The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Dorena Lake. Dorena Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Dorena Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"About 40+ spots, fire ring and picnic tables in each. Clean bathrooms. Fee is $19/night (Park Rangers check). It was empty when I went. No problems finding spots."
"Nice that Cascara is close to so much to explore. Found a place to dip into the water, to shoot, and exploring the forest roads was a fun afternoon in general."
"There is a great swimming hole right across the street and a good jumping platform just up the road at the next pullout. The hike from the campground up to the butte is great too."
"There was plenty to do, and plenty of space to eat or even hide from the rain."
"We have been here a few times and absolutely love the location. Being right on the water truly can't be beat!"
$25 - $27 / night
"They offer professional help that can elevate your academic experience. Enjoy the serene beauty of the forest and create lasting memories at Whispering Pine!"
"Lots of great trails to hike."
"This is park as minimal amenities, and is pretty far away from anything. The reason to come here is the swimming and the beauty."
"The spots are good sized and most of them have good privacy."
"it sits 1 mile off of Steamboat road 1 hour outside of Roseburg Oregon. "
TravelerI had a great experience here The campground was clean, the leave no trace policy is followed here. Quiet hours are 10pm - 6am, it was quiet even during the non-quit hours. Very private. There are running water spigots strategically placed throughout the camp, each water station has a waste water dump, and trash can. There are flush toilets with running, a sink and trash can. The garbage was picked up daily. Each site was a tent pad, fire pit and large table. Each site was very private, I couldn't see the other campers unless they were passing by our site. There is no internet, no electricity, and no showers, bring your own. The only negative was the mosquitos - easily resolved with a netted day tent or pop-up with mesh. Laying Creek sounds heavenly all throughout the camp, the trails are great to walk, and you will eventually wander to a swimming hole. Beautiful campground, with a great history going back to 1933. Highly recommend!
RangerOne option when looking for a campground last minute during the summer close to Eugene, Oregon. This one is not usually very busy during peak season in my opinion.
This is a primitive campground so no hook ups for your rv. Bring the generator if your needing a power source during the day.
There are restrooms/ showers on site along with drinking water, a playground, and an rv dump station. Picnic tables and fire pits at each site. Trails are nearby along with a beach/ swimming area at Dorena Lake. Watch for signs of Algae or Swimmers Itch as it has been present the past few years at Dorena Lake.
Overall its a great last minute campground not far from town ( Cottage Grove- Eugene), but doesn't make my list of top 5 if I can make reservations a head of time.
LegendGeneral: Located just across the street from the North Umpqua River, there is a mix of:•
* petite RV sites (RVs up to 20’ with FHU 20-30 amp- 3)
* deluxe RV sites (RVs up to 29’ with FHU 30-50 amp- 5)
* Super RV sites (RVs up to 60’ with FHU 50 amp- 7)
* glamping tents (7)
* cabins with heat and A/C(4)
* a cottage
* a tiny home
* camper
* retro bunkhouse
* retro RV
Site Quality: We were in a deluxe RV site that had a level gravel camper pad, electric hookup, fire ring, and picnic table. Unlike most RV parks, there was a decent amount of foliage between most sites to provide a measure of privacy.
Bath/Shower House: Two toilets, two sinks, and two showers. Clean but limited privacy for the toilets with just a curtain. Bench and hooks are outside of showers with no other separation so there is a lack of privacy there as well (did not use the shower so I cannot comment on how well it worked, although they looked nice).
Activities/Amenities:
* Guided and Self-guided hiking tours
* Guided and self-guided mountain bike tours
* a full-day waterfall tour ($75 pp, with 24-hour advance notice)
* whitewater rafting tours
* Stream and river fishing holes
* Fly fishing and hunting
* Kayak rentals on Toketee Lake (We had hoped to do this, but the weather had other plans)
* Wi-Fi is available for $2.99 per 24-hour period per device but it was flaky at best
* There is a store with ice, firewood, food, beer, and wine, apparel, propane, diesel, and gasoline, rafts, and sleds.
We arrived later than planned (just before dark) and it was cold and rainy the next day so we were not able to take advantage of the many nearby recreation activities but the staff recommended a nearby waterfall hike that we could do in inclement weather. We would definitely consider returning during better weather.
GuideThe three campsites are under the cover of fir, cedar and maple trees. All are decently sized and spaced, just off the road enough to feel private, as claim miners and passers by stop to use the vaulted toiled that is located across the road from the campsite parking.
Provided you have a decent, four-wheel-drive rig, or are willing to make the hike, the bohemia mines, as well as several mine shafts carved out along the roadway are accessible to view.
The first site is smaller (1-2 tents) and the most private. It has a well placed fire ring with grill, and wood picnic table, but lacks a direct path to the creek.
The middle spot is the largest (3+ tents), fire ring with grill, picnic table and great access to the creek.
The third spot is also well sized and has the same table/fire ring setup, and a couple trails that lead to the creek.
The area is in recovery from the 2024 fire that consumer over 1200 acres. Though that fire was started by natural causes, it is a strong reminder to pay attention to fire bans and area regulations as well as properly, tending campfires, and making sure they are extinguished.
TravelerGreat spot for a quick stay. There are only a few flat spots for RVs but quite a few decent spots for tent camping next to the pond. The west side of the pond has at least 2 spots that are a good distance away from the others. At the moment, no fires or barbecues allowed but propane stoves and lanterns are fine. Look for Bandits blue squeaky disk! We lost it and never found it.
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.
GuideDry Camping
Upside - Right on the lake and lots of spots with shade which would be good for summer heat.
Downside - no alcohol permitted (loosely enforced it seems). And 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. You are allowed to dump at the facility up the road for no cost.
LegendThis is a very small remote campground past Dorena lake near Bohemia mountain. There are only 3 spots at this free of charge campground. If you can luck out, or go in the off season, this is a nice far out spot, off the beaten path to just relax by the 'Sharp's creek'. It is watched over by the local mining authority as it is located nearby many open mining claims. That being said, there are no camp hosts or water bibs, but there is a pit toilet, as well as fire rings and picnic tables in the sites . There are no stores or gas stations past Cottage Grove, so get your supplies before leaving town.
I liked how this place is small and more primitive than others, while still being a legit campground.
There are a few nearby hikes including the spectacular Trestle creek falls and Bohemia mountain, but you have to double back and up Bryce creek rd to find them, unless you have 4wd.
GuideWe found this great camping spot called Lemolo Fairbay #2 it had approximately six designated camp spots with fire ring, and picnic tables. It also had a very clean toilet. There is a nice small reservoir that you can swim or float in. Warning, water was very cold. Very easy to access with our truck and travel trailer. Primitive camping no hook ups. Must be self contained! It was very close to umpqua Hot Springs, and  Toketee falls. We stayed three days and two nights Thursday through Saturday.
Nestled in the scenic beauty of Oregon, tent camping near Dorena Lake offers a perfect escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dorena Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dorena Lake is Cascara Campground — Fall Creek State Recreation Area with a 3.9-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Dorena Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Dorena Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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