Best Camping in and near Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

94% (23 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Detroit Lake State Recreation Area adventure.

Escape to the mountains, forest, and lake all in one park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

94%

(23)

Detroit Lake Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

98%

(134)

Tranquil Orchards and Wine Tours

9 sites · RVs, Tents28 acres · 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, 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 April 1st - November 30th Complimentary carts to move gear in the orchard Picnic Tables campsites 2-7 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

98%

(946)

Molalla Ripple

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Mulino, 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 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 room. Thank you, let's keep things clean and safe for others to enjoy! 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 tree's 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 July 1-4th. 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.

95%

(434)

Zigzag Mountain Farm

6 sites · Tents50 acres · Rhododendron, OR

Located on Mount Hood about an hour from Portland, Zigzag Mountain Farm is home to an organic garden, old homestead, house, yurts, and barn. 50 acres of open meadows and forest, bordering thousands of acres of national forest. The farm is home to an organic garden, campfire circle, picnic area, a city bus with a campers' kitchen, outdoor seating area with BBQ, kids play structure and hiking trails. The cabin on the property was built by the original homesteaders. Britta and Jim purchased the property in 2009. It had been vacant for a number of years. Giant slash piles scattered the land from previous logging. The house and cabin were not livable and needed major renovations. In 2019 we purchased and brought in a city bus and converted it to a campers kitchen. A year-round creek flows through the property and 3 major rivers are nearby. The Zigzag Mountain Lookout Trail leaves from the property. The property was homesteaded in the late 1800's. E. Mountain Drive was the wagon train trail into Portland, known as the Barlow Trail. Zigzag Mountain farm offers the perfect escape from the city.

98%

(47)

Mt. Hood Enchanted Forest

4 sites · Lodging, Tents17 acres · 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 There are a few walking paths and plenty of room to roam. 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.

97%

(475)

Camp Cedar Creek ⛺️🌲🚐

36 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents37 acres · Sandy, OR

***PLEASE CLICK "SHOW MORE" AND READ EVERYTHING BEFORE BOOKING OR ASKING QUESTIONS.*** TLDR; WE HAVE TWO SECTIONS OF THIS CAMPGROUND: 1. For creekside campers (campsites named after mushrooms): 4WD/AWD required, pack-in-pack-out, and off-leash dog friendly 2. For vanlifers & digital nomads (spots are numbered): vans/vehicles only (2WD okay), on-leash dog friendly, with access to hilltop barn with communal kitchen, flush toilets + showers, coworking space + wifi, laundry, and gym/game area The creek section from Candy Cap to Turkey Tail and the hiking trails are accessible to all hipcampers. Creekside campers can also get access the barn with a Blue Barn pass ($15/person). You can add the Blue Barn Pass to your reservation or come check it out and add it during your stay. MORE ABOUT THE LAND: Located right off Hwy 26, directly in between the city of Portland and the peak of Mt. Hood, you'll find the most peaceful corner of the Pacific Northwest for you to pitch your tent or park your van. We are conveniently located just 6 minutes from downtown Sandy, known for its food trucks, outdoor gear shops, and the famous Joe's Donuts. Though we are right off a busy highway, we're in a valley so all you'll hear are the tranquil sounds of Cedar Creek's flowing waters and the chirping birds who live in the cedars overhead. The small clearings throughout the property provide natural privacy for our campers, while the barn provides amenities making it difficult to leave. We're so honored to share this magical place with as many people exploring the Pacific Northwest as we can. We hope your stay here will bring you a deep sense of peace, inspire creativity, give you whatever it is you're in need of at this moment in time. Take a dip in Cedar Creek, sit and read by one of the ponds, get your heart pumping on the hilly trails on the north side of the property, pick as many blackberries as you can find if in season. We can't wait to host you! NON-NEGOTIABLE RULES: PACK IN PACK OUT: We do not have trash or recycling bins down in the creekside campground so please keep your waste contained and take it with you when you leave. Please do not throw any trash in the porta-potties. 4WD/AWD REQUIRED PAST THE BARN: The steep gravel roads can be tough for some cars and rigs (particularly on the way out) and consequently, can cause a lot of damage to our roads. So for everyone's safety, we have restricted access to only vehicles with 4WD or AWD only. Please do not message us asking us to advise on the vehicle you have. If someone in your party has a 2WD vehicle, they can park up in the entry lot and get shuttled down to the campsites in a 4WD vehicle. If we see a 2WD vehicle in the campground, we will ask you to leave and if we have to dig you out, we will charge a $200 fee. Thank you for respecting our policies and helping us maintain our space. DOG FRIENDLY: We are as dog friendly as it gets here. Unleashed dogs are allowed on this property down by the creek (on-leash required in and around the barn). If you have a fear of dogs, or have dogs that are not friendly with other people or fellow dogs, this probably isn't the right campground for you. Of course, we expect all dog owners to keep an eye on their pets so they don't disturb other campers or ingest anything they're not supposed to. QUIET HOURS: 10pm-9am. We ask that guests keep the noise (loud music and loud conversations) to a minimum between 10pm and 9am. We live onsite and will enforce these if we have to (please don't make us). NO FIREARMS, FIREWORKS OR ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE USE. This is not a late night party campsite. This property is best enjoyed in the daylight and we encourage campers who want to take full advantage of the scenery, will abide by the quiet hours, and maintain a safe space for all. OTHER INFO: CELL SERVICE: There is an AT&T tower on our property so that gets the best service by far. Verizon is pretty good. T-mobile does not get reception here. There is high-speed internet up at the barn that is accessible with a Blue Barn Pass.

99%

(589)

Ruah Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · 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.

99%

(374)

Calliope Retreat

4 sites · Tents11 acres · Beavercreek, OR

Welcome to Calliope Vineyard and Retreat Center! We are open for camping, as well as full property use: weddings, friend gatherings, family gatherings and retreats. (Full property use, all campsites, and front of property) please inquire for details/cost/available dates) *If you don't see a weekend open for dates for a full property booking, please inquire as we have some weekends blocked off for potential weddings/retreats. THE PROPERTY: Our campsites are on two beautiful ponds with a seasonal creek in an old growth cedar forest with a few trails to enjoy the stillness and magic of the woods. There are 11 acres with a vineyard, fruit orchard, large garden, cob garden wall for lounging, fire pit at the vineyard with several picnic tables and hammocks, a big open field above the camping area, and the beautiful cedar forest. *Coming Spring 2024: A large deck off the barn for music, dinners, yoga and gathering. We consider this land sacred. We are only caretakers passing through, and honor this place and the original people of this land: The Molalla, Clackamas, and Kalapuya tribes, who were "relocated" to the Grand Ronde Reservation in the mid 1800's. Please be mindful of the energy of the forest, and all the people and animals who still reside and have come before. The forest is home to beavers, coyote, deer, raccoons, salamanders, frogs, and many bird and bug species. Our dream is to share this land with all people to create community in harmony with nature and provide a safe space. We welcome, open heartedly, people of all gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and artistic expression. WHEN YOU ARRIVE: Proceed down our long driveway to the bottom. Take a left at the sport court, and continue right. On your left is the woodshed with the "Calliope Farm" mural. You will see two parking spots to the left of the woodshed (Harmony Hollow parking) and two on the right (Hobbit Circle) You can unload here and grab a cart. Across from the parking, on the red barn, is the water station, and the hot tub sign up sheet. You will be walking/carting your things down to the forest where you will pass the outhouse on the left. For Harmony Hollow, after you cross the first bridge, take the path to the left and cross a second bridge and the campsite is on your right. For Hobbit Circle, cross the first bridge and walk around the pond, which will lead you to the campsite. The campsites are a short walk, (200 yards) but there is a decline, and you need to be a little hearty to walk back up the hill with your things. You will have a good amount of space and privacy for your group, but may encounter others visiting the forest as well. Enjoy a social time while respecting that some come for quiet and reflection. We provide a picnic table, fire-pit and fire extinguisher. (with an option to purchase firewood) There is wood that can be found on the ground, but keep in mind we have very wet winters and springs. FIRE SAFETY: If you bring your own firewood, make sure it is DRY to avoid excess smoke. We respect fire bans, and take fire safety very seriously. (as well as our elderly neighbors). Be extra careful with cigarette sparks, and please keep your fire on the smaller side. We reserve the right to suddenly ban fires if it is feeling extra dry. Please do not burn smokey wood (oak or wet wood) and do not leave fires unattended. Please make sure fires are fully extinguished before retiring for the evening or departing. We wish to all work together for safety, with intelligence, common sense, and fire consciousness. OFFERINGS: We have a cedar hot tub, massage therapy, and an outdoor shower. The charge for the hot tub is $15 per person for 75 minutes of hot tub time. You can schedule the hot tub for privacy at the sign up sheet on the barn. If you would like to shower and not hot tub, the cost is $5 per shower, otherwise its included in the hot tub fee, and required for hot tub entrance. If you, or anyone in your group did not pay for a hot tub ahead of time, you will find a Venmo link on the barn, or can bring cash. HOT TUB: The hot tub sign up sheet is on the barn next to the water station. It is first come first serve. If you are a larger group using the tub, consider choosing a later spot for water displacement. If the hot tub is too hot, please add cold water from the hose to desired temp. PLEASE do not turn down the temperature on the hot tub, but use the cold water to create desired temp, but not below 102. If you are staying multiple nights and would like to hot tub again, the cost is $10 pp, instead of $15. Kids under 10 are $5 The hot tub is to the right of the house down by the garden. Your time is private, but we may need to visit/work in the garden. PLEASE read and be mindful of the hot tub etiquette posted in the hot tub area. VINEYARD: ~Silas Wines~ This is the original vineyard for Silas Wines founded in 2010. Our Pinot Noir vines are 40 year old Wadensville clone planted by the Ritter family in the early 80's. You are welcome to walk the vineyard, and explore the front of the property. Our neighbor Beth, to the west, is a master gardener, and loves to give tours of her gardens or you can wander on your own. (please inquire) Dogs: Please let us know if you will be bringing a dog. We and our neighbors have chickens that are penned and free ranged. Please DO NOT allow your dog (or yourself) to roam on our neighbors property over the fence in the next field to the East. He is very friendly, and we have a good relationship, but that is his request. Please pick up after your dog. Please do not lose site of dog, and keep them on leash in common areas. Please do not leave your dog unattended at the campsite or anywhere on the property where they will bark and disturb other guests. THE CARAVAN SPOT: Please let us know if you are needing a van camping spot opposed to tent camping in the woods. We do have a few different options for car camping, and when booking select the "caravan spot". We also can split up your group if some are tent camping and others need van camping, but you would need to book the two different sites. We look forward to hosting you and invite you to enjoy camping at Calliope Farm and the Cedar Forest. +++Our goal is to donate a portion of earnings to NAYA (The Native American Youth and Family center) and to MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women).

99%

(253)

The Falls at Elk Prairie

3 sites · Tents40 acres · Molalla, OR

Learn more about this land: Centrally located in the Foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range between Portland and Salem, The Falls at Elk Prairie is a small, private, "ADULT ONLY" (minimum of 21 years) Campground that has newly opened in the fall of 2021. Please review the Rules to make sure they can be adhered to. Dogs, outsourced Firewood and more then 4 people per Site are not allowed. This isolated and remote Campground will provide the quiet, peaceful and semi private camping experience you're looking for. Currently there are three camp Sites located at the base of a forty foot Waterfall flowing into a damned Pool/ swimming Hole. Each Site has it's own primitive picnic Table, seating and fire Ring. The rest Room is conveniently located nearby for Privacy. The camp Sites are accessible by a short Walk, taking only a few Minutes. Enjoy a variety of Activities all close by, such as hiking, mountain Biking, swimming, fishing and nature watching. The Molalla River Corridor, Table Rock Wilderness Area and Silver Falls State Park are all close by.

95%

(66)

Marmot House Old Growth Forest

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Sandy, OR

Marmot House is a lush 13 acres of mostly old growth forest in the foothills of Mt. Hood, right on the Historic Oregon Trail. It is close to hiking, biking, and forested waterfalls a short drive away. We have beautiful short hikes on trails in our forest on the property. World class windsurfing 30 miles away in Hood River, as well as more amazing waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. The Sandy River recreation area is just up the road from us and we are 10 mins. from The Sandy Ridge Trail with its 17 miles of mountain bike trails. Each campsite is tucked in the woods and has access our communal fire pit at our gathering space. Our well water tastes amazing! The is not a developed campground, it is our home. We see ourselves as stewards of this hidden forest gem and welcome people to enjoy its beauty. We are avid campers and recently spend 9 months in our teardrop trailer off grid on public lands. Living here we are family of four plus one who all work from home, Arehn a spiritual life coach, who loves to cook, Jim a software engineer and disc golfer, sons Ian, software engineer and writer and Sam, Environmental Science major and elite level Ultimate frisbee player. Tom Brown III (T3), Nature Educator and professional Photographer, lives in a separate apartment on the property.

92%

(71)

Lake Labish Farm

14 sites · RVs, Tents72 acres · Keizer, OR

Convenient rest area less than one mile off of I-5 near Keizer Station. Pull off the freeway, park your truck, trailer or RV and get some rest. This land is an active farming operation that has been going on, since 1850s. Make sure to catch the sunset or sunrise with an almost unobstructed view. We are located less than a two-minute drive from Keizer station for all your shopping needs including: Target, Lowes, Starbucks, In-N-Out, Chick-fil-A, McDonalds, a gas station and many more.

100%

(25)

Old Elkhorn Golf Course

36 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Lyons, OR

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.

100%

(4)

Shelter at Castle Rock Farm

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Mc Kenzie Bridge, OR

Castle Rock Farm was established as a homestead 1893, and sits at the base of Castle Rock. Quite, not on the highway. Stay on grassy pasture nestled in-between the edge of old growth forest under a magnificent big Maple Tree, nearby a small babbling brook passes by accompanied by the chorus of songbirds. You might catch a glimpse of the Great Gray owls. A birder's paradise, over 150 nesting boxes on the property. During your stay enjoy the wind whispering through the trees, birds singing, owls hooting and abundant wildlife. There are Great Gray owls, Pileated woodpeckers, and many various bird species and wildlife that pass by. You will not be camping or glamping next to someone's house in their yard, gravel parking lot, by a busy road, a pile of gravel or wood chips mislead by false pictures. Shelter at Castle Rock farm is extremely private, inclusive, perfect for relaxing and to decompress. A short stroll away you can feed the native wild cutthroat trout in the fish pond. On the way feel free to sample some of the wild native strawberries growing in the natural pasture. There are two extremely friendly yellow labs on the property, one very old, one young, they do go on walks with me past the Big Maple site on the trail in the morning and the evening. King Castle Trailhead is 4 minutes down the road from entrance to Shelter at Castle Rock. Upon request , Big Maple site can accommodate extra tents, group site, from 0 to 20 tents, for special events, birding groups, weddings, biking groups, runners, ect. Also we have contacts from other lodging facilities in the area that provide rafting trips, bike and mountain bike shuttles, bike rentals, hiking shuttles to pick you up and return. Castle Rock Farm was established as a homestead 1893, and sits at the base of Castle Rock. For the last 37 years it has been maintained as private wildlife and birding preserve. The original fruit orchards are over a 125 years old. No herbicides or pesticides of any kind are used. Only private led tours by birding experts and wildlife viewing has been allowed. Castle Rock farm is known throughout the Mckenzie community as the one of the most spectacular one of a kind properties in Mckenzie Bridge. All wood used in construction and furniture was milled at Castle Rock Farm with a vintage Heritage Cut pattern circle sawmill from sustainably sourced fire killed trees and windblown downed trees. All campfire wood is sustainably sourced also. Site was built by our family of Journeymen Craftsmen that build Custom Homes in the area, so everything is professionally built with attention to detail, not a DIY campsite. Camping/glamping site is outfitted with a large 10' by 14' heavy deluxe canvas tent, upgraded with extra windows, sewn in heavy vinyl floor, No-See-Um netting, on a wood platform. Tent area is covered so foul weather will not spoil your camping adventure. Custom built with our Heritage cut lumber , one large Porta Potty with premium biodegradable tank treatment. Included with Big Maple site is. Unlimited firewood usage (no charge) kindling, fire starters, 1 large fire pit, 1 Solo fire pit on the deck, 4 quality camping chairs, 2 camping swinging chairs, 8 solar flicker lanterns, solar string lights, 2 led solar lanterns, large handmade hammock , 3 camping hammocks, handmade wood furniture & table. Campfires are allowed until regulations forbid campfires of fire danger, you can bring your own propane fire pit when fire season is in affect and no campfires are allowed. Inside the tent, 2 large washable Tumble rugs, 2 large oversized cots, 3 handmade night stands. Led rechargeable lantern. Portable battery bank to charge electronic devices You will have to bring your own bedding and camp mattress. Outdoor covered cooking station, includes 2 stoves, misc supplies, water jugs with electric faucet, cooking gas canisters, butcher block cutting table, 2 dry sinks, dish rack, 2 percolator coffee pots, 3 large citronella candles, small trash bags, trash cans, dog waste bags, dog waste bin. I probably missed something, but that about sums it up. Proceed to gate for Shelter access, open the gate, close gate behind you, proceed following the signage with arrows until you reach Big Maple Campsite and enjoy your stay.

The best camping near Detroit Lake State Recreation Area 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

You can reserve all RV sites, tent sites, and cabins at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area Campground online via the Reserve America website.
Online reservations can be made up to nine months in advance.
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.