Best Campgrounds near Salem, OR

Camping near Salem, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking the Trail of Ten Falls: This trail takes you past ten stunning waterfalls. It's a highlight for many visitors, with one camper noting, "The highlight for us is the Trail of Ten Falls... The entire trail is just over seven miles but there are shorter loop options."
• Exploring Silver Falls State Park: This park is a favorite for its lush trees and well-maintained trails. One happy camper shared, "The big trees are perfect shade and beautiful. The roads are perfect for biking and there’s a bike trail in the campground that leads you straight to the park."
• Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds near Salem, like Waterloo County Park, offer access to rivers for fishing and swimming. A visitor mentioned, "It’s dog friendly with a dog park. During the week is better just because of younger groups who like loud music and some late nights."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept bathrooms and showers. One reviewer at Silver Falls State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms and showers are clean and well taken care of."
• Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have attentive staff. A visitor at Champoeg State Heritage Area noted, "The park rangers are quite attentive and friendly."
• Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Olde Stone Village highlighted, "This is probably the cleanest park we have been to... The spots were spacious and a lot were pull through."

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during peak times. A camper at Albany-Corvallis KOA mentioned, "One of the showers in the ladies bathroom didn't seem to get hot, but the one in the middle did, so we weren't out a shower."
• Limited River Access: Not all campsites have direct access to the river. A visitor at John Neal Memorial Park said, "The river access is limited if you’re not staying directly on the river."
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Waterloo County Park shared, "We had someone get into our truck and steal some money out during the night... Just use caution."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A parent at Fishermens Bend mentioned, "This campground is perfect for young families... the bathrooms were nice, paved 'roads,' short trails, easy river access, and lots to do."
• Plan for Noise: Expect some noise from other families. A reviewer at Silver Falls State Park Campground noted, "Campsites can be decently close to one another, so not secluded but that wasn’t an issue for me."
• Pack Games and Activities: Bring along games to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Champoeg State Heritage Area enjoyed the frisbee golf and other outdoor activities.

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Some sites can be snug. A reviewer at Pheasant Ridge RV Resort said, "The only downside is that the standard sites are small and very close to neighbors."
• Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with good facilities. A camper at Clackamette RV Park mentioned, "Just a gravel parking lot with hookups. But conveniently located right off of 205 and close to a lot of amenities."
• Be Prepared for Weather: Check the forecast before you go. A visitor at Albany-Corvallis KOA noted, "The bathrooms were clean but showers are small with a small attached dressing area."

Camping near Salem, Oregon, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!