Dorena Lake sits at 820 feet elevation in Oregon's western Cascades foothills, surrounded by Douglas fir forests and oak woodlands. The reservoir stretches across 1,800 acres when full, with summer water temperatures reaching the mid-70s. Camping options range from rustic tent sites to full hookup RV spaces, with most campgrounds open from late spring through early fall.
What to do
Swimming in Dorena Lake: Baker Bay Campground provides direct lake access with a swimming area. According to a visitor, "The lakeside camp site made it a simple walk down to the lake where we could swim and fish," making water activities easily accessible from camp.
Explore historic sites: Just a short drive from Schwarz Campground, visitors can tour local landmarks. A camper notes, "It's close to several great fishing holes and beautiful covered bridges. 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!"
Disc golf at Whistlers Bend: Head 30 minutes southwest to Whistlers Bend County Park for one of Oregon's top disc golf courses. One reviewer mentioned it's a "sprawling and varied disc golf course with some spectacular long shots, and tight trees," rated as the "number 2 in nation" according to another visitor.
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Sites along the shoreline offer immediate water access. At Baker Bay, campers appreciate that "you can leave your kayaks on the shore and just hop right in and paddle if you wanted," providing convenience for water enthusiasts.
Privacy in forested settings: For those seeking seclusion, Rujada Campground offers wooded sites away from crowds. A camper observed, "The sites are mostly private, though some of them are really close together (ideal if you're camping as a group!)" creating options for different camping preferences.
Early morning views: The sunrise across Dorena Lake creates memorable moments for visitors. One camper shared, "The sun rose across the lake which was extremely beautiful," highlighting the natural beauty that makes early risers glad they woke up.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds have flexible policies. At Premier RV Resort, a camper noted, "We appreciated there was an after-hours check-in option for drop-ins like ourselves - they left envelopes for each free site up front and you could fill out the one you wanted and put in a drop box."
Facility maintenance schedules: Be aware of ongoing improvements. A recent visitor to Baker Bay mentioned, "Restrooms were under construction but they provided single vault toilets," showing that alternatives are typically available during renovations.
Seasonal restrictions: Many sites have limited operating seasons. For example, Schwarz Campground operates from April 24 to September 28, while Rujada is typically open May through September, making advance planning essential for off-season visits.
Tips for camping with families
Look for group-friendly layouts: Clark Creek Organization Campground specializes in accommodating larger parties. A camper shared, "This group camp is amazing, so you better book it far in advance. It is the perfect place for families. The older teens loved sleeping in the shelters, while the parents preferred tents."
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds include recreational facilities for children. At Baker Bay, "There is a large play structure, horseshoes, and a sand volleyball pit," making it ideal for families with varied interests.
Consider noise levels: Some camping areas can get busy during peak seasons. One Baker Bay visitor observed, "Not the most quiet spot but the view makes up for it," suggesting families might want to request sites farther from common areas if quiet is a priority.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: For those needing power, Royal Heart Hill offers electric hookups in a more secluded setting. While most glamping options near Dorena Lake feature electricity, traditional campgrounds like Schwarz have limited or no hookups, with one camper noting, "Because there is no power in the sites people were running generators for hours, even the tent campers."
Site positioning: At Baker Bay, RVers may need to maneuver carefully. One visitor advised, "The campground roads can be tight if you have a big rig so be careful," suggesting larger vehicles consider site selection carefully.
Dump station access: While some campgrounds lack sewer hookups, alternatives exist. A recent Baker Bay visitor shared, "You are allowed to dump at the facility up the road for no cost," highlighting free sanitary services nearby.
