Trout Creek Campground, near Madras, Oregon, is a rustic spot that offers a laid-back camping experience surrounded by the beauty of the Willamette National Forest. With spacious sites that provide a good amount of privacy, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy nature.

This campground is popular for its access to fishing and rafting, making it a hit with those looking to cast a line or paddle down the river. Visitors have noted that the vault toilets are clean, and while there’s no drinking water available, many campers bring their own or purify river water. As one camper mentioned, “You will want to bring a pot and your fishing pole.”

For those who enjoy hiking, there are some fantastic trails nearby, including the Walton Ranch and Trout Creek trails, which offer a mix of scenic views and local history. Just keep in mind that the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is a smart move, especially during peak times when it can get busy with fellow campers.

While the campground is close to the highway, the trees and river help muffle the noise, creating a more serene atmosphere. Whether you’re here for a weekend fishing trip or a peaceful retreat in the woods, Trout Creek Campground has a lot to offer for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

## Overview

 There are 24 sites on a single loop with four RV pull-throughs ranging from 24 to 40 feet. There are both reservable and FCFS campsites. There are two double vault accessible toilets and one accessible single vault toilet. Drinking water is available from one hand pump well. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the campground in the 1930's, which includes a day use picnic shelter with fireplace that is centrally located along with tables and BBQ grill; there is nearby river access in this day use area. There are about 3-5 spots for parking depending on the size of the vehicles. 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

 Wading and fishing are popular in the river and hikers enjoy easy access to the 2.8-mile Trout Creek Trail and the short Walton Ranch Interpretive Trail. The Menagerie Wilderness can be accessed from the Trout Creek Trail, so hikers and backpackers can explore the area's extensive system of trails.
## Natural Features

 Trout Creek is tucked in a heavily wooded landscape with lichen and moss-draped Alder, Douglas fir, Hemlock, and Maple trees. Campsites are well-shaded and full of ferns and similar sub-tropical greenery. Many sites stretch along the South Santiam River, a 66-mile tributary of the Santiam River. 
## Nearby Attractions

 The Menagerie Wilderness and Trout Creek Trail is located directly across from Trout Creek Campground. To the west, is the historic Long Ranch and now an Elk Refuge. A short wheelchair-accessible trail is located directly across Highway 20 from the campground and accesses a wildlife viewing platform that overlooks the ranch. Nearby is the Old Santiam Wagon Road that stretches along the Highway 20 corridor.

Trout Creek Campground

Join the fun near Mckenzie Bridge. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Mckenzie Bridge. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Mckenzie Bridge

The Best Camping Near Mckenzie Bridge, Oregon

This campground sits right off HWY 20 along Trout Creek. On the primitive side, the sites are small, vault toilets and potable water are provided. You’ll hear the cars whizzing by, so if you want a peaceful and serene spot, this might not be for you. However, it would be a good basecamp for exploring the area. 

Just a skip up the road is the trailhead to Walton Ranch and Trout Creek trails. Both trails are adventurous in their own right. The Walton Ranch trail provides some local history. it has easy elevation gain, is mostly shaded along it’s maintained gravel and dirt path, and there are plenty of benches to stop and rest along the way. At the end of the trail, you’ll stand on the platforms overlooking Walton Ranch - a valley for local wildlife to graze. Trout Creek trail is a 6.4 mile out and back trail with over 2,200 feet elevation gain. A great trail to challenge you and get you away from the highway if that’s what you’re looking for. 



Small but quiet

Great for.fishing and rafting!! Newly paved road down to launch. Easy to get.to now!

Fantastic spot for fishing!!

This site is tucked into the Willamette National Forest past Detroit State Park on Highway 22 in Linn County, also known as an Oregon old growth forest. These sites are large, secluded, with water access and access to the river straight from your campsites. You will want to bring a pot and your fishing pole. Bathrooms are clean, standard vault toilet facilities. Bring hand sanitizer and/or soap. This campground has first come, first serve sites - but you can also make large group reservations and single site reservations by phone at 1-877-444-6777\. Each night is $18, plus a $5 additional vehicle fee. While this site may be close to the road, the trees and water below do block the sound of most traffic. Site #4 is the largest site with access to the river.

Large secluded tent sites with water access

This campground is a nice mix of rustic and scenic. No reservations are accepted, and it can be hard to find a spot, due to high popularity with fishermen and rafting guides at the Deschutes River takeout/put-in. People seem to stay put for a while. However, the sites are quite big, and we shared one with another group of people who generously let us make camp. We didn't have a table or fire ring, but we had the Westy, and fires weren't allowed anyway.

There's no potable water, but we were told that river water can be purified. We brought our own. There are several vault toilets.

In addition to a great river access point, there are some great hikes along the Deschutes and up Trout Creek. Also some amazing rock climbing, although several of the prime spots are closed half the year or more due to bird nesting.

There's a narrow tunnel on the access road, which limits the size of RVs that can get in. Rates are about 8/night during the week and 12 on weekends. If you share that could be less.

Photos of Trout Creek Campground

Real photos from real campers