The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Salem. Salem 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. Discover great camping spots near Salem, reviewed by campers like you.
The main campground has tent sites, RV spots and cabins. Bring your horse and stay in the horse campground.
Campground Book sites at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance. Reservations are required for cabin stays.
48 electrical sites with water (18+ sites open year-round) 43 tent sites with water nearby (seasonal May–Oct.) 14 cabins (7 pet friendly, open year-round) Flush toilets and showers Universal Access: Campsites B2 and B4, four cabins, and campground restrooms/showers are accessible. Howard Creek Horse Camp (seasonal May–Oct) 5 primitive sites with horse stalls Group site for 24 people and 12 horses
People call it the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, and once you visit, you know why. Silver Falls State Park is the kind of standout scenic treasure that puts Oregon firmly onto the national—and international—stage.
Camping: The main Silver Falls campground has tent sites, RV spots and cabins. Bring your horse and stay in the horse campground. If you need an area for many people, the park also has group tent and RV camps, and the historic Youth Camp for up to 250 campers.
Waterfalls: Where else can you walk behind a waterfall? Check out the famous South Falls and see what a 177-foot curtain of water looks like from behind. It’s part of the Trail of Ten Falls, a spectacular, nationally recognized hiking trail that weaves through a dense forested landscape. The trail passes a series of breathtaking waterfalls along a rocky canyon, and descends to a winding creek at the forest floor. This 7.2 mile loop is considered to be a moderate hike, with an overall elevation change of 800 feet. Several connecting trails with separate access points make shorter routes. For everyone’s safety— absolutely no pets allowed on the Canyon Trail. Pets on leash are allowed on all other trails.
Boots, bikes, paws, hooves: The park offers more than 35 miles of backcountry trails for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding (see guided ride info below). Bears and cougars live in the more remote park areas.
Daytime activities: The South Falls Day-use area has spacious lawns, barbecue stands, picnic shelters, tables, a playground, horseshoe pits, an off lead area for dogs, and a charming creek. Ever since the opening day in 1933, visitors have been using these grounds for potlucks, family reunions and weddings.
The Silver Falls Lodge and Conference Center offers a variety of amenities. Relax and enjoy comfortable lodging within the wooded setting, or feast at the many catered specialty events. Enjoy a preordered meal at the historic dining hall or order a box lunch to take on a hike or to your campsite. They also specialize in hosting special events! Visit silverfallslodge.com or call 866-575-8875.
Guided horseback rides: Silver Falls Riding Stables at Howard Creek offers five horseback rides daily through Sept. 29. Advanced reservation recommended. Visit silverfallslodge.com for times and rates.
$28 / night
Champoeg State Heritage Area features a rare combination of history, nature, and recreation. Situated south of Newberg along the scenic Willamette River, Champoeg's forests, fields, and wetlands recreate the landscape of a bygone era.
This is the site where Oregon's first provisional government was formed by a historical vote in 1843. A thriving town of 200 was established, only to be washed away during a great flood in 1861. This rich history earns the park’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
A diversity of activities await. Enjoy walking or biking on the paved trails that pass historical landmarks and hug the river. Play the 18-hole disc golf course under the oak trees, relax at the multitude of scenic picnic areas, or fish or kayak from dock on the Willamette River. For RV's there are 21 full-hookup sites and 54 electric sites with water.
The ecologically rich landscape is home to more than 130 bird species, including seasonally nesting western bluebirds and acorn woodpeckers.
$5 - $72 / night
Camp•hub, real cuisine, and BnB outdoor boutique hotel.
Immersing yourself into the outdoors, if only for a drizzly afternoon stroll, is not simply refreshing—for Oregonians, it’s practically fundamental to experiencing a flourishing life in the Pacific Northwest.
Setting out on the trail or sleeping under the stars can be the restorative breath of fresh air that can completely transform a mindset. That transformation in mindset could have significant impacts on the climate of surrounding environment + the local community, and that's not something to take lightly.
From the outset, our mission at Silver Falls Hospitality has been to learn firsthand from the very nature of the wilderness, and directly from those who have been stewards of the land before us. As a small business and as a blossoming cohort of creatives and a "boots-on-the-ground" team, we aim to convey the resilience that we have gained & have continuously learned from, and hope to instill those values into the hearts and minds of the sojourners, friends, locals, and families that we are honored to host.
$89 - $250 / night
Situated along the scenic Clackamas River, Milo McIver State Park is only 45 minutes from Portland. This beautiful park provides a variety of outstanding recreational opportunities. You can spend a day or a week exploring the river, forest and fields.
Seasonal Camping (Mid-March – Oct. 31)
44 electrical sites with water (one accessible). Nine tent sites with water nearby Hot showers and flush toilets Three reservable group tent camping areas with water, flush toilets and fire rings Three hiker/biker campsites with water, lockers, solar charging station and fire pit RV dump station Click here to see a campground map. Water Play
River lovers can challenge the sometimes wild (but always picturesque) Clackamas River with rafts, canoes or kayaks. For fishing enthusiasts, Estacada Lake offers a boat ramp and an ADA fishing dock, and the Clackamas River has steelhead and Chinook runs.
The Clackamas Fish Hatchery is located at McIver Park, and self-guided tours of the hatchery guide visitors through the life-cycle of Chinook salmon and steelhead.
SUP and Kayak Rentals Rentals and guided tours are offered by Clackamas River Outfitters at Estacada Lake through contract with Oregon State Parks. Information: 503-586-3241 or clackamasriveroutfitters.com
Land Play Prefer to stay dry? You can hike or ride your horse over miles of trails. (Bicycles are allowed only on paved trails and roads, for the safety of all.)
Milo also sports a world-class, 27-hole disc golf course at the Riverbend Day-use Area. Discs are available at the park office to rent or buy.
$18 - $75 / night
In the summer months, this 3,500-acre, 9-mile long lake in the Cascades below Mt. Jefferson is a popular recreation area for fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, camping, and picnicking. The U.S. Forest Service and__Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation and operate numerous boat ramps, campgrounds and day-use areas around the lake. Two privately owned marinas are located near the town of Detroit.Both Detroit and Big Cliff lakes are located 43 miles southeast of Salem on the North Fork of the Santiam River. They are operated by the Corps of Engineers as part of a system of thirteen multi-purpose dams and reservoirs that make up the Willamette Valley Project. These dams and reservoirs work together for the purposes of flood damage reduction, hydropower generation, irrigation, recreation, fish and wildlife enhancement, and downstream water quality improvement within the Willamette River drainage system.. To learn more about the lake and construction of the dam visit the Army Corps of Engineers website at http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/In late summer, early fall through spring, the water levels on Detroit and Big Cliff lakes are frequently drawn down to the point where boat launches are no longer available. Reservoir and river level information is available from the US Army Corps of Engineers__here. Watch for obstructions near the shoreline such as submerged stumps, logs and rocks. Small craft should stay out of open waters when it is windy since dangerous waves can build up suddenly.Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout, Native Trout; Types of fishing available include: Shore, Motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait; ADA Accessible fishing access with fishing pier, boat launch, and fish cleaning stationView more Popular Lakes & Rivers
Fishermen's Bend Recreation Site has limited day use open. No camping or dump station is available.__ $5 passenger vehicle (up to 9), $10 non-commercial vans (10-19 passengers), $20 non-commercial bus (over 19 passengers), $30 Northwest Oregon District Annual Day Pass for passengers vehicles only, America the Beautiful Interagency Passes and Golden passes are also acceptable for day-use fees Cottonwoods Shelter rental $110 per day, does not include vehicle day-use fees
Day use only until further notice. Expanded opened area includes River Loop only. Group picnic shelter, Cottonwoods, is reservable 7 first come-first serve individual picnic sites some hiking trails around River Loop and to the fishing overlook boat launch river access
porta potties, picnic sites with picnic table, parking, and barbecue grill, hiking trails, boat ramp, camp host, fishing overlook
North Santiam State Park is next door, with more great water and hiking opportunities. Scenic John Neal Memorial County Park is less than 15 minutes away. Silver Falls State Park is 45 minutes from Fishermen's Bend, with 10 majestic waterfalls, ranging from the grand 177' South Falls, to the delicate 27' Drake Falls.
For facility specific information, please call (503) 375-5646.
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
$110 / night
The Silver Spur is a 196 site RV Resort located just on the outskirts of historic Silverton, OR. We offer 50 amp, 30 amp and 20 amp electric service, water & sewer connections, and cable TV at every site in the park. Wave Wireless internet is also available for each guest. Our main lodge has a small store for most RV needs and is also equiped with a beautiful game room that has a full sized slate pool table, air hockey, foosball , big screen tv's and video games! A stocked, catch and release fishing pond is located in the center of the property for all guests to enjoy. Our brand new Pool and Jacuzzi are open 7 days a week for you to soak in and are located right next to the area of our newest edition of 5 TiPi camp sites! We serve Saturday breakfasts throughout the summer months and have in house catering available for groups, parties, reunions or gatherings of any kind.
The main campground has tent sites, RV spots and cabins. Bring your horse and stay in the horse campground.
Campground Book sites at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance. Reservations are required for cabin stays.
48 electrical sites with water (18+ sites open year-round) 43 tent sites with water nearby (seasonal May–Oct.) 14 cabins (7 pet friendly, open year-round) Flush toilets and showers Universal Access: Campsites B2 and B4, four cabins, and campground restrooms/showers are accessible. Howard Creek Horse Camp (seasonal May–Oct) 5 primitive sites with horse stalls Group site for 24 people and 12 horses
People call it the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, and once you visit, you know why. Silver Falls State Park is the kind of standout scenic treasure that puts Oregon firmly onto the national—and international—stage.
Camping: The main Silver Falls campground has tent sites, RV spots and cabins. Bring your horse and stay in the horse campground. If you need an area for many people, the park also has group tent and RV camps, and the historic Youth Camp for up to 250 campers.
Waterfalls: Where else can you walk behind a waterfall? Check out the famous South Falls and see what a 177-foot curtain of water looks like from behind. It’s part of the Trail of Ten Falls, a spectacular, nationally recognized hiking trail that weaves through a dense forested landscape. The trail passes a series of breathtaking waterfalls along a rocky canyon, and descends to a winding creek at the forest floor. This 7.2 mile loop is considered to be a moderate hike, with an overall elevation change of 800 feet. Several connecting trails with separate access points make shorter routes. For everyone’s safety— absolutely no pets allowed on the Canyon Trail. Pets on leash are allowed on all other trails.
Boots, bikes, paws, hooves: The park offers more than 35 miles of backcountry trails for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding (see guided ride info below). Bears and cougars live in the more remote park areas.
Daytime activities: The South Falls Day-use area has spacious lawns, barbecue stands, picnic shelters, tables, a playground, horseshoe pits, an off lead area for dogs, and a charming creek. Ever since the opening day in 1933, visitors have been using these grounds for potlucks, family reunions and weddings.
The Silver Falls Lodge and Conference Center offers a variety of amenities. Relax and enjoy comfortable lodging within the wooded setting, or feast at the many catered specialty events. Enjoy a preordered meal at the historic dining hall or order a box lunch to take on a hike or to your campsite. They also specialize in hosting special events! Visit silverfallslodge.com or call 866-575-8875.
Guided horseback rides: Silver Falls Riding Stables at Howard Creek offers five horseback rides daily through Sept. 29. Advanced reservation recommended. Visit silverfallslodge.com for times and rates.
$28 / night
Champoeg State Heritage Area features a rare combination of history, nature, and recreation. Situated south of Newberg along the scenic Willamette River, Champoeg's forests, fields, and wetlands recreate the landscape of a bygone era.
This is the site where Oregon's first provisional government was formed by a historical vote in 1843. A thriving town of 200 was established, only to be washed away during a great flood in 1861. This rich history earns the park’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
A diversity of activities await. Enjoy walking or biking on the paved trails that pass historical landmarks and hug the river. Play the 18-hole disc golf course under the oak trees, relax at the multitude of scenic picnic areas, or fish or kayak from dock on the Willamette River. For RV's there are 21 full-hookup sites and 54 electric sites with water.
The ecologically rich landscape is home to more than 130 bird species, including seasonally nesting western bluebirds and acorn woodpeckers.
$5 - $72 / night
Camp•hub, real cuisine, and BnB outdoor boutique hotel.
Immersing yourself into the outdoors, if only for a drizzly afternoon stroll, is not simply refreshing—for Oregonians, it’s practically fundamental to experiencing a flourishing life in the Pacific Northwest.
Setting out on the trail or sleeping under the stars can be the restorative breath of fresh air that can completely transform a mindset. That transformation in mindset could have significant impacts on the climate of surrounding environment + the local community, and that's not something to take lightly.
From the outset, our mission at Silver Falls Hospitality has been to learn firsthand from the very nature of the wilderness, and directly from those who have been stewards of the land before us. As a small business and as a blossoming cohort of creatives and a "boots-on-the-ground" team, we aim to convey the resilience that we have gained & have continuously learned from, and hope to instill those values into the hearts and minds of the sojourners, friends, locals, and families that we are honored to host.
$89 - $250 / night
Situated along the scenic Clackamas River, Milo McIver State Park is only 45 minutes from Portland. This beautiful park provides a variety of outstanding recreational opportunities. You can spend a day or a week exploring the river, forest and fields.
Seasonal Camping (Mid-March – Oct. 31)
44 electrical sites with water (one accessible). Nine tent sites with water nearby Hot showers and flush toilets Three reservable group tent camping areas with water, flush toilets and fire rings Three hiker/biker campsites with water, lockers, solar charging station and fire pit RV dump station Click here to see a campground map. Water Play
River lovers can challenge the sometimes wild (but always picturesque) Clackamas River with rafts, canoes or kayaks. For fishing enthusiasts, Estacada Lake offers a boat ramp and an ADA fishing dock, and the Clackamas River has steelhead and Chinook runs.
The Clackamas Fish Hatchery is located at McIver Park, and self-guided tours of the hatchery guide visitors through the life-cycle of Chinook salmon and steelhead.
SUP and Kayak Rentals Rentals and guided tours are offered by Clackamas River Outfitters at Estacada Lake through contract with Oregon State Parks. Information: 503-586-3241 or clackamasriveroutfitters.com
Land Play Prefer to stay dry? You can hike or ride your horse over miles of trails. (Bicycles are allowed only on paved trails and roads, for the safety of all.)
Milo also sports a world-class, 27-hole disc golf course at the Riverbend Day-use Area. Discs are available at the park office to rent or buy.
$18 - $75 / night
Fishermen's Bend Recreation Site has limited day use open. No camping or dump station is available.__ $5 passenger vehicle (up to 9), $10 non-commercial vans (10-19 passengers), $20 non-commercial bus (over 19 passengers), $30 Northwest Oregon District Annual Day Pass for passengers vehicles only, America the Beautiful Interagency Passes and Golden passes are also acceptable for day-use fees Cottonwoods Shelter rental $110 per day, does not include vehicle day-use fees
Day use only until further notice. Expanded opened area includes River Loop only. Group picnic shelter, Cottonwoods, is reservable 7 first come-first serve individual picnic sites some hiking trails around River Loop and to the fishing overlook boat launch river access
porta potties, picnic sites with picnic table, parking, and barbecue grill, hiking trails, boat ramp, camp host, fishing overlook
North Santiam State Park is next door, with more great water and hiking opportunities. Scenic John Neal Memorial County Park is less than 15 minutes away. Silver Falls State Park is 45 minutes from Fishermen's Bend, with 10 majestic waterfalls, ranging from the grand 177' South Falls, to the delicate 27' Drake Falls.
For facility specific information, please call (503) 375-5646.
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
$110 / night
Scout
Good
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Traveler
This is my favorite place to get away with my two daughters. The sites are well spaced with a lot of plant life between them to provide some privacy. There is a path that goes around the small lake, and if you time it right the fishing is great.
Guide
Had a nice one night stop at this RV Park that had about 12 sites that were lined up along the coast. Had a couple other levels with direct views of the ocean, but you were packed in side by side with other RV’s. There are other sites that are a little more divided in some wooded areas. Full hookup with showers, Laundry etc.
Guide
One spot with its own driveway. A nice flat and private spot. A legit pack in pack out spot. Too bad there is trash everywhere and a big puddle on one side. If you have a rake and shovel then may be a good one day or 14 day spot after a few hours of TLC. Nice trails for walking.
GuideCoordinates 45.230277,-123.777780. Across street from Horse Trailhead about half way up Mt Hebo. A good flat spot with nice trails around. Too much trash and glass left at the site though.
Traveler
As of Oct 2024 - still shut No access to bathrooms but can pay 5 for day use of their picnic benches
Traveler
As of Oct 2024 - still shut With gate and padlock, shut to even get into but there is a park nearby to use the restrooms if needed but no camping
Legend
Humbug is one of our favorite campgrounds. We love the easy access to the beach and the beautiful hikes. Showers are hot and free, rangers are always friendly.
Cell service is pretty iffy here, but we manage to make it work with the cell booster.
There's a dump station and water fill, trash and recycling, water spigots throughout campground, and firewood for sale.
Tent sites in Oregon don't currently have the 25% non-resident surcharge (though I've heard that's changing soon) and there are plenty of non-hookup/tent sites that will fit RVs. There are also FHU and pull through sites.
Traveler
Beautiful early fall days at River Bend.
Midweek, Sunday - Thursday the campground was maybe 25% filled. It was quiet! Leaves were beginning to turn colors, needles from pine tree were falling like rain.
The Santiam river is low at this time and was great for wading into, swimming if like cold river.
Kayaking the river - I dropped in at Cascadia - beautiful float back to River Bend - had to traverse quite a bit due to low water levels / avoiding the small waterfalls (5-10ft drops).
Scout
We set up camp next to an old logging area, gave us the opportunity to have a clear view of the sunset. The area we wanted to go was blocked by a huge log, that kept us on NF property but we still enjoyed the view from where we were.
Guide
Great location as it is across the street from the beach. It is as simple as the other two next to it and half the price! Bathrooms are clean and showers are decent. Nice helpful camp host.
GuideFriendly, helpful staff. Clean and modern bathrooms. Great location on ocean with great sunsets. Oy negative is spotty internet (Tengo).
Ranger
This is a nice, small, well maintained RV park near town. Foster Lake is just across the road and is beautiful with a decent trail along the lake. The road can get very noisy as it’s popular with motorcycles.
ScoutCamping along side gravel road some spots better than others. Gets really busy on major holidays so go claim a spot early.
Traveler
We stayed at what is now Cascadia County Park (per signage at the park) at the beginning of September. Monday and Tuesday night there were only a couple of other campers in the park. Needless to say it was very quiet.
Our first day we noticed a man without a shirt sitting, leaning against the bathroom exterior wall for a least an hour or so. Later that day we saw a couple who appeared to be homeless using the shower on the premises. Neither of these people caused any problems nor interacted with any camper as far as I could tell. Near the entrance at the picnic area there is a sign warning visitors to lock their cars.
This is a beautiful park, densely forested, bordered by the Santiam River. We stayed in one of the pull though sites, number 4. It was more private than most sites. We were happy to stay here to escape the smoke in Central Oregon were we live. We had reservations at Little Crater Campground, but choose not to stay there as the there were fires nearby and the area had an Evacuation Advisory - Level one and there is only one way out of the area.
TravelerI dove thru. Told not welcome. 2+ year wait list to live there. Asked if I could just pay to park somewhere safely in there as a single woman, in her 40's, just to stay in my car and watch TV on my own cell service in my car? I was told no. I told them I didn't want to live there tonight, I was looking into rv living and feeling out what the lifestyle is about. Currently just a "leave no trace overnight sleep".
Nope.
Met a couple residents and park attendant/host and this is NOT A PLACE TO STAY.
Looks like some kind of laundry area and possibly 1 shower stall. CHeesy (some kind of 1/4 height saloon town cutouts) hostile, rude, unfriendly, and discriminating. Best to move straight past it.
Traveler.
TravelerNo. 100% no. Just want to make sure people know NOT to go there like I did. THE WORST experience I have had ever in all of my exploring!
TravelerNo
Scout
We camped where the road was blocked and it was great. Saw a cougar as we were leaving, though! Luckily we were all in the car, so cool to see, but be aware!
Scout
Stayed 3 nights and the host allowed us to park 2 cars on a tent site. Facilities are clean and showers are hot and free
Traveler
Great when you can get the hole camp to your self
Scout
Jim did a great job of communicating and was attentive to all the campers, but they ended up overbooked so we were moved away from the river and into an open field. With no hookups and lacking riverfront, the night seemed over-priced. With van life on site and a full campground, it didn’t have the quiet feel we expected.
Scout
Narrow sites. Old bathroom features. Cat poop everywhere. Even in the middle of the roads and around the fish cleaning station. Saw cats pooping under rvs. The rabbits are long gone, replaced by loose cats. Mostly long term folks. People at end of row E argue loudly at night. No wifi code given if you arrive after hours nor code to the bathrooms. Nice dog yard which is the best feature.
RangerHad an amazing day at the beach. Can’t beat the view. The walk on the beach is great. There is WiFi if needed. Really enjoyed our stay.
Camping near Salem, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Salem, Oregon, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Salem, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Salem, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 197 campgrounds and RV parks near Salem, OR and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Salem, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Salem, OR is Silver Falls State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 71 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Salem, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Salem, OR.
What parks are near Salem, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Salem, OR that allow camping, notably Foster Lake and Fern Ridge Lake.
