Dense forest surrounds this 30-site BLM campground where Whittaker Creek meets the Siuslaw River, creating a natural amphitheater of old-growth trees and flowing water. Located just off Highway 126 near Walton, the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis from late May through early September. Sites vary dramatically in character—some nestle within thick vegetation while others open onto grassy areas at the base of Whittaker Ridge.
The creek forms the campground's centerpiece, with several sites offering direct access to small pools where children can wade safely in the dammed, slow-moving water. Tj B. notes that "a few sites have private access to the small wading pool created by a bend in the creek." The rocky shores provide spots for sunbathing, and crawdads inhabit the creek waters. A trail leads to the larger Siuslaw River, though maintenance has been spotty in recent years.
Campers can explore the Whittaker Ridge old growth trail, which gains 900 feet over a mile and connects to the Armantrout loop for a three-mile hike total. The campground includes horseshoe pits, a day-use area, and a small boat ramp. Four vault toilets serve the entire campground, along with potable water spigots and firewood sales. Sites lack RV hookups, though the facility welcomes tent campers and smaller RVs on level spots.
Access requires navigating a mile of potentially rough road from the highway. Cell service remains spotty throughout most of the campground, though some areas pick up weak signals. Higher-numbered sites along the back loop tend to offer more creek access and distance from the entrance road. For additional camping options in the region, consider campgrounds around Walton or nearby Corn Spur Road BLM just 1.5 miles south. The combination of creek access, hiking trails, and forest setting makes this a solid base camp for exploring Oregon's coastal range.
Description
Overview
Overnight camping is closed until further notice. Day-use recreation areas remain open for public use.Reserve a site at Whittaker Creek on recreation.gov or pay when you arrive for non-reserved campsites using the Recreation.gov Mobile App. You must download before you reach the site since there is no cell reception in the drainage.__Whittaker Creek Recreation Site is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campground and day use area. The campground has 30 sites. Campground amenities include vault toilets, potable water, picnic areas, a children's play area, an Old Growth Ridge National Recreation Trail (2.5 miles), and a swimming area.__In the fall, winter, and spring, busloads of middle school students visit the Whittaker Creek Watchable Wildlife Site to learn about spawning salmon and trout and to assist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's breeding program.
Recreation
Camping, hiking, swimming, fishing in Siuslaw River, photography, hunting, Salmon Watch, and nature study.
Facilities
Facilities include: 30 tent only campsites (not recommended for trailers), an accessible campsite, 2 picnic sites, accessible vault toilets, potable water available from hand pumps, picnic tables, fire rings, swimming beach area (June-September), horseshoe pit, Old Growth Ridge National Recreation Trail (2.5 mile loop trail), and a camp host (June-September). Electricity and firewood are unavailable.
Natural Features
Besides the trail to the wildlife viewing area, you can hike the Old Growth Ridge National Recreation Trail, which climbs 1,000 feet above the river into the Coast Range. The 2.5-mile trail was designated in 1994 as a National Recreation Trail due to the exceptional wildlife, geologic features, and old growth trees that are typical of coast range ecosystems. This moderately difficult trail winds through a stand of old growth Douglas fir and offers a look at geologic and botanical features unique to the area. Chinook and coho salmon, as well as steelhead trout can be observed in the fall and winter months in the creek next to the campground. The site also features a paved boat ramp that provides drift boat and canoe access to the Siuslaw River. No permit required to paddle the 6.5-mile river, with Class II - III rapids.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (541) 683-6600 or call (503) 375-5646 for general information.
Nearby Attractions
Clay Creek Campground, is approximately 16 miles past Whittaker Creek. The Oregon Coast is less than 30 miles from this recreation site. (Florence) Alder Dune Campground (Florence) Archie Knowles Campground (Florence) B & E Wayside Mobile and RV Park (Cottage Grove) Baker Bay Campground (Dorena) Baker Bay County Park (Westfir) Bedrock Camp You can observe Chinook, and Coho salmon, as well as steelhead trout in the fall and winter months in the creek next to the campground during Salmon Watch.
Charges & Cancellations
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
Fee Info
Campsite fee includes one vehicle per site. Extra camping vehicle fee of $5 each is collected at the site. Cash or check, made out to Bureau of Land Management, is accepted. Fee envelope receipt stub must be displayed on the dash.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Overnight camping is closed until further notice. Day-use recreation areas remain open for public use.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundWhittaker Creek Recreation Site is located in Oregon
Directions
From Eugene (valley) From Interstate 5 go west on Beltline Road to West 11th Avenue. Turn right onto West 11th Avenue (Highway OR-126). Follow Highway 126 about 29 miles to Siuslaw River Road just west of Walton. Turn left on Siuslaw River Road and follow about 1.6 miles to the intersection of Whittaker Creek Road. Turn right on Whittaker Creek Road crossing the bridge over the Siuslaw River. The main entrance to the recreation site is located on the right. From Florence (coast) Take Highway OR-126 east about 14 miles to Mapleton. Turn right and follow Highway 126 for about 12 miles to Siuslaw River Road. Turn right on Siuslaw River Road and follow about 1.6 miles to the intersection of Whittaker Creek Road. Turn right on Whittaker Creek Road crossing the bridge over the Siuslaw River. The main entrance to the recreation site is located on the right.
Coordinates
43.985507 N
123.662202 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 5/6/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 5/6/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 37 min from Eugene, OR
- 1 hr 4 min from Corvallis, OR
- 1 hr 13 min from Albany, OR
- 1 hr 36 min from Salem, OR
