Fern Ridge Lake is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Fern Ridge Lake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Fern Ridge Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Located in Lane County's Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area, Armitage is a 64-acre oasis a few miles south of historic Coburg. Armitage offers visitors a full array of day use amenities including a paved boat ramp, ample trailer parking, volleyball and horseshoe pits, two dog parks (one for larger dogs and the other for smaller dogs, and several rentable large group picnic sites with electricity, cooking facilities, and drinking water.
Its natural amenities include old growth deciduous and evergreen trees. A half-mile, self-guided interpretive trail constructed by the McKenzie Watershed Council winds through undeveloped portions of the park. Armitage is a favorite place to begin or end a boat trip, take a tranquil walk, and for large group picnic gatherings. Armitage also regularly serves as a staging area for emergency search and rescue training operations.
Reservations are accepted both on-line, over the phone and in person. All reservations are charged a $10 reservation processing fee regardless of the modality used to reserve. Visit www.lanecountyor.gov/parks for more information and to learn about the other four Lane County campgrounds: Archie Knowles, Baker Bay, Harbor Vista and Richardson.
$20 - $39 / night
This recreation area is part of Fern Ridge Lake
Situated half way up the Oregon coast and three miles south of Florence on scenic Highway 101 is the second largest overnight camp in the state. There are two miles of sand dunes between the park and the ocean. Two natural freshwater lakes are within the park. Cleawox -- which is great for swimming -- and Woahink, which has a public boat ramp, is used for all water sports. Rent a canoe and explore the lake. Approximately 45 full-hookup sites, more than 120 electrical sites with water, more than 185 tent sites with water nearby, 10 yurts (one pet-friendly), and six seasonal group tent camping areas. Hiker/biker camp Firewood for sale RV dump station Universal Access Four campsites and two yurts are accessible to campers with disabilities.
$21 - $36 / night
This site, sometimes referred to as Horton Lake, Hult Marsh, Hult Reservoir, or Mill Pond, was developed in the early 1900s for logging operations. The reservoir and surrounding wetland is about 40 acres and supports a rich diversity of wildlife, fish, and plant species. This recreation site is popular for activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, and scenic driving.
Tillicum Beach Campground is popular for many reasons, but the number one and most obvious is its location right on the beach. Campers are lulled to sleep by the sound of the ocean waves, then wake to sweeping views of the Pacific. The campground offers an ideal location for whale watching. Most campsites have beachfront views, and sunsets are not to be missed. Fishing, swimming and playing in the sand are the campground's most popular activities.
Campers enjoy Tillicum for its expansive sandy beach. Surfers and swimmers play in the waves just off-shore. Children love building sandcastles on the beach. Walking along the beach is a great way to explore the area. Cape Perpetua is 6 miles south, where visitors can wander through old-growth Sitka spruce, experience the crashing surf, investigate tide pools, whale watch or take a guided hike. Waldport, just 4 miles north, provides access to fishing, crabbing, clamming and shrimping in the Alsea Bay and River.
The coastal campground lies a couple miles south of where the Alsea River meets the Pacific Ocean. Tillicum is perfectly perched on the sandy beach yet it still offers some shade. The campground offers views of both the ocean and the Coastal Range.
Heceta Beach is located nearby, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Pacific Ocean. Mary's Peak is the highest point in Oregon's Coast Range and has been designed a Scenic Botanical Area because of its rich, unique scenery and plants.
$28 - $34 / night
Reserve a site at Alsea Falls on recreation.gov or pay when you arrive for non-reserved campsites using the Recreation.gov Mobile App. You must download before you reach the site since there is no cell reception in the drainage.__ Alsea Falls Recreation Site is located along a Bureau of Land Management National Back Country Byway, located in the Oregon Coast Range, 13 miles west of Monroe, Oregon, in Benton County. Alsea Falls is open for camping the first weekend in May through the end of September of each year. Day use is open year round. The South Fork of the Alsea River flows through the Alsea Falls Recreation Site, cascading down 30 feet to form Alsea Falls in the day use area.
The beautiful surroundings of Alsea Falls can be enjoyed by exploring the trails that wander through the area and lead to the picnic grounds and beyond. On a warm day, Alsea Falls Recreation Site offers cool relief along the river. During the winter months, the South Fork of the Alsea River provides excellent salmon and steelhead fishing. Be sure to check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for current fishing regulations.
The beautiful surroundings of Alsea Falls can be enjoyed by exploring the trails that wander through the area and lead to the picnic grounds and beyond. On a warm day, Alsea Falls Recreation Site offers cool relief along the river. During the winter months, the South Fork of the Alsea River provides excellent salmon and steelhead fishing. Be sure to check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for current fishing regulations.
Forests in all stages of growth line South Fork Alsea National Back Country Byway. The nearby South Fork Alsea River offers painters and photographers endless opportunities to capture the natural beauty of Alsea Falls and the surrounding area. Old growth Douglas fir and western red cedar forests can be seen on the nearby ridges, while younger Douglas fir and vine maples provide a pleasant atmosphere at the Alsea Falls Recreation Site.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (503) 375-5646 for general information.
The Fall Creek Day-Use Trailhead offers over 12 miles of mountain bike specific trails. Hikers can use these trails as well. Green Peak Falls with a drop of 45 feet is accessed by road or trail through the private campground of McBee Park. Follow the markers along the trail and road. Alsea Trout Hatchery is north of the town of Alsea.
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
$40 / night
South Twin Lake Campground sits on the shores of South Twin Lake, a small lake adjacent to the much larger Wickiup Reservoir.
South Twin Lake provides visitors with the opportunity for fishing, swimming and paddling. Motorized boating is not permitted.
South Twin Lake provides visitors with the opportunity for fishing, swimming and paddling. Motorized boating is not permitted.
The lake was formed about 20,000 years ago when rising magma-encountered groundwater resulting in violent steam explosions. The resulting explosions formed a broad shallow crater, which later filled with water. The lake covers an area of 99 acres with average depth of 33 feet with a maximum depth of 58 feet. South Twin Lake is a lure's toss from the Deschutes arm of Wickiup Reservoir and less than a mile south of North Twin lake.
Visitors can explore wilderness areas, rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and approximately hundred of miles of trail. Newberry National Volcanic Monument, approxiately 45 minutes by vehicle, is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Visitors can explore Lava River Cave, the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon. Visitors enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Bywaywhich climbs 66 miles through the Cascade Range, weaving past snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$25 - $58 / night
Partial Temporary Closure of Campsites Whittaker Creek Campground will have a short temporary closure of camp sites 16-31 while we remove invasive species that are threatening the natural ecosystem within the park. As the sites are cleared and safe to utilize, we will open them for use on a rolling basis starting with the westernmost sites. Reserve a site at Whittaker Creek on recreation.gov or pay when you arrive for non-reserved campsites using the Recreation.gov Mobile App. You must download before you reach the site since there is no cell reception in the drainage. Whittaker Creek Recreation Site is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campground and day use area. The campground has 30 sites. Campground amenities include vault toilets, potable water, picnic areas, a children's play area, an Old Growth Ridge National Recreation Trail (2.5 miles), and a swimming area. In the fall, winter, and spring, busloads of middle school students visit the Whittaker Creek Watchable Wildlife Site to learn about spawning salmon and trout and to assist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's breeding program.
Camping, hiking, swimming, fishing in Siuslaw River, photography, hunting, Salmon Watch, and nature study.
Besides the trail to the wildlife viewing area, you can hike the Old Growth Ridge National Recreation Trail, which climbs 1,000 feet above the river into the Coast Range. The 2.5-mile trail was designated in 1994 as a National Recreation Trail due to the exceptional wildlife, geologic features, and old growth trees that are typical of coast range ecosystems. This moderately difficult trail winds through a stand of old growth Douglas fir and offers a look at geologic and botanical features unique to the area. Chinook and coho salmon, as well as steelhead trout can be observed in the fall and winter months in the creek next to the campground. The site also features a paved boat ramp that provides drift boat and canoe access to the Siuslaw River. No permit required to paddle the 6.5-mile river, with Class II - III rapids.
For local information, please call (541) 683-6600 or call (503) 375-5646 for general information.
Clay Creek Campground, is approximately 16 miles past Whittaker Creek. The Oregon Coast is less than 30 miles from this recreation site. (Florence) Alder Dune Campground (Florence) Archie Knowles Campground (Florence) B & E Wayside Mobile and RV Park (Cottage Grove) Baker Bay Campground (Dorena) Baker Bay County Park (Westfir) Bedrock Camp You can observe Chinook, and Coho salmon, as well as steelhead trout in the fall and winter months in the creek next to the campground during Salmon Watch.
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
$20 / night
Washburne is located on the east side of Highway 101 with a buffer of native plants and trees between you and the highway. The campsites are spacious and are available on a first come first served basis except for the two yurts which are reservable. There are several trails of varying difficulty leading from the campsites to the beach, wildlife viewing areas, and second-growth forests. A walking trail leads you under the highway to a five-mile sandy beach and a day-use area, where you'll find space to watch whales, hunt agates, beachcomb, and picnic. Another trail connects you to the Heceta Head trail, which you can use to reach the historic Heceta Head lighthouse. In the campground at night, you can hear the pounding surf. There is a creek running through the campground, and elk have been known to wander through. Wild rhododendrons bloom in spring. Campground info: Approximately 50 full-hookup sites More than five electrical sites (with water) Seven walk-in tent sites (closes seasonally October - April) Hiker/biker camp Two yurts Flush toilets and hot showers RV dump station in day-use area Firewood for sale Universal Access Site #30 is accessible to campers with disabilities.
$34 / night
Located in Lane County's Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area, Armitage is a 64-acre oasis a few miles south of historic Coburg. Armitage offers visitors a full array of day use amenities including a paved boat ramp, ample trailer parking, volleyball and horseshoe pits, two dog parks (one for larger dogs and the other for smaller dogs, and several rentable large group picnic sites with electricity, cooking facilities, and drinking water.
Its natural amenities include old growth deciduous and evergreen trees. A half-mile, self-guided interpretive trail constructed by the McKenzie Watershed Council winds through undeveloped portions of the park. Armitage is a favorite place to begin or end a boat trip, take a tranquil walk, and for large group picnic gatherings. Armitage also regularly serves as a staging area for emergency search and rescue training operations.
Reservations are accepted both on-line, over the phone and in person. All reservations are charged a $10 reservation processing fee regardless of the modality used to reserve. Visit www.lanecountyor.gov/parks for more information and to learn about the other four Lane County campgrounds: Archie Knowles, Baker Bay, Harbor Vista and Richardson.
$20 - $39 / night
Situated half way up the Oregon coast and three miles south of Florence on scenic Highway 101 is the second largest overnight camp in the state. There are two miles of sand dunes between the park and the ocean. Two natural freshwater lakes are within the park. Cleawox -- which is great for swimming -- and Woahink, which has a public boat ramp, is used for all water sports. Rent a canoe and explore the lake. Approximately 45 full-hookup sites, more than 120 electrical sites with water, more than 185 tent sites with water nearby, 10 yurts (one pet-friendly), and six seasonal group tent camping areas. Hiker/biker camp Firewood for sale RV dump station Universal Access Four campsites and two yurts are accessible to campers with disabilities.
$21 - $36 / night
This site, sometimes referred to as Horton Lake, Hult Marsh, Hult Reservoir, or Mill Pond, was developed in the early 1900s for logging operations. The reservoir and surrounding wetland is about 40 acres and supports a rich diversity of wildlife, fish, and plant species. This recreation site is popular for activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, and scenic driving.
Tillicum Beach Campground is popular for many reasons, but the number one and most obvious is its location right on the beach. Campers are lulled to sleep by the sound of the ocean waves, then wake to sweeping views of the Pacific. The campground offers an ideal location for whale watching. Most campsites have beachfront views, and sunsets are not to be missed. Fishing, swimming and playing in the sand are the campground's most popular activities.
Campers enjoy Tillicum for its expansive sandy beach. Surfers and swimmers play in the waves just off-shore. Children love building sandcastles on the beach. Walking along the beach is a great way to explore the area. Cape Perpetua is 6 miles south, where visitors can wander through old-growth Sitka spruce, experience the crashing surf, investigate tide pools, whale watch or take a guided hike. Waldport, just 4 miles north, provides access to fishing, crabbing, clamming and shrimping in the Alsea Bay and River.
The coastal campground lies a couple miles south of where the Alsea River meets the Pacific Ocean. Tillicum is perfectly perched on the sandy beach yet it still offers some shade. The campground offers views of both the ocean and the Coastal Range.
Heceta Beach is located nearby, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Pacific Ocean. Mary's Peak is the highest point in Oregon's Coast Range and has been designed a Scenic Botanical Area because of its rich, unique scenery and plants.
$28 - $34 / night
Reserve a site at Alsea Falls on recreation.gov or pay when you arrive for non-reserved campsites using the Recreation.gov Mobile App. You must download before you reach the site since there is no cell reception in the drainage.__ Alsea Falls Recreation Site is located along a Bureau of Land Management National Back Country Byway, located in the Oregon Coast Range, 13 miles west of Monroe, Oregon, in Benton County. Alsea Falls is open for camping the first weekend in May through the end of September of each year. Day use is open year round. The South Fork of the Alsea River flows through the Alsea Falls Recreation Site, cascading down 30 feet to form Alsea Falls in the day use area.
The beautiful surroundings of Alsea Falls can be enjoyed by exploring the trails that wander through the area and lead to the picnic grounds and beyond. On a warm day, Alsea Falls Recreation Site offers cool relief along the river. During the winter months, the South Fork of the Alsea River provides excellent salmon and steelhead fishing. Be sure to check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for current fishing regulations.
The beautiful surroundings of Alsea Falls can be enjoyed by exploring the trails that wander through the area and lead to the picnic grounds and beyond. On a warm day, Alsea Falls Recreation Site offers cool relief along the river. During the winter months, the South Fork of the Alsea River provides excellent salmon and steelhead fishing. Be sure to check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for current fishing regulations.
Forests in all stages of growth line South Fork Alsea National Back Country Byway. The nearby South Fork Alsea River offers painters and photographers endless opportunities to capture the natural beauty of Alsea Falls and the surrounding area. Old growth Douglas fir and western red cedar forests can be seen on the nearby ridges, while younger Douglas fir and vine maples provide a pleasant atmosphere at the Alsea Falls Recreation Site.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (503) 375-5646 for general information.
The Fall Creek Day-Use Trailhead offers over 12 miles of mountain bike specific trails. Hikers can use these trails as well. Green Peak Falls with a drop of 45 feet is accessed by road or trail through the private campground of McBee Park. Follow the markers along the trail and road. Alsea Trout Hatchery is north of the town of Alsea.
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
$40 / night
Scout
The camp sites were decent size and they have life jackets for little ones
Guide
We loved staying here! Beautiful beach that is lovely at sunset and sunrise. Helpful and friendly hosts. Sites fairly close but didnt feel bothered by it.
Guide
We rolled into this park in a torrential rainstorm just at dark. Thankfully, site 10 was perfectly level, and hookups all worked great. Clean bathrooms and gorgeous setting, even in the the rain
Scout
Horse Creek is a great site for horse camping. Only two sites are for non-stock campers. The camp has no water or any hook ups but the corrals are pretty good except they can get muddy if manure is not carefully picked out.
The horse water trough is a short walk away from camp but does not have potable water. If users are not careful it can drain or not be usable so bring horse water.
The trails are wonderful!! But hilly so make sure your horse is fit or you are willing to take it easy. Many of the original overlooks are starting to be grown in but the forest is amazing!
Traveler
Whether you’re visiting friends or simply seeking a tranquil getaway, this camp provides a perfect blend of nature and comfort. While you're planning your trip, if you find yourself needing assistance with any writing tasks or essays, consider the academized.com/write-my-coursework writing service. They offer professional help that can elevate your academic experience. Enjoy the serene beauty of the forest and create lasting memories at Whispering Pine!
TravelerI stayed at Armitage for an overnight visit in the area and thought the location was quite nice: wooded with adequate facilities and plenty of space between sites. The RV park staff disappear a little before 5 pm and who knows when they come in the mornings. No wifi reception (at least where I was). Not bad overall.
Guide
Not near Eugene
Guide
Dustin is a gracious host and provides a lovely camp retreat on his Dahlia farm. While there's an option to park amongst mature trees, I requested to be in an open area to which he obliged and it was absolutely lovely. A very quiet place to sleep and peaceful setting to spend the day working on my laptop prior to heading into Eugene for some meetings. Thank you Dustin!
Traveler
I spent one night here on a trip to southern Oregon and it was a very quiet and safe place to stay. The pit toilets were clean, the water spigots were easily accessible, and the site had an excellent pad for my tent. Will definitely plan to stay here again!
Scout
Our stay at the RV spot on the beach was absolutely magical. Waking up to the sound of waves crashing and stepping out to golden sands right from our doorstep was an unparalleled experience. The facilities were well-maintained, and we had everything we needed to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. The sunset views were breathtaking, making every evening feel like a painting come to life. Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking to combine the adventure of RV living with the serenity of beachfront relaxation.
GuideThis was a gem that I wish we had an extra night to stay at. Spot 62 had a secret access to the beach that looks to be one of two away from the general access. Water and electricity hookups with grey water dumps throughout park. Restrooms and showers were available and the camp host has firewood for sale between 5-7pm. Peaceful morning walk on the beach.
Traveler
This campground is such a hidden gem. Just outside of Oakridge it feels like you are back country but you are 15 minutes from anything you would need if you forgot it. The elk walking through blew my mind and the views even more so.
Legend
The main draw of this campground is its proximity to the cute town of Florence. We don't tow a car, so being able to camp within walking distance of shops and restaurants is always a treat.
This campground used to have boondock / dry camp spots for a lower cost, but now all sites are FHU. The sites are packed pretty close together, and wouldn't be pleasant for an extended stay, but for a night or two it's find. There's a lot of activity with the fishing boats which is fun to watch.
There's a dump station for a fee for non-campers, laundry, showers, a book exchange in the office, trash dumpsters and recycling.
Ranger
Close to Cottage Grove, COE spot accepted the Passport for half priced camping.
The campground roads can be tight if you have a big rig so be careful. Because there is no power in the sites people were running generators for hours, even the tent campers.
Large groups were utilizing the group areas when we stayed, lots of children having fun.
It would not be a destination place but okay for an overnight stay.
Alchol ban in the park but based on the trash bins it was not enforced.
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).
GuideI’ve been here before. This park has about 37 sites with folks not on top of one another. Clean toilets and baths. $40 per night. Need to make reservations. Fills up fast. Cell service for Verizon, At&T and T-mobile are marginal. Phone calls are fine, internet varies from good speed to barely working.
Guide
Easy to get too from Eugene. Inbetween yachats and walport. Can walk to either. Pacfic Sourdough in Walport is worth a visit. Days open were thursday-saturday. They get a line up. Yummmm. Market in yachats is Sunday. Check if open as it may be seasonal
GuideThey have multiple first come sites. Works for us as we cant plan that far ahead. Bathrooms are clean and get cleaned twice a day. Only thing missing would be a shower. Camp hosts are helpful and always around for questions
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.
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
The sites are all mostly seperated by trees which is nice. We can as a first come first serve and there was no issue getting a site
TravelerIf it wasn’t already dark, I would have gone to a campground for $10 more. But it’s patrolled and a safe, level parking lot. Perimeter spaces have electric hookups.
TravelerWe had horrible weather and our campsite flooded us out. Not much fun in a vintage trailer. But Jack, the campsite manager, took great care of us. He moved us to a higher location, just in time for the sun to come out. If you can get a site overlooking the beach, that's definitely the way to go. It is a smaller campground but it's clean and well kept. The showers are fine. And, as I said, Jack is great. We'll be back.
Camping near Fern Ridge Lake, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique vibe.
Camping near Fern Ridge Lake, 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 Fern Ridge Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, Fern Ridge Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 176 campgrounds and RV parks near Fern Ridge Lake and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Fern Ridge Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fern Ridge Lake is Armitage Park & Campground - a Lane County Park with a 4.1-star rating from 29 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fern Ridge Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Fern Ridge Lake.
What parks are near Fern Ridge Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Fern Ridge Lake that allow camping, notably Dorena Lake and Fall Creek Lake.
