Willamette National Forest
McKenzie River Ranger District
The Willamette National Forest stretches for 110 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Range in western Oregon. It extends from the Mt. Jefferson area east of Salem to the Calapooya Mountains northeast of Roseburg. The varied landscape of high mountains, narrow canyons, cascading streams, and wooded slopes offer excellent camping opportunities for visitors.
Big Lake Campground
Big Lake Campground sits at its namesake lake along Santiam Pass, a 4,800-foot mountain pass through the Cascade Range in western Oregon.
Big Lake West Campground
This tent-only campground is located on Big Lake at the top of Santiam Pass. This area offers access to one of the few designated OHV riding areas on the district.
Cold Water Cove Campground
Cold Water Cove Campground offers stunning views of turquoise-colored Clear Lake and 3,000-year-old lava fields, making it an ideal location. On clear days, visitors can catch a glimpse of the Three Sisters and Mount Washington. Fishing, canoeing and boating are popular activities.
Ice Cap Creek Campground
Centrally located on the McKenzie River between Carmen Reservoir and Koosah Falls, diverse and beautiful scenery abounds at this site. Its cliff-top location offers higher elevation views of the river and the reservoir. Ice Cap Creek runs along the eastern edge of the campground.
Reservations - NEW in 2015
Olallie Campground
Nestled on the banks of the McKenzie River and Olallie Creek, Olallie Campground provides an superb setting for a getaway into nature. The lower loop offers mesmerizing views of both the river and the creek while the upper loop is set further in the trees with many sites facing the creek. There is also an Olallie Campground near Mt Hood. This is the Olallie Campground near McKenzie Bridge. Be sure to get the one you want when you make your reservation.
Paradise Campground
Paradise Campground is indeed a paradise for campers. Tucked within a lush, old-growth forest of Douglas fir and western red cedar, the area portrays a sub-tropical vibe along the banks of the McKenzie River, where catch-and-release trout and steelhead fishing is a popular activity, along with whitewater rafting and kayaking.
McKenzie Bridge Campground
McKenzie Bridge Campground is located an hour east of Eugene, Oregon. It rests in the shade of a towering grove of Douglas fir and Western red cedar trees along the banks of the McKenzie River. The campground is small and pleasant, providing an ideal atmosphere for relaxation, fishing and bird watching. Feathered residents of the river include osprey, great blue herons and bald eagles.
Delta Campground
Known for its access to rafting and drift boat fishing on the McKenzie River, Delta Campground is one of the largest and most scenic campgrounds on the McKenzie District. Access to the river, Cougar Reservoir and Terwilliger Hot Springs make this campground a great spot for camping and exploring the area. Several hiking trails are in the surrounding wilderness, guarded by large Douglas fir and western red cedar trees. Visitors can also enjoy a short botanical walk on the Delta Old Growth Nature Trail. A Day Use area and amphitheater are also available at the campground.
Saddle Dam Boat Ramp
This site is an old access road the Corps of Engineers utilized when building the Blue River and Saddle Dams. At the present time it is used by boaters, when the lake is high, to launch boats. It accesses the Blue River Reservoir.
Lookout Campground & Boat Launch
Lookout Campground has a beautiful open meadow with plenty of sunshine and provides a more rustic experience for year-round camping. The campground is located on the northeast shore of Blue River reservoir. There is a boat ramp associated with the campground.
Reservations - NEW in 2015
Mona Campground
Mona Campground is situated in a long, narrow strip of mixed conifers along the northwest shore of Blue River Reservoir. The lush vegetation provides seclusion between each campsite. Steep slopes of mixed conifers, many with virgin timber, surround the area. No access to the lake due to low water level - July 2015
Terwilliger Hot Springs Day Use
As you walk the 1/4 mile trail to the hot springs, you are enveloped in the dark hues of primeval woodland, touched by mottled light filtering down from treetops high above and the invigorating scene of the lagoon with the gorgeous Rider Creek waterfall spilling into it. There are six soaking pools spaced apart by rock walls laid out in steps down a ravine. The water comes out of a spectacular rock formation. This site has been improved throughout the years by the Forest Service, many volunteers, and the users of the area. Clothing is optional at the hot springs.
Slide Creek Campground
Slide Creek Campground is a unique camping destination just 50 miles from Eugene, Oregon. Located on the east bank of the Cougar Reservoir, it is known for handy access to boating and many water activities. It is also near Terwilliger Hot Springs, a pristine area with 5 soaking pools fed by the Rider Creek waterfall.
Sunnyside Campground
Sunnyside Campground is located along the southeast side of Cougar Reservoir. This campground is shaded by a large grove of conifers and the understory provides semi-private campsites. Motorhomes and trailers are not recommended due to steep entrance road into the campground.
Cougar Crossing Campground
Cougar Crossing is a year-round campground in a setting of mixed conifers. The campground is located on the confluence of the South Fork of the McKenzie River and the south end of Cougar Reservoir. It is surrounded with steep slopes of conifers. The Three Sisters Wilderness lies directly east of the site.
Reservations - NEW in 2015
French Pete Campground
French Pete Campground sits at an elevation of 1,800 feet in the Willamette National Forest. This popular escape from summer heat is heavily shaded by a thick canopy of conifers. French Pete Creek runs through the campground.
Hard Rock Group Campground
Hard Rock Campground is a small, primitive group site along the South Fork of the McKenzie River in Oregon. Many hiking and biking trails are available in the surrounding area and the river offers fishing opportunities.
Red Diamond Group Campground
Camping groups looking for a more rustic riverside experience will enjoy Red Diamond in Willamette National Forest. The campground can accommodate up to 25 guests and provides plenty of shade for warm, summer days. The South Fork McKenzie River and many fishing holes can be accessed from the site. Hiking trails can be found in the surrounding area and the Cougar Reservoir is just a short drive north.
Frissell Crossing Campground
This beautiful and quiet campground lies on the South Fork of the McKenzie River and was originally constructed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is located well away from the main road and some of the sites are spread around an open meadow.
Limberlost Campground
Limberlost Campground has 12 sites. About half the campsites are first-come-first-served. It is a quiet and secluded campground on the banks of Lost Creek, near the Three Sisters Wilderness area.
Area Information: Biking, Fishing, Hiking, Horse Riding, Picnicking, Water Activities
Other area attractions: Linn County, Travel Oregon, Discover McKenzie River