Tent campsites near Clearwater, Oregon provide primitive riverside camping options throughout Umpqua National Forest. Elevations range from 1,200 to 3,500 feet, creating diverse camping environments from dense forest floors to open riverbanks. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F during day and drop to 40-50°F at night, with seasonal thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Swimming spots: Steamboat Falls offers excellent swimming options with varying difficulty levels. According to Stephen T., "The swimming is so nice, there is something to do for every age and swimming ability. The spots are good sized and most of them have good privacy." Multiple swimming pools accommodate different skill levels.
Hot springs soaking: Umpqua Hot Springs Trailhead requires a short hike to natural pools. Stephanie Z. notes, "The hot springs themselves are lovely. Go with a sense of humor and appreciation for the nature and you'll enjoy it." Best visited near sunset when crowds are thinner.
Fishing access: Lake In The Woods provides shoreline fishing opportunities directly from campsites. Brant T. shares, "Nice fishing right from the campsites. And the short hike to Hemlock Falls is beautiful and worth it." The lake contains rainbow trout and is stocked seasonally.
Waterfall hiking: Twin Lakes trailhead offers an 11.2 mile hike with significant elevation gain. Allison W. recommends: "The Twin Lakes trailhead nearby is a semi famous 11.2 mile hike with significant elevation gain and stunning views, worth looking into for a hike or perhaps a backpacking side trip."
What campers like
River sounds: Island Campground sites provide natural white noise that masks nearby highway. Annie C. reports, "All of the sites are on the river side with easy water access to the N Umpqua River. Sites are large with lots of trees, but not all sites are level. The river definitely drowns out the road which is right above the campground."
Lake views: Lemolo Lake offers both established campgrounds and dispersed lakefront sites. Lindy B. describes one spot: "We came on to a big pull out with big boulders blocking a trail, which led down the the lake! Two great spots for tents. The lake was right there beautiful setting!" Free dispersed sites can be found along forest service roads.
Privacy between sites: Most tent campgrounds provide natural vegetation barriers between campsites. At Lake In The Woods, Nicole M. appreciated that "The marked camping spaces are huge with a lot of space between you and the next closest site. Amazing views across the water."
Spacious tent pads: Many sites accommodate multiple tents. At Steamboat Falls, Stephen T. notes, "Site 4 is huge and definitely the one you want. It's got room for at least 3 tents and has an amazing view."
What you should know
Poison oak prevalence: Several campgrounds have poison oak along trails and water access points. Sophie C. warns about Steamboat Falls Campground: "Lots of poison oak so be careful! River access! Great views of steamboat falls." Jordie G. adds about Island Campground: "The paths down to the water have some poison oak growing by them so be careful."
Limited cell service: Most tent sites have no reception. Jordie G. mentions, "We did not have cell service so download offline maps before you get here." Satellite connections like Starlink work at locations with open sky views.
Toilet conditions vary: Vault toilets receive inconsistent maintenance. Annie C. notes at Island Campground: "Vault toilet is about as clean as can be expected from a campground without a host. It did need to be serviced/emptied."
Site sizing restrictions: Some campgrounds can't accommodate larger vehicles. Annie C. cautions about Island Campground: "Because of the size and the way the road loops on itself this is NOT a campground for rigs over 22'."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming accessibility: For families with children, Steamboat Falls provides graduated swimming areas. Stephen T. explains: "There is a day use area with an amazing view, and 2 different trails that takes you to the water. Great swimming and rocks to jump off of."
Multi-tent sites: Camas Creek Campground offers spacious areas for family groups. Lauren D. describes: "Big area with space for multiple tents. Fire ring next to a creek. Shade whenever you want it and mid morning sun."
Waterfall exploration: Lake In The Woods provides easy access to kid-friendly waterfall hikes. April C. recommends: "On the back side and at the entrance of the campground there are trails you can hike to waterfalls. They are gorgeous and worth the drive."
Group camping options: For larger family reunions, Steamboat Ball Field accommodates up to 100 people. Allison W. says, "If you did have a big group that was baseball inclined, this would be the best spot to play some games and hang out with each other. There are horseshoe pits and plenty of room to rig a volleyball net."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most tent camping areas near Clearwater have limited access for larger RVs. Annie C. advises, "This is NOT a campground for rigs over 22'" when describing Island Campground's loop configuration.
Lake access for RVs: South Diamond Sno-Park provides overnight parking with open views. Laura M. notes: "Great spot to stop for a night or even a couple of nights. Parking overnight is free in Oregon snow parks, but a permit is required Nov 1 to April 30."
Campsite selection: At Lake In The Woods, Callie B. recommends: "Got in Saturday and got the second to last spot facing the water at around 4pm. Had to travel 18 miles on gravel one lane roads to get there. Sites are fairly close together for water views."
Seasonal road conditions: Many forest roads become impassable during winter. Some campgrounds remain accessible but require winter preparation and appropriate vehicles.
