RV camping in the North Umpqua River Recreation Area draws visitors for its combination of forest and river access. The area sits within the Cascade Mountains between 800-4,000 feet elevation, with terrain characterized by steep canyons and dense Douglas fir forests. Summer temperatures typically range between 70-90°F during daytime hours, while nights can drop to the 40s even in July.
What to do
Outdoor movie nights: At Hi-Way Haven RV Park, campers enjoy a unique experience with movies on the old drive-in screen. "They serve free popcorn if you choose to sit in the nice grassy area (plastic Adirondack chairs provided) for the movie. If you can see screen from your site the sound on FM station," reports one visitor.
Fly fishing: The Umpqua River offers excellent fishing opportunities across multiple seasons. Elk Haven RV Resort positions anglers close to prime river access, with many reporting successful catches. "The beautiful Umpqua River was right across the highway. Good spot if you like to fish," notes a guest who enjoyed both the river and the resort's bass ponds.
Waterfall tours: The region contains numerous waterfall hiking trails within a short drive of most campgrounds. Crater Lake RV Park serves as a good base for exploring these natural features. "The host helped us find several little fishing spots, shared some 'local fishing secrets,' and showed us the hiking trails right from the campground," reports one camper.
What campers like
Drive-in theater atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the nostalgic setting at Hi-Way Haven RV Park. "It's a converted drive-in theater and they've taken the retro theme to heart and run with it. We'll definitely come back," wrote one reviewer. Another mentioned, "Drive in with your sweetie while camping, BBQ and drinks, dog park with some Frisby golf. Man life don't get much better than this."
River access: On The River Golf & RV Resort earns praise for its waterfront locations. "My slot was right on river facing the setting sun. Great spot to decompress after being in the truck for 8 hours," reports one visitor. Others note the "miles of walking trails and a river for tubing or fishing off the docks."
Privacy between sites: Unlike many packed RV parks, some campgrounds in this area offer better site separation. "The sites are a little close together, especially when having campfires," notes a camper at Umpqua's Last Resort, though many appreciate that "the park itself is well maintained with nice landscaping."
What you should know
Site reservation timing: Summer months require advance planning. "We had a tire blow out that caused some damage to our camper, necessitating an unplanned stop in Sutherlin. Hiway Haven was a great place to be stuck at for a couple nights," reported one camper, highlighting the challenges of finding spots without reservations.
Road noise consideration: Some campgrounds near highways experience traffic noise. Rising River RV Resort has this consideration: "Note: spot 62 was close to Hwy 99 and you can hear the traffic if your windows are open," mentions one reviewer. Similarly, at Douglas County Fairgrounds RV Park, "The campground is right off a highly traveled hwy without any natural barrier to prevent road noise."
Off-season amenities: Winter camping offers different advantages and limitations. "Being here in the summer means dead grass and heat. I've been thru in the winter and it's much prettier," reports a Douglas County Fairgrounds visitor, noting seasonal differences in experience.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: River access provides natural swimming opportunities at several campgrounds. Elkton RV Park offers direct river entry points. "This was a great little spot with easy access to the river. The camp host was very helpful. It's nice and quiet, peaceful and relaxing," notes one family.
Playground availability: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. "They have a playground, nice little store, ice, propane on site," reports a Hi-Way Haven visitor, making it suitable for families with younger children.
Dog-friendly facilities: Many parks accommodate pets with dedicated areas. "The park was also very dog friendly and has a couple fenced in areas for off leash puppy time," writes one camper about Hi-Way Haven, while others mention designated dog walks at several other parks.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Site grading varies significantly between campgrounds. "Level concrete pads" at Seven Feathers RV Resort contrast with "some sites are not quite level" at Crater Lake RV Park, according to visitor reports.
Generator policies: Most established campgrounds provide electrical hookups, eliminating generator needs. Bar Run Golf and RV Resort offers "concrete pads" with "pull throughs that have a turf pad," according to a recent visitor, providing stable parking surfaces.
Seasonal temperature management: Summer heat requires cooling solutions at some locations. At Elkton RV Park, "If you're camping in summer, make sure you grab one of the spaces that is shaded or that your AC works really well," advises one RVer who found sites without sufficient shade challenging during hot weather.
