Tent campsites near Roseburg, Oregon range from primitive sites along the Umpqua River to secluded forest locations offering various levels of solitude. The Umpqua National Forest region features elevations between 1,000 and 4,000 feet, with most camping opportunities situated along creek and river corridors. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s, while spring and fall camping experiences cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall.
What to do
Swimming spots: Access at Steamboat Falls Campground features multiple swimming areas suitable for different skill levels. "There is a jumping rock and a few small swimming pools for the kids, great swimming for everyone," notes a camper about Steamboat Falls.
Fishing opportunities: Available directly from campsite at several locations. "Nice fishing right from the campsites," reports one visitor about Lake In The Woods.
Hiking to waterfalls: Trails accessible from campgrounds lead to scenic water features. "The short hike to Hemlock Falls is beautiful and worth it," states a reviewer. Another mentions, "On the back side and at the entrance of the campground there are trails you can hike to waterfalls. They are gorgeous and worth the drive."
What campers like
River sounds: Natural noise buffer helps mask highway sounds at several campgrounds. At Island Campground, "The location is gorgeous right next to the water. There is a bit of highway noise but it is mostly drowned out by the river."
Secluded camping: Forest locations provide privacy at many sites. In Elliott State Forest, "You have to drive some winding forest service roads to get to a spot then find one on or near the road but there's a couple good camp spots."
Natural surroundings: Forested sites create an immersive outdoor experience. "Very beautiful area," describes a camper at Tyee - Sutherlin, adding that "Tyee campground is a nice get away close to home, there's fishing and bike riding."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Seasonal limitations affect many campsites during summer months. "It was muddy at the site, and unfortunately, those before us left a lot of trash. Did my best to clean up when was left behind. There was a fire pit but we did not use it due to fire restrictions," notes a visitor to Elliott State Forest.
Pit toilets: Maintenance varies across campgrounds. "Vault toilet is about as clean as can be expected from a campground without a host. It did need to be serviced/emptied," reports a camper at Island Campground.
Poison oak: Present at multiple sites requires caution when selecting tent placement. "The paths down to the water have some poison oak growing by them so be careful. We did not have cell service so download offline maps before you get here," warns a camper.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Available at White Creek Campground provides water play opportunities. "White Creek has two beaches, one under a beach. It has a trail that takes you to a cave. Site 1 is real big with a couple tent spots, and a good hammock spot," describes a visitor to White Creek.
Ball field for group activities: Available at specialized sites accommodates large gatherings. "If you did have a big group that was baseball inclined, this would be the best spot to play some games and hang out with each other," notes a visitor about the ball field at Steamboat.
Swimming options for different ages: Multiple locations feature kid-friendly water access. "The swimming is so nice, there is something to do for every age and swimming ability," explains a camper at Steamboat Falls.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most primitive sites have limited space for larger vehicles. At Island Campground, "Because of the size and the way the road loops on itself this is NOT a campground for rigs over 22'."
Road conditions: Forest service roads can be challenging for some vehicles. "We stayed all day but decided not to stay a night. Our day stay was due to the road being too steep for my 1993 truck camper. It got too hot and blew the transmission," reports a visitor to Elliott State Forest.
No hookups available: Primitive camping is the norm at most Roseburg area tent sites. At Nesika County Park, a visitor notes, "No hookups... no sewer. This is a primitive and first come first serve."
