Within Willamette National Forest, Breitenbush Campground operates as a Forest Service facility that combines drive-in convenience with walk-in tent sites. The campground sits along the Breitenbush River under Douglas fir trees, with some sites positioned directly on the water's edge. Access requires navigating rough roads that can challenge vehicles, particularly during wet conditions.
The river provides the campground's main draw, offering fishing opportunities and swimming holes within walking distance. "The river near the campground is crystal clear and great for fishing," notes Jill T.. Cell service remains limited throughout the area. Recent fire damage has affected portions of the campground, with ongoing restoration work visible at some sites. The facility includes both RV sites with full hookups accommodating rigs up to 51 feet and primitive tent areas.
Campers report that riverside sites fill quickly, especially on weekends when families frequent the area. Weekday visits tend to be quieter. Trail access to nearby hot springs requires crossing the river, and trail markings receive mixed reviews from visitors. The campground provides standard amenities including restrooms, trash service, and picnic tables, with campfires permitted during the May through September season.
Description
Overview
Breitenbush Campground is nestled along the banks of its namesake river in the forests of western Oregon. The peaceful flow of the river can be heard throughout the campground, providing a peaceful getaway for campers.__The campground lies in the Willamette National Forest, which stretches for 110 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Range. The varied landscape of high mountains, narrow canyons, cascading streams and wooded slopes offer varied recreational opportunities for visitors. The Breitenbush River is a tributary of the North Santiam River, and its clean waters flow from snow melt in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. A variety of plants and foliage separate the spacious campsites and provide privacy from other sites.__Located nearly 10 miles east of Detroit, Oregon, at an elevation of 2,100 feet. Visitors can reach the site from Detroit by traveling north on state highway OR-22 before turning right (northeast) onto Breitenbush Road. After approximately 9.5 miles the turnoff for the campground will be on the right (south) side of the road._There are 29 campsites, offering both reservable and first come first serve sites, that can accommodate vehicles and trailers up to 24 feet in length. Each site has a picnic table and firepit. There are four vault toilets. Trash receptacles are located in the campground.Scan and Pay is offered at this campground; you may also pay by cash or check for FCFS campsites. There are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay payments. This system is the same as putting cash into a fee tube and cannot be refunded. Please download the Rec.Gov app prior to arriving at the campground as there may be no cellular service or very limited service at the campground. __Campfires are allowed until and unless otherwise posted. Common to have fire bans during summer season, please plan accordingly.Wading and fishing are popular activities in the Breitenbush River, and rainbow trout is the most common catch for anglers.__Reservations for this site can be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date by reserving online at RECREATION.GOV or by calling 877-444-6777.
Recreation
Wading and fishing are popular activities in the Breitenbush River, and rainbow trout is the most common catch for anglers. The Willamette National Forest has about 1,700 miles of trail. While many are in wilderness areas, a number of trails are low-elevation, easy-access trails for year-round hiking.
Facilities
This campground has 29 sites, 23 are reservable, and all have picnic tables, grills and easy access to the vault toilets. Most campsites offer sweeping views of the river. No Overflow Parking. No Day Use Parking.
Natural Features
The campground lies in the Willamette National Forest, which stretches for 110 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Range. The varied landscape of high mountains, narrow canyons, cascading streams and wooded slopes offer varied recreational opportunities for visitors. The Breitenbush River is a tributary of the North Santiam River, and its clean waters flow from snow melt in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. A variety of plants and foliage separate the spacious campsites and provide privacy from other sites.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (541) 967-3917.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include: The Willamette National Forest has approximately 1,700 miles of trails. While many are in wilderness areas, a number of trails are low-elevation, easy-access trails for year-round hiking. Detroit Lake provides ample opportunity for water recreation like boating, water skiing and kayaking.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBreitenbush Campground is located in Oregon near Idanha
Directions
From Detroit, Oregon, at the intersection of State Route 22 and Forest Service Road (FSR) 46, take FSR 46 north and continue 9.3 miles to the campground on the right.
Coordinates
44.7814 N
121.9914889 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 38 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 10 min from Albany, OR
- 2 hrs 14 min from Portland, OR
- 2 hrs 31 min from Salem, OR
