Within the Willamette National Forest, Hoover Campground sits along Detroit Lake where the North Santiam River feeds into the reservoir. This National Forest Service facility operates seasonally from May through September, offering both tent and RV sites with full hookups for rigs up to 99 feet. The campground connects directly to the Hoover Day Use Area, which charges an additional $5 fee for access to the boat launch and fishing dock.
Dense forest provides natural screening between sites, though campers report varying levels of privacy depending on location. Boston S. notes that some sites "looked they were meant to be just one group site" with minimal separation. The campground fills quickly during summer months with families and RV groups, creating a busy atmosphere that contrasts with quieter shoulder seasons. Highway 22 runs across the lake, producing noticeable road noise that carries over the water.
Fishing draws many visitors to the lake and connecting river system. Ospreys hunt regularly in the area where the North Santiam enters Detroit Lake, providing wildlife viewing opportunities. The adjacent day use area features a large dock for fishing and a concrete boat ramp. Lake temperatures reach the mid-70s in summer, supporting warm-water species like bluegill rather than cold-water trout.
Access involves a rough road that some reviewers mention can be challenging. Charyl B. appreciated that the facility "has an actual bathroom, very clean" with flush toilets and running water. Sites vary considerably in size and terrain, with some offering direct lake access trails. Reservations are available by phone, though walk-up sites may be found during less busy periods.
For RV campers seeking alternatives, Lakeview RV Park provides another option nearby with different amenities.
Description
Overview
The campground area offers 35 campsites, 25 single and 10 double sites, that can accommodate trailers up to 30 feet in length. The campsites are laid out in two main loops with sites #1-21 in one and sites #22-35 in the other. There are approximately 20 extra-vehicle parking spaces on the east side of the campground for overflow parking. *Extra vehicle fee. The group camp offers a group site composed of 6 individual campsites and a picnic shelter for groups of up to 70 people. The site can accommodate trailers up to 30 feet in length. All sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. The day use area includes a boat launch, 2 courtesy docks, a separate fishing pier, and 2 lakeside viewing platforms. There are approximately 35 parking spaces for use at the boat ramp area, which have also been used as overflow parking (eg extra vehicle w/boat trailer) for the campground.* Day use parking fee for non campers. Water is available to visitors from faucet risers throughout the site. There are 2 double-flush toilets and 1 single vault toilet located in accessible locations within the site. The group site has two single vaults. Trash receptacles are located in the campground. There is one self-guided nature trail within the sites. Hoover sits among Douglas fir and maple trees and large ferns at an elevation of 1,600 feet. The campground is located in the North Santiam Travel Corridor of Willamette National Forest. The forest covers 1.6 million acres on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains. This campground has reservable and FCFS campsites. 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 allow until and unless otherwise posted. Fire bans are common during summer months. Please plan accordingly. Reservations for this site can be made up to 6 months in advance of reservation date for individual camp sites and 12 months in advance of arrival date for the group camp by reserving online at RECREATION.GOV or by calling 877-444-6777.
Recreation
Sailing, boating, water skiing and fishing are all excellent options for enjoying Detroit Lake. Catfish, rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon are among the most common species found in the lake. A convenient boat ramp is in the campground. Several hiking trails dot the area, including Stahlman Point Trail, which offers beautiful vistas of Detroit Lake and the surrounding area. The Hoover Nature Trail is a short footpath that delights many campers.
Facilities
This campground has 35 standard sites, with 21 reservable, and 1 reservable group site. An interpretive trail and an accessible viewing and fishing platform are part of the campground. Each site has a campfire ring and picnic table. Flush toilets are available at the campground and the group campground has a vault toilet. Access roads are made from compacted rock and dirt. Firewood can be purchased on-site. In the day use area, there is about 1,000 ft. of shoreline. There is a dock for launching, loading and unloading only. There is no mooring allowed. Campfires allow until and unless otherwise posted. Fire bans are common during summer months. Please plan accordingly.
Natural Features
Hoover sits among Douglas fir and maple trees and large ferns at an elevation of 1,600 feet. The campground is located in the North Santiam Travel Corridor of Willamette National Forest. The forest covers 1.6 million acres on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (541) 967-3917.
Nearby Attractions
Detroit Lake provides the major attraction for recreation opportunities at this site. Detroit Lake provides countless water recreation opportunities abound such as boating, waterskiing, kayaking, fishing, etc. Additionally, there are numerous trails in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness and adjacent National Forest that recreational users come to the area to enjoy. Catfish, rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon are among the most common species found in the lake. A convenient boat ramp is in the campground. Several hiking trails dot the area, including Stahlman Point Trail, which offers beautiful vistas of Detroit Lake and the surrounding area. The Hoover Nature Trail is a short footpath that delights many campers.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundHoover Campground is located in Oregon
Directions
Drive 2.7 miles east of Detroit, OR on Highway 22. Turn onto Blowout Road/Forest Service Road 10, then go 0.75 miles west to the Hoover Group Site.
Coordinates
44.7132972 N
122.1240306 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/19/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/19/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/19/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/19/26
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
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 22 min from Bend, OR
- 1 hr 55 min from Albany, OR
- 2 hrs 1 min from Corvallis, OR
- 2 hrs 16 min from Salem, OR
