Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Santiam State Forest Shellburg Falls Recreation Area

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Santiam State Forest Shellburg Falls Recreation Area is located near Stayton, Oregon. The terrain features forested areas with trails leading to Shellburg Falls. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 80°F in summer. Nearby attractions include Silver Falls State Park and the Opal Creek Wilderness.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Santiam State Forest Shellburg Falls Recreation Area is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

44.81658913 N
122.610856 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Pets
  • Fires

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
50%
50%
0%
0%

3.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 23, 2021

Shellburgh Falls

Remote and quiet campground. Only .5 mile hike to the falls. Shellburgh Falls is tall with a huge basalt cave that you can walk behind the waterfall and down below to actually stand under the waterfall. Very pretty. No one was camping when I was there. Long but pretty drive down a gravel road about 5+ miles in until you get to the campground. Restrooms, water, and trash cans there to use. Very clean. However, when I tried to visit there again the road was closed due to the fires near Detroit Lake last year. Hope it survived!

Month of VisitSeptember

Frequently Asked Questions

What hiking trails are accessible from Shellburg Falls Campground?

Shellburg Falls Campground offers direct access to the Shellburg Falls trail, a 0.5-mile hike that leads to the impressive waterfall. This relatively short trail culminates at a tall waterfall featuring a massive basalt cave formation. Hikers can walk behind the waterfall through the cave and even venture down to stand directly underneath the falls. The trail is well-maintained and offers a rewarding experience with spectacular views of this natural feature, making it accessible for most hiking skill levels.

What amenities are available at Shellburg Falls Campground?

Shellburg Falls Campground is a remote, primitive camping area with minimal facilities. Unfortunately, many of the campground facilities were damaged during the 2020 wildfires and have not been fully restored. The campground offers a quiet, secluded setting for those seeking a more rustic experience. Visitors should come prepared with their own water, food, and waste disposal plans. Always check with the Santiam State Forest management for current amenity status before planning your trip.

When is the best time of year to visit Shellburg Falls Campground?

The best time to visit Shellburg Falls Campground is during late spring through early fall when weather conditions are most favorable. Summer offers warm, dry conditions ideal for camping and hiking to the falls, while late spring may provide higher water flow at Shellburg Falls. The site's remote nature means it often has few visitors, providing a peaceful experience regardless of when you visit. However, due to potential seasonal road conditions on the gravel access road, it's advisable to check current forest conditions before planning your trip.

Where is Shellburg Falls Campground located in Oregon?

Shellburg Falls Campground is located in the Santiam State Forest in western Oregon. The campground is accessed via a long gravel road that winds through scenic forested areas. It's situated in a remote setting that offers peace and quiet for visitors seeking a more secluded outdoor experience. The site is positioned just a half-mile from the namesake Shellburg Falls, making it a convenient base for exploring this natural attraction.