RV camping near Idanha, Oregon offers several options in the Cascade Mountain region, with elevations ranging from 1,450 to 3,200 feet. Located along the North Santiam River, the area experiences moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak season. Water sources in the region can vary significantly in quality, with some campgrounds requiring visitors to filter or boil water for drinking.
What to do
Fishing spots: Lake Simtustus RV Park provides access to excellent fishing with a small dock near the campground. "Good fishing off dock and near the campground," notes one camper at Lake Simtustus RV Park. The park also offers boat slips, pontoon boats, and kayaks for rent.
Golf packages: Mallard Creek Golf and RV Resort combines camping with golfing from Memorial Day weekend through September. "They have special packages for the RV site with golfing from Memorial day weekend to the end of September. For non-golfers the RV resort is available between October 1 to the Thursday before Memorial day," according to a reviewer at Mallard Creek.
Mountain biking access: For active outdoor enthusiasts, Mt Hood Village Resort provides easy access to renowned mountain biking trails. "Right across Hwy 26 is some of the best Mountain Biking in the country at the Sandy Ridge Trail System," shares a camper who stayed at Mt Hood Village Resort.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort earns praise for its well-designed sites. "Nice spaces with pavement and full hookups. Each space has a nice green lawn and fire ring," notes a camper at Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort, where sites are designed with privacy in mind.
Quality facilities: The bathroom and shower facilities at several parks receive specific praise. "Heated floors, huge showers. Fantastic," writes one first-time RV camper about Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort, calling the bathhouses "spa-like."
Privacy between sites: Spring Drive RV Campground offers unusually secluded sites for an established campground. "We had total privacy our site was big with tall trees that sway in the wind. It had a nice area you walked up a few steps to the picnic table & fire ring. We couldn't see any of our neighbors it was so quiet," explains a reviewer at Spring Drive RV Campground.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Several campgrounds report issues with water quality. "The water is dirty and filled with what appears to be iron. It has gone through my filter. So carry some portable water," advises a camper at Spring Drive RV Campground, where a boil notice is sometimes in effect.
Internet connectivity: Cell service is highly variable throughout the region. "No cell service at all. Also could not get Starlink to work due to the very tall pines," reports a visitor to Spring Drive RV Campground. Other parks like Clackamas River RV Park may offer better connectivity options.
Road conditions: Access roads to some parks can be challenging for larger rigs. "There are very bumpy gravel driveways to the RV parking spots," notes a camper with a 40-foot coach at Silver Spur RV Park & Resort, highlighting the importance of researching access routes before arrival.
Noise levels: Highway proximity can impact the camping experience. "While the park is nice and well maintained, the B lot backs right up to the highway with unbearable road noise," warns a reviewer about Silver Spur RV Park & Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several parks offer specific facilities for children. "There is a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe, bathrooms with showers (and warm water) and activities during the day for kids," shares a family camper at Mt Hood Village Resort, making it suitable for multi-day family stays.
Recreation access: Proximity to natural attractions makes some parks ideal bases for family outings. "We were close to Mt. Hood, Mt. Hood Winery & other Wineries, Frog lake, Timothy Lake, Trillum lake, and more," explains a camper who spent a week at Spring Drive RV Campground.
Seasonal activities: Some resorts offer seasonal programming for families. "The campground provides easy access to a number of nearby activities," notes a visitor to Lake Simtustus RV Park, where water-based recreation is a primary draw during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Hookup challenges: RVers report varying hookup configurations that may require planning. "Water hookups are at odd angles inside water meter boxes, so hooking up can be challenging," warns an RVer about Spring Drive RV Campground. Another noted, "Our site was large and pretty level. Campground was once a single/double-wide trailer park for govt employees so the hook-ups are located in odd spots for RV. We used 20 ft. of septic drain hoses."
Site selection strategy: At Silver Spur RV Park & Resort, site location significantly impacts the experience. "The RV spaces are very easy to get into being angled. We stayed in a pull through space, easy in and easy out," shares an RVer with a 40-foot coach, though they noted the spaces were cramped.
Service requirements: For extended stays, understanding service limitations is important. "No dump stations are available at several parks," notes a reviewer, highlighting that proper tank management is essential when staying at locations like Spring Drive RV Campground that lack this amenity.
