Chalena R.
Scout
ScoutLowell State Recreation Site
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We had lots of fun trying out different sites using this helpful guide and maps.
Camping near Pleasant Hill, OR
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Pleasant Hill, Oregon range from developed sites with full amenities to more primitive options along rivers and lakes. Armitage Park & Campground offers 36 sites with electric hookups, showers, and water access along the McKenzie River just north of Eugene. Other campgrounds in the area include Baker Bay Campgrounds & Marina on Dorena Lake and Dexter Shores RV Park, which provides cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping options. The region encompasses both Lane County parks and Willamette National Forest sites, giving campers access to diverse landscapes within a 30-mile radius of Pleasant Hill.
Access to camping areas varies significantly by location and season, with many campgrounds operating on limited schedules from late spring through early fall. Cascara Campground at Fall Creek State Recreation Area typically operates from May through September, while some private RV parks remain open year-round. Most developed campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. The terrain ranges from riverside flats to forested settings with varying levels of shade and privacy between sites. Visitors should be prepared for potential algae warnings at some lakes during warmer months. As one camper noted about Dorena Reservoir, "Watch for signs of Algae or Swimmers Itch as it has been present the past few years at Dorena Lake."
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with several campgrounds providing direct access to swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. Black Canyon Campground along the Willamette River earns praise for its spacious sites and proximity to water recreation. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Some of the spots are right on the river so you can fish right from your firepit." Many campgrounds near Pleasant Hill feature hiking trail access, including connections to popular routes like the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail and Brice Creek Trail. Campers frequently mention the balance of natural setting and convenience, with several campgrounds located within a short drive of Eugene while still providing a forest camping experience. Noise levels vary by location, with some sites experiencing occasional train or highway sounds while others offer more secluded settings.
Best Campgrounds near Pleasant Hill (208)
1. Armitage Park & Campground - a Lane County Park
"Easy to find from I-5 and very close to Costco. Quiet location away from the road noise and has nice walking path along the McKenzie River."
"Tent sites shady and away from RV sites, with access to a path to walk down to (fast flowing) river (far enough walk not to be too concerning for children if they don’t stray out of sight)."
from $20 - $39 / night
Check Availability2. Deerwood RV Park
"We were lucky enough to rent a space at Deerwood for two months while we escaped the heat of Arizona and visiting our kids in Oregon."
"One star off for highway noise. Looks like many longer term campers here - flower pots, table cloths, decorations, mostly 5th wheelers."
3. Baker Bay Campgrounds & Marina - a Lane County Park
"We got a lakeside camp site which made it a simple walk down to the lake where we could swim and fish. The camp ground had a pretty big bathroom and separate shower room."
"We chose this location for a few reasons. We could see the lake from our site.
- We could leave our kayaks on the shore and just hop right in and paddle if we wanted.
- Our dog loves to swim, so having"
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability4. Dexter Shores RV Park
"I had an easy stopover here on the way to Eastern Oregon. I didn’t want to use my tanks, so I used their restrooms. They were warm, clean, and well-lit."
5. COE Dorena Reservoir Schwarz Campground
"One of the standout features of this campground was its ideal location. Situated in a breathtaking natural setting, it provided easy access to various outdoor activities, including cliff jumping."
"Schwarz campground is located just past Cottage grove, right on the Row river. I hadn't realized, until I took a nice little walk, it's located just below Dorena reservoir."
from $24 - $150 / night
Check Availability6. Cascara Campground — Fall Creek State Recreation Area
"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."
"About 30 min away from groceries and stores. Came in late to this campround. No reservation needed. Lucky they had a couple of tent sites open. We ended up staying an extra day."
7. Black Canyon Campground - Willamette NF
"The site we’ve always stayed at is huge, way far from any other sites, and has a neat little trail between the parking spot and camping spot."
"Avoid the spots right near the entrance as the highway sound is pretty loud. Spots 20-40 are near the river and you can either see/hear at most spots."
from $26 - $115 / night
Check Availability8. Richardson Park & Campground - A Lane County Park
"This campground is within 20 minutes of Eugene, Oregon, close enough if you forgot something, you can drive to town and get it."
"Have stayed here twice - love the ample space between campsites, all the room (forests, trails, roads, open fields, etc.) around the campsite, how it's right by the marina, how they show outdoor movies"
9. Premier RV Resort at Eugene
"I personally stay in all sorts of locations, but usually stop here for a couple of nights to take advantage of the great stores in Eugene to stock up before heading off for more primitive camping."
"The road noise varies a lot though so ask for a site close to the office or in the older section. The new sites farther back are closer to the interstate."
10. South Twin Lake Campground
"One of the many lakes along the cascade scenic why. Can be a lot of parties during summer. Otherwise gets warm outside. Lots of trails."
"Some great trails accessible for hiking. Although, the trails are not marked that well. Still beautiful and the lakes and nearby reservoir are great. Campsites are big and are drive up"
from $29 - $64 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 15 min from Eugene, OR
- 42 min from Albany, OR
- 50 min from Corvallis, OR
- 1 hr 5 min from Salem, OR
Recent Camping Photos near Pleasant Hill, OR
215 Photos of 208 Pleasant Hill Campgrounds
anne P.
Dexter Shores RV Park
Breanne J.
Armitage Park & Campground - a Lane County Park
Patricia N.
COE Dorena Reservoir Schwarz Campground
Taylor S.
Baker Bay Campgrounds & Marina - a Lane County Park
Julie D.
South Twin Lake Campground
Carly S.
Royal Heart Hill
Jessica N.
Pine Meadows Campground
Tj B.
Hampton Boat Launch
Shannon C.
Black Canyon Campground - Willamette NF
Mint
Rujada Campground
Courtney N.
Richardson Park & Campground - A Lane County Park
Ryan C.
Cedar Creek Campground
Recent Reviews near Pleasant Hill, OR
758 Reviews of 208 Pleasant Hill Campgrounds
Grant M.
RangerSunnyside Park
Decent Lake Access Campground
I’d rate this campground about 4½ stars. I’ve stayed at better campgrounds, but overall this is a solid place to camp. It’s well maintained for the most part. The bathrooms are a bit hit or miss—some were out of order, and the ones that were open could have been cleaner. I’ve definitely seen both better and worse.
Where this campground really stands out is its location. It’s basically right next to the lake, making water access incredibly convenient. One thing I appreciated is that after checking out of our campsite, we were still able to park at the nearby boat launch and spend the day picnicking and enjoying the lake without having to leave the area.
Paddleboarding here was excellent, and the easy lake access made it even better.
I didn’t notice any pull-through sites; they all appeared to be back-in sites. There were a variety of campsite options, from sites with more amenities to more basic ones, depending on what you’re looking for.
The campground loop is easy to navigate and great for kids riding bikes. The tradeoff is that it’s a lively family campground, so if you’re looking for complete peace and quiet, this probably isn’t the place. You’ll hear kids playing, people talking, and the general sounds of a busy campground throughout the day.
Overall, it’s a well-rounded campground with great lake access and amenities, making it a place I’d happily stay at again.
- MMelissa W.
TravelerBlue River Reservoir Roadside Camping
Lots of sites
Definitely worth checking out. As far as I can tell there’s no dispersed camping close to the lake, but there’s plenty once you drive past. I managed to find one that had an opening in the trees so I could use starlink. Only a couple vehicles drove past me over the 3 days I stayed there. There is a lot of burn area, but I definitely suggest taking a drive when you first turn onto the road, hand a left and wind your way up the mountain for stunning views of the area and even the Sisters in the distance. FYI, that drive probably isn’t good for trailers or big rigs since it’s narrow with a steep drop and i have no idea where you’d turn around.
John F.TravelerSmith River Campground
Nice and Quiet
This is a nice quiet campground with no hookups. There is no cell service (T-Mobile or Verizon). Water is available from a few hose bibs and there was grey water disposal but it was more like dumping it on some gravel. The bathrooms and showers are kept clean and nice daily. There is also a dump station. The pads are gravel but ours wasnot too unlevel. I would advise coming in from Reedsport and going North Highway 101 or if coming down from Florence Highway 101 South and taking the Bollon road turn (just after the first bridge in ether direction) If you are coming in via Highway 38 most GPS' will take you over the rougher forest service road. There is a Smith River Falls campground which is not this campground shortly before you arrive at the entrance campground We will be returning to here
- NNatania A.Traveler
Armitage Park & Campground - a Lane County Park
Lovely park - tent sites nice and shady
Tent sites shady and away from RV sites, with access to a path to walk down to (fast flowing) river (far enough walk not to be too concerning for children if they don’t stray out of sight). Shower facilities brand new and lovely.
Renae W.TravelerShadow Bay
Idyllic, quiet location with mosquitos
Lake and view were spectacular. The lake was clear and great for paddle boarding. There were a few other campers, but the location was quiet and idyllic. We arrived after 6pm and were able to easily get a first-come, first-served site. There were lots of sites available after July 4th weekend. Mosquitos were a bit intense. We got hail when we arrived, but it blew over afterwards. Potable water wasn’t available.
- GGreg U.Traveler
Albany-Corvallis KOA
Albany KOA
Nice campground, pretty clean. Would stay there again
S
GuideFrissell Crossing Campground
Quiet, good for small groups or solo
I really liked this campground, but it might not be for everyone so a few heads-up.
This is a small, quiet space. I think 12 spots (some are doubles). As of 7/26 the host is at a different site (French Pete) which is not super close (you are probably not going to walk there to get firewood, but maybe you are, I don't know), 15-20 min drive. Don't rely on needing to make store runs. About 1 hour away, maybe.. and BYO, they do not come every day. Regardless, vault toilets were surprisingly clean on a packed holiday weekend. There is a water pump, it looked clear, I didn't drink from it tho.
Everyone I met was kind, quiet, and respectful; some folks been coming here for so long they might as well be hosts, very knowledge! Too bad it isn't better preserved in terms of local trails. There were dogs at every site (which was fine with me...)
It was confusing, because the river side sites appeared first come first serve online, but all had advance reservation signs on them. These are easily the biggest and most accessible sites. There are some great tent sites not right on the river though. You'll need to do extra exploring to find your way to the water. Most people in these sites seemed to drive out and back for the day to do things in the area.
I was in site 9. Minimal privacy between neighbors, but it would be good for a joint reservation with 10 and has a perfect hammock spot. Stayed shady and cool. Site 8 on the other side has the brighter, warmer morning sun. If you like that.
IMO the drive time shared are way off. It was about 2.5 hours from Eugene, 2 hours to Oakridge. No way is it any less than 2.5 to drive to Bend. From Mackenzie Bridge to the campground is 1 hour alone. And there are deer crossing. So take it easy.
Note that NF19 from Mackenzie River along Cougar Dam might be closed either seasonally or longer and it's not clearly communicated to campers with reservations. It is a very long way out of the way if you are coming from the north side and then have to go around.
- ttrisha D.Scout
Archie Knowles Campground
Beautiful little campground
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. Reservations can be made through the Lane County website.
Guide to Pleasant Hill
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Pleasant Hill, OR?
What camping is available near Pleasant Hill, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pleasant Hill, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 208 campgrounds and RV parks near Pleasant Hill, OR and 18 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pleasant Hill, OR?
Which is the most popular campground near Pleasant Hill, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pleasant Hill, OR is Armitage Park & Campground - a Lane County Park with a 4.1-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pleasant Hill, OR?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pleasant Hill, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Pleasant Hill, OR.
What parks are near Pleasant Hill, OR?
What parks are near Pleasant Hill, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Pleasant Hill, OR that allow camping, notably Fall Creek Lake and Dorena Lake.
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