Best Campgrounds near Gates, OR

Camping near Gates, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the stunning Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "The highlight for us is the Trail of Ten Falls... The entire trail is just over seven miles but there are shorter loop options."
• Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the water at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area. A camper noted, "We enjoyed our recent stay at Detroit Lake... the staff was friendly."
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife at Humbug Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "A group of deer wandering down the camp road eating plants, seems undisturbed by the presence of humans."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Silver Falls State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms and showers are clean and well taken care of."
• Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful camp hosts. One camper at Waterloo County Park remarked, "The camp host is as nice and helpful as you could hope for."
• Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at River Bend County Park. A reviewer stated, "The sites were maintained very well and the camp hosts were very friendly."

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during busy seasons. A camper at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area warned, "There is no shade or breeze, and directly next to the main road... significant road noise."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Humbug Campground noted, "There were ants all over the campsite but they didn't seem to be too much of an issue."
• Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially in peak season. A camper at Coldwater Cove Campground mentioned, "The site is fully booked in busy season."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One family at Waterloo County Park enjoyed, "Lots of activities including hiking, geocaching, fishing, swimming, and a children's playground."
• Plan for Noise: Be prepared for some noise from other campers. A visitor at Humbug Campground said, "Children would be riding their bikes up and down the campsite loop yelling and playing."
• Pack Essentials: Bring enough food and water, especially if you're camping at places like Whitcomb Creek County Park, where some sites lack running water.

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A camper at Promontory Park advised, "Not for trailers or RVs over 20 ft."
• Use Electric Hookups: If you need power, look for campgrounds with electric hookups like River Bend County Park. One reviewer mentioned, "The sites are private with picnic tables and fire pits."
• Be Mindful of Dump Stations: Some campgrounds have long lines at dump stations. A visitor at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area noted, "There was a long line at the dump station, so maybe plan ahead for that."

Camping near Gates, Oregon, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.