Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Culver, OR is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Culver is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Culver, OR. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
$8 / night
"The Climber's Bivouac is a walk-in campground located on a rim next to the Crooked River right in the heart of Smith Rock State Park."
"Walk-in site (the Bivy) is chill. walk-in, pitch tent, done. Yeah you have a lot of neighbors, but people are nice and the price is right ($8 per night for up to two weeks)."
"Well I understand why there's a fire ban, but it sure makes bedtime come quickly after dark! Anyway The Cove is as beautiful as always! It's a very well maintained park, very clean."
"They all have picnic tables & fire rings.
There's a playground and grassy park area in the middle of the loop, good for kids & lawn games."
"No water or vault toilets, only by the day-use area/trailhead.
We camped on SW Steelhead Falls Dr."
"The sites on the West side, nearest the river are "walk in" but if you're able-bodied it's a short distance to lug gear. Nothing difficult or time consuming."
"The tent site area wasn't where we stayed but there are 3 cabins just above the boat docks that have the most beautiful view to wake up to in the morning."
"This little loop is very beautiful and worth a quick stop to walk the 1 1/4 mile loop. There’s a view point at about half way with a great view of the wetlands."
"There are fire rings at some sites. Plenty of room for a larger 5th wheel as well. It can get pretty dusty though when the wind picks up."
"Plenty of places to park and car camp or set up a tent. Lights from a nearby building keep most of the area somewhat visible, but not enough to disturb you while you sleep."
"Multiple dispersed sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Not much shade at sites, can be dusty. Lake is great for swimming and floating."
"That’s the first word that came to mind when we rolled up on the lake and saw the view."
"Sites are well spaced, many with excellent access and views of the river a few feet away. Cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen. Can barely hear the few cars that do go by."
"They have good spacing and require very little leveling. Many are pull through, a few back in. I camped before Memorial Day, so it was very quiet. "
TravelerSo when I first found this campground I wasn't sure what to expect being as reviews and info were sparse so I'll do me best to sum it up. Things to know that arent stated. It is free may require NW forest pass. It's a drive, hike, bike and walk in. I didn't see any spots big enough for RV but there is space to park that isn't officially a site.
Location: Beautiful sits about 5,000 feet right off McKenzie Pass Road (closed from November to June)
Sites: I saw 6 drive in with fire ring, picnic table also 2 vault toilets.... There's more walk/ hike in but we had to much gear to do that.
Directions: Very easy to find spots all along lake and Google maps took us right to spots.
Activities: Great! Had a kayak/boat launch also had the Scott Mountain TH right there within 1/4 walking distance on dirt road. It seems that a forest fire was pretty recent ontop but the grounds seemed kind of untouched
Warnings: This was my first time up this pass. Elevation is very high which means incremental weather. Aka woke up in October with snow which happened to us.
Overall 5 stars must visit. We will be coming back next year when less snow and road reopens
LegendTop reasons I love this campground:
- It’s an ISLAND! How cool is it to camp on an island!
- Beautiful views from the middle of the northern end of Detroit Lake.
- Great for swimming, boating, exploring, hiking, and fishing.
- I bet it’s amazing to stay there over the 4th of July.
- The firework display from the other side of the lake should be spectacular!
- Cheap-$10.
- Only 22 sites.
- I had cell service with AT&T.
**Things to note: **
- This should be obvious but, you’ll need a boat to get to and from the island. It’s a quick canoe from either side.
- The vault toilets are maxed out. Hopefully, they will be serviced SOON!
- No drinking water, no shower, and no guarantee for the serviced toilets.
- Bring water and TP.
- Fires are allowed and there are several picnic tables.
GuideFriendly and knowledgeable camp hosts. Vault toilet, mix of tent sites including some walk-ins that are up against the reservoir- you can hear the peaceful running water all day and night. Brand new picnic tables, brand new fencing, and excellent trails. Perfect mix of sun and shade for many of the sites. We stayed at 15 and I can’t wait to go back. Very spacious sites can hold multiple tents of all sizes. Beautiful drive to and from campgrounds- the McKenzie River area is definitely worth exploring!
LegendWe kind of stumbled into this free spot while heading to a more formal campground near Pelton Dam. As the daylight faded I spotted a pullout/turnaround area which then led to a rather private loop with a great view of the Deschutes River and Lake Simtustus. I had to confirm with the Dyrt BLM map overlay, but I was glad to find myself on public land. It’s not really a place I’d choose to spend more than one night, since it doesn’t really connect to any trails or walking areas, but it was a handy en-route overnight spot, complete with a nice view and bright sunset. It’s only a few miles off Rt. 26, following signs to Pelton Dam. There was plenty of room to turn around my 26’ skoolie. However, I didn’t really see a good place for a tent, but I didn’t look very hard. There were signs of previous users, including a fire ring (which I didn’t use). Since it was the eve of Earth Day, I did collect a bagful of empty cans and trash. Leave no trace, people!
RangerCamp above the Santiam riverbank and enjoy a night of peace and rest listening to the water flow. This site has access to vault toilets, potable water. The sites are large enough for rv or tent sites with vehicle pull through. The sites have enough old forest growth to provide privacy for the family. If you camp near the river you cannot hear the road, even though you are only a skip away. I do not recommend camping in the sites near the road if you have kids/pets with you or if you are a light sleeper. The roads are paved which can be great for family cars or for little ones wanting to ride their bike or scooter around camp. The site that we stopped at would have been great for fishing trout or salmon. Don’t forget your fishing license!
You can reserve this site through Linn County Parks & Rec: 1-877-444-6777 - And like most sites in the Willamette National Forest dogs are allowed as long as they are on leashes and check out time is 1pm.
ScoutLocated off Hwy 22, past the fish hatchery, far enough that you can’t hear road noise. Less than 20 sites total, all first come first serve, $12 a night or $6 with interagency pass. Mostly full on a Friday night. Clean vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, trash, but no water. Nearby trail leads to Marion creek.
TravelerI had read online that this camp ground had a really bad bug problem but I hardly saw any. Especially for being next to the river. My campsite (48) had a short path down to the river. Current is strong but could easily soak feet.
My biggest complaint was that the picnic table was really close to the bench. A bigger person like myself can’t sit there. But I just pulled a camp chair up to the edge.
Restroom was clean, even though I could see one of my camping neighbors there was plenty of space.
Camp is very dusty.
GuideWhat a beautiful view! Luscious meadow filled with wildlife and mosquitos. No joke, they were able to bite through 3 layers in swarms.
It was cloudy, 80° in the day, with very little wind and campsite #4 was bone dry. The soft ground was kind to the tent spikes and surrounding trees buffered the breeze, hence the mosquitos.
NOTE: come in from the North, not the first road from the south (Detroit). Impassible without off road vehicle (Subaru Crosstrek didn't cut it)
RangerThis CG, like most on the Metolius is a hikers or fly fisherman's dream. The CG has twenty sites along both sides of the CG road next to the river. There are two vault toilets both with M/W. There is also water spigots located along the road. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. You can make reservations on recreation.com. There are also walk up sites too. However it might be tough on the weekends or during the summer to score a site. All the CG's along the Metolius are pretty popular. Stay away from site 7, its too close to the northern vault toilet. The CG can support RV's, trailers, and tent camping. I didn't see any hook-ups for power, and there is no dump station.
The CG gives you immediate access to the river. You can hike the various trails leading up or down the river. The Wizard Falls fish hatchery is less than 3 miles away and is worth the trip. The Metolius is supposed to be tricky for fly fishing (the only kind of fishing you can do) but if you do a little scouting you will find a good spot. Most of the CG's were teeming with fly fisherman. You'll find rainbows, bull trout, cut throat, and Kokanee to test your skills.
Make sure you bring everything you need. We brought wood and it was a good thing, the camp host was sold out.
Culver, Oregon, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Culver, OR is Smith Rock State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 36 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 69 tent camping locations near Culver, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
