Camping spots near Jefferson, Oregon range from riverside county parks to established RV resorts with full hookups. The region sits within the Willamette Valley at elevations between 200-400 feet, experiencing warm, dry summers with daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cool, wet winters with frequent rainfall from November through March. Water recreation opportunities abound with the Santiam River providing swimming and fishing access at several campgrounds.
What to do
Trail hiking: Silver Falls State Park offers exceptional day hiking with a 9-mile trail system. "What can I say? Silver Falls is a magical place and everyone should experience it. You can just get lost in the beauty of it all," notes Jeff K. The park features ten waterfalls along its trail network, with some trails allowing hikers to walk behind cascading water.
River swimming: Waterloo County Park provides safe swimming areas during summer months when river levels are appropriate. "Great place for kids and adults and pets. Play area, fishing ramp, camp sites and plenty of car or RV parking. It's located right on Willamette river and has great fishing," explains Cococounty L. The park maintains a designated swimming area with gradual entry points.
Disc golf: Waterloo County Park features an 18-hole disc golf course throughout the wooded sections of the park. "Waterloo is pretty open and has some bike trails and some parks and a pretty great disc golf course! The water is really cold but perfect for a day outside or a picnic with the kids!" reports Ally T. The course is free to play and accommodates beginners through advanced players.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Silver Falls State Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. "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. Short drive or hike to the falls," writes Richard H. The campground maintains restroom facilities with flush toilets and hot showers.
Spacious sites: Waterloo County Park offers larger-than-average camping spots with room for equipment. "This is a spacious, friendly campground with good nearby attractions, including a moderately raging waterfall, disc golf, etc. There are 120 sites, with over a mile of frontage to the healthy South Santiam River," shares Bjorn S. Most sites include a fire ring, picnic table, and parking for two vehicles.
Water proximity: John Neal Memorial Park features waterfront sites directly on the Santiam River. "We were in spot 16 right next to the river. The rushing water was very soothing and loud by the way but no problem for us. This is a beautiful Park under the trees and next to the river. Great little walking trails and scenery," describes Mike E. The park offers 38 sites, with approximately 12 positioned along the riverbank.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking during summer months. "Most established campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak season when spots fill quickly. Sites with full hookups tend to fill quickly, especially during summer weekends and holidays," reports one camper.
Highway noise: Albany-Corvallis KOA experiences road noise from nearby highways. "Great campground with nicely spaced and well maintained sites. Clean restrooms, laundry and pool on site. There is a small playground too. Close to Corvalis but you do get a lot of road noise," notes Marcus K. Traffic sounds are most noticeable at sites positioned nearest to the park entrance.
Wildlife concerns: Silver Falls Smith Creek Village cabins occasionally experience wildlife issues. "Silver Falls is magical! The forecast was for rain but it held off long enough for us to have dinner and a campfire. Then rained all night which make for incredible waterfalls the next day. Great for families. Sadly the cabins were dirty with mice droppings," reports Jeff K. Storing food in vehicles rather than cabins is recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Premier RV Resort offers dedicated recreation areas for children. "Last summer I rented a yurt at Premier RV Resorts, Salem OR, and I can't wait to stay there again! We had a darling porch with bbq and picnic table, Keurig coffee maker, 2 bedrooms, dining table and living room too!" shares K L. The resort maintains an on-site playground, swimming pool, and game room.
Kid-friendly hiking: Silver Falls State Park offers shorter waterfall viewing trails appropriate for children. "We love hiking the trails and our kids love the playground and river swimming!" shares April F. The park's South Falls viewing area requires only a quarter-mile walk from the parking area with paved pathways.
Swimming options: Waterloo County Park provides water recreation for families with children. "This is a very family friendly camp ground, so watch out for all the RVs and kids on bikes. But once you are out on the trail it gets peaceful and picturesque," advises Andrea M. The swimming area includes a gradual entry point with sandy bottom areas.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Blue Ox RV Park offers reliably level sites with concrete pads. "This is the happiest place on RV Earth! What a beautiful park! Amazing trees of every kind and flowers and bushes all cared for meticulously. Great wi-fi. Management is exceptional!" exclaims Mike E. The park maintains full-hookup sites with 50-amp service.
WiFi reliability: Gills Landing RV Park provides unusually good internet service. "This is the first RV park I've ever stayed in where the Wifi was actually decent. Was a little under the weather, so watched some march madness in my RV on the park Wifi," reports Kathy B. The park offers 20 full hookup sites with consistent WiFi coverage throughout.
Shower facilities: Knox Butte RV Park maintains clean shower buildings with good water pressure. "Everything is paved, the sites have nice clean picnic tables, and plenty of green Lush grass. The showers were clean and had good water pressure. I only stayed here one night but I would come again," reports Robert R. Shower facilities are included with camping fees.
