Best Tent Camping near Willamette National Forest

Yukwah campground is found along hwy 22 East of Salem along the Willamette National Forest in Linn County. Most of the sites along this stretch are first come, first serve walk up sites - but you can reserve by connecting with Linn County Parks and Rec (see photo for info) for $18/night plus $5 additional vehicle fee and reservation fee. This campground has ada access camp sites and tent sites. Most of the RV sites along the Willamette National Forest can be used for tent camping. The day use area at this site is great for swimming, fishing, and possibly a small hike. I advise camping near the day use area (#3) if you have a large family or kids for larger sites and easy access. Yukwah is near wagon wheel bridge with access to trails for those wanting to hike while camping. Vault toilets are available (bring soap) - there are no showers or additional amenities. There is access to potable water at this location.

We loved our stay here. We started on site 2 but it has zero shade so they were able to give us site 8. Right on the river with the beautiful sights and sounds of that majestic McKenzie. We moved up to the upper campground to site 14 for the next couple days. Also shady with sight and sound of the river. They sites aren’t very big but have a table and fire pit. The tent sites across the river that you hike to are amazing!! I want to tent camp there!! So wooded and many have direct river access. They also have cabins to rent. The hot mineral pools were wonderful and the staff friendly. They have a small store with a few essentials but no real food available. Lovely place.

Camp above the Santiam riverbank and enjoy a night of peace and rest listening to the water flow. This site has access to vault toilets, potable water. The sites are large enough for rv or tent sites with vehicle pull through. The sites have enough old forest growth to provide privacy for the family. If you camp near the river you cannot hear the road, even though you are only a skip away. I do not recommend camping in the sites near the road if you have kids/pets with you or if you are a light sleeper. The roads are paved which can be great for family cars or for little ones wanting to ride their bike or scooter around camp. The site that we stopped at would have been great for fishing trout or salmon. Don’t forget your fishing license!

You can reserve this site through Linn County Parks & Rec: 1-877-444-6777 - And like most sites in the Willamette National Forest dogs are allowed as long as they are on leashes and check out time is 1pm.

Not the place to take a big motorhome and no cell service but nice if you want to tent camp in the woods

Not super geared toward tent camping, if you have an RV or trailer it may be better. Super open with sites right on top of one another.

Part of the Willamette National Forest, managed by the Linn County. Best for those who camp with Tents, van campers or Trucks with campers. Would not bring a pull trailer, because the road is all down hill with pin curves, and a very small sites for camping, about 17 sites. Can RSVP your site through Linn County Parks www.linnparks.com 541-967-3917. There are a few sites for first come to first serve, $18 a night for 2018. Has a few hiking trails to see House rock falls and the Santiam wagon trail.

Great for any kind of camper or non-camper. Tents, RVs, cabins, the lodge, they have it all. Staff is friendly and the hot spring pools are wonderful. We have tent camped here and have rented a cabin and had a great experience both times.

I have fond memories tent camping at Elk Lake as a kid. It’s where I learned to fish, swim, and love of hiking. It’s a great mountain lake with awesome views of the mountains. Highly recommend.

Beautiful place right next to the lake! Wasn’t a fan of how open the sites are and the noise from the highway. We were tent camping however so your mileage may vary with a camper/trailer set up.

Had a wonderful time tent camping here with our 4 month old baby. Great place to cool off on hot summer days. Love the trail that goes around the lake!

**Might have been affected by fires in September 2020**

Humbug Campground is in the Willamette National Forest and on the beautiful Breinbush river. It's small and great for fishing. There are easy, but not ADA accessible, trails with tons of rhododendron flowers and orange rough-skinned newts along the way.

The vaulted toilets were REALLY smelly, and there was dog poop in our spot upon arrival. Otherwise, a nice enough spot.

Blue Pools is a great family campground, open for walk-ins during the summer. The sites are large and versatile between RV and tent sites. There are paved paths that are great for bike rides. Some campsites require a walk in with parking nearbye.

Beautiful. About 30 min away from groceries and stores. Came in late to this campround. No reservation needed. Lucky they had a couple of tent sites open. We ended up staying an extra day. About $21 for a night with a car. Extra vehicle extra $7.