Camping options near Dorena, Oregon cluster around two primary water bodies: Dorena Lake at 822 feet elevation and the Row River that feeds it. The area receives approximately 50 inches of annual rainfall, concentrated between November and March, creating ideal summer camping conditions from late June through September. Campsites span elevations from 820 to 1,100 feet with terrain transitioning from lake basin to foothill forest.
What to do
Swimming in Sharps Creek: Access excellent swimming holes with jumping rocks across from Sharps Creek campground. "There are two beautiful areas, one has a 10 ft jumping rock. The other spot is a long channel made by smooth white rocks with deep clear water. This area is great for pictures," notes camper Stephen T.
Waterfall hiking: Several trailheads originate near Rujada, with trails leading to Pinard, Moon, and Spirit Falls. "If you want bigger hiking payoffs, just up the road approx. 6 miles, you can find 'Pinard', 'Moon', and 'Spirit falls'. Each are around 2 easy hiking miles and worth hitting, you can easily do all three in one day," explains camper Tj B.
Gold panning: Try your luck in Brice Creek and surrounding waterways. At Lund Park Forest Camp, camper Brandon A. notes it has "easy access to the Brice creek trail, and the Tressel creek falls. Also there is gold panning allowed in the creek."
What campers like
River access: Many sites offer direct water access for fishing and cooling off. At Baker Bay Campgrounds, camper Taylor S. appreciates that "we got a lakeside camp site which made it a simple walk down to the lake where we could swim and fish."
Wooded seclusion: Cedar Creek sites offer significant privacy between campsites. "Every site on the North side of the campground has a trail down to the river. Site 7 has concrete steps to the river," explains Ryan C., who stayed at Cedar Creek Campground.
Covered bridges: The area features historic covered bridges accessible from several campgrounds. At Dorena Reservoir, Jill T. recommends that "during the summer, the Army Corp of Engineer Rangers give a tour of the Dorena Dam every Saturday. I highly recommend going if you can!"
What you should know
Alcohol restrictions: Several campgrounds prohibit alcohol, though enforcement varies. At Schwarz Campground, Patricia N. observed "alcohol ban in the park but based on the trash bins it was not enforced."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate only from May through September or October. Baker Bay camper Mark W. notes "the restrooms and dump station are being rebuilt as of May 2024 and it will likely take a year or more. There are porta-potties."
Algae concerns: Blue-green algae can affect swimming in summer months. At Pine Meadows, Kelli B. advises to "look for signs for swimmers itch or blue/green algae" before entering water.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience train or road noise. At Black Canyon, camper Ryan C. reports "the train tracks are literally across the river. Maybe 200 ft away. The train runs all day and sadly all night."
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming access: Black Canyon Campground offers kid-friendly water spots. Ronald N. shares, "When the sun rose we realized what an amazing spot we had, right on the river with lots of room for the little to run around. Stayed the whole day and enjoyed soaking our feet in the cool creek."
Playground options: Several campgrounds include play structures. At Pine Meadows, Kelli B. notes "the playground is nice and right next to the beach."
Site privacy levels: Family groups should consider how close campsites are positioned. At Hobo Camp, Aurora A. recommends it "if you want to just relax. Super quiet and beautiful."
Junior ranger activities: Several campgrounds offer educational programming. Brice Creek trails feature informational signs about forest ecology that engage children.
Tips from RVers
Generator restrictions: Not all campgrounds permit generators, and those that do often have specific hours. At Schwarz Campground, Patricia N. observed, "Because there is no power in the sites people were running generators for hours, even the tent campers."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have tight turns or narrow access roads. At Casey's Riverside RV Resort, MickandKarla W. praises the well-designed access: "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."
Limited cell coverage: Service is spotty or nonexistent at many campgrounds. At Hobo Camp, Aurora A. emphasizes "NO CELL SERVICE" in her review, though she adds "you don't need it" for a peaceful stay.
Dump station availability: Alternatives exist when facilities are closed. At Baker Bay, Mark W. notes "you are allowed to dump at the facility up the road for no cost."
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