Best Campgrounds near Cottage Grove, OR
Campgrounds near Cottage Grove, Oregon range from developed facilities to more primitive sites, with several options situated around Dorena Lake and Cottage Grove Reservoir. Baker Bay Campgrounds & Marina offers 48 sites for tent camping, RVs, and glamping with lakeside access, while COE Dorena Reservoir Schwarz Campground provides a more rustic experience with tent and RV sites available from April through September. Pine Meadows Campground at Cottage Grove Reservoir and Royal Heart Hill's glamping sites round out the mixed-use campgrounds in the immediate area.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through September. Road access to most sites is suitable for standard vehicles, though some lakeside areas have limited parking. Reservations are recommended, especially for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. "The campsite was great. There aren't many trees between the campsite, so privacy is limited. The bathrooms and showers were clean and not too crowded," noted one visitor about Schwarz Campground. Facilities vary significantly, with some campgrounds offering showers, flush toilets, and drinking water, while others provide only vault toilets and limited amenities.
Waterfront camping represents a major draw in the Cottage Grove area, with several campgrounds providing direct lake or river access. Campers at Baker Bay enjoy shoreline sites with swimming and fishing opportunities, though some mention the campgrounds can become crowded during peak season. As one camper described, "We got a lakeside camp site which made it a simple walk down to the lake where we could swim and fish." Sites at Schwarz Campground along the Row River offer more shade from oak and pine trees, though poison oak has been reported in some areas. Several developed campgrounds provide amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to boat launches, making them suitable for family outings. Visitors should check for seasonal water quality advisories, as algae blooms have been reported at Dorena Lake during warmer months.
