P
Paula S.
Guide
GuideHorsfall Beach
Close to Beach, but noisy
Expensive without any hookups. Off road Mecca so loud until midnight. Close to beach. No host
Camping near Mapleton, OR
181 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping locations throughout the Siuslaw River valley near Mapleton, Oregon provide a mix of riverside and forested sites ranging from developed campgrounds to primitive options. Archie Knowles Campground, operated by Lane County Parks, features nine sites along Knowles Creek, while Whittaker Creek Recreation Site offers approximately 30 campsites where Whittaker Creek meets the Siuslaw River. The area accommodates tent camping, RVs, and in some locations, cabins and yurts. Most developed campgrounds in the region sit between the coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean, creating easy access to both forest recreation and beach activities.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability, with many sites open primarily from May through September. Whittaker Creek Recreation Site operates from May 22 to September 8, offering fishing access and creek swimming during warm months. Road conditions vary throughout the region, with some campgrounds accessible via paved roads while others require navigating forest service roads. Cell service remains limited or non-existent in many camping areas, particularly those in canyon bottoms or surrounded by dense forest. Highway noise impacts some locations, especially Archie Knowles Campground. A review noted, "This campground is finally reopened after being closed for a few years. It is a beautiful setting and they have been restoring the riparian zone surrounding the creek/river. Unfortunately, the road is very loud and the main route to the coast from the southern Willamette valley."
Riverfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Mapleton area, with multiple campgrounds offering direct water access. Whittaker Creek provides wading opportunities in a small dammed area suitable for children, while sites near the Siuslaw River support fishing and boating. Trail access varies between campgrounds, with some offering direct connections to hiking routes such as the Whittaker Ridge Old Growth Trail. Several reviews mention privacy differences between sites, with some campgrounds offering dense vegetation between campsites while others have more open layouts. A camper observed about Whittaker Creek, "There are tons of things to do around the campground. From swimming and catching crawdads to hiking the old growth trail there is almost something for everyone." Nearby Sweet Creek Falls trail provides additional recreation opportunities within a short drive of several camping areas.
Best Campgrounds near Mapleton (181)
1. Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park Campground
"We stayed here at the group site and it was great—huge field, winding paths through heavy forest to arrive at a beautiful, sunny lake."
"Special and unique landscape right in the center of Oregon Dunes. We love it here. Located close to the quant town of Florence. Lots of nearby hikes, beach access, and of course the dunes. Enjoy!"
from $32 - $128 / night
Check Availability2. Sutton Campground
"Super pretty spot, tucked right next to a little creek. It felt private without being too far off the path — ideal if you want a bit of peace but still feel like part of the campground."
"This place is tucked into the woods and our space is yards away from access to a hiking trail that goes to the ocean. Hosts very friendly and helpful. Bathroom very clean."
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability3. Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park Campground
"1/2 mile walk to the beach. Clean, safe, and quietWell maintained campgrounds, as are all Oregon parks. Great reservation system. (California in comparison has a terrible website. What’s up CA?)"
"This Oregon state park is one of the few Oregon state parks who don’t have reservations. It is a first come first come facility."
from $32 - $89 / night
Check Availability4. Thousand Trails South Jetty
"Beautiful park on the Oregon coast just outside of the Oregon Dunes national park. Great people and clean well kept facilities."
"This is one of our favorite campgrounds, very similar to Thousand Trails Pacific City."
5. Alder Dune Campground
"Alder Dune is just a little ways down from the 101 tucked next to Alder Lake. There are beautiful paths that walk around the grounds and lake."
"Our site was directly across the bathroom, but you cross a little bridge and walk up about 10 steps to the flat tent pad."
from $35 / night
Check Availability6. Harbor Vista Campground
"I find the beach access to the ocean (not river) to be a little more difficult here than other locations. Plenty of vegetation here in the park! Trees and bushes that others have described."
"The park sits up on a bluff overlooking the ocean but most sites are tucked into the tree that provided us with shelter from the wind."
from $35 - $70 / night
Check Availability7. Archie Knowles Campground
"Host was nice, firewood was available About 20 min from Florence, which is on the Oregon Coast. Better spot for fuel and groceries if needed. Cp is just outside of Mapleton, a cute little town."
"Although this is right off the highway (so kinda loud) it is nestled next to a beautiful creek. The campsites and bathrooms are clean and well maintained and camp host was friendly and helpful."
8. Port of Siuslaw Campground & Marina
"Parks that are walking distance to shops and restaurants are such a treat. "
"The main draw of this campground is its proximity to the cute town of Florence. We don't tow a car, so being able to camp within walking distance of shops and restaurants is always a treat."
from $35 - $55 / night
Check Availability9. Whittaker Creek Recreation Site
"My site was close to the bathroom and my site was right against the creek, which was peaceful. Even though the parking area of my site was small but the rest of it was large-lots of privacy."
"It was peaceful and located next a wonderful creek and river. The host was very nice as well. I posted up on camp site #1 next to a fish ladder."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability10. Cape Perpetua
"Definitely a popular place, but we managed to snag an amazing site next to a babbling creek, tucked down in trees and secluded from everyone else."
"The Campground itself is tucked up into a canyon and has a nice stream running past each site. "
from $39 - $220 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 48 min from Eugene, OR
- 1 hr 15 min from Corvallis, OR
- 1 hr 24 min from Albany, OR
- 1 hr 47 min from Salem, OR
Recent Camping Photos near Mapleton, OR
257 Photos of 181 Mapleton Campgrounds
Laynie
Maple Lane RV Park & Marina
Emily L.
Whittaker Creek Recreation Site
Aaron
BLM Kentucky Falls Road
Roy L.
Mercer Lake Resort
Chanel C.
Alder Dune Campground
Laura M.
Port of Siuslaw Campground & Marina
Cassie M.
Harbor Vista Campground
Val
Baker Beach Campground
Corrie C.
Thousand Trails South Jetty
Jason D.
Stoney Acres Farmstead
Badariyah O.
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Mapleton, OR
1273 Reviews of 181 Mapleton Campgrounds
Aimee H.GuideForest Road 55 Pulloff
Just pull offs
Super close to the 101, but all I found were pull offs on the main road. I was passed by a few vehicles I never saw again so maybe they kept going up and found better sites. I ended up car camping because the pull off was cement, but I did see a tent set up on my way out. No service at all for Verizon. You’re halfway up to the cape perpetua lookout on your way out though so I was able to see it early without the crowds.
Emilyn H.
ScoutSeal Rocks RV Cove
By the beach
Great location by the beach. Information was easy to get. Lovely site.
Dominic L.ScoutThree Rivers Casino - Florence
Will be great when done
They haven’t finished construction yet. No electric or bathrooms yet. It is convenient the casino is right there.
DahliaGuideElliott State Forest Dispersed
Evil Jonkler
This spot was interesting to say the least. It's a beautiful 30ish minute drive from coos bay, depending on where you camp along the road. There are many connecting roads off the main one which might have possible campsites, but we didn't check too many of them out. One led to a watering hole supposedly. We found a very small site at the top of the mountain with a nice view, but there wasn't enough room for a tent and car. We decided on a spot that was completely enclosed by trees and bushes, but wasn't directly under the forest. It was an okay area, nothing special. I would not have stayed there more than 1 night. Pros: -quiet and secluded -some spots have a nice view -wild blackberries growing around
Cons: -most connecting roads and campsites are unmapped -spooky forest at night
- no amenities or fire rings -some rough roads and can get very narrow towards the top -insects buzzing around at night -had a creature walking around our tent at night for 2-3 hours that sounded bipedal. We don't know what it was, but definitely not anything small, or a deer. Could have been a bear. Could have been a skinwalker, who knows 🤷♀️ Stay 2 nights at your own risk Also, no cell service
Morgan R.GuideCOE Dorena Reservoir Schwarz Campground
Quiet place to spend the weekend
It’s tucked in nicely for peace and quiet. It rained most of the time while we were there so didn’t get to explore very much, but there was a little hiking trail we did right around the campground. Bathrooms and showers were decent.
- llee's freelance M.
RangerAlder Dune Campground
Privacy feel to camp sites
Second time to stay here over the last few years. Sites are spread out nicely with lots of surrounding vegetation to have privacy. Fire pits are huge. Some trails around to hike and easy access to OR Coastline in Florence area. Water spigots are nicely spread through out. Many FCFS sites along with reservation ones
- AAnn E.Guide
Thousand Trails South Jetty
Pleasant Campground
Pleasant campground with a lot going for it. The tent camping is nice with a few spaces under tall trees. They vary in size from space for one to three tents. There are picnic tables and fire rings. Water faucets are spaced throughout the campground for water. There is a swimming pool with sprinkler area and wading pool, basketball court and activity center. The trail system through the old growth trees is quite beautiful. This is a membership campground but does offer public camping. RV spaces, cabins and yurts are available as well. It is very close to town and the beach.
轩辰 淳.ScoutOsprey Point RV Resort
Great spot
Managers are super friendly and helpful, great views and service.
Guide to Mapleton
Camping options near Mapleton, Oregon span across the Siuslaw River watershed at elevations ranging from sea level to 800 feet. Most campsites in this coastal forest region receive 65-90 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush vegetation but also challenging camping conditions during the winter months. Primitive camping areas typically don't have electrical hookups, though several campgrounds offer water access points.
What to do
Creek swimming: 2 miles from Mapleton, Whittaker Creek Recreation Site offers a small dammed swimming area perfect for families. "There is a small pool, but nice for young children to swim, for adults to float, or just sun on the rocky shore," notes a camper at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site.
Sand dune access: 10-minute walk from camp, Alder Dune Campground provides trails leading directly to Oregon's famous dunes. "The spot was secluded with a trail behind it which led to a lake and a little ways to some beautiful dunes," writes one visitor to Alder Dune Campground.
Crawdad catching: Available in multiple creeks, bringing simple traps or nets can provide hours of entertainment. A camper at Whittaker Creek mentions, "There are tons of things to do around the campground. From swimming and catching crawdads to hiking the old growth trail there is almost something for everyone."
Old growth hiking: Moderate difficulty trails, with elevation gains up to 900 feet in one mile. "The trail gains 900 ft. in a mile, so not the easiest for young kids, but I'm sure some can tackle it," explains a Whittaker Creek visitor about the Whittaker Ridge Old Growth Trail.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Many campgrounds offer vegetation buffers between sites. At Alder Dune, "The camping spaces are spread out and isolated by vegetation, providing some privacy. Restrooms are clean and there are plenty of water spigots."
Creek-side camping: Some campsites back directly to water features. At Archie Knowles Campground, "Sites 7 & 8 are 'premium' for an extra two dollars, you have a better view of the creek and can look down stream a ways."
Walking distance to town: Some locations offer convenient access to supplies. The Port of Siuslaw Campground & Marina is particularly noted for this feature: "The main draw of this campground is its proximity to the cute town of Florence. We don't tow a car, so being able to camp within walking distance of shops and restaurants is always a treat."
Easy coastal access: Many sites provide good starting points for beach exploration. "About 20 min from Florence, which is on the Oregon Coast. Better spot for fuel and groceries if needed," reports a camper at Archie Knowles.
What you should know
Road noise impacts: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds more than others. A camper at Archie Knowles noted: "The road is a bit loud but it gets dark here. Tables and a burn pit are available. No hookups."
Seasonal closures are common: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Sutton Campground runs from "May 17 to September 2," while Whittaker Creek operates "May 22 to September 8."
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Most forest service campgrounds offer minimal amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mapleton, OR?
What camping is available near Mapleton, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mapleton, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 181 campgrounds and RV parks near Mapleton, OR and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mapleton, OR?
Which is the most popular campground near Mapleton, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mapleton, OR is Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 73 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mapleton, OR?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mapleton, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Mapleton, OR.
What parks are near Mapleton, OR?
What parks are near Mapleton, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Mapleton, OR that allow camping, notably Fern Ridge Lake and Siuslaw National Forest.
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