Camping spots near Vida, Oregon center around the McKenzie River Valley, situated at elevations between 800-1,200 feet with dense Douglas fir forests throughout. Seasonal water levels impact swimming access at many riverside sites, with reservoir depths varying dramatically between spring runoff and late summer conditions. Wildfires in recent years have altered some camping areas but rehabilitation efforts continue.
What to do
Swimming access points: At Blue River Reservoir, follow specific routes to find the best spots. "If you follow the road to the right of the reservoir there are some developed campsites/boat launches with a fee (and composting toilets). Keep driving...past the more developed ones" advises Michelle H. at Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping.
Hiking trails to waterfalls: Several campgrounds provide direct trail access. "The hike from the campground up to the butte is great too," notes Joel D. about Clark Creek Organization Campground, which sits across from Fall Creek with "a great swimming hole right across the street."
Morning river activities: Kayaking is popular on calmer sections. "I would make my morning coffee and hang in my hammock, listening to the birds chirp" shares Julie P. who also enjoyed watching people "white water rafting, kayaking and fishing" from the McKenzie River National Recreational Trail near Paradise Campground.
What campers like
Swimming holes: Many sites offer direct water access, though depth varies by season. "The reservoir was great to swim in. Wonderful campsite for a quick July trip," reports Carrie S. from Lookout Campground, though noting "Very little Verizon cell service - hard to get texts out."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms. "This is the nicest and cleanest park we've stayed at in a long time. Sites are cleaned between guests," says Heather H. about River Bend County Park, adding that "Sites are level and well thought out to maximize privacy."
Wildlife viewing: The creeks and rivers support diverse species. Melissa M. noted her kids "had a blast catching salamanders & scorpions (small non-lethal kind)" at Blue River Reservoir, where they discovered a "fire pit, has a vault toilet down the road, & its great swimming."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans are common. "No fires allowed due to recent fires on the area," noted Riley N. about Blue River Reservoir, while others mentioned post-fire conditions: "Closed due to fire damage" (Rick A.) and "watch for danger trees" at Bedrock Campground.
Water levels: Reservoir depths change dramatically throughout the season. "We camped the first weekend of September and the reservoir was empty. We were really disappointed since we chose this campground so we could fish and swim," warns Angel G. at Lookout Campground.
Road access: Some sites require navigating unpaved roads. "If you drive past all the campsites and go over the bridge take a right, there are so many spots available on that road and all have their own access to the river," explains Dax S. about exploring Blue River Reservoir.
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: Look for dedicated group areas. "We had the group site B for shit 15 people and it was absolutely stunning. Plenty of room for all of our vehicles...long picnic tables to accommodate meals and cooking, and two fire pits," says Moose F. about Cascadia State Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some sites have playgrounds or open spaces. "This would be a nice place to take the kids, there is a small playground and a field. Lots of nice trees and a trail," recommends Cassie B. about River Bend Park, which another reviewer called "kid friendly for sure."
Weekend crowds: Plan for busier periods during summer weekends. "It was pretty busy, but not too crowded," Julie P. notes about Paradise in Oregon, while Tiv P. recommends arriving early: "Came in late to this campground. No reservation needed. Lucky they had a couple of tent sites open."
Tips from RVers
Site lengths vary: Check specifications before booking. "Sites have picnic table and fire ring, there is water at a community spigot, and pit toilets, but that's it," notes Genevieve S. about Lookout Campground, while Laura M. explains Cascadia has "lots of pull through sites and sites vary in size and length of parking."
Hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups. "Nice level sites with water and electric. Dump station on site," reports Kathy B. about Armitage Park & Campground, which is "a step up from KOAs" according to another reviewer.
Pull-through options: Some sites accommodate larger rigs. "Site #10 was almost completely private and flat. Our 26ft class C fit in this spot," notes Laura M. about Cascadia, while Misty Z. appreciated Armitage Park's spacing: "We were impressed with the spacing between sites for a county park. We also appreciated having a couple of shade trees."
