Camping sites near Pleasant Hill, Oregon range from wooded riverside spots to lake-adjacent recreational areas. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 700-1,200 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping options are limited as many facilities close from October through April due to rainfall averaging 40-50 inches annually in this western Cascade foothills region.
What to do
Fishing access: Black Canyon Campground offers direct river access for anglers. As one camper noted, "Some spots are right on the river so you can fish right from your firepit." Sites along the Willamette River provide convenient fishing opportunities with minimal hiking required.
Swimming options: Baker Bay Campgrounds & Marina features designated swimming areas at Dorena Lake. A visitor shared, "The view was wonderful. We got a lakeside camp site which made it a simple walk down to the lake where we could swim and fish." The lake includes inflatable water structures for children during summer months.
Mountain biking trails: Multiple trails connect to Cascara Campground and surrounding areas. One visitor explained: "Came here with family and friends... Nice that Cascara is close to so much to explore. Found a place to dip into the water, to shoot, and exploring the forest roads was a fun afternoon in general."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spaciousness at certain campgrounds. At Deerwood RV Park, visitors noted: "Most spaces have at least 10-12 feet of grass between. Nicely maintained. Nice location, lots of trees and grassy areas." The separation provides a balance between community and personal space.
Off-leash dog areas: Pet owners frequently mention the dog facilities at local campgrounds. One camper at Armitage Park said, "This is one of my favorite campgrounds that we've come across in OR, it's very charming & quaint. Perfect place for dog owners as they have the best dog park; it's actually the community dog park, so they're always dogs/people there."
Group camping options: Several campgrounds offer designated areas for larger parties. At Schwarz Campground, a visitor mentioned: "This campground has a ton of space for group camping and some great spots along the river. It's close to several great fishing holes and beautiful covered bridges."
What you should know
Seasonal water warnings: Algae blooms affect some lakes during summer months. At Schwarz Campground, a camper advised: "Watch for signs of Algae or Swimmers Itch as it has been present the past few years at Dorena Lake." Always check current conditions before water activities.
Noise considerations: Highway and train noise impacts certain campgrounds. At Black Canyon Campground, a visitor noted: "The train tracks are literally across the river. Maybe 200 ft away. The train runs all day and sadly all night. If you fall asleep easily to the sound of a train horn and train cars along a track then you'll love it here."
Water level fluctuations: Reservoir levels vary significantly throughout the season. One camper at Cascara Campground observed: "This used to be one of my favorite spots, and it's still a great little campground, but you used to be able to jump off the dock right into the reservoir, and now the level is kept so low that much of the recreation is no longer accessible."
Tips for camping with families
Life jacket availability: Some campgrounds provide safety equipment for children. A visitor to Cascara Campground mentioned, "The camp sites were decent size and they have life jackets for little ones." This amenity saves packing space when traveling with children.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Premier RV Resort, a camper noted, "My children had a blast in the clubhouse. The community here seems friendly and we'll just likely be back." These facilities provide entertainment during downtime between outdoor activities.
Swimming safety: Family-friendly swimming areas vary by location. A Baker Bay visitor shared: "Great for families. Not the most quiet spot but the view makes up for it." Some swimming areas feature shallow entry points suitable for younger children, while others require closer supervision.
Tips from RVers
Back-in challenges: Several campgrounds have difficult site access for larger rigs. A visitor to Dexter Shores RV Park reported, "We brought our RV and had no problems with setup or parking. No additional charge for a second vehicle was nice." However, many campgrounds feature narrow roads that can complicate maneuvering.
Pad requirements: Some parks require specific equipment for RV stabilization. At Deerwood RV Park, a camper warned: "ALL spots require jack pads. Having not stayed in too many parks with asphalt, this was a surprise for us. They did not mention at checkin, but we got a polite email the next morning."
Overflow parking options: Many campgrounds have limited parking at sites. One camper at Armitage Park explained: "Spaces are fairly short, especially on Standard sites. We barely fit our 39' Class A and a 2 door Jeep Wrangler. If our vehicle had been any longer, we would have had to park in overflow parking."
