270 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Lyons, Oregon range from developed sites with full amenities to more primitive options along the North Santiam River. John Neal Memorial Park, located within the town limits, provides 38 campsites with water hookups, flush toilets, and shower facilities. The park sits directly on the river, offering water access for fishing and recreation. Several miles east, Elkhorn Valley Recreation Site provides a more rustic camping experience with fewer amenities but similar river access. Silver Falls State Park, approximately 20 miles northwest of Lyons, features both traditional campsites and cabin accommodations at Smith Creek Village, expanding the region's lodging diversity beyond standard tent and RV sites.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the area, with many facilities operating only from April through October. John Neal Memorial Park typically opens in April and closes for the season in October, while some higher elevation sites have even shorter operating windows. Most developed campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. The North Santiam River corridor experiences moderate traffic noise from nearby highways at some locations, though riverside sites often benefit from the sound of rushing water that helps mask road sounds. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage in Lyons proper and diminishing signal in more remote locations. As one camper noted, "The rushing water was very soothing and loud by the way but no problem for us. The camp host came to our site and greeted us."
Riverside camping represents a primary draw for visitors to the Lyons area, with multiple campgrounds providing direct water access. Campers frequently mention the North Santiam River as a highlight, appreciating both the scenic value and recreational opportunities. John Neal Memorial Park receives particular praise for its combination of river proximity and convenient access to town amenities. A review described it as having "great little walking trails and scenery. Several ponds and Creeks are nearby. The town of Lyons is not even a quarter mile away with a couple small grocery markets." While some riverside sites lack privacy due to their popularity and layout, they remain among the most sought-after options in the region. Campgrounds further from town generally offer more seclusion but fewer amenities, creating a spectrum of experiences from convenient to remote throughout the Lyons area.
"If you want to camp in Oregon this is the place to go. There are several waterfalls and hiking trails. You can see wildlife and you can't beat the beauty. You can tent camp and they also have yurts."
"Probably the easiest accessibility to the most awesome waterfalls per few square miles in Oregon. Ample Parking and many different falls and trails to choose from"
from $28 - $92 / night
Check Availability"This campground was an unexpected surprise not too far out of Salem, Oregon and just over an hour from Portland."
"Sites are pretty close together but very clean, with nice access to the river. Be sure to head up to Opal Creek for a great hike."
from $110 / night
Check Availability"This campground is one I wanted to visit for the chance to check out the hiking trail nearby that has tons of waterfalls along it (Ten Falls Trail)."
"The drive to Silver Falls is amazing - the best of Oregon farm country mixed with some signature forests."
from $89 - $250 / night
Check Availability"This campground is on the north Santiam river just outside the town of Lyons Oregon. 38 sites, some with water.
There are some sites right on the river but they lack any privacy."
"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. The camp host came to our site and greeted us."
from $28 - $38 / night
Check Availability"We've driven by this park SO many times driving from the Willamette Valley to Central Oregon. Being right next to the highway we've never really considered it as a "get-away" place. "
"Some really beautiful sites next to the lake. Easy access to the lake from pretty much all of the campground. Great boat launch. The lake was warm and had a nice shallow edge for the kids."
from $20 - $92 / night
Check Availability"The best owner operated place in Oregon! You need to go check out everything they offer. Zip lines were a blast for our family."
"Stay back away from the store to get some quiet, or stay around the store if you want to be in the action. Verizon was available in some spots but not others."
from $55 - $300 / night
Check Availability"Very quite and tons of near empty trails even with a full campground on a weekend in the summer. Walking, bike, and horse trails. Close to the ten waterfall trail on the day use area."
"First and foremost, it's all about the waterfalls - all 10 of them - linked by paved hiking trails. Not a fan of sharing the trail with hikers when on your bike?"
from $29 - $87 / night
Check Availability"Shellburgh Falls is tall with a huge basalt cave that you can walk behind the waterfall and down below to actually stand under the waterfall. Very pretty. No one was camping when I was there."
"There is a trail at the far end that leads to a cool rock formation with caves in it. They are small but really cool to explore."
from $14 / night
Check Availability"Campgrounds are a little ways outside of Lebanon where we were able to get camping supplies at their 24 hour Walmart. Cute little town but not a big tourist destination."
"The small bit of driving you have to do to get to Waterloo is well worth it - what we have here is a spacious, friendly campground with good nearby attractions, including a moderately raging waterfall,"
from $9 / night
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Travelerdown a little road to a private spot on the water, you can hear the creek rushing, the waterfall flowing and it drowns out the traffic noise. Super magical! A nice swimming hole, fire pit and plenty of room for multiple people, cars, vans etc. please leave no trace and bury your shitttttt!
GuideWe are camping at Detroit Lake Southshore campground. And I recommend everyone to come out enjoy this beautiful area. It’s perfect to go swimming, Fishing, Boating, Water Skiing, and a lot more. You can also rent out boats, Jet-skies, pontoons.
TravelerVery peaceful with plenty of room between campsites, actually cannot see the next campsite over! Vault toilets are clean. Camp Host is EXCELLENT. Do not follow Apple Maps to this campground…watch for the signs on the road instead. Apple Maps has you going way past and turning the wrong way.
ScoutThis place is amazing as a location to stay. It’s 6 miles up river from town that has anything you need. Nestled in the mountains along an amazing river and lake for boating and fishing. Close to many mountain lakes as well and winter activities. The people here are great to work with and care that you are comfortable during your stay. With mail boxes and all deliveries go to the office so they are safe and secure having stuff delivered. The staff is very helpful and the showers and laundry facilities are clean and well kept. Great value for the money. Better than many I have seen.
ScoutI used the dyrt app to find free camping near clear lake. I found this spot. I had a 30 foot trailer with me. Approximately 1/2 mile up the road from the main parking lot, to the right, there is a cut out that easily fits two 30 foot trailers. We were there for on May 8th and maybe heard 1 car driving by. Very quiet spot. Would definitely recommend.
ScoutOut and back road, with 8 or more pullouts with fire pits. No services.
ScoutLovely park tucked away just far enough it's like you're miles away but you're just a turn away from town and a stones throw from the highway quiet clean and just big enough to never get lost.
TravelerNot too busy this time of year, but a great find!
GuideI stayed in a yurt which was pretty clean. The whole campground was quite clean! No camp host yet in April, and barely any other campers. We walked around the campground each day, there were probably five occupied sites. there was supposed to be a trail down from the campground down to the lake but it was not maintained. really there was not much to see in walking distance in/around the campground but it's definitely a good place to rest for boaters and fishers. quartzville creek is gorgeous, that's where we spent most of our time. there is not much privacy between sites at all if this place gets packed. I'm not sure I'd return mostly because there's not a ton to do in the area for non boaters/fishers unless it's swimming season, but then in swimming season i imagine the campground gets very busy.
Bees and mosquitos in April.
We had two to three bars of cell reception with AT&T.
The Lyons area sits in the western foothills of the Cascade Mountains, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet throughout the camping region. Campsites near Lyons, Oregon offer access to the North Santiam River watershed, with most open from late spring through early fall. Winter conditions typically close many campgrounds due to road access limitations and freezing temperatures.
Waterfall hiking: 0.5 miles to 8+ miles. At Silver Falls State Park Campground, hikers can access the Trail of Ten Falls. "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. The full trail stretches 8.2 miles with varying difficulty levels.
Cave exploration: 1-mile roundtrip. Elkhorn Valley Recreation Site provides access to natural rock formations. "There is a trail at the far end that leads to a cool rock formation with caves in it. They are small but really cool to explore. Cute and gross little cave crickets live there as well as those creepy spiders," says Raven N. The caves require flashlights and appropriate footwear.
River activities: Swimming, fishing, floating. The North Santiam River offers multiple access points for water recreation. "You can fish or float the river," reports Karen K. about Fishermen's Bend Recreation Site. Water levels vary seasonally, with late summer bringing lower water levels and limited swimming areas at some locations.
Riverside sites: Limited availability. At John Neal Memorial Park, waterfront camping provides direct river views. "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," says Mike E. Riverside sites fill quickly and should be reserved well in advance.
Clean facilities: Daily maintenance. Campgrounds throughout the area maintain regular cleaning schedules. At Fishermens Bend Recreation Site, visitors note the attention to detail. "This is the most well kept campground we have ever been to. The camp hosts really go above and beyond to keep the grounds so well groomed. The sites are raked and cleaned the moment you leave to prepare for the next," shares Ryan A.
Variety of accommodation options: Cabins to tents. Beyond standard camping, Smith Creek Village offers cabin options. "We stayed in one of the tiny cabins. The cabin was very clean and well kept. The cabin was nearby a few other similar cabins, but everything felt very private. There was nice walking paths and a large grass area supplied with lawn games," reports Derek N.
Fire restrictions: Seasonal changes. Fire regulations vary based on conditions and can change rapidly during summer months. Always check current restrictions before arrival as complete bans may be implemented with little notice.
Reservation windows: 6-9 months in advance. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially for summer weekends. "No spots open yet all summer we don't use online to reserve spots," notes a frustrated Aereil at John Neal Memorial Park.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity. Several campgrounds experience road noise from nearby highways. At Detroit Lake State Recreation Area, campers should select sites carefully. "Don't camp near the highway or it's pretty noisy at night," advises Laura K.
Wildlife awareness: Food storage required. Small animals frequently visit campsites. "We had to pack the car before bed so they wouldn't get to the food," mentions Vanesa W. regarding Silver Falls State Park.
Playground access: Limited options. Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "We love this campground, lots of greenery between the large campsites. There are trails to go along the river and places for kids to ride bikes. Also a playground area for kids," notes Karen K. about Fishermen's Bend.
Activity variety: Beyond hiking. Camp Dakota provides structured recreation options. "We did a group site and once we got the wristbands on the kids, they went off and explored and had a lot of fun. The staff is #1 safe, then #2 they are super fun," explains Jason S.
Swimming safety: Variable conditions. River and lake swimming spots require caution. "Great for a weekend getaway! On a holiday weekend it can become busy and between the wind picking up in the afternoon and all the boats, the lake can turn into a choppy ocean," warns Tara L. about Detroit Lake.
Site size considerations: Length restrictions. Many campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. "Not for huge trailers and coaches, but you can get a 30' in there just about anywhere," reports Jason S. about Camp Dakota.
Hookup availability: Water, electric, sewer. Water hookups are common but full hookups are limited. "Spots have water but no electricity, and it has full bathrooms and showers," notes Tim B. about John Neal Memorial Park.
Dump station access: Limited locations. Not all campgrounds offer sanitary dump stations. "RV dump at the horse camp turnoff," mentions Melissa L. about Silver Falls State Park, providing a valuable resource for RV campers passing through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Lyons?
John Neal Memorial Park is one of the best camping options in Lyons, situated right on the North Santiam River. It offers 38 sites, some with water hookups, and features sites directly on the riverbank. The park has flush toilets, beautiful walking trails, scenic ponds with wildlife including ducks and river otters, and large trees providing shade. The location combines riverside relaxation with small-town charm, making it perfect for families seeking a peaceful getaway in Lyons.
What recreational activities are available at Taylor Park in Lyons?
While specific information about Taylor Park in Lyons is limited, the Lyons area offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. Nearby Silver Falls State Park Campground features several waterfalls, extensive hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. The Detroit Lake State Recreation Area provides lake activities and scenic beauty. Parks in the Lyons region typically offer amenities like picnic areas, fishing access, and walking paths. For the most current information about Taylor Park specifically, check with the Lyons city offices or park management.
Can I rent an RV in Lyons, Oregon?
While Lyons itself has limited RV rental options, nearby areas offer alternatives. Edgewater RV Resort and Marina near Sweet Home provides clean, tidy RV spots with lakeside access. Another option is Holiday Farm RV Park, which features good-sized sites with full hookups. Both locations are within reasonable driving distance from Lyons and offer amenities that make them suitable bases for exploring the area. For rentals, check with local outdoor recreation businesses or RV dealerships in larger nearby towns.
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