Best Campgrounds near Mckenzie Bridge, OR

Several good camping options can be found near McKenzie Bridge, Oregon. Lava Lake Campground draws many campers with its quiet sites and easy access to fishing spots and hiking trails. The campground has plenty of room for both tents and RVs, with good space between sites for privacy. Tall trees throughout the campground give most sites decent shade during hot days. Paradise Campground sits just a few miles from McKenzie Bridge and works well for campers who want more facilities. It has good restrooms and drinking water, which many families appreciate. The McKenzie Bridge area has thick forests and sits right by the McKenzie River, making it great for fishing trips and kayaking. The summer brings good weather for water activities, while fall campers get to see the changing leaves. Winter camping means cold nights, so bring warm gear. Make sure to check if campgrounds are open during your planned visit, as some close seasonally. McKenzie Bridge has basic sites and more developed campgrounds, so you can pick what matches your camping style.

Best Camping Sites Near Mckenzie Bridge, Oregon (382)

    1. Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens

    21 Reviews
    Willamette National Forest, OR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 822-3512

    $38 - $550 / night

    "Rv sites available close to the lodge along the river and up the hill away from the water. Both sites have pools filled by the springs."

    "Situated on the McKenzie River and near the McKenzie River Trail (MRT), this spot has it all."

    2. Paradise In Oregon

    15 Reviews
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $28 - $58 / night

    "Paradise in Oregon (located in Oregon, DUH!), is one of my favorite places to go. I have been there twice- One with family and the other time with college friends."

    "A Picturesque Getaway with Room to Roam - Paradise of Oregon Campground Review

    I recently had the pleasure of camping at Paradise of Oregon Campground, and I must say, it was a memorable experience."

    3. Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

    12 Reviews
    Blue River, OR
    6 miles

    "Absolutely a beautiful spot tucked away! Off the main road with a few dispersed spots spaced out very nicely. Not the easiest access to the river but if able easy enough."

    "If you drive past all the campsites and go over the bridge take a right, there are so many spots available on that road and all have their own access to the river."

    4. Paradise Campground

    9 Reviews
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    4 miles
    Website

    "Oregon State Parks have the best website, brochures and information so you can often drive in totally prepared. USFS has some major catching up to do."

    "Room for several tents on nice flat spots, not too close to adjacent sites with drinking water just across from parking. The slow moving creek means mosquitos are pretty bad at dusk, but bearable."

    5. Olallie Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $25 / night

    "Beautiful place, quiet with sites right next to the McKenzie river."

    "Plenty of places to hike and walk around. Not far from McKenzie Market for their restaurant and live music."

    6. Lookout Campground

    6 Reviews
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 603-8564

    $24 - $25 / night

    "We had direct access to the lake, but it looks like if the lake was low it would be a climb to get down to the water. No electricity or water so bring all that."

    7. Limberlost Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $165 / night

    "Though it’s near the 242, the road is not busy. Mostly used by bicycles and during a good chunk of the year there’s a snow gate blocking further up."

    "The hwy is a popular ride for long distance road bikers so be prepared when driving to the close by hikes, and if you are going up to the pass."

    8. Coldwater Cove Campground

    12 Reviews
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Multi level campsite, easy to access the trail that goes around the lake, a beautiful clear lake that hides a forest underneath, volcanic rock, row boat rentals, cafe and easy access from Portland."

    "This is an excellent campground on Clear Lake. Site#17 was a double site(unbeknownst to us, and bigger than what we needed), and has a good view of the lake."

    9. Mona Campground

    5 Reviews
    Blue River, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $23 - $48 / night

    "Mona was about 2 hr 45m drive from Portland. Our campsite was shaded with a fire pit, bench and plenty of room for tents and gear. Dog friendly, which was a big perk."

    10. Mckenzie Bridge

    4 Reviews
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $23 - $48 / night

    "We stayed two nights tucked right up against the Mckenzie river. It was beautiful and peaceful."

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Recent Reviews near Mckenzie Bridge, OR

1543 Reviews of 382 Mckenzie Bridge Campgrounds


  • Tony B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Tumalo State Park Campground

    Good camp but road noise in some spots

    The campground is nice and well maintained. Sites aren’t very big and some are very close together. Our bad luck gave us the spot closest to the road and there were a lot of heavy trucks traveling by early morning. Showers are really nice and there is a nice dish wash station with hot water in the central area. The toilets on the outskirts are super tiny and you can’t close the stall door without straddling the commode. Easy access to wood and ice and trash disposal. The park area has several great swim spots if you can handle the icy cold water. Also good fishing for trout and other fish. Recommend river shoes if you have them as the rocks can be slippery and painful. Overall we really liked it. Only issue was the road noise but if you get a spot further from the entrance you will be fine.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Lower Canyon Creek Campground

    The Absolute Best

    This is one of my favorite places anywhere; I grew up camping here and my dad grew up camping here as well. Camp Sherman has a cute little store nearby where you can get ice cream or snacks. The charming town of Sisters is nearby if you want to explore or go out to eat.

    Canyon Creek is basically two campgrounds in one: there are sites along the creek and then there are sites clustered at the river. The creek sites are spaced out along the road as you come in; you will see little “driveways” along the creek as you come in. They can be tricky to access and I wouldn’t recommend taking an rv or low-clearance vehicle into some of them without careful scouting and an honest appraisal of your ability to get in and out. Most of them are fine but it’s definitely not the place for a 40’ trailer.

    Creek sites have more privacy and seem to stay a little cooler. Some of them have downed logs or rocks that you can use to cross the creek and explore the forest beyond. The creek is painfully cold but if you really wanted to, you could cool off in it (I would recommend making a day trip to Suttle Lake or Scout Lake though if you really want to swim).

    The other set of campsites are clustered around the river. They are pretty close together and can get pretty dusty during the summer months. The river is beautiful though and excellent for fly fishing.

    One thing to keep in mind is that the river has incredibly strong currents and some serious rapids. If you have small children, it could be legitimately dangerous if they fall in regardless of whether they can swim. My family has been camping here for generations and at least one child in each generation has fallen in while fishing and had to be rescued by some very quick-thinking adults. I could see it being a little stressful to camp in one of the riverside sites if you have active kids with you.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Sisters, Oregon - Dispersed Camping

    Eagle Rock Rd

    This was a great little spot. Close to town, no 4x4 required to find spots, plenty of sun for charging w/solar but plenty of shade too. Turn down Eagle Rock Rd off of SR606 for more spots. Stayed for 2 nights and felt safe. Some bees and flies but no other bugs.

  • Ross F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Prairie Campground

    A nice campground

    Spacious campsites with good picnic tables and fire pits. No stunning views from the campground but still a pretty area. Mostly quiet at night, though did hear a bit of road noise… but it’s not a super busy road. The thing I liked most about this campground was the fact that there were not many people here.

  • Phillip C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Creekside Sisters City Park

    Very nice spot

    Helpful camp hosts for this campground. Walking distance to town, quiet and restful. A little road noise but very tolerable. Level gravel sites. Good WiFi service.

  • Reagan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    BEND FS 4610 Dispersed

    Forested and private pull offs

    Dirt road through the forest. Pretty flat but sites were spaced out far enough that you couldn’t really see neighbors. Decent cell service, no complaints!

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    FR4610 Dispersed

    Long FR dispersed camping

    This spot was a bit busy but pretty spread out so you didn’t hear your fellow campers. You only hear the ones driving in and out along the red dirt road. Plenty of spots to chose from and fun bike trails to follow. Felt safe in this spot and would come back in I was in the area. Starling works great here. Our rig and trailer is 40 feet and we got her in and out with no problems. The dirt road is one straight shot from one hwy to another.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Salt Creek Backwoods

    Salt Creek backwoods

    This spot was actually an accidental find but worked out great because we were not able to turn around on the tight road we found ourselves on. It opened up tremendously and gave us great grounds to camp on for a few nights. Close enough to a river that requires hiking if you’re up for that kind of adventure. There was little to no traffic noise from the hwy and no other campers around for days. Clear starts for start gazing at night.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Salt Creek Backwoods

    Just Forest

    We actually pulled in this part of the forest wanting to park at the “hideaway” spot but someone was already posted up there. That would have been a really cute place to camp BUT we drove farther. I really don’t recommend this spot for bigger rigs but we were able to get ours back here (40 ft total) Kind of no turn around options and driving forward was all our only choice at that point…to be honest the drive made me nervous. It was a tight dirt road but once we found a spot it was cleared pretty good. Had plenty of room and someone was back here not too long ago…they had a little campfire setup with log stumps. Probably wouldn’t come back unless I had to but we did stay tucked away back here for a few days.


Guide to Mckenzie Bridge

The McKenzie River area offers dispersed and established camping sites near McKenzie Bridge, Oregon at elevations between 1,400-2,500 feet. The region sits within the Willamette National Forest with mixed conifer forests and volcanic landscapes shaping camping experiences. Water temperatures in the McKenzie River remain cold year-round due to its spring-fed source.

What to do

Explore volcanic landscapes: Take short hikes from Coldwater Cove Campground to see unique geological features. "This is a really neat place to camp. It's situated on the east side of Clear Lake, which formed when a lava flow dammed the McKenzie River. The campground is actually built on the lava flow, so it's really cool for checking out rocks," notes Kris O.

Access mountain biking trails: The McKenzie River Trail provides excellent riding opportunities near Paradise Campground. "Large private sites, beautiful river, and really nice mountain biking. What more could you ask for," reports Jeff K. The trail runs directly past several campgrounds for easy access.

Soak in hot springs: Visit thermal pools located at Belknap Hot Springs just a short drive from McKenzie Bridge. "The hot spring fed pools are so amazing. The hidden garden is something out of a movie," writes Josh K. The resort offers two mineral pools with day-use options available.

What campers like

River access: Many sites at Olallie Campground provide direct water access. "The bottom loop spots are to die for! Love watching the American dippers 'dip' under this Bombay sapphire colored McKenzie River," shares Ash C. Sites 1-8 are positioned closest to the water.

Privacy between sites: Most McKenzie Bridge camping areas feature good separation between campsites. "Large private sites in old growth forests right on the river. Flush & vault bathrooms. Some of the campsites are very close to each other but others are spaced really far apart (1 is amazing!)," mentions Hannah M. about McKenzie Bridge Campground.

Night sky viewing: Clear nights offer excellent stargazing at Blue River Reservoir. "We hopped into a pullover spot. Spots are large and the stars are amazing!" notes ChiAnn M. about dispersed camping options. Light pollution remains minimal throughout the area.

What you should know

Seasonal water levels: Blue River Reservoir fluctuates significantly throughout the year. "We went in early August (booked in June) and planned to do some floating. Got a call a week before the trip that there would be restricted boating. Didn't know that our lakeside spot would be reduced to a small river," warns Sara E. about Mona Campground.

Limited cell service: Most camping areas have poor connectivity. "No cell phone reception at all in that whole area so this is truly a place to disconnect," explains Anna A. about Olallie Campground. Prepare maps and information in advance.

Water temperature: Clear Lake and the McKenzie River remain cold year-round. "Clear Lake is absolutely gorgeous with its crystal clear water. Not ideal for swimming as the temperatures sit around 50 degrees year-round," states Ariel C. Even during summer heat, water temperatures rarely exceed 55°F.

Tips for camping with families

Best family campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities. "Park was very clean and quiet. We had a site on the lower loop that backed up to the river. It was gorgeous! The McKenzie river is like something out of a Disney movie," writes Jenna B. about Olallie Campground.

Kid-friendly activities: Explore shallow water areas where children can wade safely. "Short hiking trails here and lots more closeby. You can hear the water from your tent at night!" mentions Irene L. about Paradise In Oregon.

Insect preparedness: Mosquitoes can be problematic in certain areas. "Very nice campground, nice privacy between sites. Vault bathrooms. Not great cell service, which was nice. Mosquitoes were rampant, laughed at our citronella and deet. Reservoir is great, warm water, fun to play in," warns Paul J. about Mona Campground. Bring effective repellent during summer months.

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds have limited large sites. "I often pull my pig of a trailer (25') so comment based on those experiences. I talked with the campsite manager and looked at the campground map that was posted and still had to stop and walk into numerous sites before I found one that could safely accommodate the pig," advises Jill R. about Paradise Campground.

Smaller RVs preferred: The McKenzie Bridge area works best for compact rigs. "Site 17 is perfect and has river access in the back! Campground is clean, bathrooms are clean, the host is really cool," mentions Johnny G. about Paradise Campground. Class B or small trailers navigate the area most easily.

Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds have steep access to water. "This is an excellent campground on Clear Lake. Site#17 was a double site, and has a good view of the lake. There is accessibility to the lake, but it's down a steep lava rock path. You may be able to navigate a paddle board through it, but it almost killed us to schlep 2 55lb kayaks down and back," cautions Gayle B.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at McKenzie Bridge Campground?

McKenzie Bridge Campground offers essential amenities for a comfortable camping experience. The campground provides potable water, clean toilet facilities, and reservable campsites. Many sites are spacious enough to accommodate various camping setups. For those seeking additional water-based recreation, the campground offers boat-in access along with traditional drive-in and walk-in options. For families looking for educational opportunities while camping, consider visiting Marion Forks Campground, which is tucked behind a fish hatchery with educational signs, short hikes, and water access. McKenzie Bridge's location also provides convenient access to the surrounding wilderness areas, hiking trails, and fishing spots along the McKenzie River.

Where are the best campgrounds along the McKenzie River in Oregon?

The McKenzie River offers several exceptional campgrounds nestled among old-growth forests. Paradise Campground is a favorite for its gorgeous setting within the Willamette National Forest, offering the intoxicating smell of trees and stunning natural surroundings. For those seeking a peaceful riverside experience, Limberlost Campground provides a quiet, secluded feel with the soothing sound of whispering rapids nearby. The campground is shaded throughout the day and offers beautiful night skies, though it's situated near Highway 242, the road isn't busy. Other excellent options include Olallie Campground, Lookout Campground, and Coldwater Cove Campground, all offering varying levels of amenities and beautiful settings along this iconic Oregon river.

When is the best time of year to camp at McKenzie Bridge?

The optimal time to camp at McKenzie Bridge is late spring through early fall (May to September), when the weather is most stable and pleasant. For those seeking a quieter experience with fewer crowds, consider late April to early June or September after Labor Day. Detroit Lake State Recreation Area in the same region reports beautiful weather in late April with less crowding than summer months. During peak summer (July-August), temperatures are warm and conditions are ideal for swimming and water activities in the McKenzie River, but campgrounds fill quickly. Trout Creek Campground in the Willamette National Forest is particularly appealing during summer when its water access and river proximity are most enjoyable. Always check road conditions, as some access roads may have seasonal closures due to snow.

Is RV camping available in the McKenzie Bridge area?

Yes, RV camping is definitely available in the McKenzie Bridge area. Holiday Farm RV Park is an excellent option featuring spacious sites with full hookups. Located right off the scenic McKenzie Highway, this park offers friendly hosts and is conveniently situated about a mile from Tokatee Golf Club. For those wanting additional options, Edgewater RV Resort and Marina provides clean, tidy RV spots in the region. Several public campgrounds in the area including McKenzie Bridge Campground also accommodate RVs with big-rig-friendly sites, though hookups are limited or unavailable at most public facilities. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season (June-September) as RV sites fill quickly in this popular recreation area.