The Siuslaw River corridor near Walton, Oregon ranges from sea level to approximately 500 feet in elevation, featuring coastal influence on western sites and more temperate conditions inland. Winter camping can bring significant rainfall with average precipitation exceeding 70 inches annually in coastal sections. Most RV parks in this region remain operational year-round despite seasonal weather variations.
What to do
River access for fishing: At Elkton RV Park, campers enjoy direct Umpqua River access for angling opportunities. "Great fishing," notes Dan R., while Ioan P. describes it as a "Nice place on the river." Sites back directly to the water with full hookup availability.
Dunes exploration: Located minutes from Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Thousand Trails South Jetty provides a convenient base for off-road adventures. "This is a typical Thousand Trails and was a bit of a challenge to navigate. Narrow roads and hard to find a space. We did enjoy the location and its proximity to the dunes," reports Marnie G. The park requires navigation planning due to its complex layout.
Water recreation: Lakefront camping at Siltcoos Lake offers boating options directly from camp. "We rented a boat, which was easy and the boat great for a 2 hour adventure on the lake. We loved diving in from the end of the dock," shares a visitor from Darlings Marina RV Resort. Boat rentals typically range from $60-100 for half-day use depending on vessel type.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Port of Siuslaw Campground offers premium riverside sites within walking distance to Florence. "This is quite fun to park the motorhome with a beautiful river view, and then walk next door to Mo's for some chowder. Walk to everything," notes Rocco. Waterfront sites cost approximately $47 per night with standard sites priced lower.
Shopping proximity: Many campers appreciate locations with walkable access to services. "Old Town is just a two-minute walk, with lots of restaurants, shops, and galleries. There is also a Safeway just a 15-minute walk away," writes franki A. about Port of Siuslaw. This eliminates the need for towing a secondary vehicle for errands or dining.
Natural separation: Deerwood RV Park offers more spacious sites than others in the region. "Most spaces have at least 10-12 feet of grass between. Nicely maintained. Nice location, lots of trees and grassy areas," reports Rachel H. Sharon H. adds, "We were lucky enough to rent a space at Deerwood for two months while we escaped the heat of Arizona and visiting our kids in Oregon."
What you should know
Site sizes vary significantly: Many parks feature compact sites with limited spacing. At Heceta Beach RV Park, "Spots are very level with trees in between each, so despite being in close proximity to neighbors still feels very private," according to Ashton B. However, others report extremely tight quarters at some locations.
Connectivity challenges: Cell service fluctuates throughout the region, particularly at inland locations. "No wifi and no 4G coverage," reports Patty G. about one location. Some parks address this with onsite wifi, though capacity often diminishes during evening hours when usage increases.
Age restrictions: Several parks maintain age requirements. Fern Ridge Shores RV Park and Marina operates exclusively as a 55+ community, with specialized amenities for this demographic including lakefront sites suitable for longer stays.
Surface requirements: Many parks require protective equipment for jacks on asphalt pads. "ALL spots require jack pads. Having not stayed in too many parks with asphalt, this was a surprise for us," notes a camper at Deerwood RV Park. Failure to use proper pads may result in surface damage fees.
Tips for camping with families
Check noise policies: Eugene Kamping World RV Park and other locations report variable noise enforcement. "People playing loud music throughout the night. Screaming kids and adults all night," reports Zachary P. Before booking, request information about quiet hours and enforcement practices if traveling with children needing consistent sleep schedules.
Ask about play areas: Limited recreational space exists at some parks. "No open play area. Not great for kids," notes jodi D. about one location. Confirm whether parks include playground equipment, open spaces, or kid-friendly amenities before finalizing reservations.
Consider site privacy: Parks with natural dividers provide better separation for families. "Our site was very private with trees and bushes between our site and neighbors on each side," shares Jeff C. about South Jetty. This creates defined boundaries for children and reduces neighbor disturbances.
Seasonal flooding awareness: Winter camping requires careful site selection due to precipitation patterns. "The Oregon Coast had had a ton of rain in the last few weeks, so parts of the campground were under water," reports David & Sue C. They suggest thoroughly inspecting grounds before selecting a site during wet seasons.
Tips from RVers
Navigation planning: Several parks feature challenging access roads. "Narrow roads and hard to find a space," reports one South Jetty visitor. "Road is narrow and winding, larger rigs have issues with staying on path," notes another camper. Call ahead for specific route recommendations for larger vehicles.
Leveling requirements: Parks with uneven terrain may require additional equipment. "The only downside is that the sites are really small and close together," reports Jo A. Bring sufficient leveling blocks, particularly for parks with asphalt pads where metal-to-surface contact is prohibited.
Weather preparation: Coastal parks experience significant seasonal variation. "Can hear my neighbor's conversation as if they we on my RV," reports one camper, indicating thin-walled accommodations may provide limited insulation from weather or noise. Pack appropriate gear for temperature fluctuations, particularly during shoulder seasons.
