Best Campgrounds near Scotts Mills, OR

Campgrounds in the Scotts Mills, Oregon area include a mix of state parks, RV resorts, and adventure-focused sites within a 30-minute drive. Camp Dakota, located directly in Scotts Mills, provides cabins, tent and RV sites, plus activity amenities like ziplines and disc golf. Silver Falls State Park Campground lies approximately 15 miles southeast, offering developed campgrounds with electric hookups, while BLM Molalla River Recreation Area provides more primitive tent camping opportunities along the riverfront about 12 miles north.

Road conditions and access vary significantly between the developed and primitive sites near Scotts Mills. Most state park and private campgrounds maintain well-graded roads suitable for passenger vehicles and RVs, while the BLM areas may require higher clearance during wet seasons. "Great swimming hole, a little noisy at night when we stayed on a Thursday but other than that, a great spot to enjoy nature," noted one camper about the Molalla River Recreation Area. Several campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with Milo McIver State Park open from March 15 to October 31, while others like Silver Falls State Park and Feyrer Park remain open year-round, providing camping options during winter months when weather permits.

The developed campgrounds near Scotts Mills typically receive high ratings for their amenities and activities. Camp Dakota stands out with extensive recreation options, as one visitor noted, "We came in thinking it was a little on the spendy side, to ending up thinking it was a bargain. Great service, good safety protocols and a good location." Mixed-use campgrounds offering both tent and RV sites predominate in this region, with several providing cabin or yurt alternatives for those seeking shelter options. Water access represents a significant draw at several locations, particularly at Feyrer Park along the Molalla River and the BLM recreation areas where swimming holes and fishing opportunities enhance the camping experience. Most campgrounds near Scotts Mills maintain clean facilities and adequate spacing between sites, though some RV parks like Silver Spur may have more compact arrangements.

Best Camping Sites Near Scotts Mills, Oregon (252)

    1. Silver Falls State Park Campground

    77 Reviews
    Mehama, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 873-8681

    $22 - $64 / night

    "If you want to camp in Oregon this is the place to go. There are several waterfalls and hiking trails. You can see wildlife and you can't beat the beauty. You can tent camp and they also have yurts."

    "Probably the easiest accessibility to the most awesome waterfalls per few square miles in Oregon. Ample Parking and many different falls and trails to choose from"

    2. Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground

    76 Reviews
    Donald, OR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 678-1251

    $22 - $152 / night

    "As I rode up to the site, I noticed right away that it was not tucked far away from the amenities such as restrooms, and showers. It was part of one of the campground loops."

    "Champoeg State Heritage Area is a beautiful and peaceful campground located near Newberg, Oregon."

    3. Milo McIver State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Estacada, OR
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-7150

    $8 - $78 / night

    "Just 45 minutes outside of Portland, and near the town of Estacada, is Milo McIver State Park, which I consider to be a quintessential Oregon State Park: lots of huge evergreen trees, large campsites,"

    "Estacada lake is within walking distance, and there is salmon fishing within driving distance inside of the park. There is also a "bat" barn that is close by."

    4. Smith Creek Village — Silver Falls State Park

    12 Reviews
    Mehama, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 894-7533

    $89 - $250 / night

    "This campground is one I wanted to visit for the chance to check out the hiking trail nearby that has tons of waterfalls along it (Ten Falls Trail)."

    "The drive to Silver Falls is amazing - the best of Oregon farm country mixed with some signature forests."

    5. Silver Spur RV Park & Resort

    7 Reviews
    Silverton, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 873-2020

    "I ended up here last minute due to weather on the Oregon coast. I’m in a 40’ coach. It’s a very well kept RV park, a lot of long term residents were here."

    "It’s clean, very well maintained and close to the many wonderful sights in the area. We would definitely stay here again!"

    6. BLM Molalla River Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Molalla, OR
    9 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

    "I usually stay at Cedar Grove nearby, but stayed here this year (2020). The campground is clean with water sometimes available."

    "Very quiet and camp spots were perfect distance. Plenty of restrooms. The stream has some swim sections, but not entirely. Bring water shoes!"

    7. Camp Dakota

    5 Reviews
    Scotts Mills, OR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 873-7432

    $55 - $300 / night

    "The best owner operated place in Oregon! You need to go check out everything they offer. Zip lines were a blast for our family."

    "Stay back away from the store to get some quiet, or stay around the store if you want to be in the action. Verizon was available in some spots but not others."

    8. Portland-Woodburn RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Gervais, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 981-0002

    "Park sits right behind the Woodburn Outlet Mall with own private entrance. Off I-5 and convenient shopping for groceries or gas nearby. Close to Portland and Salem. We will miss this park!9"

    "Super close to the outlet mall. Would stay here again!"

    9. Feyrer Park

    6 Reviews
    Molalla, OR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 742-4414

    $37 - $46 / night

    "This place is great for solo trips as the stream, river, cornucopia of benches and vast space make great places for walking and meditating, while those same streams, open spaces, services, play equipment"

    10. Molalla Ripple

    5 Reviews
    Molalla, OR
    11 miles
    Website

    $25 - $75 / night

    "The serene ambiance is enhanced by the soothing sound of the river and the peaceful surroundings."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 252 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Scotts Mills, OR

1439 Reviews of 252 Scotts Mills Campgrounds


  • Shantelle B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Ainsworth State Park Campground

    Not ADA accessible

    The site itself is great, full hookups, flat enough. But the Shower Block/toilets are completely inaccessible. No bench inside any of the showers. No grab bars. And to get dressed I had to leave the door open and put my mobility device in the walkway. Also, the paths to get there you have a choice...Steep or Steeper. Not great options when you're in the PNW and the ground is slippery.

  • Mr Bubbas A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Beautiful Spot NF 4630 by the River

    Gorgeous! Can’t ask for more…

    This spot is large, private and is easy to get to, you’re right on the creek and you can hear the it perfectly! The creek is actually the Oak Grove Fork of the Calakamas River. There’s actually a bunch of shots of this road to chose but this one was perfect for us. Minimal cell and Star Link due to being under a canopy of trees.

  • Jenna C.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground

    Peaceful Escape at Champoeg State Park

    Champoeg State Park is such a peaceful and well-kept spot, perfect for both weekend campers and road-trippers. The mix of open fields, riverside views, and walking trails makes it ideal for a relaxing outdoor getaway. What I really like is how easy it is to plan your stay, even using a simple camping trip calculator or planning tool helps figure out travel time, supplies, and costs before heading out. Definitely one of Oregon’s hidden gems for nature lovers.

  • Barbara H.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Cedar Grove Recreation Site

    Great bday 2025

    Friends took me here for few nights for my bday. Clean camp ground,quiet,not very big here n ur vehicle not prkd at ur site but really enjoyed staying here. Water wz to low to fish nearby but had fun looking for rocks. Will go again next yr.

  • Jami C.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Knox Butte RV Park

    Great stop

    I absolutely loved this place, the staff are beyond exceptional... Well Wanda and her son wes.... There was a crusty woman working the office one day. The showers are amazing and the bathrooms are super clean! The laundry rooms are great! Very clean and all in great working order! They even have it piped in at every site u can have a garden hose hooked up to wash off your car or RV! I can't say enough good things about this place!

  • Jami C.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Emerald Valley RV Park

    Great stop

    Good stop, showers and bathrooms are clean, A LOT of people live here.... Manager is new and does not really know what's going on, I was told there is a lot of police activity there... Saw a few homeless people and cars with tow tags on em. Otherwise it's clean and safe

  • Jami C.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Albany-Corvallis KOA

    Awesome

    This place is awesome! They have everything!! The only thing we don't like is the showers, they are dirty and there is absolutely no water pressure at all!! But we will just shower in the 5th wheel! Other then that this place is great!

  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Silver Falls State Park Campground

    Silver Falls Campground

    Very nice campground. Spots have a paved driveway and all seem to be relatively level. Private free hot showers! Right next to the ten falls trail loop.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Waterloo County Park

    Cute county park

    Sites were really easy to get into. River was pretty and plenty of kids playing.


Guide to Scotts Mills

Scotts Mills sits in the Cascade foothills at an elevation of approximately 380 feet, where the climate brings warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Camping opportunities near Scotts Mills, Oregon extend beyond developed campgrounds to include riverside tent camping, yurts, and cabin options. Water access represents a significant attraction during summer months when temperatures regularly reach the mid-80s.

What to do

Waterfall hiking: Silver Falls State Park Campground, located 15 miles southeast of Scotts Mills, offers remarkable waterfall access. "What can I say? Silver Falls is a magical place and everyone should experience it. You can just get lost in the beauty of it all," notes Jeff K. The park features a 9-mile Trail of Ten Falls with specific considerations: "BEWARE: It's WET, so bring your wet weather gear, and good, sturdy hiking shoes for slippery terrain," advises Melissa L.

River recreation: BLM Molalla River Recreation Area provides excellent water activities during summer. "Great for swimming kids fishing an catching crawfish something for everyone," shares Michelle A. The recreation area features vault toilets and river access points, though visitors should note: "The water pump has bacteria warnings so bring plenty of water."

Adventure activities: Camp Dakota in Scotts Mills offers multiple activities beyond standard camping. "We did a group site and once we got the wristbands on the kids, they went off and explored and had a lot of fun," explains Jason S. Activities include ziplines, disc golf, archery, and axe throwing, with safety protocols in place and knowledgeable staff supervising all adventures.

What campers like

Cabin accommodations: Silver Falls Smith Creek Village provides cabin options with specific amenities. "The cabins are small but comfortable with heat, lights, and beds. Covered porch is nice to sit and listen to the rain," shares Jeff K. The property maintains separation between units: "The cabin was nearby a few other similar cabins, but everything felt very private," notes Derek N.

Clean facilities: Silver Falls State Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Awesome campground. Well maintained. Site spacing is good with lots of privacy between camps. Bathrooms and showers are super nice and clean," explains Richard H. The park has paved, level sites and maintains easy access to waterfalls.

Spacious sites: Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground offers well-designed layouts approximately 30 minutes from Scotts Mills. "The campground is very well laid out and there are plenty of hiking and biking trails right from your campsite," notes Thamar D. The campground features "manicured landscaping and very nicely laid-out sites with plenty of space in between. Each site is paved to accommodate RV's and campers with electricity and water," according to Shari G.

What you should know

Seasonal availability: Several campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Milo McIver State Park Campground operates from March 15 to October 31, limiting off-season options. The park has specific site characteristics: "We didn't stay even 24 hours. We only stayed for a place to sleep overnight, but I'm eager to return and stay longer. I was super impressed with the size and location of the tent sites," explains Lindsey T.

Wildlife encounters: Cabin accommodations may include unexpected visitors. At Smith Creek Village, "On the first night we were awoken to rustling through our stuff in the other room and when I checked it out a mouse booked it out of there," shares Graham C. Other wildlife sightings include "an army of raccoons" passing through camp areas.

Noise considerations: Road proximity affects some campgrounds. At Portland-Woodburn RV Park, "The location is within easy earshot and access to I-5 freeway. Great for 'I'm on my way to...'," says Greg H. Even at more remote locations like Molalla Ripple, "While the river is nice, it does little to drown out the sound of the highway, or the sites and sounds of other campers," according to Stan S.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Milo McIver State Park includes designated play areas. "Kids' play area inside Loop B, showers, and nature trails around the campground," notes Melissa L., who recommends specific sites: "I'd try to reserve spots 9 or 12 (next to the playground and sunny spots) or 72 (next to the creek in the shade)."

Creek exploration: Feyrer Park offers water features suitable for children. "A creek at the campground and a river on the day use side," shares Mickie V. The park includes "covered areas, playgrounds for kids as well as ramps for boat launching for fishing," according to Ian R., making it versatile for families with different interests.

Biking opportunities: Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground provides child-friendly cycling paths. "Champoeg has a little everything. GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly," notes Scott W., who adds "Loop B is highly our favorite because it is smaller and more private and close to the river. We'll go back year after year. Our kids had a blast!"

Tips from RVers

Site sizes: RV accommodations vary significantly between parks. At Silver Spur RV Park & Resort, visitors note the "very small RV spaces. Was very crammed for anything more than a last minute stay," according to Andy B., despite the easy access with angled spaces.

Hookup availability: Utility connections differ between locations. Most state parks offer electric and water but not full hookups. Portland-Woodburn RV Park provides full hookups but limited space: "Very cramped, I'll need to disconnect the toad and perform multiple back and forths to exit," notes Greg H.

Seasonal road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require caution during wet periods. While developed campgrounds maintain paved roads year-round, sites along the Molalla River Corridor can require higher clearance vehicles after heavy rain, particularly during winter and early spring months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Scotts Mills, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Scotts Mills, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 252 campgrounds and RV parks near Scotts Mills, OR and 19 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Scotts Mills, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Scotts Mills, OR is Silver Falls State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 77 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Scotts Mills, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Scotts Mills, OR.

What parks are near Scotts Mills, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Scotts Mills, OR that allow camping, notably Foster Lake and Mt. Hood National Forest.