Silver Falls State Park Campground offers several camping options beyond traditional tent sites and RV spots. Cabin camping at Smith Creek Village within the park provides well-maintained structures with electric heat and lighting, making them suitable for visitors seeking more comfort in cooler weather. Sites at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area vary widely in size and privacy, with some areas experiencing significant noise from both highway traffic and boats during peak summer weekends. Many campgrounds within the Gates region contain waterfront sites providing direct access to lakes or rivers, though their availability requires booking months in advance during summer. Firewood is sold at most established campgrounds, with prices ranging from $5-7 per bundle depending on location.
What to do
Swimming in Detroit Lake: The water temperature at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area Campground often reaches 75 degrees during summer months, making it surprisingly comfortable for swimming. "The lake is great for boating and swimming," notes Katherine B., though water levels can fluctuate significantly by season.
River fishing opportunities: Santiam River access points near Fishermens Bend provide excellent fishing opportunities. "My husband likes the fishing," reports Kimmee P., with several spots allowing anglers to cast directly from campsite areas. The campground also features "trails to go along the river and places for kids to ride bikes," according to Karen K.
Explore secluded mountain lakes: Hiking opportunities extend beyond the popular waterfalls trails. "There is a hike up to Red Lake, which is well worth the time we spent lost trying to find the trailhead. We got to the lake at dusk, and had it all to ourselves," shares Lauren B. about her September camping experience near Detroit Lake.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the Gates area offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. The pond at John Neal Memorial Park "has ducks and a river otter occupying it," according to Tom N., creating natural entertainment for campers of all ages.
Spacious group sites: Several campgrounds provide dedicated group camping areas that accommodate larger gatherings. "Our group site was wonderful! There was enough room to set up 6 tents and two trailers with plenty of extra space," reports Bonnie-Amelia B. about the Salmon group site at Fishermens Bend.
Natural shade coverage: Most campgrounds near Gates feature significant tree coverage, providing relief during hot summer days. At Cove Creek, "we were there during a heat wave, and we were able to stay cool under the trees," reports Mark R., noting the campground's "nice big sites" and proximity to lake beaches.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Detroit Lake experiences significant water level fluctuations throughout the year. "It is worth noting that the water level here fluctuates quite a bit, and if you visit in late summer or early fall, the lake level is usually so low that it is not really as scenic, or as good to swim in," advises Christian in his review of Detroit Lake State Recreation Area.
Highway noise at some sites: Several campgrounds sit near major roadways, affecting sound levels. "Don't camp near the highway or it's pretty noisy at night," warns Laura K. about Detroit Lake State Recreation Area, while Humbug Campground offers a quieter alternative for those seeking more peaceful surroundings.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Facility quality differs significantly between campgrounds. Richard H. notes that at Smith Creek Village, "Bathrooms and showers are super nice and clean," while other campgrounds like Hoover feature "flush toilets, no soap in restrooms and lacking showers," according to Tom N.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation areas: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "We love hiking the trails and our kids love the playground and river swimming!" shares April F. about her family's experience at Silver Falls State Park Campground.
Biking opportunities: Families with children can take advantage of extensive biking trails at certain campgrounds. Ryan A. notes that Fishermens Bend offers "so many activities, Walk along the river, bike trails, basketball, playground, horseshoes, baseball diamond," making it particularly suitable for active families.
Site selection considerations: When camping with children, choosing the right site location becomes crucial. At Silver Falls State Park, Melissa L. recommends: "I'd try to reserve spots 9 or 12 (next to the playground and sunny spots) or 72 (next to the creek in the shade) next time!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the Gates area feature uneven terrain requiring preparation. At Southshore Campground, "Some sites have the parking spot up above the actual site and you have to walk down a short set of stairs to access," reports Julie W., noting the trade-off between convenience and views.
Generator policies: Noise regulations vary between campgrounds, affecting RV campers relying on generators. Kevin R. observes at Fishermens Bend that "the last time the noise of huge RV generators going for hours and hours was the final straw," indicating inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours at some locations.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer dump stations, requiring planning for longer stays. Richard D. notes that Humbug Campground is "as basic as they come with running water and vault toilets," requiring RVers to utilize facilities at nearby Detroit Lake for waste disposal.
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