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FacilitiesMap showing campground location near Gates, Oregon

Shady Cove Campground

4 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Willamette National Forest is home to Shady Cove Campground, a drive-in site set along the river outside Lyons, Oregon, where old-growth conifers provide dense overhead cover. The campground runs on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations, which means weekends tend to fill quickly. Vault toilets are on-site, but there is no drinking water, so campers should arrive with enough supply for their full stay.

Water access is a consistent draw here. The river runs clear and cold, and a rope swing off the nearby bridge draws swimmers on warm days. Site 11 sits directly on the river with more privacy than the more open sites nearby, and the campground sits close to 3 Pools, a popular swimming area in the forest. Opal Pool Campsites is another option along this corridor for campers who arrive to find Shady Cove full.

Amenities are minimal. Trash service is provided, but there is no cell service or WiFi. No pets are allowed. The campground is open year-round, though the surrounding roads and conditions vary by season. Ryan K. describes site 11 as a "perfect spot on the river with shade and privacy around." Campers planning a visit should arrive midweek and have a backup campground in mind, as the places to camp near Gates can fill fast on summer weekends.

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Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy. Please check with the campground before making a reservation.

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Map & DirectionsShady Cove Campground is located in Oregon near Gates

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

44.84493 N
122.30044 W

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Toilets

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Shady Cove Campground

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5.0

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4 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the stunning natural setting with old-growth forest and river access. Facilities are minimal with vault toilets and no water, but the beautiful location compensates for basic amenities.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2018

Beautiful day use area on Odell lake

This site is 5-10 minutes away from Princess Creek Campground and near Blue Pools campground. It does not have WiFi access, and the sites are walk-in. A national forest pass is required to use the day use area. There is plenty of parking for trailers, boats and extra cars at this site and it has a beautiful jetty with a bench to watch the waves. Odell lake has a rock bottom versus a mud bottom and is great for swimming. A fish fillet station is available at the day use area. You are near the road, but the sound was not as bad as I thought it may be.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Shady Cove Campground by Kelly N., August 22, 2018
  • Review photo of Shady Cove Campground by Kelly N., August 22, 2018
  • Review photo of Shady Cove Campground by Kelly N., August 22, 2018
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2018

A Peaceful Bliss

This area is within an old-growth forest, magnificently quiet yet loud with rushing water and hawks above you. The campground is on a first-come first serve basis so make sure you research a second campground nearby or are willing to sleep in a car for a night or two as there are no reservations.

The hikes are amazing and the water is absolutely gorgeous and clear, even if it never warms up. Get your bugspray and hammock and head that way today!!

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Shady Cove Campground by Kealey B., August 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Shady Cove Campground by Kealey B., August 17, 2018
  • Hammock heaven listening to the wilderness.
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Reviewed Aug. 3, 2017

Great place to cool off in the summer

Had a great time at Shady Cove. This review is for site 11 specifically. Perfect spot on the river with shade and privacy around. The other spots are pretty open to eachother, but 11 and 12 are more hidden. Vault toilets and no drinking water, but we brought plenty and my morning coffee was fine with boiled river water. Saw some kids jumping from a rope swing on the bridge into the cool clear water. The site is also only a mile from 3 Pools, so a great place to cool off. I was there on a Tuesday and we just got lucky enough to grab the best site as the last group was leaving so I imagine the weekends to be crazy there.

Site11
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Shady Cove Campground by Ryan K., August 3, 2017
  • Review photo of Shady Cove Campground by Ryan K., August 3, 2017
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Shady Cove Campground located in Oregon?

Shady Cove Campground is located in an old-growth forest area of Oregon, approximately 5-10 minutes from Princess Creek Campground and near Blue Pools campground. The campground sits along a river in a serene natural setting, making it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful outdoor experience. The location offers magnificent quiet surroundings while still providing the soothing sounds of rushing water and opportunities to spot wildlife like hawks soaring overhead.

What amenities are available at Shady Cove Campground?

Shady Cove Campground offers basic amenities in a beautiful natural setting. The campground features vault toilets but does not provide drinking water, so campers should bring their own supply. There's ample parking for trailers, boats, and extra vehicles. The day use area requires a national forest pass. While the campground is light on facilities, the spectacular riverside location with shade and natural beauty more than makes up for the minimal amenities.

What are the trails like near Shady Cove Campground?

The trails near Shady Cove Campground wind through magnificent old-growth forest, offering peaceful hiking experiences. Blue Pools is a notable nearby destination worth exploring. The area's trail system provides opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the forest while listening to rushing water from the river. Though specific trail details are limited, the campground's location in a pristine forest setting suggests numerous options for nature walks and hiking adventures of varying difficulties. For detailed trail information, check with forest service officials upon arrival.

Can I bring my RV to Shady Cove Campground?

Yes, you can bring an RV to Shady Cove Campground. The site provides plenty of parking space for trailers, boats, and additional vehicles. However, it's important to note that the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Some sites may offer more privacy than others, with spots 11 and 12 being noted for their seclusion and riverside location.

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