Tent and RV camping near Gates, Oregon offers both water-adjacent and forest sites throughout the western Cascade foothills. The region sits at elevations between 800-2,000 feet within the Willamette National Forest, creating distinct temperature zones with typical summer highs of 75-85°F and nighttime lows dropping to 45-55°F. Most campgrounds remain snow-free from May through October, though early season visitors should prepare for occasional frost.
What to do
Water activities at Detroit Lake: Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area, especially during summer months. "What a perfect campground. Great Lake access, amazing sites and tons of exploring to do," according to Josh K., who rated it 5 stars.
Hiking waterfall trails: Explore the numerous waterfall trails at Silver Falls State Park, about 30 minutes from Gates. "THE most beautiful park in Oregon that we've seen! Hiked for 5 hours! BEWARE: It's WET, so bring your wet weather gear, and good, sturdy hiking shoes for slippery terrain," notes Melissa L.
Riverside relaxation: Smaller creeks and river access points offer quieter alternatives to Detroit Lake. "There are nice walks along the river," writes Sally H. about Fishermens Bend, which earned 5 stars for its clean facilities and riverside setting.
What campers like
Private lakeside beaches: Some campsites at Detroit Lake offer direct water access. According to Rhiannon S., "Our spot was very small, but nestled in soft moss among towering trees. It was cool & well-shaded, with a short path to the lake."
Ancient forest exploration: Camping near historic areas combines nature with cultural interest. "There is an old abandoned village here too that you can explore. Crazy how nature takes over... pretty apocalyptic looking!" notes Sarah W. about Opal Pool Campsites.
Spacious campsites: Fishermens Bend offers larger than average sites. "Our group site was wonderful! There was enough room to set up 6 tents and two trailers with plenty of extra space. The bathrooms were immaculate, and the campground hosts were incredibly friendly," reports Bonnie-Amelia B.
What you should know
Off-season advantages: Several campgrounds remain open during shoulder seasons with fewer crowds. "We love Detroit Lake just as much during the off season as we do during the summer. The spots are generous and the lake is really cool without water!" says Jill T.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: From primitive to full-service, facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. "Decent restrooms with flush toilets and 3 shower stalls. It is also close to town if you need food etc.," mentions Tom N. about John Neal Memorial Park.
Highway noise impacts: Some campgrounds experience road noise from nearby Highway 22. "This is a great campground along a tributary of Detroit Lake. There is a little road noise from hwy 22, but it's across the water, and not too bad," notes Trena E. about Hoover Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and protected swimming areas. "We love hiking the trails and our kids love the playground and river swimming!" reports April F. about Silver Falls State Park.
Safety around water: Parents should monitor children near lakes and rivers. "The Hoover Day use area has a large dock to walk/fish on, a boat ramp, and lots of space for parking, picnicking, and fishing. The lake was 75 degrees this summer - so plan for blue gill not trout or salmon," advises Kelly N.
Activities beyond swimming: Look for campgrounds with hiking and biking opportunities. According to Linda C., Fishermens Bend offers "oodles and oodles of biking trails, its quiet with beautiful lush foliage, the showers are wonderful! Full hook ups are great."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs. "Several spots are on steep inclines, making it difficult to park an RV," warns Jill T. about Cove Creek.
Electric hookup availability: Limited campgrounds offer electrical connections. "Sites vary in length and width, besides the driveway, and some are even split-level due to the terrain. Separation between sites varies, too - sometimes ferns and many big trees between sites, sometimes just one tree at the back of the site," notes Kent R. about Cove Creek.
Generator restrictions: Some campgrounds limit generator use to maintain quiet hours. According to Laura K., "This campground is best suited for boaters and fishermen. You can pull your boat up to the shore, close to the campsites. Don't camp near the highway or it's pretty noisy at night."
