The Willamette National Forest surrounds Oakridge, Oregon, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 5,800 feet throughout the region. These diverse elevations create varied camping experiences from riverside sites to mountain settings with temperatures that can drop below 40°F even in summer months. Glamping near Oakridge has expanded beyond traditional sites to include unique accommodations close to recreational hotspots.
What to do
Whitewater rafting on the North Umpqua: Located about 90 minutes from Oakridge, Umpqua's Last Resort & Oregon Mountain Guides offers guided rafting tours on the North Umpqua River. One visitor noted, "There is white water rafting...fishing and alot of hiking trails too much to do and is why I will be back."
Swimming at natural pools: Multiple swimming areas are accessible within a short drive. At Big Pool Campground, you'll find waterside camping with easy access to the water. "We have been here a few times and absolutely love the location. Being right on the water truly can't be beat!" writes one camper.
Hiking the Swordfern Trail: This 2-mile moderately easy trail begins at Rujada Campground and follows Layng Creek in a loop. The trail offers access to natural swimming spots. According to one visitor, "The trail continues into the forest following the creek, until it takes a big bend back around to the campground."
Mountain biking tours: Professional guides lead both beginner and advanced tours through forest trails. Umpqua's Last Resort offers "guided and self-guided mountain bike tours" with routes suitable for different skill levels.
Waterfall exploration: The region contains over 25 waterfalls within driving distance. A camper recommended, "If you want bigger hiking payoffs, just up the road approx. 6 miles, you can find 'Pinard', 'Moon', and 'Spirit falls'. Each are around 2 easy hiking miles and worth hitting."
What campers like
Proximity to water: Many upscale glamping sites in the area offer direct water access. At Baker Bay Campgrounds & Marina, glamping accommodations are positioned for maximum lake enjoyment. "We got a lakeside camp site which made it a simple walk down to the lake where we could swim and fish," reports one visitor.
Hot springs access: The natural mineral waters provide relaxation after outdoor activities. Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens features two temperature-controlled pools. One camper shared, "Pools were definitely relaxing and easy to reserve. My parents liked the main pool near the lodge because it's bigger and more open, I preferred the smaller pool because it was quieter and more zen like."
Landscaped settings: Premium glamping sites feature maintained grounds that blend natural elements with comfort. A recent visitor to Umpqua's Last Resort described it as an "immaculate landscaped setting" and noted that "the whole setting is really well maintained with nice landscaping."
Secluded campsites: Many luxury glamping accommodations offer privacy between sites. Rujada Campground provides separated sites: "Each site was very private, I couldn't see the other campers unless they were passing by our site."
Secret gardens: Some glamping locations have hidden amenities worth exploring. At Belknap Hot Springs, visitors can discover "a secret garden which is spectacular" according to one camper who visited for a wedding.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer weekends book quickly at popular sites. At Casey's Riverside RV Resort, one experienced camper advised, "Like many CGs we've stayed in this year, this one was pretty full everyday. Unless you want to stay for a day or two or move sites every other day, you need to reserve early."
Weather fluctuations: The area experiences significant temperature changes between day and night even in summer. Pack extra layers for evenings when temperatures can drop dramatically.
WiFi limitations: Internet connectivity varies significantly between locations. At Casey's Riverside RV Resort, "WiFi would slow way down to the point of being unusable during peak periods(mid morning and late afternoon)."
Limited electricity: Many glamping sites lack power hookups. At Schwarz Campground, "There are no hook ups for your rv. Bring the generator if your needing a power source during the day."
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds only operate during warmer months. Many forest service sites close between late September and May, limiting off-season glamping options.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several sites feature play areas for children. At Rujada Campground, one parent mentioned, "There was a nice playground which did surprise us that my kiddos liked. Along with access to a nice swimming hole next to the campground."
Inflatable water structures: Baker Bay Campgrounds & Marina offers water recreation designed for children. "There are several huge inflatable water structures in the bay which kids can play on for a fee," notes a recent visitor.
Kid-friendly hiking options: Look for shorter trails with interesting features. "The Swordfern trail starts at the day use area...The trail is an easy to moderate 2 or so miles, that I feel is family and dog friendly, as the grounds allows pets."
Designated family areas: Some campgrounds have specific sections ideal for groups with children. "We nicknamed back-in sites 61-68 at the end of the CG 'kiddies corner' as this was where the families camped during our stay."
Junior Ranger programs: Certain sites offer educational activities for children. One camper mentioned that Schwarz Campground has "jr. ranger programs" among its amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for river views: At Diamond Lake, certain locations offer better scenery than others. "The sites by the lake appeared to be much larger than the ones further up the hill," shares one RVer who recommends checking site maps carefully.
Road navigation challenges: Several glamping locations have tight access roads. At Schwarz Campground, "The campground roads can be tight if you have a big rig so be careful."
Tree clearance issues: Sites with mature trees can complicate parking larger vehicles. One camper noted it's "a little difficult estacionar una Traila por los pinos muy pegados al camino" (difficult to park a trailer due to pines very close to the road).
Water pressure variations: Water systems can fluctuate at some sites. A Casey's Riverside visitor noted, "We had great water pressure and needed to use our reducer."
Dump station availability: Not all sites offer sanitary dump stations. At Baker Bay, facilities were "being rebuilt as of May 2024 and it will likely take a year or more. You are allowed to dump at the facility up the road for no cost."
