The sound of the South Santiam River runs through nearly every review of Yukwah Campground, a 20-site Forest Service site in Cascadia, Oregon, operated by Linn County within camping near Willamette National Forest. Access is off Highway 20 via a gravel road that reviewers generally describe as fairly smooth, though the campground notes rough access conditions, so lower-clearance vehicles should approach with some caution. Sites are forested, moderately spaced, and several sit directly along the river.
The campground splits its 20 sites between reservable spots and seven first-come, first-served sites. On busy weekends, including Memorial Day, sites fill by early afternoon. Campers with trailers up to around 27 feet have reported fitting in, though maneuvering is tight. Vault toilets and hand-pump water stations are distributed throughout, though at least one reviewer noted the water can run murky. No showers, hookups, or dump station are available. Cell coverage is limited: one bar of AT&T LTE has been reported, with no Verizon or T-Mobile signal.
River access is the main draw. Swimming holes are reliable in July and August, and fishing is noted for early spring. A wheelchair-accessible primitive trail leads to a fishing platform, and the day-use area near site 3 provides more space for families. Trout Creek Campground sits close by for overflow options. Campers who bring dogs will find pet-friendly camping spots near Willamette National Forest in the broader area as well. Yukwah works best for tent campers and those with smaller rigs who prioritize water access over amenities.
Description
Overview
There are 20 single campsites, that accommodate trailers ranging from 18 to 32 feet in length; dependent on the site. There are both reservable and FCFS campsites. Sites are spacious and private. There is a small picnic area containing barrier-free tables and fire rings. Four sites contain barrier free tables and fire rings. There are 2 single vault toilets and 1 double vault. Drinking water is provided from two hand pump wells._Yukwah Campground is tucked in a heavily wooded landscape with lichen and moss-draped alder, Douglas fir and Maple trees. Campsites are well-shaded and full of ferns and similar sub-tropical greenery. Many sites stretch along the South Santiam River and have river access.__Yukwah Nature Trail is located within the campground and is wheelchair accessible. The trail follows 0.3 miles of the Sough Santiam River and accesses an ADA fishing platform._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._Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date by reserving online at RECREATION.GOV or by calling 877-444-6777.
Recreation
Plenty of river activities and hiking opportunities await. Enjoy fishing and swimming in the beautiful South Santiam River or hiking the accessible__Yukwah Nature Trail that winds through the campground, and lingering at the picnic area. Hike or bike the Santiam Wagon Road (now a trail), a historic trail used to transport livestock east across the Cascade Mountains to central Oregon's grasslands.__Iron Mountain,__Gordon Meadows,__and__Echo Basin__are nearby hiking areas well known for their colorful wildflowers. The Menagerie Wilderness can be accessed from the Trout Creek Trail (1/4 mile from campground) where hikers can reach the top of Rooster Rock and enjoy views of the river valley (5.6 miles round trip). An accessible hike leaves from the same trailhead and takes visitors to the Walton Ranch Platform with views of the Walton Meadow (1/8 mile round trip).
Facilities
This is a smaller campground with a variety of sites to accommodate different uses, with double sites, sites for trailers and sites for tents. Drinking water is from two hand pump wells. Parking spurs are gravel and roads are paved. Vault toilets and garbage cans are spread out in convenient locations in the campground. Campfire wood is not readily available at the park. Please plan to bring firewood or purchase from a nearby vendor. Linn County Parks staff, may occasionally, come through the park with firewood available for purchase.
Natural Features
Yukwah Campground is tucked in a heavily wooded landscape with lichen and moss-draped alder, Douglas fir and Maple trees. Campsites are well-shaded and full of ferns and similar sub-tropical greenery. Many sites stretch along the South Santiam River and have river access.
Nearby Attractions
Hike or bike the Santiam Wagon Road (now a trail), a historic trail used to transport livestock east across the Cascade Mountains to central Oregon's grasslands. Iron Mountain, Gordon Meadows and Echo Basin are nearby hiking areas well known for their colorful wildflowers.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsYukwah Campground is located in Oregon near Cascadia
Directions
From Sweet Home, OR, follow Highway 20 east for 21 miles and look for signs for Yukwah Campground.
Address
4431 HIGHWAY 20 SWEET HOME OR 97386
MANAGED BY LINN COUNTY PARKS 3010 SW FERRY ST ALBANY, OR 97322
OR
Coordinates
44.4 N
122.3385278 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 55 min from Albany, OR
- 1 hr 2 min from Corvallis, OR
- 1 hr 14 min from Eugene, OR
- 1 hr 17 min from Salem, OR
