Where the access road meets Detroit Lake's southern shore, Southshore Campground spreads across forested terrain within Willamette National Forest. This established campground accommodates RVs up to 130 feet alongside tent sites, with some walk-in options that require a short hike from parking areas.
The layout places campsites between the lake and a busy state highway, creating a narrow corridor that reviewers describe as both convenient for water access and subject to road noise. Several sites feature steep slopes from parking areas down to picnic tables and fire rings, with Gayle B. noting "there is a big slope from the parking pad to the table/fire pit" at site 17. Walk-in tent sites offer more privacy and better lake views than drive-up spots. Rocky beaches provide lake access for kayaks and small watercraft, though motorized boats create activity on the water during peak season.
The campground includes drinking water, restrooms, and a dump station, with hosts selling firewood and enforcing quiet hours after 10 PM. Gates close at 10 PM, requiring campers to return by that time. Reservations are available for most sites, and the facility stays busy during summer months but quiets considerably in spring and fall. For additional camping options, visitors can explore campgrounds near Detroit or check nearby Cove Creek Campground just over a mile northeast.
Description
Overview
Southshore Campground provides 30 campsites, 25 single and 5 double sites, in two main loops. This campground is now fully reservable. First come first serve is only available if no prior reservation has been made on site and only one night at a time. The sites can accommodate trailers up to 30 feet in length.__Campsites 4 -11 are walk in, tent only sites. No RV's or trailers allowed for these sites. All sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. The Boat Launch area includes the launch and two courtesy docks. *Day use is available for $9 parking fee. Drinking water is available to both sites via individual faucet risers located throughout the campground. There are two double-vault toilets, and two single-vault toilets located in accessible locations throughout the sites. Trash receptacles are located in the campground. There are approximately 43 parking spaces for use at the boat ramp area, which have also been used as overflow parking (ex. extra vehicle w/boat trailer) or the campground.*Extra Vehicle Fee for campers.Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted. Fire bans are common during summer months. Please plan accordingly.A mix of wooded and open sites are available, located a little further away from the busier portions of Detroit Lake. You'll find quiet camping on all but the busiest weekends. Detroit Lake covers 3,500 acres and is surrounded by groves of Douglas fir.__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
Detroit Lake is a popular destination for boating, jet skiing, swimming and fishing. Rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon and catfish are found in the lake. A boat ramp and dock are located next to the campground.
Facilities
The campground offers 25 single and five double family campsites. There are vault toilets and drinking water onsite. Coin operated showers are available a mile away at Cove Creek. 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.
Natural Features
A mix of wooded and open sites are available, located a little further away from the busier portions of Detroit Lake. You'll find quiet camping on all but the busiest weekends. Detroit Lake covers 3,500 acres and is surrounded by groves of Douglas fir.
Nearby Attractions
Additional hiking trails can be found across the lake, including those that lead to Dome Rock and Needle Rock. The town of Detroit is across the lake with hometown activities. The Cascading Rivers Bikeway is available for cyclists of all ages.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (541) 967-3917.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSouthshore At Detroit Lake is located in Oregon
Directions
From Detroit, Oregon, travel east on State Highway 22 for 2.7 miles to Blowout Road/Forest Service Road 10. From Idanha, Oregon, travel west on State Highway 22 for 0.7 miles to Blowout Road/Forest Service Road 10. Proceed on Blowout Road 4.7 miles to Southshore Campground on the right.
Coordinates
44.7054 N
122.1761861 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/30/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/30/26
- 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
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 1 hr 29 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 1 min from Albany, OR
- 2 hrs 7 min from Corvallis, OR
- 2 hrs 22 min from Salem, OR
