Anglers and families with young children gravitate to this BLM-managed campground along the North Santiam River, where multiple access points and paved internal roads make launching boats or reaching fishing spots straightforward. The 40-site facility operates from May through October, accommodating RVs up to 40 feet with water hookups and a dump station available.
Sites spread across wooded terrain with varying degrees of privacy between neighbors. Brian C. notes "very wooded and the campsites feel private," though some reviewers mention generator noise from larger RVs during peak times. A handful of sites sit directly on the river, while others offer sound of flowing water without the immediate waterfront exposure that concerns parents of small children.
The campground features flush toilets, hot showers, and covered picnic shelters at select sites. Biking and hiking trails wind through the property, connecting to a playground, basketball court, and group camping areas. River access supports fishing, swimming, and floating, with multiple day-use areas for non-camping visitors. Camp hosts maintain the grounds and sell firewood on-site.
Access requires driving paved roads from Gates, with camping near Gates providing additional options for the area. The facility allows advance reservations up to one year ahead, which reviewers recommend for securing preferred sites during busy summer weekends. Pets are permitted throughout the campground.
Note that the campground is currently temporarily closed to camping operations. When reopened, campers seeking a more primitive experience might consider Santiam State Forest Dispersed near Mill City for undeveloped sites without amenities.
Description
Overview
Fishermen's Bend Recreation Site has limited day use open. No camping or dump station is available.__ $5 passenger vehicle (up to 9), $10 non-commercial vans (10-19 passengers), $20 non-commercial bus (over 19 passengers), $30 Northwest Oregon District Annual Day Pass for passengers vehicles only, America the Beautiful Interagency Passes and Golden passes are also acceptable for day-use fees Cottonwoods Shelter rental $110 per day, does not include vehicle day-use fees
Recreation
Day use only until further notice. Expanded opened area includes River Loop only. Group picnic shelter, Cottonwoods, is reservable 7 first come-first serve individual picnic sites some hiking trails around River Loop and to the fishing overlook boat launch river access
Facilities
porta potties, picnic sites with picnic table, parking, and barbecue grill, hiking trails, boat ramp, camp host, fishing overlook
Natural Features
Nearby Attractions
North Santiam State Park is next door, with more great water and hiking opportunities. Scenic John Neal Memorial County Park is less than 15 minutes away. Silver Falls State Park is 45 minutes from Fishermen's Bend, with 10 majestic waterfalls, ranging from the grand 177' South Falls, to the delicate 27' Drake Falls.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (503) 375-5646.
Charges & Cancellations
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
Fee Info
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFishermens Bend is located in Oregon near Gates
Directions
Fishermen's Bend is located 29 miles east of Salem on Hwy 22, and 1.5 miles west of Mill City.
Address
Fishermen's Bend Recreation Site27300 N. Santiam Hwy
Mill city, OR 97360
Coordinates
44.7575 N
122.5102778 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 30 min from Salem, OR
- 41 min from Albany, OR
- 58 min from Corvallis, OR
- 1 hr 11 min from Portland, OR


















