Umpqua National Forest spans over 980,000 acres across the western slopes of Oregon's Cascade Range, with elevations ranging from 2,000 to nearly 9,000 feet. The forest's campgrounds typically receive up to 65 inches of precipitation annually, with sites at higher elevations experiencing significant temperature drops at night even during summer months. RV camping near Umpqua National Forest offers diverse terrain options from riverside settings to mountain viewpoints.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 25+ cascades within reach. Near Umpqua's Last Resort, visitors can access numerous waterfalls. "There are over 25 waterfalls tokette being my favorite... There is white water rafting...fishing and a lot of hiking trails too much to do and is why I will be back," notes camper Sergio T. The resort offers guided waterfall tours for $75 per person with 24-hour advance notice.
River swimming: Local spots within walking distance. Several campgrounds provide access to water recreation. "A cool creek swimming hole in the forest is very nearby," says Jeff O. about Umpqua's Last Resort. The park's location across from the North Umpqua River makes it ideal for water activities during warmer months.
Mountain biking: Guided and self-guided options. Prospect RV Park serves as a good base for mountain biking. "The host helped us find several little fishing spots, shared some 'local fishing secrets,' and showed us the hiking trails right from the campground," reports Karissa J. Several campgrounds in the region maintain trail maps for guests.
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy buffers. Many campers appreciate the separation between sites. At Crater Lake RV Park, Thomas B. notes: "The park itself was well maintained, nicely treed, and laid out in a way that gave privacy to the sites." This contrasts with more compact parks in the region.
Community activities: Evening entertainment. Some parks organize communal events. "Park hosted live music with bonfire in the evening with hotdogs and s'more," says Lai La L. about Crater Lake RV Park. Peter M. adds: "To top it off they have a Saturday Campfire, with music, food and drink. Open to the camp. It's a great place to kick back and relax with some live music."
On-site recreation options beyond camping. On The River Golf & RV Resort provides additional activities. "They have a 6 hole 3 par golf course. The course and grounds are kept with fountains and beautiful flowers," reports the Brose' Family V. The resort also features "miles of walking trails and a river for tubing or fishing off the docks."
What you should know
Cell reception and connectivity varies significantly. While the existing description mentions this variation, specific details help with planning. At Diamond Lake RV Park, a camper notes: "Disappointing, and for us a disadvantage, there was no cellphone reception and no internet access possible. Also no WiFi available." This information is crucial for those needing to stay connected.
Seasonal challenges: Mosquito activity by month. Insect activity follows predictable patterns. "We arrived late at night and were able to find a site to stay in with little difficulty. The mosquito population, however, was quite thick at that time of year so cooking during the daytime wasn't as fun as we would have liked," reports Racheil H. about camping in mid-June.
Varying levels of noise depending on location. Highway proximity impacts some camping experiences. At Douglas County Fairgrounds RV Park, Dawn notes: "The campground is right off a highly traveled hwy without any natural barrier to prevent road noise." Similarly, the Brose' Family mentioned that On The River Golf & RV Resort "is very dark at night when other RV's aren't around."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Kid-friendly water access. Bar Run Golf and RV Resort offers structured water recreation. Julie G. reports: "The pool is amazing with a lazy river and inner tubes to float on with a large 1-4ft area. Brand new and still under construction. Lifeguards are on duty." This provides a safer alternative to river swimming for families with younger children.
Playground facilities: Activity centers for kids. Some parks maintain dedicated play areas. The Brose' Family V. mentions "Lots of sites with full hookups including sewer. Back in and pull through sites available," making On The River Golf & RV Resort accommodating for extended family stays with children.
Wildlife viewing opportunities. Several campgrounds provide access to wildlife viewing. Rising River RV Resort sits adjacent to the South Umpqua River with "Beautiful, quiet and family friendly RV park right on the S. Umpqua River, just minutes from Wildlife Safari!" according to Sara H., offering educational opportunities for children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations. RVers should prepare for varied terrain. At Diamond Lake RV Park, Casey L. cautions: "Our RV site was so poorly graded that achieving a level setup proved impossible, even with extensive adjustment. At one point, I had three wheels completely off the ground." Bringing additional leveling blocks is advisable.
Camp amenities comparison. Hi-Way Haven RV Park offers specific site types. Katie E. notes: "The hosts were so friendly and gave us some good tips for our camper. The park was also very dog friendly and has a couple fenced in areas for off leash puppy time." Angela K. adds it's "the most quiet place we've stayed on our entire trip."
Payment options vary by location. Not all parks accept credit cards. The Brose' Family V. advises: "Make sure you bring cash, they don't take cards. Which wasn't a big deal, they also gave us a discount for the week." Many parks offer weekly rate discounts ranging from 10-20% off standard nightly fees.
