Mehama sits at the junction of North Santiam and Little North Santiam rivers in Oregon at 714 feet elevation. This small community offers access to several RV campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, with weather typically mild and rainy in winter months and warm, dry summers. The Willamette Valley location provides convenient access to Salem, Albany, and Lebanon while maintaining a rural camping atmosphere.
What to do
Golfing experiences: Mallard Creek Golf and RV Resort, located 11 miles from Sweet Home, combines camping with a golf course. "We enjoyed our stay and especially the golf. After golfing and taking the cart back to the CG to unload our clubs, one of the employees came up around 3:30 PM each day to fetch the carts back," notes one camper at Mallard Creek Golf and RV Resort.
River access: Campers can enjoy direct water access at several campgrounds around Mehama. "Directly on the river with hiking/biking paths. 20 full hookup sites with locked safe restrooms/coin showers. Camp host greets upon arrival and provides area maps and complimentary tokens for showers," shares a visitor about Gills Landing RV Park in Lebanon.
Urban exploration: For those wanting to combine camping with city attractions, campgrounds near Salem offer easy access. "You can walk or bike into town for food. This is the first RV park I've ever stayed in where the Wifi was actually decent. Was a little under the weather, so watched some march madness in my RV on the park Wifi," reports a camper about their riverside experience.
What campers like
Well-maintained landscaping: Many RV parks near Mehama feature carefully tended grounds. "What a beautiful park! Amazing trees of every kind and flowers and bushes all cared for meticulously. Great wi-fi. Management is exceptional! Indoor pool, multiple laundry rooms, rec room - all spotlessly clean," describes a visitor at Blue Ox RV Park in Albany.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region generally maintain high cleanliness standards. "Everything is paved, the sites have nice clean picnic tables, and plenty of green Lush grass. The showers were clean and had good water pressure," notes a camper about Knox Butte RV Park in Albany.
Family-friendly activities: Several parks offer recreational amenities. "Amazing RV Park, well maintained roads, lots, and landscaping. Both fellow campers and staff were extremely welcoming. There was also plenty to do around the campsite between fishing, the small kids park and the park provided activity's (corn hole, etc.)," shares a visitor about Silver Spur RV Park.
What you should know
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "While the park is nice and well maintained, the B lot backs right up to the highway with unbearable road noise. Had two nights planned but will be leaving after the first," warns one camper about Silver Spur RV Park.
WiFi quality varies: Internet access differs significantly between rv campgrounds near Mehama, Oregon. "WiFi Sucks, 1.84 Mbps download/ .37 Mbps Upload. Gravel parking pads," reports one camper, while others note good connectivity at specific parks.
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "Near I-5 yet no traffic noise. Stayed here a couple of nights. The park is very clean. The restrooms and laundry facilities are spotless. Their WiFi is also excellent. Very easy access to and from I-5," notes a visitor about Knox Butte RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options: For families without RVs, some parks offer alternative accommodations. "We stayed at their only cabin. The state park was full and we were in a tent (this place has no tent sites). The price was awesome! The cabin was great! They have all sorts of activities for you and kids if you have them," shares a visitor about Silver Spur RV Park & Resort.
Pool amenities: Swimming options exist at select rv campgrounds around Mehama. "Appreciate the amenities of small gym, hot tub, and showers. Excited for the outdoor pool to open. Staff is friendly and grounds are well maintained," notes a camper at Hee Hee Illahee RV Resort in Salem.
Budget alternatives: Families can find affordable options in the area. "I've camped at Salem RV Park twice now and love it! Stayed in a tent site w electricity and hooked up my little lights for ambience. Once I ordered Uber eats and they delivered a burger from RAM Restaurant! I believe I paid only $25 night," explains one camper.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: RV drivers report varying ease of access at different campgrounds. "The spots were level, no fire rings only a few picnic tables but caters to RVs only so most of us have tables and chairs. Everything was neat and in good condition," notes a visitor about Emerald Valley RV Park.
Extended stay options: Many parks accommodate longer-term camping. "We have been staying here full time since October 2021 and will be moving on in about a month or so. Many full timers live here but it's a convenient spot to park for a few days at a time or full time," shares a resident about Portland-Woodburn RV Park.
Shopping proximity: Several campgrounds offer convenient access to supplies. "Park sits right behind the Woodburn Outlet Mall with own private entrance. Off I-5 and convenient shopping for groceries or gas nearby. Close to Portland and Salem," notes a camper about nearby shopping options.
