Foster Lake offers RV accommodations in the Willamette Valley region of Oregon, approximately 30 miles east of Albany. Located at 637 feet elevation, the lake provides camping options throughout the year with seasonal variations in water levels. Winter stays experience average temperatures between 35-50°F with frequent rainfall, while summer temperatures range from 75-90°F with drier conditions.
What to do
Golfing near campsites: Mallard Creek Golf and RV Resort combines camping with golf activities 11 miles from Sweet Home. A camper noted, "Mallard Creek Golf and RV Resort is gear up for the serious golfers so the summer has special packages for the RV site with golfing from Memorial day weekend to the end of September." Golf carts can be rented for $20 per person for 9 holes.
McKenzie Highway scenic drives: Campers staying at RV sites near Foster Lake can access scenic routes within 30-45 minutes. One visitor at Holiday Farm RV Park shared, "We made the drive up the old McKenzie cut off road to the Dee Wright observatory at the summit. It is located right in the middle of an old lava flow. This drive is not for the faint of heart."
Town exploration: Lebanon offers shopping and dining 20 minutes from many Foster Lake campgrounds. A camper staying at Gills Landing mentioned, "Very nice campground with full hook ups and river access. You can walk or bike into town for food."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds near Foster Lake maintain well-kept restroom and shower areas. A camper at Blue Ox RV Park in Albany reported, "Indoor pool, multiple laundry rooms, rec room - all spotlessly clean. Close easy access to freeway but minimal noise."
Quick access to water recreation: The location provides direct water access from several RV parks. A guest at Edgewater RV Resort and Marina commented, "Just steps away from Foster Lake. Edgewater is super clean, tidy, and has nice RV spots. Located just outside the cute little town of Sweet Home."
Maintained grounds: Landscaping and site upkeep receives positive attention. According to a review of Deerwood RV Park, "Most spaces have at least 10-12 feet of grass between. Nicely maintained. Nice location, lots of trees and grassy areas. Asphalt pads for most sites, some premium sites have a concrete pad."
What you should know
Highway noise considerations: Some RV sites near Foster Lake experience traffic sounds. One camper at Deerwood RV Park noted, "Freeway noise. Very close to I-5. Louder on the side of park closest to street and entrance."
Reservation requirements: Summer weekends fill quickly at waterfront campgrounds. A visitor to Knox Butte RV Park shared, "This is an RV park. Full hook up $47. Great water pressure for shower. Laundry $1.75 wash, $.25 dry 13 minutes."
Cell service variations: Mobile connectivity differs by location. Regarding Mallard Creek Golf and RV Resort, a camper mentioned, "Free WIFI, your cel phone and data plans work wonderful in this area. Dogs are allowed, but no pet area to run loose."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Some campgrounds include recreational areas for children. A Blue Ox RV Park visitor commented, "Amazing trees of every kind and flowers and bushes all cared for meticulously. Beautiful city soccer fields and park just outside the entrance to the park. Great place to walk and relax."
Nearby hiking trails: Family-friendly trails can be accessed from Foster Lake campgrounds. According to an Edgewater RV Resort camper, "Foster Lake is just across the road and is beautiful with a decent trail along the lake."
Limited kid activities at golf resorts: Golf-focused RV parks may have fewer child amenities. As one Mallard Creek Golf and RV Resort visitor explained, "Kids are welcome but not gear up for things to do unless they love to golf too."
Tips from RVers
Back-in site considerations: Many campgrounds feature back-in sites that require planning. A visitor to Gills Landing RV Park mentioned, "20 full hookup sites with locked safe restrooms/coin showers. Camp host greets upon arrival and provides area maps and complimentary tokens for showers."
Pad requirements: Some parks enforce specific leveling equipment rules. A Deerwood RV Park guest shared, "ALL spots require jack pads. Having not stayed in too many parks with asphalt, this was a surprise for us. They did not mention at checkin, but we got a polite email the next morning."
Utilities placement: Hook-up locations vary between campgrounds. A reviewer at Mallard Creek noted, "The utilities were placed in the middle of the pad, which was plenty long enough for our rig to include putting our back patio down."
