Camping spots near Stayton, Oregon concentrate around the Santiam River Valley with elevations ranging from 400-1500 feet, creating diverse camping experiences. The region experiences mild summers with average highs in the 80s and cool, wet winters. Campsites on riverbanks tend to have swifter water currents during spring months, particularly at sites along the Santiam River where swimming requires caution.
What to do
Disc golf at Waterloo County Park: The park features a complete disc golf course with multiple holes through wooded areas. "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," notes Jeremy A. about Silver Falls State Park Campground.
River fishing access: Many campgrounds offer designated fishing spots along the Santiam River. According to a visitor at Fishermens Bend Recreation Site, "Clean and all of the campers were friendly. Bathrooms spotless. Nice walks along the river." The site currently has limited access due to 2020 wildfire damage.
Mountain biking trails: Silver Falls offers dedicated mountain bike trails separate from hiking paths. "Stunning camping in a temperate rainforest. Sites are big and private. Very quiet and tons of near empty trails even with a full campground on a weekend in the summer. Walking, bike, and horse trails," explains Jennifer H. about Howard Creek Horse Camp.
What campers like
Off-season visits: Many campgrounds are less crowded during spring and fall. "Silver Falls is magical! The forecast was for rain but it held off long enough for us to have dinner and a campfire. Then rained all night which made for incredible waterfalls the next day," shares a camper about Smith Creek Village.
Spacious group facilities: Larger groups find accommodations at several parks. One camper at John Neal Memorial Park reports: "Our group site was wonderful! There was enough room to set up 6 tents and two trailers with plenty of extra space. The bathrooms were immaculate, and the campground hosts were incredibly friendly."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain good hygiene standards. "Awesome campground. Well maintained. Site spacing is good with lots of privacy between camps. Bathrooms and showers are super nice and clean. Roads and campsites are paved and level. Short drive or hike to the falls," notes Richard H. about Silver Falls State Park.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Some campgrounds limit or prohibit open fires during summer months. At Waterloo County Park, campsites have "electric and water only, but they have a 'waste water' (gray water) disposal every few sites where you can pour any gray water. There is a sewer dump station located in the park."
Wildlife encounters: Mice and raccoons frequently visit campsites. "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. Not a big deal but my fiance and I found it a little hard to sleep after that. Be sure to keep any food in your car rather than the cabin," advises a camper at Smith Creek Village.
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds operate limited schedules. "This was a last minute choice since I didn't realize Shellburg Falls Rec area was closed still. I got a spot right on the Santiam River. Half hour drive to Silver Falls state park. Grabbed a shower and kicked back watching the river. Great spot!" explains Heidi M. about Waterloo County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer designated play areas. "Great place for kids and adults and pets. Play area, fishing ramp, camp sites and plenty of car or RV parking. It's located right on Willamette river and has great fishing," shares a visitor about Waterloo County Park.
Kid-friendly hiking options: Shorter trail segments accommodate young hikers. "We love hiking the trails and our kids love the playground and river swimming!" mentions April F. about Silver Falls State Park Campground.
Activity options: Campgrounds provide various recreational opportunities. "Smith Creek Village is such a great place for easy lodging in nature. My family stayed in one of the tiny cabins. The cabin was very clean and well kept. There was nice walking paths and a large grass area supplied with lawn games," notes Derek N. about Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Most RV sites feature paved or well-maintained gravel pads. "The spots were level, no fire rings only a few picnic tables but caters to RVs only so most of us have tables and chairs. The bathrooms/showers were very clean and well cared for," shares Tim G. about Emerald Valley RV Park.
Road conditions: Access roads to major campgrounds accommodate large vehicles. "It's a very well kept RV park, a lot of long term residents were here. The office is very nice, the lawns are very nice, the office parking lot is asphalt. The RV spaces are very easy to get into being angled. We stayed in a pull through space, easy in and easy out," explains Andy B. about Silver Spur RV Park.
Generator policies: Noise regulations vary between campgrounds. "I am at heart a tent camper and used this park when the kids were younger because of the amenities. But the last time the noise of huge RV generators going for hours and hours was the final straw. This is a great campsite for huge RVs for tenters its pretty useless," cautions Kevin R. about Fishermens Bend.
