Best Campgrounds near Salem, OR

Campers arriving at Milo McIver State Park are greeted by expansive riverfront sites along the Clackamas River, each offering level ground suitable for both tents and larger RVs. The mist rising off the water in the early morning creates a serene atmosphere, while a convenient boat ramp allows paddlers to launch kayaks and canoes directly from their campsite. Mature fir and alder trees provide ample shade, and every site is equipped with a sturdy picnic table and fire ring for evening cook-outs. The park’s well-maintained facilities include potable water stations and a modern bathhouse with hot showers, ensuring comfort even on extended stays. Outdoor enthusiasts will find an on-site disc golf course and miles of multi-use trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. After a day of adventure, guests often unwind by the riverbank, watching local wildlife—herons and kingfishers are frequent visitors—and spotting rafters drifting downstream. To streamline travel plans, many visitors pre-book an airport transfers service, allowing them to arrive at Portland International Airport and head straight to the campground without the hassle of car rentals. Those planning multi-destination itineraries across the Pacific Northwest appreciate the provider’s reliable city-to-city rides, which offer door-to-door transport in comfort and style. All in all, Milo McIver State Park combines picturesque riverfront camping with a wealth of recreational options and modern conveniences, making it an ideal destination for families, solo adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Campers seeking both relaxation and activity will find it hard to beat this versatile Oregon treasure.

We stayed in this RV park three nights the week before Fourth of July. This RV park is one of the most well cared for and well run RV parks we’ve stayed in. The grounds were lovely and well cared for offering lots of landscaping and flowers. The sites were very clean and level. The staff were warm and welcoming, and offered little amenities such as Bagels/donuts and coffee on Sunday mornings in a prize gift at every check-in. The RV parked, does sit on the opposite side of the highway from the beach, but a well planned short walk through an underground tunnel at the Inn at Spanish head get you to and from Safely. The sites are extremely close together, although the people that camped around us were all friendly, respectful of the spatial issues and quiet. This is a dog friendly RV park offering fenced gated potty areas at each end of the RV park.

We recently camped here and loved absolutely everything about this campground except for the rabid raccoons. We camped in the tent only section, which is a small section of six sites tucked behind the RV sites near the river. The sites were close together but neighbors were super considerate and we even ended up making friends with the woman camping next to us. The best thing about this campground is of course the access to biking trails. There are even some that run right through the campground. A short ride in one direction takes you down a lovely route by the river, while the other takes you to the store and ice cream shop. Sadly these were only open a few hours a week while we were there. We did need a code for the showers and had a little trouble finding a camp host, but once we found one we had a great shower. Prices were a little higher than similar campgrounds but justified by the beauty and the showers. Our only major issue was that the entire tent area was descended upon by rabid raccoons around 3am, and they would not leave the area until everyone had moved every bit of food from their tents to their cars. I realize there will be wildlife at any campground but this was actually one of the worst wildlife encounters I've had anywhere. But aside from that we absolutely loved it.

This is a gorgeous state park, absolutely worth the visit even if you're just coming to the day use area. Amazing hikes, the main one being the one with 10 waterfalls - dogs aren't allowed on this one though and it takes about 3 hours to hike it, so heads up on that.

There's a nice off leash dog area, but it's not fenced in, so heads up on that too.

The camping area is a short walk across the highway from the beautiful day use area. Cabins are really nice and well-maintained, and there is ice and firewood for sale at the entrance shack. THere's also a dump station and water for free.