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Camping near Willamette National Forest

1,594 Reviews

Willamette National Forest has many camping options for both tent and RV campers. Black Canyon Campground gives you good shade from tall trees and a quiet place to camp. Rock State Park has well-kept sites close to hiking trails and fishing spots. You might see deer, elk, and birds while camping here, so keep food stored safely. Watch for fire restrictions during summer dry spells and follow all posted rules. Some activities need permits, and popular campgrounds fill up fast, so book ahead. The forest has trails for all skill levels, from easy walks to tough hikes. Winter snow can block some roads, so check conditions before you go. You'll find everything from thick forests to open meadows throughout the area. Most campsites come with picnic tables and fire rings, but bring your own water. The sound of nearby streams adds to the camping experience. Fishing is good in the forest's waters, with plenty of trout available. Make sure to practice Leave No Trace to keep the forest clean. Willamette National Forest works well for short trips or longer stays. The mix of natural areas and decent campgrounds draws many campers each year. Pack for changing weather since nights can get much cooler than days. Check for trail closures or wildlife alerts before heading out. The forest offers both quiet camping and plenty of activities to keep you busy.

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Best Camping Sites Near Willamette National Forest (387)

    1. Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens

    21 Reviews
    Willamette National Forest, OR
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 822-3512

    $38 - $550 / night

    "Rv sites available close to the lodge along the river and up the hill away from the water. Both sites have pools filled by the springs."

    "Situated on the McKenzie River and near the McKenzie River Trail (MRT), this spot has it all."

    2. Paradise In Oregon

    15 Reviews
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $28 - $58 / night

    "Paradise in Oregon (located in Oregon, DUH!), is one of my favorite places to go. I have been there twice- One with family and the other time with college friends."

    "A Picturesque Getaway with Room to Roam - Paradise of Oregon Campground Review

    I recently had the pleasure of camping at Paradise of Oregon Campground, and I must say, it was a memorable experience."

    3. Paradise Campground

    9 Reviews
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    2 miles
    Website

    "Oregon State Parks have the best website, brochures and information so you can often drive in totally prepared. USFS has some major catching up to do."

    "Room for several tents on nice flat spots, not too close to adjacent sites with drinking water just across from parking. The slow moving creek means mosquitos are pretty bad at dusk, but bearable."

    4. Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

    12 Reviews
    Blue River, OR
    8 miles

    "Absolutely a beautiful spot tucked away! Off the main road with a few dispersed spots spaced out very nicely. Not the easiest access to the river but if able easy enough."

    "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."

    5. Olallie Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $25 / night

    "Beautiful place, quiet with sites right next to the McKenzie river."

    "Plenty of places to hike and walk around. Not far from McKenzie Market for their restaurant and live music."

    6. Coldwater Cove Campground

    12 Reviews
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Multi level campsite, easy to access the trail that goes around the lake, a beautiful clear lake that hides a forest underneath, volcanic rock, row boat rentals, cafe and easy access from Portland."

    "This is an excellent campground on Clear Lake. Site#17 was a double site(unbeknownst to us, and bigger than what we needed), and has a good view of the lake."

    7. Limberlost Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $165 / night

    "Though it’s near the 242, the road is not busy. Mostly used by bicycles and during a good chunk of the year there’s a snow gate blocking further up."

    "The hwy is a popular ride for long distance road bikers so be prepared when driving to the close by hikes, and if you are going up to the pass."

    8. Ice Cap Campground

    9 Reviews
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $25 / night

    "Ice cap campground is walking distance to Koosah falls and a short distance along the waterfall trail to Sahalie falls."

    "The Carmen reservoir is closed to the public until 2021. The campground is in a great location, has wonderful access to trails and close to Clear Lake."

    9. Lookout Campground

    6 Reviews
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 603-8564

    $24 - $25 / night

    "We had direct access to the lake, but it looks like if the lake was low it would be a climb to get down to the water. No electricity or water so bring all that."

    10. Mckenzie Bridge

    4 Reviews
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $23 - $48 / night

    "We stayed two nights tucked right up against the Mckenzie river. It was beautiful and peaceful."

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Recent Camping Photos near Willamette National Forest

593 Photos of 387 Willamette National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Willamette National Forest

1594 Reviews of 387 Willamette National Forest Campgrounds

Guide to Willamette National Forest

Camping near Willamette National Forest, Oregon, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by a river, there’s something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails in the area. Campers love the access to beautiful hikes nearby. One reviewer mentioned, “We drove about 5 minutes down the road to the Hardesty Trailhead and did some awesome hikes during the day before coming back to the campground to cool off by the river” at Black Canyon Campground.
  • Fishing: The rivers and lakes around the campgrounds are great for fishing. A visitor at Lava Lake Campground shared, “I went out onto the lake with a kayak and fished; didn’t catch anything but it was still fun out there.”
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds have river access for swimming. One camper at River Bend County Park noted, “We spent most of our days at the river swimming, floating in tubes, skipping rocks and looking for crawdads.”

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. A reviewer at Paradise In Oregon said, “Great, big, private campsites, with many right on the McKenzie. We loved this campground.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. One visitor at Casey's Riverside RV Resort mentioned, “Well maintained, clean, and a beautiful setting along the middle fork of the Willamette River.”
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers appreciate the helpful staff. A guest at Whitcomb Creek County Park shared, “The campground was extremely clean and quiet. The park host and ranger were helpful and made sure they were available for any questions or needs we had.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain amenities. A camper at Lava Lake Campground noted, “There are no showers, but the vault toilets were exceptionally clean, odorless and well stocked with TP.”
  • Tight Campsites: Many sites can be close together. A visitor at Creekside Sisters City Park mentioned, “Some spaces are a little tight and not so level.”
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens said, “The sites aren’t very big but have a table and fire pit. The tent sites across the river that you hike to are amazing!!”

Tips for camping with families

  • Bring Bug Spray: Bugs can be a nuisance, especially near water. A reviewer at Big Lake advised, “Bring bug spray, the bugs are outrageous.”
  • Plan for Activities: Keep kids entertained with swimming and hiking. A family at River Bend County Park enjoyed “playing in the river, too.”
  • Check Site Size: Make sure your campsite fits your family’s needs. A visitor at Paradise In Oregon noted, “The sheer size of Site 49 more than made up for it.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Some campgrounds don’t have full hookups. A reviewer at Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort mentioned, “All sites are paved. Space between sites is reasonable.”
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some sites can be noisy due to nearby roads or trains. A camper at Casey's Riverside RV Resort said, “If you don't like the sound of a raging river, you would want to get a site further down.”
  • Book Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A visitor at Whitcomb Creek County Park advised, “Book this early. From talking to fellow campers, it's usually full.”

Camping near Willamette National Forest, Oregon, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy all the beauty this area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to camp in Willamette National Forest?

The best time to camp in Willamette National Forest is late spring through early fall (May-October), with July and August offering the warmest, driest conditions. Many campgrounds, like Paradise In Oregon, are most magical during summer when wildflowers bloom and rivers are perfect for cooling off. By October, as experienced at Sunnyside Campground, you'll find fewer crowds and spectacular fall colors, though temperatures drop significantly at night. Higher elevation campgrounds may have snow until June, while lower elevation sites can be accessible earlier. Some campgrounds close for winter, while others remain open year-round with limited services. Always check road conditions if visiting in spring or fall, as weather can change rapidly.

Is dispersed camping allowed in Willamette National Forest?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in Willamette National Forest. You can find free roadside camping in designated areas, following Leave No Trace principles. Most dispersed sites require you to camp at least 100 feet from water sources and 200 feet from trails. While enjoying dispersed camping, you'll need to pack out all trash and be prepared with your own water and supplies. For those who prefer established sites but still want a wilderness experience, Black Canyon Campground - Willamette NF offers a more structured option, or try Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping for a true dispersed experience. Always check current forest regulations before your trip, as fire restrictions may apply seasonally.

What are the best campgrounds in Willamette National Forest?

The Willamette National Forest offers exceptional camping experiences across diverse settings. Humbug Campground stands out for its beautiful location on the Breitenbush River with easy access to hiking trails adorned with rhododendron flowers. Marion Forks Campground offers secluded sites with wooden corral fencing, shade from forest cover, and proximity to creekside hiking trails. For those seeking riverside tranquility, House Rock Campground provides intimate camping with just 17 sites, though it's best suited for tents and smaller campers due to its winding access road. Riverside at Detroit Campground offers waterfront sites where the sound of the Santiam River helps mask any highway noise.

What amenities are available at Willamette National Forest campgrounds?

Willamette National Forest campgrounds offer varying amenities based on location and size. Most provide vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings with grills. Trout Creek Campground features large, secluded sites with river access but requires you to bring water. Longbow Organization Group Camp offers group facilities perfect for family reunions. Some campgrounds like Yukwah Campground provide potable water during peak season. Most locations don't offer showers or hookups, though a few have basic electrical connections. Cell service is generally limited throughout the forest. Reservation policies vary by campground—some are first-come, first-served while others can be booked in advance through recreation.gov or, in some cases, through Linn County Parks and Recreation.

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