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Best Tent Camping near East Springfield, OR

578 Reviews

Tent campsites around East Springfield, Oregon offer a mix of established campgrounds and more primitive options within a short drive. Cascara Campground at Fall Creek State Recreation Area provides tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables, while Clark Creek Organization Campground offers both tent camping and group facilities. Big Pool Campground along Fall Creek provides additional tent camping options approximately 30 minutes from Springfield's eastern edge.

Most tent-only sites feature dirt or forest duff surfaces with minimal improvements beyond fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Cascara, but dispersed camping areas lack facilities entirely. Seasonal considerations affect accessibility, with many campgrounds operating from May through September. A visitor commented that "Cascara Campground has about 40+ spots with fire ring and picnic tables in each site," though campers should note that drinking water availability varies by location. First-come, first-served policies apply at most tent campgrounds, with fees typically ranging from $19-21 per night.

Areas farther from town provide deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking quieter experiences. The Fall Creek corridor offers swimming opportunities directly adjacent to several campgrounds, making them popular during summer months. "About 30 min away from groceries and stores," noted one camper about the Fall Creek area, highlighting the balance between accessibility and wilderness experience. Tree cover provides ample shade at most tent sites, though privacy between campsites varies considerably. Primitive tent camping options exist along forest roads in the Sweet Home Ranger District, where backcountry tent camping provides more isolation but requires self-sufficiency. Weekend crowds can impact the tent camping experience during peak summer months, particularly at established campgrounds with swimming access, while spring and fall offer more solitude for tent-only campers.

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Best Tent Sites Near East Springfield, Oregon (28)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near East Springfield, OR

12 Photos of 28 East Springfield Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near East Springfield, OR

578 Reviews of 28 East Springfield Campgrounds

  • l
    Jul. 22, 2022

    Rujada Campground

    Excellent Vintage Camp

    I had a great experience here The campground was clean, the leave no trace policy is followed here. Quiet hours are 10pm - 6am, it was quiet even during the non-quit hours. Very private. There are running water spigots strategically placed throughout the camp, each water station has a waste water dump, and trash can. There are flush toilets with running, a sink and trash can. The garbage was picked up daily. Each site was a tent pad, fire pit and large table. Each site was very private, I couldn't see the other campers unless they were passing by our site. There is no internet, no electricity, and no showers, bring your own. The only negative was the mosquitos - easily resolved with a netted day tent or pop-up with mesh. Laying Creek sounds heavenly all throughout the camp, the trails are great to walk, and you will eventually wander to a swimming hole. Beautiful campground, with a great history going back to 1933. Highly recommend!

  • Sara R.
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Marys Peak

    Very basic and secluded.

    This is one of the most primitive campgrounds I've seen. There were a few old picking tables, fire rings, and one vault toilet. We were the only ones there during the peak of camping season. There were lovely flowers and raspberries growing nearby. A few dead branches feel during the night, which was a little underling.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Mineral Forest Camp

    Accessible, but remote.

    The three campsites are under the cover of fir, cedar and maple trees. All are decently sized and spaced, just off the road enough to feel private, as claim miners and passers by stop to use the vaulted toiled that is located across the road from the campsite parking. 

    Provided you have a decent, four-wheel-drive rig, or are willing to make the hike, the bohemia mines, as well as several mine shafts carved out along the roadway are accessible to view.

    The first site is smaller (1-2 tents) and the most private. It has a well placed fire ring with grill, and wood picnic table, but lacks a direct path to the creek. 

    The middle spot is the largest (3+ tents), fire ring with grill, picnic table and great access to the creek.

    The third spot is also well sized and has the same table/fire ring setup, and a couple trails that lead to the creek.

    The area is in recovery from the 2024 fire that consumer over 1200 acres. Though that fire was started by natural causes, it is a strong reminder to pay attention to fire bans and area regulations as well as properly, tending campfires, and making sure they are extinguished.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2023

    Hult Pond

    Secluded Pond Great for a Quick stay

    Great spot for a quick stay. There are only a few flat spots for RVs but quite a few decent spots for tent camping next to the pond. The west side of the pond has at least 2 spots that are a good distance away from the others. At the moment, no fires or barbecues allowed but propane stoves and lanterns are fine. Look for Bandits blue squeaky disk! We lost it and never found it.

  • Kelly N.
    Sep. 25, 2018

    Yukwah Campground

    ADA access camping sites and great day use area

    Yukwah campground is found along hwy 22 East of Salem along the Willamette National Forest in Linn County. Most of the sites along this stretch are first come, first serve walk up sites - but you can reserve by connecting with Linn County Parks and Rec (see photo for info) for $18/night plus $5 additional vehicle fee and reservation fee. This campground has ada access camp sites and tent sites. Most of the RV sites along the Willamette National Forest can be used for tent camping. The day use area at this site is great for swimming, fishing, and possibly a small hike. I advise camping near the day use area (#3) if you have a large family or kids for larger sites and easy access. Yukwah is near wagon wheel bridge with access to trails for those wanting to hike while camping. Vault toilets are available (bring soap) - there are no showers or additional amenities. There is access to potable water at this location.

  • Laura I.
    Jul. 22, 2021

    Paradise In Oregon

    Great spot

    I had read online that this camp ground had a really bad bug problem but I hardly saw any. Especially for being next to the river. My campsite (48) had a short path down to the river. Current is strong but could easily soak feet.

    My biggest complaint was that the picnic table was really close to the bench. A bigger person like myself can’t sit there. But I just pulled a camp chair up to the edge.

    Restroom was clean, even though I could see one of my camping neighbors there was plenty of space.

    Camp is very dusty.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2024

    Baker Bay Campgrounds & Marina - a Lane County Park

    On the Lake

    Dry Camping
    Upside - Right on the lake and lots of spots with shade which would be good for summer heat. 
    Downside - no alcohol permitted (loosely enforced it seems).  And the restrooms and dump station are being rebuilt as of May 2024 and it will likely take a year or more. There are porta-potties. You are allowed to dump at the facility up the road for no cost.

  • Kelli B.
    Jul. 12, 2018

    Archie Knowles Campground

    Perfect last minute campsite

    Wayside campground just outside of Mapleton, OR. We stayed here when we made a last minute trip to Florence, OR and all other campgrounds were full. This is a Primitive campground with no hookups. There is a small restroom in the park, but no showers.

    There is no playground, but its located a long a small creek that my kids loved playing in with their sand buckets.

    Overall a nice place, when you need a place to stay near the coast.

  • Tj B.
    Jun. 6, 2018

    Rujada Campground

    Ranger review: Primus Lite + backpacking stove kit at Rujada campground

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I have the distinct pleasure to tryout and review gear from great outdoor companies. This is my ranger review of the Primus Lite+ backpacking stove kit at Rujada campground in Oregon.

    Campground review

    Rujada is smaller campground located just south-east of Cottage Grove, Oregon; up Bryce creek rd.

    This is a nice, well-maintained campground right on Layng Creek, in a heavily wooded area. It offers 15 campsites, some of which can be reserved online and others are first come, first served. The sites are quite unique to each other, some offering privacy, some larger and open, and a couple just off the "Swordfern trail" next to the creek. You can hear the creek's small waterfall from most of the sites, and there is even a couple of spots on the creek to take a dip; if you wish.

    The "Swordfern trail" starts at the day use area; where you can find a large ball field, horseshoe pits and a tiny playground. The trail continues into the forest following the creek, until it takes a big bend back around to the campground. It is an easy to moderate 2 or so miles, that I feel is family and dog friendly, as the grounds allows pets. If you want bigger hiking payoffs, just up the road approx. 6 miles, you can find "Pinard", "Moon", and "Spirit falls". Each are around 2 easy hiking miles and worth hitting, you can easily do all three in one day. I highly recommend these falls as they are some of the better, lesser known falls in Oregon.

    As for amenities; Rujada has two restroom facilities, one pit and one gender-specific flush, with sinks, located nearby the day use area. They also have trash service, recycling, water bibs and dish water troughs. There are no r.v. specific sites, so no power or sewer hookups. Each site also offers the expected firepit rings as well as awesome picnic tables made from big timbers from back in the day.`

    I liked this campground overall for its small size and more primitive nature, I will return and use it for a good jumpoff point for the many beautiful hikes nearby.

    Product review

    Primus Lite +

    https://primus.us/products/eta-lite-7?variant=17262691525

    The Primus Lite+ is a great, light and well built integrated backpacking stove/pot kit from the makers of the original soot free kerosene stove back in 1892. These stoves have come a long way, now offering auto start piezo igniters, no need for manually lighting with a match.

    The integrated pot system is attached with a grasp on the neoprene surround and a twist. No need to worry about your pot falling off while boiling water. If you would rather use your ol' trusty pot or kettle; it does have 3 small pegs that can be screwed into the burner to better balance your cookware. These pegs also attach to the pots strap and are at hand anytime. For more stability it also comes with two more options, one is an included tripod stand that fits 3 size fuel bottles. The other is a sweet, included hanging lanyard, so if you can't find a suitable surface, you can hang it from a nearby branch.

    If you purchase the smallest size fuel canister, all items(less the tripod) will fit into the integrated pot, taking up the least amount of space possible in your pack.

    This unit burns very hot, as the flame is concentrated directly on the pot and is not very adjustable. It does boil water very quickly though, 3-4 min. depending on conditions. I do feel that it might not be the best unit for cooking food as I could see it easily burning the food to the bottom. I might try rice or soup, just keep an eye on it. It is a perfect setup for making Mountain house meals and I love it for my coffee.

    My only criticism would be the pouring spout, or lack thereof. The cap has a hole for pouring with two alongside to allow for airflow. My problem, which may be user error, is most times I'm pouring, the water spills down the side of the pot. I tried to pour quicker, or slower, at an angle, and almost always have this problem. It is getting better each time I try, so hopefully I can solve this soon.

    All and all a great unit and does all that would be expected from this type of system, with some cool unique features. I recommend this to any backpacker or even the casual camper.

Guide to East Springfield

Tent camping near East Springfield, Oregon provides access to forests and waterways within the Willamette National Forest. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,000-1,500 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during days and cooling to 45-55°F at night. Rainfall averages less than an inch per month during peak camping season (June-September), creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities.

What to do

Swimming access: Big Pool Campground offers direct water access. "We have been here a few times and absolutely love the location. Being right on the water truly can't be beat! It's usually not one of the busier ones out this stretch of road," notes camper Rose B.

Mountain biking trails: Forest roads around Sweet Home Ranger District provide excellent biking terrain for all skill levels. Sam C. mentions, "All areas are secluded, you can choose any place to camp at many options, no phone service but great area to fish and explore the forests."

Waterfall hiking: Trails near tent sites offer scenic waterfall access within 30 minutes of camp. "This was a pretty easy hike to this little falls. The terrain was a little slippery, but then again we went in March. The falls were full from all the rain and the forrest was just gorgeous," writes Molly H. about Alsea Falls.

What campers like

Secluded sites: The best tent camping near East Springfield includes sites with natural barriers between campers. "It's usually not one of the busier ones out this stretch of road, and is close enough to Fall Creek to reasonably run in for supplies," notes a Big Pool Campground reviewer.

Family facilities: Whispering Pine Horse Camp offers spaces suitable for family gatherings. "The scenery is amazing. The smell of the trees in the summer is my favorite part. Lots of great trails to hike," writes Eric M.

Group accommodations: Clark Creek Organization Campground provides special facilities for larger gatherings. A camper noted, "Wonderful group camp that can sleep all your friends and relatives! Fun little bunk houses for the kids and a big covered area for cooking and hanging out."

What you should know

Parking limitations: Some campgrounds restrict vehicle numbers per site. At Alsea Falls, "Sites are few and are pretty small so if you have a larger rig you might want to pass on this one," warns Kelli B.

Water availability varies: Water access changes seasonally at many campgrounds. Michelle F. notes about Cascara Campground, "Nice campground and great swimming, but there is no drinking water and very little parking."

Reservation requirements: Many tent sites near East Springfield operate on first-come, first-served basis, particularly midweek. Michael shares about Cascara Campground: "Decent spot to get away from Eugene for a night. We went on a weekday in June and had no issue getting a nice campsite."

Tips for camping with families

Safety equipment: Some campgrounds provide child safety gear. Jessie S. mentions about Cascara Campground, "The camp sites were decent size and they have life jackets for little ones."

Group areas: For family reunions, Clark Creek Organization Campground offers specialized facilities. Emily C. explains, "This group camp is amazing, so you better book it far in advance. It is the perfect place for families. The older teens loved sleeping in the shelters, while the parents preferred tents."

Activity planning: Bring games for open field areas. Joel D. shares about Clark Creek: "Big field for tents, frisbee, drum circles, etc. There is a great swimming hole right across the street and a good jumping platform just up the road at the next pullout."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: RVers should arrive early for best spots with level ground. Justin S. notes about Cascara Campground: "Came here with family and friends, and we were all able to fit into one spot! We had two tents and a travel trailer between us. Plenty of room and its a great setting."

Parking challenges: Extra vehicles may require remote parking. One camper shares, "If you have more than 2 vehicles you have to park outside the camp ground and walk back in...I had to park a mile away, and this was after paying the $7 parking fee."

Noise considerations: Sound travels between sites in most campgrounds. Justin S. cautions, "If there's one group that's loud, the whole camp will be victim to their conversations all night, sound carries."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find tent camping sites in East Springfield?

For tent camping near East Springfield, check out Cascara Campground — Fall Creek State Recreation Area, which offers over 40 spots with fire rings and picnic tables at each site. It's spacious enough to accommodate multiple tents, and features a dock and swimming area that's popular during summer months. Another option is Alsea Falls, a cozy BLM-managed campground with 16 total sites nestled in a heavily wooded area. Some sites can be reserved through recreation.gov, while others are first-come, first-served.

Are there any primitive camping options available in East Springfield?

Marys Peak offers a truly primitive camping experience with basic amenities including a few picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Be aware there is no water available, so you'll need to bring your own supplies. For dispersed primitive camping, Quartzville Recreation Corridor provides free camping options along the corridor. These sites typically feature fire rings marking designated camping areas, though availability and facilities may change seasonally. Remember the pack-it-in, pack-it-out principle when using these primitive sites.

How much do tent campsites cost in East Springfield campgrounds?

Tent camping fees in the East Springfield area vary by campground. At Cascara Campground, the fee is $19 per night, with park rangers checking for payment. For budget options, Quartzville Recreation Corridor offers free dispersed camping sites, though amenities are minimal and limited to fire rings in designated areas. Other campgrounds in the region typically range from $15-25 per night for basic tent sites, with prices varying based on amenities, location, and season.

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