Santiam State Forest Shellburg Falls Recreation Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reaching this campground requires roughly 5 miles of gravel road, so high-clearance vehicles are worth considering before the trip. Set within Santiam State Forest and managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry, the site runs May through September and has restrooms, potable water, and trash service on-site. The main draw is Shellburg Falls, about a half-mile hike away, where a basalt cave allows visitors to walk behind and beneath the falls. Check current road and facility status before visiting: fire damage from 2020 affected the area, and as of 2023 there were reports that facilities may not be re-established. Campers researching campgrounds near Mehama will find this one of the more remote options in the corridor.

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Map & DirectionsSantiam State Forest Shellburg Falls Recreation Area is located in Oregon near Mehama

Public Campground

Coordinates

44.81658913 N
122.610856 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 8/7/26
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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

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

24 min from Salem, OR
35 min from Albany, OR
52 min from Corvallis, OR
1 hr 5 min from Portland, OR

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Santiam State Forest Shellburg Falls Recreation Area

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2 Reviews

Amit W.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2023

Campsites are closed due to 2020 fires

I was planning to potentially camp here but it seems that facilities were damaged in the 2020 fires and they will not be re-established

https://www.reddit.com/r/oregon/comments/151kto5/shellburg\_falls\_santiam\_state\_forest\_oregon/

kelly G.

Scout

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.

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