Best Tent Camping near Mckenzie Bridge, OR

I had a great experience here The campground was clean, the leave no trace policy is followed here. Quiet hours are 10pm - 6am, it was quiet even during the non-quit hours. Very private. There are running water spigots strategically placed throughout the camp, each water station has a waste water dump, and trash can. There are flush toilets with running, a sink and trash can. The garbage was picked up daily. Each site was a tent pad, fire pit and large table. Each site was very private, I couldn't see the other campers unless they were passing by our site. There is no internet, no electricity, and no showers, bring your own. The only negative was the mosquitos - easily resolved with a netted day tent or pop-up with mesh. Laying Creek sounds heavenly all throughout the camp, the trails are great to walk, and you will eventually wander to a swimming hole. Beautiful campground, with a great history going back to 1933. Highly recommend!

I've been to Odell twice but always seem to pick a weekend with weather that makes you want to stay in your sleeping bag!

The campsites at Odell are a little on the smaller side and may not have the trees your looking for to hang a hammock. Not that you should if you're camping any time earlier than July!

The southeast side of Odell can be subject to cold winds coming off the lake, so be sure to keep that rain fly up on your tent and a fleece handy. If you're feeling a little too chilly, the resort keeps a fire burning in the den.

There are plenty of snowshoe trails around Odell as well as some hiking trails in the Diamond Peak wilderness that also connect to the PCT. The trail we took did give us a bit of elevation gain and later some nice views of the smaller peaks in the area.

If you're planning to camp here, bring warm clothing and rain gear! It may be a bit chilly, but the nice hikes in the area make it all the more worth it to get up and get moving.

So when I first found this campground I wasn't sure what to expect being as reviews and info were sparse so I'll do me best to sum it up. Things to know that arent stated. It is free may require NW forest pass. It's a drive, hike, bike and walk in. I didn't see any spots big enough for RV but there is space to park that isn't officially a site.

Location: Beautiful sits about 5,000 feet right off McKenzie Pass Road (closed from November to June)

Sites: I saw 6 drive in with fire ring, picnic table also 2 vault toilets.... There's more walk/ hike in but we had to much gear to do that.

Directions: Very easy to find spots all along lake and Google maps took us right to spots.

Activities: Great! Had a kayak/boat launch also had the Scott Mountain TH right there within 1/4 walking distance on dirt road. It seems that a forest fire was pretty recent ontop but the grounds seemed kind of untouched

Warnings: This was my first time up this pass. Elevation is very high which means incremental weather. Aka woke up in October with snow which happened to us.

Overall 5 stars must visit. We will be coming back next year when less snow and road reopens

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.

The three campsites are under the cover of fir, cedar and maple trees. All are decently sized and spaced, just off the road enough to feel private, as claim miners and passers by stop to use the vaulted toiled that is located across the road from the campsite parking. 

Provided you have a decent, four-wheel-drive rig, or are willing to make the hike, the bohemia mines, as well as several mine shafts carved out along the roadway are accessible to view.

The first site is smaller (1-2 tents) and the most private. It has a well placed fire ring with grill, and wood picnic table, but lacks a direct path to the creek. 

The middle spot is the largest (3+ tents), fire ring with grill, picnic table and great access to the creek.

The third spot is also well sized and has the same table/fire ring setup, and a couple trails that lead to the creek.

The area is in recovery from the 2024 fire that consumer over 1200 acres. Though that fire was started by natural causes, it is a strong reminder to pay attention to fire bans and area regulations as well as properly, tending campfires, and making sure they are extinguished.

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.