Marcus H.
Guide
GuideBig River Campground
Big River with a small campground
The river is nice. There are very limited sites available. Bathroom toilet lid was broken and looked like the host has t been by in a while.
Camping near Blue River, OR
355 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Dispersed camping locations and established campgrounds can be found throughout the Blue River area of Oregon, located in the Willamette National Forest along the McKenzie River. Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping offers free dispersed sites with riverside access, while established options include Paradise Campground, Lookout Campground, and Mona Campground. The region supports both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens also offering cabin accommodations and access to natural hot springs.
Access to many camping areas varies seasonally, with most established campgrounds operating from May through September or October. Several sites have experienced closures due to wildfire damage in recent years. "The coordinates take you to right by the reservoir with one or two spots but if you keep going down the road into the National Forest/Recreation area, there are plenty of spots off the road to camp at," noted one visitor describing Blue River Reservoir dispersed camping. Winter conditions may limit access to higher elevation sites, while summer brings increased competition for waterfront locations. Most dispersed areas lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring self-sufficiency.
The McKenzie River corridor provides a focal point for camping experiences in the area, with clear waters and forested settings attracting anglers and water enthusiasts. Sites near the water tend to fill quickly during summer weekends. A camper mentioned, "We found a spot to put our tent right off the road but still a safe distance away from it and was able to watch and hear this clear blue river while we fell asleep." Wildlife viewing opportunities include frogs and salamanders in the smaller waterways. Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly at dusk near water sources. Campgrounds like Mona feature spacious, private sites separated by vegetation, though the reservoir water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year, affecting water recreation possibilities. Many dispersed sites require visitors to pack out all trash, as improper waste disposal has been noted as an issue in some areas.
Best Campgrounds near Blue River (355)
1. Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping
"We found a spot to put our tent (right off the road) but still a safe distance away from it and was able to watch and hear this clear blue river while we fell asleep."
"Absolutely no signal for ATT other than being able to send a text via satellite but if you came here hoping to watch YouTube forget about it and honestly why do that at blue River lol."
2. Paradise In Oregon
"Ice cold McKenzie River water to watch & listen, lull you to sleep, with old growth forest & trails to walk/bike."
"Paradise in Oregon (located in Oregon, DUH!), is one of my favorite places to go. I have been there twice- One with family and the other time with college friends."
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability3. Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens
"Rv sites available close to the lodge along the river and up the hill away from the water. Both sites have pools filled by the springs."
"Situated on the McKenzie River and near the McKenzie River Trail (MRT), this spot has it all."
from $38 - $550 / night
Check Availability4. Lookout Campground
"We had direct access to the lake, but it looks like if the lake was low it would be a climb to get down to the water. No electricity or water so bring all that."
from $24 / night
Check Availability5. Paradise Campground
"Oregon State Parks have the best website, brochures and information so you can often drive in totally prepared. USFS has some major catching up to do."
"Room for several tents on nice flat spots, not too close to adjacent sites with drinking water just across from parking. The slow moving creek means mosquitos are pretty bad at dusk, but bearable."
6. Mona Campground
"I go to this spot every year and it is amazing how the water level in Blue river reservoir fluctuates."
"Mona was about 2 hr 45m drive from Portland. Our campsite was shaded with a fire pit, bench and plenty of room for tents and gear. Dog friendly, which was a big perk."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability7. Mckenzie Bridge
"We stayed two nights tucked right up against the Mckenzie river. It was beautiful and peaceful."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability8. French Pete Campground
"Ranger review of Banner and Oak Baseball hats at French Pete campground, Oregon."
"Tucked back in the deep forest lays old french pete, everything’s covered in moss and old growth, the camp host was so sweet and was willing to help with anything. The bathrooms were cleaned nightly!"
from $19 - $38 / night
Check Availability9. Cougar Crossing Campground — Willamette National Forest
"Hard to find because there is limited signage around the reservoir. Once you pass the hot springs, travel over the bridge and the campground will be located on the right side."
"The river it’s on isn’t accessible to swim at, but there are animals who drink and catch fish out of it!!"
from $18 / night
Check Availability10. Holiday Farm RV Park
"This park is right off the scenic McKenzie highway. About a mile from Tokatee Golf Club (rated as one of the “Best Courses in Oregon”)."
"Though it’s a HOA, the lot owners rent out vacant lots and it’s a really nice location. Nice, small dog park. Nice people. Great hosts. Very pleasant stay."
from $45 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 49 min from Eugene, OR
- 1 hr 17 min from Albany, OR
- 1 hr 25 min from Corvallis, OR
- 1 hr 30 min from Bend, OR
Recent Camping Photos near Blue River, OR
542 Photos of 355 Blue River Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Blue River, OR
1470 Reviews of 355 Blue River Campgrounds
- jjeff
ScoutBaker Bay Campgrounds & Marina - a Lane County Park
Nice scenery
nice scenery, beautiful lake just wished they took a little better care of the campground. Showers don’t work, pit toilet smelled to hi heaven, and some of the porta-potties are full and have flies.
- Jenette S.Scout
Gills Landing RV Park
Nice by the river spot
It is a great tv spot, spaced out from your neighbors. Unfortunately it is next to a river trail full of homeless people. Now I don’t judge but there is a lot of screaming yelling and fighting with this crowd. Not a safe feeling
- MMystle W.Guide
Eugene Kamping World RV Park
Basic
We ended up here as a last-minute stay due to the wild fires. They were very accommodating.
Reasonable price, a lot of long-term residents, quiet and everyone keeps to themselves, restrooms and showers are clean. Propane refill, dump station, large fenced in dog run.
Coin laundry - no change machine tho..
- JJoseph C.
TravelerWhitcomb Creek County Park
Excellent Campground
Well maintained grounds and restrooms. Beautiful area with a lot of tree coverage for shade all day. Lake was very low during our stay did not get to experience much beyond the view. Fire season so there weren’t campfires permitted either. IMO fires should be allowed even in dry season in this modality of camping certainly this structured. Mandatory 5 gallon on hand anyway. But in any case the site manager was exceptionally nice and considerate they did a wonderful job keeping the amenities clean
Jerry N.GuideStout Creek Falls
Excellent private and quiet location
End of a short road off the BLM road past the Weyerhauser gravel pit. This is State of Oregon land and is nearby Stout Creek Falls. Room for a shorty skoolie at most but it would be tight, two vans would be comfortable as there is a separate location about 150 feet up the road from the end. There are multiple fire pits. T-Mobile reception was excellent with 4 bars. A small town with a gas station and market about 4 miles away.
- EEric C.Scout
North Fork of the Middle Fork Willamette River
Good spot off the road
It is a good spot. Not very big and river access is somewhat of a climb.
- JJoleen O.Guide
Whychus creek dispersed
Nice Creekside open space
While the creek is under restoration and I don’t believe you should go in, it’s a great audible backdrop to this open pine forest. The spot has 2-3 designated spots to the right of the bridge. Many more areas you can walk a tent in. The drive out can be long, but it’s beautiful with views of the sisters. Minimal traffic all the way I it here, but trail heads along the way.
Kyle L.GuideSparks Lake Recreation Area
Such as sending location, but varies greatly depending on the time of year.
I first started coming to the spot more than 10 years ago and every time I come it’s a little bit different. There are a handful of disperse sites along the east side of the lake, but I would say truck camper or van only as anything towable is not likely to fit. There is a paid campground on the right hand side right when you first pull in where you will fit if you’re towing.
The lake itself is great but the water levels change drastically. With this review, the lake seems pretty low and there is a ton of haze from wildfire smoke.
Guide to Blue River
Dispersed camping sites near Blue River, Oregon offer a range of seasonal opportunities within Willamette National Forest. The region sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with surrounding peaks rising to over 5,000 feet, creating distinctive microclimates. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F-85°F with significant temperature drops at night, even during July and August.
What to do
Mountain biking on local trails: Paradise Campground provides excellent access to the McKenzie River Trail. "Large private sites, beautiful river, and really nice mountain biking. What more could you ask for," notes Jeff K. about Paradise In Oregon.
Explore the secret garden: The hidden gardens at Belknap Hot Springs offer a unique feature not found at other camping areas. "The hidden garden is something out of a movie. Spots are good size and everything is so well taken care of," shares Josh K. about Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens.
Wildlife watching: The smaller waterways support diverse amphibian populations. Rich M. reports from Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping: "About 100 yards towards the paved road there's a nice little waterfall coming down the hillside with lots of frogs and salamanders hangin out in the runoff water."
What campers like
Riverside sleeping spots: Several campgrounds offer sites directly on the McKenzie River for premium sleeping ambiance. Johnny G. recommends: "Site 17 is perfect and has river access in the back!" at Paradise Campground. He adds, "Campground is clean, bathrooms are clean, the host is really cool."
Swimming in the reservoir: Blue River Reservoir provides warm swimming during summer months. Paul J. notes about Mona Campground: "Reservoir is great, warm water, fun to play in. Mosquitoes were rampant, laughed at our citronella and deet."
Private, spacious sites: Many campgrounds feature good separation between sites. Maddie L. comments about French Pete Campground: "Nice quiet campground where the sites were mostly spaced out. The ones along the river are especially nice (although some sites do share their river access)."
What you should know
Fire closures can affect access: Always check current conditions before traveling. Multiple campgrounds have experienced closures in recent years. Jackson R. reported in August: "CLOSED FOR FIRE ACTIVITY. I didn't want to destroy the rating, but currently closed as of August 14th."
Reservoir water levels fluctuate dramatically: Blue River Reservoir water levels change throughout the season, affecting water recreation. Sara E. warns about Lookout Campground: "Got a call a week before the trip that there would be restricted boating. Didn't know that our lakeside spot would be reduced to a small river. So be aware that depending on time of year, the lake may disappear."
Limited cell service: Most camping areas have minimal connectivity. Carrie S. reports: "Very little Verizon cell service - hard to get texts out" at Lookout Campground, while another camper notes "No cell phone service available" near the hot springs area.
Tips for camping with families
Frog and salamander hunts: Kids enjoy exploring the small streams and waterways. According to Melissa M., "Brought kids to this spot & they had a blast catching salamanders & scorpions (small non-lethal kind)" at Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping.
Choose upper sites for safety: For families with small children, consider sites away from fast-moving water. Kelli B. advises about Belknap Hot Springs: "I definitely recommend the loop on the hill if you have smaller children as the lower loop is right next to the river."
Bring alternative activities: Summer bugs can drive kids indoors during peak hours. One camper notes: "Bugs are typical, but that doesn't bother us so much. Make sure to bring spray and you'll be fine."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most forest service campgrounds lack electrical and water hookups. Dave B. notes about Holiday Farm RV Park: "These sites are individually owned and mostly occupied. They have some sites available to stay for a night or two. WiFi is offered but is really non existent."
Site selection challenges: Many campgrounds have irregular layouts that can make RV positioning difficult. Hannah M. observed: "Some sites are very small and close together, others are large and more wooded. Some are right on the water also."
Road access considerations: Some forest roads may be challenging for larger rigs. Stephen T. warns: "The entrance to the park is hard to find in the daylight, and near impossible to find in the dark."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Blue River campsites?
What amenities are available at Blue River campsites?
Blue River area campsites offer varying amenities depending on the site. Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping provides basic facilities with vault toilets and a dumpster in the day use section. For more developed options, Lookout Campground offers pit toilets and designated fire rings with easy access to Blue River Lake. Most sites in the area feature peaceful settings with river or lake views, with amenities typically including toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. While many sites are rustic without electricity or showers, they compensate with pristine natural surroundings and water access.
Where can I find campgrounds in Blue River, Oregon?
Where can I find campgrounds in Blue River, Oregon?
Several campgrounds are available in and around Blue River, Oregon. Paradise In Oregon offers a pristine setting along the McKenzie River with old-growth forest and nearby trails, located just a few miles from Blue River Reservoir and Tamolitch. Mona Campground sits directly on Blue River Reservoir, providing excellent water access for swimming, kayaking, and floating. Additional options include Humbug Campground with its walk-in spots along a crystal clear river, and several dispersed camping areas around Blue River Reservoir. Most campgrounds are situated within Willamette National Forest, offering easy access to natural attractions.
Are there RV camping facilities available at Blue River?
Are there RV camping facilities available at Blue River?
Yes, there are several RV-friendly options in the Blue River area. Blue River Retreat offers full hookups for RVs and is conveniently located near hot springs for the ultimate camping experience. Another excellent option is Holiday Farm RV Park, which features good-sized sites with full hookups right off the scenic McKenzie Highway. The park is about a mile from Tokatee Golf Club and provides a friendly atmosphere with an office and helpful hosts. Both locations offer the amenities RV campers need while providing access to Blue River area's natural attractions.
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