, let's keep things clean and safe for others to enjoy! We are forced to require our guests to pay a cleaning fee that's refundable after your stay. Please add the extra to your booking. We have tried to work with our guests to offer trash service, yet campers leave more than we can handle or clean before our next guest arrives. This is our home and property that we want to share, so let us work together to keep it clean and safe. Thank you from the Toops Family Jsm Ranch started in 2004 when we moved from Oregon City. This once was a working farm with two chicken barns and a meat locker barn. All had been fallen into disrepair before taking owner ship. In 2007 we planted 200 trees and 100 shrubs to build a new fish and wildlife habitat along Woodcock Creek. We then focused on building fence along the Molalla River to protect water quality. From there, we started raising Black Angus in 2008 after spending four years cleaning up the fields to make it safe for animals. We strive to be good stewards with our land as we continue to work with Clackamas Soil and Water to make better working lands. You're only minutes away from the town of Molalla to grab a bite, groceries or other camp items. Also have Molalla Rodeo just 3 minutes away on Splat Action Paintball is just five minutes away. Open all year. -March 21 – April 27, 2025 Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival Camp with us while you visit. Just twenty minutes away or thirteen miles. -July 1-4th. The Molalla train park! You won't be disappointed for a great breakfast at Tammy D's (Mulino, OR), sandwiches at Humble Pig or pizza at Bear Creek Pizza & Pub.
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$30
 / night

Rustic Tiny Escape Near Mt Hood OR!

49mi from Detroit Lake State Recreation Area · 1 site · Lodging · Damascus, OR
Follow the path behind the country home to this cozy, private tiny studio. A peaceful retreat for adventurous travelers. It includes a snug bed, kitchenette, and essentials for a comfortable stay. Guests should be comfortable with a steep loft and a composting toilet. Local coffee, wine, sparkling water, and snacks are provided. Just 30 min to SE Portland, 45 to PDX, 40 to Gorge waterfalls, and 1 hour to Mt. Hood. The space Inside, you’ll find everything needed for a comfortable stay. The tiny home has two levels: the ground floor includes a living area, kitchenette, and bathroom, and the bedroom is upstairs, accessed by a steep staircase. The loft has a queen bed, clean linens, and windows that bring in natural light. The bathroom includes a composting toilet designed for tiny living. It’s easy to use, odor-free, and water-saving, with clear instructions provided. I live in the main house on the property, but you’ll have full privacy. The tiny home has its own entrance and outdoor space, and I won’t enter your area. Many guests say it feels like their own private cabin. Guests appreciate the rustic design, warm lighting, and efficient layout that makes the space feel larger than expected. Step outside to your patio for fresh air and quiet views, or explore the property and pick apples or grapes for a small taste of Oregon’s countryside. Guest access You’ll have full private access to the tiny home and your own outdoor area. The property is shared with the main house, but your entrance and guest spaces are completely separate. A shared washer and dryer are available in the main house if needed. Parking is on-site, just a short walk from the studio entrance. Other things to note House Rules: No smoking or vaping inside. Only registered guests are allowed overnight. Pets are allowed and confirm at booking. Please treat the space with care and let me know right away if anything needs attention. The home is in great condition. Because of the rural setting, you might occasionally hear wildlife Nearby Attractions: 30 min to SE Portland | 45 min to PDX Airport | 1 hr to Mt. Hood | 40 min to Columbia Gorge waterfalls. There are also nearby breweries, wineries, and small-town cafés within a 15–20 minute drive. Stay Lengths: I welcome both short- and mid-term st
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$108
 / night

GeerCrest Farm

97%
(501)
34mi from Detroit Lake State Recreation Area · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Salem, OR
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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$36
 / night

Mt. Hood Enchanted Forest

99%
(274)
45mi from Detroit Lake State Recreation Area · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Sandy, OR
The property is 17 acres of enchanted forestland with 300ft of Sandy River frontage. Both sides of the river are part of the Enchanted Forest. Please note that all campsites are not accessible by vehicle and do involve a short walk from the parking area. Therefore, RV's/campers, rooftop tents, and camper vans are not ideal for this property. Bring your paddle board or kayak to enjoy the river (Dependent on river level/current strength) The property is located within 2 miles from the Sandy Ridge Mountain bike trails and Barlow Wayside hiking trails. It's approximately 20 minutes to Government camp, ~ 35 minutes to Timberline for skiing and biking and an additional ~ 15 minutes to Mt. Hood Meadows. Approximately 50 min to PDX airport, and 1 hour to downtown Portland.
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$39
 / night

Ruah Ranch

98%
(697)
29mi from Detroit Lake State Recreation Area · 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.
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$40
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Tranquil Orchards and Wine Tours

96%
(383)
45mi from Detroit Lake State Recreation Area · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · Aurora, OR
Reconnect with nature and escape the heat on our 28 acre filbert orchard, better known as hazelnuts. On hot summer days you’ll find the temperature under the orchard canopy almost 10 degrees cooler at the heat of the day. Feel free to roam the orchard, play a little hide and seek, hang up a hammock, or bring a blanket and picnic. Within walking or bicycle distance are fantastic amenities including Aurora Colony Vineyards, Pheasant Run Tasting room (Friday summer concerts), Aurora Colony Pub (acoustic Thursday), Filbert Farmhouse Restaurant, White Rabbit Bakery, Aurora Healing Gardens-psilocybin experience (advanced reservation required), a local park and lots of antique stores. Within driving distance are tons of wineries, breweries, distilleries and the Woodburn Outlet Mall. Here to visit wine country? We have a local wine tour company that offers pickup at our site: www.TheGoodVibesTour.com New this year are several cool features including: Outdoor Shower: Available Memorial Day - Labor Day 2nd enclosed shower 3 Flushing Toilets Picnic Tables Hammocks to enjoy while you visit Pick-up available on property for wine tours Welcome to our little bit of paradise; we hope you enjoy your time here in the Willamette Valley. Cheers, ~Shane
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$25
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Other options near Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

The best camping in Detroit Lake State Recreation Area, OR guide

Overview

About

It’s all about the views at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area. Perched on the glittering shores of Detroit Lake, the forested peaks of the Cascade Mountains stretch out all the way to the snow-capped peak of Mt. Jefferson on the horizon. Whether you’re coming to cruise the lake, fish for rainbow trout and catfish, cool off at the swimming areas, or enjoy water skiing and other water sports, the lakeside spot is the perfect camping getaway. There’s just one campground within the Recreation Area, but it has everything you might need, including full hookups, tent sites, and three mini-cabins.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve all RV sites, tent sites, and cabins at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area Campground online via the Reserve America website. 
  2. Online reservations can be made up to nine months in advance. 
  3. With 300 campsites available, there’s plenty of space, but lake-view campsites, boat moorings, and cabins can book up fast over summer and holiday weekends, so reserve as soon as possible.

When to go

Summer is the best time to camp by the lake, and April through September is peak season. However, be sure to check the water levels prior to arrival as they can be unpredictable, and the lake sometimes dries up during late summer. The campground stays open year-round, although some sites are closed during low season.

Know before you go

  • Detroit Lake State Recreation Area is located within the Willamette National Forest, 90 miles southeast of Portland or about a 1-hour 40-minute drive. 
  • Day passes and/or camping reservations are required for all vehicles entering the recreation area, and booking fees also apply. 
  • Blue-green algae, which is toxic to humans and dogs, can bloom at Detroit Lake, so follow park guidance on swimming and water sports.
  • You can bring your own boat or watercraft to Detroit Lake, and there are both reservable and non-reservable moorings available, as well as two boat ramps.
  • Facilities at Detroit Lake include a Visitor Centre with a gift shop and general store, volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, a playground, and a fishing dock. The closest dump station is in Salem, 51 miles away. Generators are not permitted.
  • There are accessible restrooms and campsites at Detroit Lake Recreation Area.
94%
23 ratings · 2 reviews

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