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Best Tent Camping near Jefferson, OR

741 Reviews

Tent camping opportunities near Jefferson, Oregon include both established campgrounds and dispersed primitive sites across forested and riverside settings. Willamette Mission State Park offers a hiker/biker area for tent campers along the Willamette Valley Bikeway, though reviews indicate no potable water is available. Quartzville Recreation Corridor provides free dispersed tent camping with multiple sites along a National Wild and Scenic River approximately 40 miles east of Jefferson.

Most tent sites in the Jefferson area are seasonal, with many operating from May through September or October. Primitive sites at Quartzville typically have fire rings but lack amenities like drinking water, toilets or trash service. Surface conditions vary from compact dirt to rocky terrain depending on location. A review noted, "Bring it in Pack it out, be kind to others and take your trash. Nobody should pick up after messy campers who can camp FREE." Tent campers should prepare for self-sufficiency at dispersed sites, carrying in water and waste disposal supplies. Established campgrounds like those in Santiam State Forest offer basic amenities including vault toilets and picnic tables.

The landscape provides varied tent camping experiences from riverside to forested settings. At Quartzville Recreation Corridor, campsites are positioned along the stream with open areas suitable for solar power, though they can become windy. A camper mentioned that "some spots have 2 or 3 fire rings per pull out and would be good for a small group." Butte Creek Falls Campground in Santiam State Forest provides a more secluded tent camping experience with proximity to waterfalls. Many sites feature direct creek access, providing both scenery and a water source for filtering. Tent campers should note that higher elevation sites may experience weather changes more dramatically, and some areas have become increasingly impacted by visitor use, with several reviews mentioning trash concerns at more accessible locations.

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Best Tent Sites Near Jefferson, Oregon (28)

    1. Willamette Mission State Park Horse Camp — Willamette Mission State Park

    6 Reviews
    Keizer, OR
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 393-1172

    $22 - $74 / night

    "The campsites are horse friendly and the trails are absolutely gorgeous- it felt like being out in the wild."

    2. Sweet Home Ranger District (US Highway 20)

    3 Reviews
    Sweet Home, OR
    27 miles

    "All areas are secluded, you can choose any place to camp at many options, no phone service but great area to fish and explore the forests, it’s a bit of a ways in but the drive is quite nice."

    3. Marys Peak

    6 Reviews
    Blodgett, OR
    31 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "This is a great small campground for those close to Corvallis.

    It is easy to get to, just a windy road. The winter does close this early, depending on the amount of snow that falls."

    "Setting is wooded but not a ton of privacy across the CG.

    Mary’s peak hiking is incredible. The peak is the highlight, unbeatable views. There’s also great old growth forest trails."

    4. Quartzville Recreation Corridor

    6 Reviews
    Cascadia, OR
    30 miles
    Website

    "Bring it in Pack it out, be kind to others and take your trash. Nobody should pick up after messy campers who can camp FREE. Only thing you get is a Fire Ring and that shows where you can camp."

    "It is dispersed so only a few areas have bathrooms, and not being a regular campground some neighbors can get rather rowdy. But, overall it is a definite favorite."

    5. BLM Molalla River Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Molalla, OR
    34 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Very quiet and camp spots were perfect distance. Plenty of restrooms. The stream has some swim sections, but not entirely. Bring water shoes!"

    "I usually stay at Cedar Grove nearby, but stayed here this year (2020). The campground is clean with water sometimes available."

    6. Santiam State Forest Rock Creek Campsites

    1 Review
    Gates, OR
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 859-2151

    $15 - $20 / night

    "Nice place to camp right by the creek the walk-up sites are $15 a night and the drive-up sites are $20 a night I personally have only camped at the drive-up sites and it's super pretty and peaceful there"

    7. Santiam State Forest Butte Creek Falls Campground

    2 Reviews
    Mehama, OR
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 859-2151

    "Near the campsite is the first fall that curtains over a little cave. You’re able to walk in and under the fall which feels like you’re in a movie."

    8. Maud Williamson State Recreation Site

    1 Review
    Keizer, OR
    26 miles
    Website

    9. Alsea Falls

    6 Reviews
    Alsea, OR
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 574-3100

    "The grounds offer two pit toilets; that were kept very clean, water bibs, dish water dumps, along with fire pits and picnic tables at all sites."

    "Tall trees, dense greenscapes, long, well-marked switchback trails and a wide, long wall of whitewater that is Alsea Falls."

    10. BLM Quartzville Wild and Scenic River

    1 Review
    Cascadia, OR
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 897-2406
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Jefferson, OR

6 Photos of 28 Jefferson Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Jefferson, OR

741 Reviews of 28 Jefferson Campgrounds

  • Sara R.
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Marys Peak

    Very basic and secluded.

    This is one of the most primitive campgrounds I've seen. There were a few old picking tables, fire rings, and one vault toilet. We were the only ones there during the peak of camping season. There were lovely flowers and raspberries growing nearby. A few dead branches feel during the night, which was a little underling.

  • Jill T.
    Sep. 5, 2019

    Piety Island Boat - In Campground Boat Landing

    Island camping

    Top reasons I love this campground: 

    - It’s an ISLAND! How cool is it to camp on an island! 
    - Beautiful views from the middle of the northern end of Detroit Lake. 
    - Great for swimming, boating, exploring, hiking, and fishing. 
    - I bet it’s amazing to stay there over the 4th of July. 
    - The firework display from the other side of the lake should be spectacular! 
    - Cheap-$10. 
    - Only 22 sites. 
    - I had cell service with AT&T. 

    **Things to note: **

    - This should be obvious but, you’ll need a boat to get to and from the island. It’s a quick canoe from either side. 

    - The vault toilets are maxed out. Hopefully, they will be serviced SOON! 

    - No drinking water, no shower, and no guarantee for the serviced toilets. 

    - Bring water and TP. 

    - Fires are allowed and there are several picnic tables.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2023

    Hult Pond

    Secluded Pond Great for a Quick stay

    Great spot for a quick stay. There are only a few flat spots for RVs but quite a few decent spots for tent camping next to the pond. The west side of the pond has at least 2 spots that are a good distance away from the others. At the moment, no fires or barbecues allowed but propane stoves and lanterns are fine. Look for Bandits blue squeaky disk! We lost it and never found it.

  • Kelly N.
    Sep. 25, 2018

    Yukwah Campground

    ADA access camping sites and great day use area

    Yukwah campground is found along hwy 22 East of Salem along the Willamette National Forest in Linn County. Most of the sites along this stretch are first come, first serve walk up sites - but you can reserve by connecting with Linn County Parks and Rec (see photo for info) for $18/night plus $5 additional vehicle fee and reservation fee. This campground has ada access camp sites and tent sites. Most of the RV sites along the Willamette National Forest can be used for tent camping. The day use area at this site is great for swimming, fishing, and possibly a small hike. I advise camping near the day use area (#3) if you have a large family or kids for larger sites and easy access. Yukwah is near wagon wheel bridge with access to trails for those wanting to hike while camping. Vault toilets are available (bring soap) - there are no showers or additional amenities. There is access to potable water at this location.

  • Kelly N.
    Sep. 30, 2018

    Whispering Falls Campground

    Camp above the Santiam riverbank

    Camp above the Santiam riverbank and enjoy a night of peace and rest listening to the water flow. This site has access to vault toilets, potable water. The sites are large enough for rv or tent sites with vehicle pull through. The sites have enough old forest growth to provide privacy for the family. If you camp near the river you cannot hear the road, even though you are only a skip away. I do not recommend camping in the sites near the road if you have kids/pets with you or if you are a light sleeper. The roads are paved which can be great for family cars or for little ones wanting to ride their bike or scooter around camp. The site that we stopped at would have been great for fishing trout or salmon. Don’t forget your fishing license!

    You can reserve this site through Linn County Parks & Rec: 1-877-444-6777 - And like most sites in the Willamette National Forest dogs are allowed as long as they are on leashes and check out time is 1pm.

  • Aria R.
    Jul. 30, 2017

    Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground

    Crowded Disc Golf Fun

    I am going to try staying here again in the winter, the sites are small and close enough together that in peak summer season it’s pretty darn noisy, the joyful din of summer break.

    Lots of trees around the tent sites so there is a lot of shade which is nice. Shorter driveways though so not a lot of room for extra cars. The ADA accessible spots are great, paverstones under the picnic areas and such; very nice.

    If you like disc golf this is definitely the place to go, huge sprawling shaded course is very inviting and everyone who was playing looked like they were having a good time. Great destination for lazy bike rides, miles of paved low incline trails. Plus as well, they have a bike tools available as well, a work station for light repairs.

    Full service campgrounds, yurt sites have more space around ‘em so it may be a better option for in the future.

    Good river and fishing access, lots of low-key trails to explore. Dogs are welcome on leash and there is a designated area for them to romp too.

  • G
    May. 28, 2019

    Humbug Campground

    Peaceful and beautiful

    What a beautiful campground! There are around 20 sites, all of which are quite private and cozy. Many of the tent spaces are nestled away behind trees so you really feel like each site is your own special place. There are at least two group sites, sites with pull-throughs for trailers, tent sites, vault toilets, and many water faucets close by. Camp hosts are so great! Firewood was $6/bundle. There is a trailhead near one of the group sites that we traveled about a mile down before turning back to camp for lunch. It’s a deep, green, and very lush forest. Will definitely return to hike further.

  • Cindy U.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2018

    Yukwah Campground

    Trees, stream, and nature

    Just off Hwy20 within the Willamette Forest. Set along the South Santiam River. About 20 miles from Sweet Home, Oregon. Nestle in the Forest made for small size trailer (under 20ft) or tents but nice swimming holes for July and August weather. Fishing for early spring. Open from May to Sept. There are 20 sites, this year 2018 there was no host. Can reserve spots or try your luck with 7 first come first serve sites. Has a wheel chair primitive trail with a fishing platform. Does require a day fee. Even though its close to HWY 20, road noise is minimal, no semi are to use the road except logging trucks. Has three vaulted toilets, and two water spicket. The Linn County manages the National Forest Campground. Also close to several hiking trails.

  • C
    Oct. 10, 2020

    Santiam State Forest Butte Creek Falls Campground

    Just down the road

    This is Santiam State campground that is for basically tent camping. Water and Pit toilet. Some sights next to Butte Creek. The best part is that you very close to Butte creek water falls.

Guide to Jefferson

Tent camping near Jefferson, Oregon offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. With well-maintained sites and access to beautiful landscapes, campers can enjoy a memorable experience.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Willamette Mission State Park Horse Camp provides drinking water, picnic tables, and sanitary dump facilities, making it a convenient choice for horse campers and tent enthusiasts alike.
  • At Marys Peak, visitors can enjoy a primitive camping experience with beautiful surroundings, though it lacks drinking water and electric hookups.
  • The Santiam State Forest Butte Creek Falls Campground features basic amenities like toilets and picnic tables, along with stunning views of nearby waterfalls.

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

Some prices for tent camping range from $15 to $20

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Jefferson, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jefferson, OR is Willamette Mission State Park Horse Camp — Willamette Mission State Park with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Jefferson, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Jefferson, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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