Susan Creek Campground provides level, paved sites along the North Umpqua River at 43.2967 latitude and -122.8933 longitude. The campground sits at around 1,400 feet elevation, with sites nestled among mature trees that offer a mix of sunshine and shade. Proximity to the river means campers can hear rushing water from most sites, which helps mask highway noise.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: The North Umpqua area features numerous waterfall hikes. Susan Creek Campground connects to trails leading to Susan Creek Falls. "You can hike the Emerald Trail to the Day Use area which accesses a trail to Susan Creek Falls. Roundtrip from the campground is just short of three miles. Be aware of poison oak all along the trail," notes a Susan Creek Campground visitor.
Fishing spots: Find excellent fishing opportunities along the river. At Whistlers Bend County Park, "the fishing is great and they have a boat ramp," according to one camper. The North Umpqua is known for its steelhead and salmon runs.
Kayak the lakes: Paddle on nearby lakes for a different water experience. "Kayak rentals on Toketee Lake" are available, and at Joseph H. Stewart County Park, "we kayaked the lake a few times, it was windy & quite a few motor boats. We found an area over before the dam that was calm and good bass fishing."
Play disc golf: Whistlers Bend features a "disc golf course rated number 2 in nation," making it a top destination for disc golf enthusiasts. The course offers varied terrain through the wooded landscape.
What campers like
Riverside sites: The proximity to water is a major draw. "Maybe the best showers ever... extra nice campground along the North Umpqua. Many sites riverside, but from all the sounds of the river can be heard," explains a visitor to Susan Creek Campground.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in this area maintain high cleanliness standards. At Island Campground, "Vault toilet is about as clean as can be expected from a campground without a host." Another camper notes about Susan Creek, "Bathrooms are spotless and always stocked. Camp hosts make their rounds and say hi or chat. This is by far the cleanest I've been to."
Luxury accommodations: Glamping near North Umpqua River Recreation Area offers comfort amid nature. One visitor to Umpqua's Last Resort said, "The grounds are very attractive and clean. The staff are friendly and helpful. There are clean bathrooms, showers & a dishwashing station."
Swimming holes: Natural pools provide refreshing spots to cool off. At Three C Rock Campground, "The river has many places to swim and even go on a rope swing," while at Island Campground, sites are "on the river side with easy water access to the N Umpqua River."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance booking. Susan Creek is "a reservation only campground. However, there is a phone in the campground you can use to make a reservation!" Other sites like Whistlers Bend may have first-come, first-served options.
Wildfire impacts: The region has experienced wildfires that affected some areas. At South Umpqua Falls, "Multiple campgrounds on the roughly paved road to the falls CG. Recommend parking outside and scouting." Susan Creek has "evidence of the wildfires that closed this campground for a while."
Site variations: Campground layouts and amenities vary significantly. "All sites are level and paved. An extra-large picnic table, bbq, and fire pit complete the site. You will likely hear the river from all sites but the best sites back up to the river (3-7; 22-30) and sites 4-7 have a view of the river," according to a Susan Creek visitor.
Seasonal closures: Many facilities operate seasonally. Diamond Lake is open "mid May to Oct 1," while Susan Creek operates from "May 15 - Sep 15," so check opening dates before planning your visit.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Joseph H. Stewart County Park, "There are paved bike paths, playground, rentals for the lake," and "multiple playgrounds and a large gorgeous dog park."
Choose larger sites: Some campsites offer more space for families. At Whistlers Bend, "if the spots at the end are available snag them! So easy to add a few more extra tents since there is a huge grassy area between you & the river."
Consider comfort options: Luxury glamping near North Umpqua River provides family-friendly accommodations. Umpqua's Last Resort offers various options including "petite RV sites, deluxe RV sites, Super RV sites, glamping tents, cabins with heat and A/C, a cottage, a tiny home, camper, retro bunkhouse, retro RV."
Prepare for insects: Depending on season, bugs can be an issue. At Diamond Lake, "Be prepared to fend off mosquitoes if you're going in the summer!" Similarly, at Susan Creek, watch for "poison oak all along the trail."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Many campgrounds have restrictions on RV length. At Island Campground, "this is NOT a campground for rigs over 22'. All of the sites are on the river side with easy water access to the N Umpqua River."
Hookup availability: On The River Golf & RV Resort offers "flat gravel sites with a beautiful view. We found this campground to be much exceeding of expectations!" They provide full hookups while maintaining a natural setting.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. Whistlers Bend might be "tough for bigger rigs as there are a lot of trees to navigate around," according to one RVer, so scout sites first when possible.
Dump stations: Not all campgrounds offer sanitary dumps. Joseph Stewart has "a dump station at the entrance, free for use by campers only," which is convenient for longer stays.
