Foster sits along Highway 20, about 35 miles east of Albany in the Cascade foothills. The area features a mix of forest service and county-managed campgrounds that provide access to the South Santiam River and Foster Lake, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the 80s, while spring and fall camping can see overnight lows in the 40s with frequent rain.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Foster Lake and surrounding waterways offer year-round fishing access. At Whitcomb Creek County Park, campers can easily reach Green Peter Reservoir. "Your in the woods at this location, bring your boats/canoe/kayak the reservoir is huge to explore," notes one reviewer. The park provides a boat ramp with parking, though it "could use some renovations to allow multiple launch lines and better parking."
Disc golf course: The recreation area at Waterloo County Park includes an established disc golf course. "Waterloo is pretty open and has some bike trails and some parks and a pretty great disc golf course!" writes one visitor. Another mentions the variety of activities available: "What we have here is a spacious, friendly campground with good nearby attractions, including a moderately raging waterfall, disc golf, etc."
Waterfall hikes: Several campgrounds near Foster provide access to waterfall trails. Cascadia State Park Campground features the Soda Creek Falls trail that's less than a mile long but can be challenging. According to a camper, "The trail up to the falls is a short .75 miles but don't think it's necessarily an easy one. It's a rocky, narrow trail that requires solid soles and has a good elevation gain through old growth forest."
What campers like
Natural water features: The campgrounds around Foster provide multiple water access points. Yukwah Campground sits along the South Santiam River with "nice swimming holes for July and August weather." As one camper notes, "When we woke up we were 10 feet from the creek!! It was small and beautiful." The river access varies by campground, with some offering more developed swimming areas than others.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities at parks near Foster. At River Bend County Park, concrete pads at campsites help manage wet conditions. One camper at Silver Falls State Park remarked, "Awesome campground. Well maintained. Site spacing is good with lots of privacy between camps. Bathrooms and showers are super nice and clean. Roads and campsites are paved and level."
Spacious camping areas: The campgrounds near Foster vary in size and privacy levels. At Foster Lake RV Resort, sites accommodate various camping styles. A visitor described it as "Beautiful. Perfect place for family. Great scenery. Very clean." Many campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables and fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during summer months.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Yukwah Campground is only open from May through September, while Whitcomb Creek County Park has similar seasonal limits. Reservations are recommended during peak summer months as first-come sites fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with water quality despite offering potable water. One camper at Yukwah Campground reported, "The water pump says water is safe for drinking but the water does come out murky." Consider bringing your own drinking water for shorter stays.
Traffic noise: Some campgrounds experience road noise despite their forested settings. A visitor to Yukwah Campground mentioned, "The road noise did keep me up at night, the river wasn't flowing enough to drown it out." Campgrounds further from Highway 20 tend to be quieter, especially mid-week when traffic is lighter.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Mallard Creek Golf and RV Resort, facilities are primarily designed for golfers but accommodate families as well. "Kids are welcome but not gear up for things to do unless they love to golf too," notes one reviewer. River Bend County Park offers more kid-friendly options with both playground equipment and meadow areas for games.
Swimming safety: Foster area rivers can have strong currents and cold temperatures, especially in spring and early summer. At Waterloo County Park, one camper warned: "Great little spot for a family get together and overnight stay... On the river good fishing... but be aware... current is swift.. swimmers seem to get in trouble every year here." Always supervise children near water.
Cabin options: For families wanting to camp without tents, several parks offer cabin rentals. At River Bend County Park, cabins provide shelter from rainy weather common in spring and fall. Edgewater RV Resort offers similar accommodations with proximity to Foster Lake for family activities.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. Yukwah Campground is "made for small size trailer (under 20ft) or tents," while Whitcomb Creek has limited pull-through options. Check maximum length restrictions before booking, especially for units over 30 feet.
Hookup variations: The campgrounds near Foster offer different utility connections. Edgewater RV Resort provides full hookups including 30-amp service, while others like Whitcomb Creek have no hookups at all. One visitor noted Edgewater is "super clean, tidy, and has nice RV spots. Located just outside the cute little town of Sweet Home."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with RV sites offer dump stations. River Bend County Park includes a dump station on site, while others require using facilities in nearby towns. Sweet Home, approximately 3 miles from Foster, provides the closest services for RVers needing supplies or dump facilities.
