Best Campgrounds near Mehama, OR

The forested foothills surrounding Mehama, Oregon feature diverse camping options within the Cascade Mountain range. Silver Falls State Park, located 20 miles northwest of Mehama, stands as the region's premier developed campground with highly-rated tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Along the North Santiam River corridor, John Neal Memorial Park in nearby Lyons provides riverfront camping with shower facilities and water hookups. The Santiam State Forest offers more primitive options at Shellburg Falls Recreation Area, while Detroit Lake State Recreation Area provides lakeside camping about 30 miles east. Camp Dakota in Scotts Mills rounds out the options with glamping accommodations including yurts alongside traditional camping.

Camping conditions vary significantly by season, with most facilities operating between April and October. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly Silver Falls State Park where sites fill quickly during summer weekends. As one visitor noted, "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." Road noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly those near Highway 22. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many campgrounds, especially those in deeper forest settings. Winter camping options are limited primarily to Silver Falls and Detroit Lake, which maintain year-round operations but with reduced services.

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from campers visiting the Mehama area. The North Santiam River provides opportunities for fishing and swimming at several campgrounds, though visitors note that riverfront sites "lack privacy" compared to more forested options. Road noise impacts some campgrounds, with one reviewer mentioning it was "so loud it drowned out conversation" at certain sites. Families appreciate the spacious sites at Silver Falls State Park, which features a playground and hiking trails to numerous waterfalls. Campers seeking solitude might prefer the less-developed forest service campgrounds, though these typically offer only basic amenities such as vault toilets and potable water. Wildlife sightings, including river otters and various bird species, add to the camping experience throughout the region.

Best Camping Sites Near Mehama, Oregon (250)

    1. Silver Falls State Park Campground

    77 Reviews
    Mehama, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 873-8681

    $22 - $64 / night

    "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"

    2. Fishermens Bend - TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO CAMPING

    16 Reviews
    Gates, OR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 897-2406

    $110 / night

    "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."

    3. Smith Creek Village — Silver Falls State Park

    12 Reviews
    Mehama, OR
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 894-7533

    $89 - $250 / night

    "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."

    4. John Neal Memorial Park

    13 Reviews
    Lyons, OR
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (541) 967-3917

    $28 - $38 / night

    "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."

    5. Detroit Lake State Recreation Area Campground

    42 Reviews
    Detroit, OR
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 854-3346

    $15 - $59 / night

    "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."

    6. Sublime Organics Farm- Not accepting reservations

    3 Reviews
    Sublimity, OR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 306-4342

    $25 / night

    "Location, location, location! Close to Silver Falls State Park, and the PCT. make this the place you rest your head after a day of adventuring! Check them out and leave them some love!"

    7. Camp Dakota

    5 Reviews
    Scotts Mills, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 873-7432

    $55 - $300 / night

    "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."

    8. Howard Creek Horse Camp — Silver Falls State Park

    2 Reviews
    Mehama, OR
    5 miles
    +1 (503) 873-8681

    $22 - $61 / night

    "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?"

    9. Santiam State Forest Shellburg Falls Recreation Area

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

    "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."

    10. Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground

    76 Reviews
    Donald, OR
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 678-1251

    $22 - $152 / night

    "As I rode up to the site, I noticed right away that it was not tucked far away from the amenities such as restrooms, and showers. It was part of one of the campground loops."

    "Champoeg State Heritage Area is a beautiful and peaceful campground located near Newberg, Oregon."

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Recent Reviews near Mehama, OR

1174 Reviews of 250 Mehama Campgrounds


  • Mr Bubbas A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Beautiful Spot NF 4630 by the River

    Gorgeous! Can’t ask for more…

    This spot is large, private and is easy to get to, you’re right on the creek and you can hear the it perfectly! The creek is actually the Oak Grove Fork of the Calakamas River. There’s actually a bunch of shots of this road to chose but this one was perfect for us. Minimal cell and Star Link due to being under a canopy of trees.

  • Jenna C.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground

    Peaceful Escape at Champoeg State Park

    Champoeg State Park is such a peaceful and well-kept spot, perfect for both weekend campers and road-trippers. The mix of open fields, riverside views, and walking trails makes it ideal for a relaxing outdoor getaway. What I really like is how easy it is to plan your stay, even using a simple camping trip calculator or planning tool helps figure out travel time, supplies, and costs before heading out. Definitely one of Oregon’s hidden gems for nature lovers.

  • Barbara H.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Cedar Grove Recreation Site

    Great bday 2025

    Friends took me here for few nights for my bday. Clean camp ground,quiet,not very big here n ur vehicle not prkd at ur site but really enjoyed staying here. Water wz to low to fish nearby but had fun looking for rocks. Will go again next yr.

  • Jami C.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Knox Butte RV Park

    Great stop

    I absolutely loved this place, the staff are beyond exceptional... Well Wanda and her son wes.... There was a crusty woman working the office one day. The showers are amazing and the bathrooms are super clean! The laundry rooms are great! Very clean and all in great working order! They even have it piped in at every site u can have a garden hose hooked up to wash off your car or RV! I can't say enough good things about this place!

  • Jami C.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Emerald Valley RV Park

    Great stop

    Good stop, showers and bathrooms are clean, A LOT of people live here.... Manager is new and does not really know what's going on, I was told there is a lot of police activity there... Saw a few homeless people and cars with tow tags on em. Otherwise it's clean and safe

  • Jami C.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Albany-Corvallis KOA

    Awesome

    This place is awesome! They have everything!! The only thing we don't like is the showers, they are dirty and there is absolutely no water pressure at all!! But we will just shower in the 5th wheel! Other then that this place is great!

  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Silver Falls State Park Campground

    Silver Falls Campground

    Very nice campground. Spots have a paved driveway and all seem to be relatively level. Private free hot showers! Right next to the ten falls trail loop.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Waterloo County Park

    Cute county park

    Sites were really easy to get into. River was pretty and plenty of kids playing.

  • Susan M.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Phoenix RV Park

    Nope

    We stayed here for 11 months. We had a problem with our fridge overheating and the compressor being noisy when the afternoon sun hit the front side. We built an insulated box to solve the problem. Painted it. It wasn't an eyesore. We didn't have more than 5 personal items in our lot. Manager made us take it down. Said there would be a spot in September that she could move us to. Was unwilling to switch around someone who wasn't coming in for 2 months. When September hit, nothing happened. She never did move us. But she did move her RV to the prime spot, facing the way that we needed, up front when it came open. Lots of spots with so much junk under their RVs. We had a whitewater raft under ours and were told that we couldn't have it under there. Instead of paying a ridiculous price for a storage unit, we sold it. We already had one in the RV. Head management was coming through in a couple of weeks and she had to make the place look like she actually enforced the rules? Their sprinkler system quit working. The maintenance person put the sprinkler on the grass on the side of us. My window was wide open. Soaked my couch, left a water stain all across the blinds(RV was 9 months old) and the water stained a handmade quilt on the back of my couch. When I called the office the manager told me to stop yelling at her. I guess a loud voice was yelling? The guy said he didn't see that my window was open, yet I saw it was as I drove up. The manager also charged my debit card for our last couple of days/electricity without my permission. When I called to confront her about it, she hung up on me. I had to call my bank to get my card cancelled but the charge went through. Even though she sent me an email saying I was refunded. I am now trying to deal with the head office about her. Rent also going up to$830 a month. For a parking spot and water. No internet. Lots of sirens. Heard gunfire a lot. Not a great part of town. Lots of homeless people, garbage because it's near the can redemption center.


Guide to Mehama

The foothills around Mehama, Oregon range in elevation from 600 to 1,200 feet, creating varied microclimates that impact camping conditions throughout the year. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with significant rainfall, while summer brings warm days with temperatures averaging 75-85°F. Most camping spots near Mehama provide access to the North Santiam River watershed, which supports diverse wildlife including osprey, bald eagles, and river otters.

What to do

Hike behind waterfalls: At Silver Falls State Park Campground, campers can experience trails that lead behind spectacular cascades. "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.

Bike on dedicated paths: Champoeg State Park offers extensive biking opportunities just 40 minutes from Mehama. "GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well," explains Scott W.

Fish in the North Santiam River: River access points at Fishermens Bend provide prime fishing locations. "Close together campsites but my husband likes the fishing," says Kimmee P. The river supports steelhead, trout, and salmon during seasonal runs.

Camp lakeside: Detroit Lake offers water recreation opportunities 30 miles east of Mehama. "The Detroit Lake campsite is right on the water, with an incredible view of Mt. Jefferson on a clear day," Christian shares, adding that "the water level here fluctuates quite a bit, and if you visit in late summer or early fall, the lake level is usually so low."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Several campsites near Mehama offer separation between camping spots. Richard H. says about Silver Falls State Park: "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."

Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. At John Neal Memorial Park, Mike E. reports: "The park is wonderful with picnic tables, campfire rings, horseshoe pits, showers which are free with your reservation."

Riverside camping spots: John Neal Memorial Park offers prime waterfront sites. "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," notes Mike E., who appreciates the "beautiful setting by the river."

Well-maintained grounds: Campsites around Mehama typically feature groomed sites. Ryan A. notes about Fishermens Bend: "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."

What you should know

Seasonal accessibility: Some campgrounds close during winter months or operate with reduced services. For Fishermens Bend, Brady B. notes: "It sadly burned down in 2020. Stated to reopen 2022."

Reservation requirements: Most campsites fill quickly during summer weekends. At Detroit Lake State Recreation Area, Tara L. advises: "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."

Weather preparation: The area experiences significant rainfall, especially October through April. At Silver Falls, Melissa L. warns: "BEWARE: It's WET, so bring your wet weather gear, and good, sturdy hiking shoes for slippery terrain."

Highway noise: Some campsites experience traffic noise from nearby roads. Kevin R. mentions about Fishermens Bend: "The last time the noise of huge RV generators going for hours and hours was the final straw."

Tips for camping with families

Look for dedicated kid spaces: Camp Dakota offers numerous structured activities for children. Jason S. shares: "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."

Choose sites with water access: Parks with rivers or lakes provide natural entertainment. April F. notes about Silver Falls: "We love hiking the trails and our kids love the playground and river swimming!"

Find campgrounds with playgrounds: Several camping areas include playground equipment. At John Neal Memorial Park, Tom N. describes: "There are some sites right on the river but they lack any privacy. There is also a few sites near a pond that has ducks and a river otter occupying it."

Consider cabins for easier setup: Cabin options reduce setup time with children. Laura M. describes Silver Falls cabins: "Cabins are really nice and well-maintained, and there is ice and firewood for sale at the entrance shack."

Tips from RVers

Check hookup availability: Smith Creek Village at Silver Falls offers limited services for larger rigs. One camper notes: "Not for huge trailers and coaches, but you can get a 30' in there just about anywhere."

Consider noise factors: RV generators can impact tent campers. Kevin R. from Fishermens Bend shares: "I am at heart a tent camper and used this park when the kids were younger because of the amenities. But the last time the noise of huge RV generators going for hours and hours was the final straw."

Look for level sites: Many campgrounds near Mehama have paved, level parking spots. Richard H. notes about Silver Falls: "Roads and campsites are paved and level. Short drive or hike to the falls."

Prepare for seasonal crowds: During peak summer months, RV sites fill quickly. Tara L. advises about Detroit Lake: "Many of the spots aren't huge, so keep that in mind if you have multiple tents, etc."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mehama, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mehama, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 250 campgrounds and RV parks near Mehama, OR and 17 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mehama, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mehama, OR is Silver Falls State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 77 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mehama, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Mehama, OR.

What parks are near Mehama, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Mehama, OR that allow camping, notably Foster Lake and Willamette National Forest.