Best Campgrounds near Detroit, OR

Detroit Lake serves as the centerpiece for camping in the Detroit, Oregon area, with several developed campgrounds along its shores providing access to water recreation. Established sites like Detroit Lake State Recreation Area Campground and Cove Creek Campground offer camping options for tents, RVs, and even cabins in some locations. The Detroit Lake region sits approximately 50 miles east of Salem in the Willamette National Forest, creating a popular destination for water-based recreation within relatively easy reach of the Willamette Valley population centers.

Many campgrounds in the Detroit Lake area operate seasonally, with most open from May through September due to weather conditions in the higher elevations. Road access is generally good with paved highways leading to most developed sites, though some forest service roads may require higher clearance vehicles. "This campground is first come, first serve with both walk up and reservable sites. We stopped here during Labor Day weekend and there were still spots available and we were surprised!" noted one visitor about Cove Creek Campground. Reservations are highly recommended during summer weekends when the lake draws substantial crowds. Fire restrictions are common during late summer months, and campers should check current conditions before planning trips.

The developed camping areas around Detroit Lake receive consistently positive reviews for their lake access and natural settings. Hoover Campground features good lake access with boat launch facilities and fishing docks. A camper described the experience as having "great views from some of the sites" and noted that "there's a great boat ramp and a couple of docks to hang out, fish, and jump in the water." Several campgrounds feature flush toilets and drinking water, though hookups vary by location. Sites at Cove Creek are well-shaded, offering relief during summer heat. Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the area accommodate different camping styles, though waterfront sites tend to fill quickly during peak season. Privacy between sites varies considerably, with some campers noting that certain areas can become crowded and noisy during summer weekends.

Best Camping Sites Near Detroit, Oregon (360)

    1. Detroit Lake State Recreation Area Campground

    42 Reviews
    Detroit, OR
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 854-3346

    $15 - $59 / night

    "Doesn’t get better than Detroit Lake! Campground is in a beautiful spot with easy access to the lake for boating, fishing, swimming, etc."

    "We love Detroit Lake just as much during the off season as we do during the summer. The spots are generous and the lake is really cool without water!"

    2. Humbug Campground

    23 Reviews
    Detroit, OR
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 854-3366

    $21 - $40 / night

    "This is an excellent little campground just a few miles up FS RD 46 from Detroit. It can get busy during Summer weekends but mid week you can usually find a nice spot."

    "This campsite is about five miles off of 22 and five miles from a few local stores and Detroit lake. The site is tucked away and quiet."

    3. Cove Creek

    13 Reviews
    Detroit, OR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $28 - $260 / night

    "Cove creek campground is an hour away from Salem sitting above the south side of Detroit lake, on the right hand side of the road once you arrive in Idanha - off hwy 22 and blowout road."

    "Cove Creek is a popular campground with excellent access to Detroit Lake. It has a long beach and is right across from Piety Island."

    4. Hoover Campground

    11 Reviews
    Idanha, OR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $28 - $260 / night

    "This is a great campground along a tributary of Detroit Lake. There is a little road noise from hwy 22, but it's across the water, and not too bad."

    "Close to the lake and far away from craziness. Sites are nice but close together."

    5. Southshore At Detroit Lake

    9 Reviews
    Detroit, OR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $28 - $56 / night

    "When I was asked if I wanted to go to Detroit lake, I thought we were going all the way to Michigan! But no this perfect little lake is a peaceful and fun filled getaway."

    "Detroit Lake campground is spacious with 6 different camping loops and lots of RVs and trailers. Main negative is the proximity of the back of each loop to a busy state highway."

    6. Silver Falls State Park Campground

    77 Reviews
    Mehama, OR
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 873-8681

    $22 - $64 / night

    "If you want to camp in Oregon this is the place to go. There are several waterfalls and hiking trails. You can see wildlife and you can't beat the beauty. You can tent camp and they also have yurts."

    "Probably the easiest accessibility to the most awesome waterfalls per few square miles in Oregon. Ample Parking and many different falls and trails to choose from"

    7. Opal Pool Campsites

    10 Reviews
    Detroit, OR
    8 miles
    Website

    "If you want to test the waters fort backpacking this is a great trail to do it on. Only 3ish miles to the camp sites. All are first come, near water."

    "Probably one of my favorite places in Oregon. Maybe it is the lack of visits that keeps me longing to go back here, but the water was more blue than the Carribean, just 30 degree colder."

    8. Whispering Falls Campground

    8 Reviews
    Idanha, OR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 854-3366

    $25 - $50 / night

    "This site has access to vault toilets, potable water. The sites are large enough for rv or tent sites with vehicle pull through."

    "Whispering Falls is a small campground right off of OR22, near Mt Jefferson. We stopped here for to camp just one night on a hiking road trip between Opal Creek Wilderness and Sisters. "

    9. Marion Forks Campground

    10 Reviews
    Idanha, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 854-3366

    "A few are by a very small creek. but it’s an easy nice spot right of 22 and about 15 miles from Detroit lake. There are single and mutli tent sites, picnic tables and firepits."

    "Each spot has--and I'm not sure why this is--a split rail fence around it."

    10. Bagby Hot Springs Campground

    12 Reviews
    Detroit, OR
    15 miles
    Website

    "This is a great campground that is close to one of my favorite hot springs in Oregon."

    "The campground is located in the woods so several spots are secluded and tucked between the trees. However, my only warning is if you do camp here watch out for horse flies! They are vicious!"

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Recent Reviews near Detroit, OR

1710 Reviews of 360 Detroit Campgrounds


  • Mr Bubbas A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Beautiful Spot NF 4630 by the River

    Gorgeous! Can’t ask for more…

    This spot is large, private and is easy to get to, you’re right on the creek and you can hear the it perfectly! The creek is actually the Oak Grove Fork of the Calakamas River. There’s actually a bunch of shots of this road to chose but this one was perfect for us. Minimal cell and Star Link due to being under a canopy of trees.

  • Mr Bubbas A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    White River West Sno-Park

    Great View of Mt Hood

    Large Gravel area. We’re here in mid October at 4:30 pm and no one else is here. Great views! Glad we came.

  • Barbara H.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Cedar Grove Recreation Site

    Great bday 2025

    Friends took me here for few nights for my bday. Clean camp ground,quiet,not very big here n ur vehicle not prkd at ur site but really enjoyed staying here. Water wz to low to fish nearby but had fun looking for rocks. Will go again next yr.

  • Jami C.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Knox Butte RV Park

    Great stop

    I absolutely loved this place, the staff are beyond exceptional... Well Wanda and her son wes.... There was a crusty woman working the office one day. The showers are amazing and the bathrooms are super clean! The laundry rooms are great! Very clean and all in great working order! They even have it piped in at every site u can have a garden hose hooked up to wash off your car or RV! I can't say enough good things about this place!

  • Jami C.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Emerald Valley RV Park

    Great stop

    Good stop, showers and bathrooms are clean, A LOT of people live here.... Manager is new and does not really know what's going on, I was told there is a lot of police activity there... Saw a few homeless people and cars with tow tags on em. Otherwise it's clean and safe

  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Eagle Rock Road Camp

    Eagle Rock Road Boondocking

    Stayed here for one night. Got in late and left early, so didn’t stay long, but it was perfect for a stop. Many spots along the road. Ours was pretty close to Route 20. The road its was in decent shape.

  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Silver Falls State Park Campground

    Silver Falls Campground

    Very nice campground. Spots have a paved driveway and all seem to be relatively level. Private free hot showers! Right next to the ten falls trail loop.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Waterloo County Park

    Cute county park

    Sites were really easy to get into. River was pretty and plenty of kids playing.

  • E
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed

    Lots of spaces

    Came on a Sunday night so had lots of spots to choose from. Good camping for a quick stop. There are warning signs about potentially closing the campground cause people keep leaving trash. So if you come please LNT!


Guide to Detroit

Camping near Detroit, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls: This popular trail takes you past ten stunning waterfalls. One visitor at Silver Falls State Park Campground said, "The highlight for us is the Trail of Ten Falls... The entire trail is just over seven miles but there are shorter loop options."
  • Fishing at Detroit Lake: Many campers enjoy fishing in the lake. A review from Detroit Lake State Recreation Area mentions, "We enjoyed our recent stay at Detroit Lake... The staff was friendly."
  • Exploring the nearby rivers: River Bend County Park is great for tubing and swimming. One camper noted, "Clean showers, private, lots of trees, clean site, hiking, swimmable water... Super beautiful site."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Humbug Campground said, "The hosts were super friendly. Clean with hot showers."
  • Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A review for Waterloo County Park states, "The sites were maintained very well and the camp hosts were very friendly."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like River Bend County Park are great for families. One camper shared, "We spent most of our days at the river swimming, floating in tubes, skipping rocks and looking for crawdads."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels can vary: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during busy weekends. A visitor at Big Lake Campground mentioned, "This is also not a quiet campground. Neighbors are close and you can hear the people on the lake."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or showers. A review for Little Crater Lake Campground noted, "Vault toilets so be prepared for that."
  • Wildlife encounters: Campers should be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Hoodview Campground shared, "A group of deer wandering down the camp road eating plants, seems undisturbed by the presence of humans."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A review for Fishermen's Bend mentioned, "This campground is perfect for young families... the bathrooms were nice, paved 'roads,' short trails, easy river access."
  • Plan for noise: Be ready for some noise from other campers. A visitor at Silver Falls State Park Campground said, "Campsites can be decently close to one another... obviously with families there’s going to be noise early in the morning and late at night."
  • Pack games and activities: Bring along games to keep kids entertained. One camper at Waterloo County Park noted, "Lots of activities including hiking, geocaching, fishing, swimming, and children’s playground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for RV-friendly sites: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A review for Detroit Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "The camp spots in the H Loop are well spaced and we enjoyed our site."
  • Bring your own firewood: Some campgrounds do not sell firewood. A visitor at Big Lake Campground advised, "They do not sell firewood at the campground so if you are visiting when fires are allowed bring your own wood."
  • Be prepared for limited hookups: Not all sites have electric hookups. A camper at Hoodview Campground noted, "There are no showers, but very nice potable water."

Camping near Detroit, Oregon, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campsites at Detroit Lake in Oregon?

Southshore At Detroit Lake offers some of the best camping experiences with spacious sites spread across six different loops. The lakefront sites are particularly desirable for easy water access. For those seeking a more secluded experience, North Arm Campground provides beautiful scenery with warm, placid waters. While some tent sites can be uneven, the access to uncrowded beaches and hiking trails around the lake makes it worth the effort. The best sites at either campground are those with lake views or water access, especially for visitors bringing kayaks or boats.

Where can I find campgrounds near Detroit, Oregon?

Several excellent campgrounds surround Detroit, Oregon. Humbug Campground is just a few miles up Forest Service Road 46 from Detroit, offering spacious and private sites with some located right along a crystal-clear river. About an hour from Salem, Cove Creek sits above the south side of Detroit Lake in Idanha off Highway 22 and Blowout Road, providing both walk-up and reservable sites. Other nearby options include Marion Forks, Trout Creek, and Santiam Flats campgrounds, all within easy driving distance of Detroit.

What camping options are available at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area?

Detroit Lake State Recreation Area Campground offers diverse camping options suitable for different preferences. The recreation area features multiple camping loops with sites that accommodate both tents and RVs. Many campers bring speed boats and water toys, making it ideal for water recreation enthusiasts. For those seeking a unique alternative nearby, Breitenbush Hot Springs Resort offers various accommodation options including cabins, lodge rooms, platform tents, and campsites (available summer only). The state recreation area provides amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, and easy access to the lake.