This time of year one must assume the area is not at its peak of entertainment value. But every…read moretime we are passing through I've been inclined to stop for a night. So we decided to do just that a couple weeks ago, and as I expected, even though half the campground is closed at this time there were plenty of available sites. We chose the last water side site, although currently the water is nowhere near the park. We ran into the ranger on duty who was very helpful and friendly, letting us know that since the tent sites are closed and we weren't using any (hookup) amenities we could pay the tent site fee for the night. I would say since the grounds run right along the highway that the sites nearest to it could probably be quite loud...hence our choice to grab the one furthest away. We took a walk down to the water just before dark. I found there to be an eerie, calm beauty about it at sunset. There wasn't much to the brief stop besides our walk and a quiet night of sleep, heading off first thing in the morning. But I can see where during peak season there'd be more adventures to partake in here. Again, a highway setting, but there are some lovely trees within the grounds. While not my favorite campground, it was nice to finally check things out here, even if during the off season. Sure would be nice to see the water level back up where it clearly used to be!

The campground was well kept and my kids enjoyed our stay. HOWEVER.. the staff are extremely rude!!…read moreThe volunteers addressed my kids in the most inappropriate manner regarding our dog. She was just plain nasty!! She chose to address my 11 year old instead of speaking to as adult. We were late in checking out and the employee named Greg was beyond rude about it!! As we were setting up our RV to leave, Greg decided to park his golf cart right in front of the site. When we asked if we could help him, he said he was going to sit there until we were gone and charge us if we were not out by 3pm. It was only 1:50 at this time. When I asked for the employees name I was asked why I needed to know?? We will never stay here again just based on the staff alone!!

a spur of the moment camping trip with my sister. The owner was great-very accommodating. the rest…read morerooms and laundry were very clean and the water hot and plentiful. so nice to go to sleep listening to the Santiam River. this may become our "go to spot" to connect, unwind and just relax.

Wet peaceful and relaxing. Great place to get away from it all! Super clean bathrooms which is a…read moremust especially when traveling with kids! The hosts were very friendly and all the campers enjoyed a camp fire together and just relaxed. Exactly what we needed. Will definitely come again!!

AUG 18 to 21, 2017, I was there to camp and watch the Total Solar Eclipse on the grassy field. I…read moreshared the cabin "Kingfisher" with my mom, her friend, my friend, my twin sister, and her fiancé. But some have to sleep in tents next to the cabin. I really enjoyed swimming in chilly shallow waters of the Santian River. I enjoyed walking around the trails that were well tended. The shower and bathroom facilities was clean and the water pressure was good. The wide grassy field next to the river was the perfect spot to watch the Total Solar Eclipse. 2022 is the year I have learned what happened in 2020 when a wildfire swept the once delightful camping attraction. I am so sorry the wildfire happened. I really hope the campground will come back as it used to be but it may be a long long time before it actually does.

Fisherman's Bend Campground is a Bureau of Land Management owned federal campground located between…read moreSalem, Oregon and Detroit Lakes along the Santiam River. It features 21 pull through trailer sites and 29 tenting sites along with some group camping sites and even two cabins that sleep six. Bathrooms and showers are plentiful, water is never a long walk away, firewood is pretty inexpensive (you have to buy their wood, don't bring any with you) and each site has electricity available. We've been here camping the last four years or so and we really enjoy the beauty and the quiet as well as the availability of things to do here and nearby. Fishing, hiking, group activities, a boat ramp, ball fields, playgrounds, basketball courts and picnic areas are just some of the offerings. This last trip we stayed four days in one of the two cabins available. It truly will sleep six comfortably, has a nice picnic table both inside the cabin and outside next to the fire pit. There is a barbecue as well power in the cabin and water right out front just steps from the ample sized porch. You can bring pets but they cannot be in the cabin, our dogs did fine outside and we also set up a tent for them too, but they chose to stay on the porch. Fisherman's Bend is close enough to home that it's affordable camping within an hour and half of the Portland Area, close to Silver Falls State Park, Detroit Lakes and Salem. It is worth checking out.

A lot of people know this as Opal Creek because the water is so beautiful. It's a gorgeous campsite…read morewith lots of rocks to jump off of if that's your thing! Lots of tanning and sun bathing spots as well! Very easy to access and lots of beautiful hikes.

$8 self serve per night, and just above the creek, it doesn't get much better than this…read more This campground was clean, and relatively well maintained. Beautiful forest life, and the sound of the creek will lull you to sleep. Perfect for a hot summer day dip. The campground is small, and there isn't too many camping spaces. It's first come first serve, with one pit toilet ( it didn't have toilet paper at the time I was there ). This idelylic spot is perfect for families, couples, or just anyone hoping to get away. Theres lots of hikes nearby as well, most notably Opal Creek .

Really nice campground. Only 15 spots in the National Forest Campground along the river. They…read morehave pit toilets and a few places for water. Sites are right along the beautiful Metolius River. Big trees. Quiet. Really enjoyed the experience.

Drove all the way from Salem to get a sandwich and new shirts. Every indicator I've seen on FB they…read morewere open. 4 other cars thought the same yet low and behold they were closed. Be a while before we come back. Sister is getting our business.

Big Lake Campground is a lovely mountain campground near Santiam Pass. It's 34 miles northeast of…read moreBlue River, which is mistakenly shown on the Yelp map as the location. That's the ranger station at Blue River, not the campground, which is located off U.S. Highway 20 west of Sms isters. There's 49 campsites with varying lengths. We stayed in campsite 22. We had just enough room for our 25-foot travel trailer and GMC Yukon travel trailer. The rest of our site was huge, with wooden steps leading to a picnic table and a fire ring. Out the back window of our trailer we could see Big Lake and towering Mount Washington, one of the gems of Central Oregon. A short trail leads past prolific stands of bear grass and flowers, including mountain lupine, Queen's Cup, mountain meadowsweet and scarlet trumpet. There are numerous vault toilets and faucets offering drinking water. There are also boat ramps. We really enjoyed our time at this campground and highly recommend it.

I camped here a couple summers ago and it was one of the most beautiful campgrounds I have been to…read more Mt. Washington sits right over Big Lake and boasts gorgeous mountain views with tall green trees surrounding the lake. We actually had a small lake access from our campground and the campground was nice and private from other sites. We reserved online for $24 a night (I highly recommend reserving online to be safe because the campground does fill up) and after splitting the cost with everyone it was dirt cheap! It's very reasonably priced per night. When we came in no one was at the check-in station but we found our name on a post outside the campground. Bathrooms were your standard vault toilets and there was running water but I don't think it was potable. I came mid-summer and the mosquitos were only a little noticeable and not out of control. We didn't have any issues with animals like raccoons or anything and since it was car camping our cars were easily accessible. I wish we could have brought out a kayak but it was still a nice place to swim and enjoy a beautiful summer weekend on the lake. There was a camp across the lake and a few trails we explores. I really liked the terrain and how it changed as you walked further into the mountains. I will definitely be back!

Currently they have a discount for cat food donations- ask!…read more The kitchen is basic but full. The towels are clean as are the sheets. The heat is on but not hot, I asked for an extra blanket and Sherry was very nice about it. She Slaytana came over and showed us how to turn up the heat in the bedroom- knob is gone. I'm giving an extra star to counter the lady who was pissed about paying a dollar extra but it was probably in the 3.5 side bc the beds a but hard & the blankets thinner than I want. Maybe you aren't as thin blooded as I? Over all a recommended spot.

Shari who manages/owns the All Seasons Motel is incredibly hospitable. Her motel had exactly what…read moreone needs after a long day of travel - clean bed, shower, internet. Shari went out of her way to accommodate me and my friends as we rearranged our reservations and had several above-and-beyond requests due to our circumstances of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Her boyfriend Paul even provided us rides to and from trail, which is just unspeakably kind and helpful for a hiker like myself. I highly recommend supporting this motel and Shari's wonderful family so she can keep providing her generous services. The rooms at the motel are fine - clean, comfortable, modest and they get the job done. This is a quaint little town too with a pretty lake and river to enjoy in your down time.

Visited in August 2025:…read more This campground needs a warden. Screaming past 1am and again before 7am? - Yes, so relaxing to be away from noises of the city. Shooting multiple guns for 10 minutes straight? - Very tranquil. Used toilet paper strewn about? - Nature is just so gosh darn beautiful. That river sure was lovely on a 100 degree day though.

Hey, are you planning a group campout? It's harder than it seems, right? To find a place nearish to…read morePortland, with enough room for everyone, without costing a million dollars. Depending on your needs, Raab might hit the spot. Ten things about camping at Raab, in no particular order: 1. Don't know from where the name came, and don't know how to pronounce it. Also uncertain about the broccoli by the same name. 2. It's on a bend of the Callowash River. Bring your floaties and river shoes. You may end up walking through or around other people's campsites to get to the water, but they'll understand. If you explore, you can find several private spots, too. 3. The sites are divided into loops, and you rent a whole loop, not individual sites. Depending on your loop, your tent sites might be somewhat small and far apart, divided by lots of old-growth trees and wild rhodies. If you want a big group space with a nice gathering area, pick site E. It would be great for a group of 30 or more. 4. There's one can for each side of the campground. It's fairly clean and decently maintained for a vault toilet, but you'll occasionally experience a small line. 5. I found four geodes! Four! On the ground! 6. It's close to Bagby Hot Springs. Only like 10 miles away, and on the same stretch of road. If you get up early, you might be able to beat the crowds. 7. There are otters! They make really cute squeaky noises. 8. The nearest store is the Ripplebrook Ranger Station. They cannot run a credit card when someone is talking on the phone. They have ice and firewood, but sometimes run out of both. 9. There's no cell service. If you take walkie-talkies, be sure to charge them before you leave. 10. If you leave a light on in your car for four days, make sure someone in your group has jumper cables and know-how. Hope that helps! Best of luck out there, campers!