RV camping near Clearwater, Oregon offers access to multiple recreation areas nestled between the Cascade Mountains and Umpqua National Forest. Elevation ranges from approximately 2,000 to 4,000 feet throughout the region, with significant temperature variations between day and night even during summer months. Cell service remains inconsistent throughout the area, particularly in campgrounds east of Roseburg in more mountainous terrain.
What to Do
Waterfall hikes within 30 minutes: The Umpqua River corridor features numerous waterfall trails accessible from campgrounds. "There are over 25 waterfalls with Toketee being my favorite... There is white water rafting, fishing and a lot of hiking trails too much to do and is why I will be back," notes a visitor at Umpqua's Last Resort.
Riverside activities: Sites along the Umpqua River provide direct water access for swimming and fishing. "The river runs right next to the campground with part of the sites right along it," explains a camper at Casey's Riverside RV Resort. Many riverside campgrounds offer boat ramps or water entry points.
Mountain biking trails: Several campgrounds serve as gateways to mountain biking networks. "Plenty to do in the area. ATT had good service but the Verizon phone was roaming/extended network," reports one traveler staying at Diamond Lake RV Park. Bike rentals are available seasonally at some locations.
What Campers Like
Community events: Some campgrounds organize regular social activities for guests. "Park hosted live music with bonfire in the evening with hotdogs and s'mores," shares a visitor at Crater Lake RV Park in Prospect, which hosts weekend gatherings during summer months.
Drive-in movie experience: Hi-Way Haven RV Park preserves a piece of Americana with its converted drive-in theater. "They have free movie night on big screen with free popcorn and a nice firepit. They had movie night on the old drive-in screen Thursday through Saturday nights during the summer," according to a reviewer who notes that "if you choose to sit in the nice grassy area (plastic Adirondack chairs provided) for the movie they serve free popcorn."
Privacy between sites: Unlike many commercial RV parks, several campgrounds in the region maintain vegetation between sites. "There was a decent amount of foliage between most sites to provide a measure of privacy," notes a visitor at Umpqua's Last Resort. Some parks feature tiered or terraced layouts to create separation.
What You Should Know
Seasonal operation restrictions: Many facilities close completely during winter. "We were in a deluxe RV site that had a level gravel camper pad, electric hookup, fire ring, and picnic table," explains a camper at Umpqua's Last Resort, which offers various accommodation types but operates seasonally.
Fire restrictions vary widely: Some campgrounds prohibit fires entirely while others maintain designated fire areas. "There are no fire pits at each site however, we still REALLY enjoyed our stay," notes a visitor at Casey's Riverside RV Resort, where communal fire areas replace individual pits. Fire ban information changes frequently during summer months.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds more than others. "The campground is right off a highly traveled highway without any natural barrier to prevent road noise," reports a visitor at Douglas County Fairgrounds RV Park. Railroad tracks parallel several riverside locations.
Tips for Camping with Families
Swimming access points: Family-friendly water spots provide safer alternatives to the main river current. "A cool creek swimming hole in the forest is very nearby," mentions a visitor at Umpqua's Last Resort, noting that "the whole setting is really well maintained with nice landscaping."
Playground availability: Only select campgrounds offer designated play areas. "They have a playground, nice little store, ice, propane on site," reports a visitor at Hi-Way Haven, making it suitable for families with children needing activity options.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing and junior ranger programs operate seasonally. "The hosts helped us find several little fishing spots, shared some 'local fishing secrets,' and showed us the hiking trails right from the campground," explains a visitor at Crater Lake RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Site grading varies significantly between campgrounds. "Sites are paved and level. Because of the fire season no fires at your spot," notes a visitor at Seven Feathers RV Resort, which maintains concrete pads with consistent grading.
Hookup configurations: Power availability ranges from 20-50 amp depending on location. "There is a mix of petite RV sites with FHU 20-30 amp, deluxe RV sites with FHU 30-50 amp, and Super RV sites with FHU 50 amp," explains a camper at Umpqua's Last Resort, which offers tiered site options.
RV size limitations: Some parks cannot accommodate larger rigs despite advertising as big-rig friendly. "The pull-through was plenty long. We were able to maneuver our 5th wheel to position it around a large shade tree so we could get our slide and awning out plus have the utilities more centered on our rig," details a camper describing the practical reality of site dimensions at Casey's Riverside RV Resort.
