Camping in Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

94% (23 reviews)

Escape to the mountains, forest, and lake all in one park.

Top public campgrounds in the park

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

1. Detroit Lake Campground

94%

(23)

25 sites · RVs, Tents · In Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

Detroit Lake is a camping paradise for boating enthusiasts, families that want to keep their kiddos entertained and appreciators of the Cascade’s marvelously reflective mountain lakes

94% (23 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Detroit Lake State Recreation Area adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

97%

(271)

Tranquil Orchards and Wine Tours

19 sites · RVs, Tents28 acres · Aurora, OR

Reconnect with nature and escape the heat on our 28 acre filbert orchard, better known as hazelnuts. On hot summer days you’ll find the temperature under the orchard canopy almost 10 degrees cooler at the heat of the day. Feel free to roam the orchard, play a little hide and seek, hang up a hammock, or bring a blanket and picnic. Within walking or bicycle distance are fantastic amenities including Aurora Colony Vineyards, Pheasant Run Tasting room (Friday summer concerts), Aurora Colony Pub (acoustic Thursday), Filbert Farmhouse Restaurant, White Rabbit Bakery, Aurora Healing Gardens-psilocybin experience (advanced reservation required), a local park and lots of antique stores. Within driving distance are tons of wineries, breweries, distilleries and the Woodburn Outlet Mall. Here to visit wine country? We have a local wine tour company that offers pickup at our site: www.TheGoodVibesTour.com New this year are several cool features including: Outdoor Shower: Available Memorial Day - Labor Day 2nd enclosed shower 3 Flushing Toilets Picnic Tables Hammocks to enjoy while you visit Pick-up available on property for wine tours Welcome to our little bit of paradise; we hope you enjoy your time here in the Willamette Valley. Cheers, ~Shane

97%

(565)

Camp Cedar Creek ⛺️🌲🚐

37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents37 acres · Sandy, OR

***PLEASE CLICK "SHOW MORE" AND READ EVERYTHING BEFORE BOOKING OR ASKING QUESTIONS.*** TLDR; WE HAVE TWO SECTIONS OF THIS CAMPGROUND: 1. For creekside campers (campsites named after mushrooms): 4WD/AWD required, pack-in-pack-out, and off-leash dog friendly 2. For vanlifers & digital nomads (spots are numbered): vans/vehicles only (2WD okay), on-leash dog friendly, with access to hilltop barn with communal kitchen, flush toilets + showers, coworking space + wifi, laundry, and gym/game area Creekside campers can also get access the barn with a Blue Barn pass ($15/person). You can add the Blue Barn Pass to your reservation or come check it out and add it during your stay. MORE ABOUT THE LAND: Located right off Hwy 26, directly in between the city of Portland and the peak of Mt. Hood, you'll find the most peaceful corner of the Pacific Northwest for you to pitch your tent or park your van. We are conveniently located just 6 minutes from downtown Sandy, known for its food trucks, outdoor gear shops, and the famous Joe's Donuts. Though we are right off a busy highway, we're in a valley so all you'll hear are the tranquil sounds of Cedar Creek's flowing waters and the chirping birds who live in the cedars overhead. The small clearings throughout the property provide natural privacy for our campers, while the barn provides amenities making it difficult to leave. We're so honored to share this magical place with as many people exploring the Pacific Northwest as we can. We hope your stay here will bring you a deep sense of peace, inspire creativity, give you whatever it is you're in need of at this moment in time. Take a dip in Cedar Creek, sit and read by one of the ponds, get your heart pumping on the hilly trails on the north side of the property, pick as many blackberries as you can find if in season. We can't wait to host you! NON-NEGOTIABLE RULES: PACK IN PACK OUT: We do not have trash or recycling bins down in the creekside campground so please keep your waste contained and take it with you when you leave. Please do not throw any trash in the porta-potties. 4WD/AWD REQUIRED PAST THE BARN: The steep gravel roads can be tough for some cars and rigs (particularly on the way out) and consequently, can cause a lot of damage to our roads. So for everyone's safety, we have restricted access to only vehicles with 4WD or AWD only. Please do not message us asking us to advise on the vehicle you have. If someone in your party has a 2WD vehicle, they can park up in the entry lot and get shuttled down to the campsites in a 4WD vehicle. If we see a 2WD vehicle in the campground, we will ask you to leave and if we have to dig you out, we will charge a $200 fee. Thank you for respecting our policies and helping us maintain our space. DOG FRIENDLY: We are as dog friendly as it gets here. Unleashed dogs are allowed on this property down by the creek (on-leash required in and around the barn). If you have a fear of dogs, or have dogs that are not friendly with other people or fellow dogs, this probably isn't the right campground for you. Of course, we expect all dog owners to keep an eye on their pets so they don't disturb other campers or ingest anything they're not supposed to. QUIET HOURS: 10pm-9am. We ask that guests keep the noise (loud music and loud conversations) to a minimum between 10pm and 9am. We live onsite and will enforce these if we have to (please don't make us). NO FIREARMS, FIREWORKS OR ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE USE. This is not a late night party campsite. This property is best enjoyed in the daylight and we encourage campers who want to take full advantage of the scenery, will abide by the quiet hours, and maintain a safe space for all. OTHER INFO: CELL SERVICE: There is an AT&T tower on our property so that gets the best service by far. Verizon is pretty good. T-mobile does not get reception here. There is high-speed internet up at the barn that is accessible with a Blue Barn Pass.

96%

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Zigzag Mountain Farm on Mount Hood

6 sites · Tents50 acres · Rhododendron, OR

Located on Mount Hood about an hour from Portland, Zigzag Mountain Farm is home to an organic garden, old homestead, house, yurts, and barn. 50 acres of open meadows and forest, bordering thousands of acres of national forest. The farm is home to an organic garden, campfire circle, picnic area, a city bus with a campers' kitchen, outdoor seating area with BBQ, kids play structure and hiking trails. The cabin on the property was built by the original homesteaders. Britta and Jim purchased the property in 2009. It had been vacant for a number of years. Giant slash piles scattered the land from previous logging. The house and cabin were not livable and needed major renovations. In 2019, we purchased and brought in a city bus and converted it to a campers kitchen. A year-round creek flows through the property and 3 major rivers are nearby. The Zigzag Mountain Lookout Trail leaves from the property. The property was homesteaded in the early 1900's. E. Mountain Drive was the wagon train trail into Portland, known as the Barlow Trail. Zigzag Mountain Farm offers the perfect escape from the city.

Booked 1 time

Cindi's River Getaway

1 site · RV, Tent1 acres · Idanha, OR

Cindi's River Getaway: Your Private Santiam River Oasis, 1.50-acre. Escape to your own private spot and beat the heat on the banks of the scenic Santiam River! Cindi's River Getaway offers a unique camping experience, combining the tranquility of a secluded river beach with convenient amenities and nearby attractions. Property Highlights: Private Beach: Enjoy direct access to your own stretch of sandy beach along the beautiful Santiam River. Perfect for sunbathing, playing in the sand or just relaxing by the water's edge. Riverfront RV Site with Electric Hookup: Park your RV and enjoy the convenience of a dedicated site with provided electricity. Tent Camping Areas: Plenty of space available to pitch your tents and enjoy the outdoors. Two Porta-Potties: Conveniently located portable restrooms for your group. Non-Potable Water: Water available for washing and cleaning (please bring your own drinking water). Two Firepits: Gather around the campfire for storytelling, s'mores, and enjoying the peaceful ambiance. Fishing from the Beach: Cast your line right from the shore and try your luck at catching some of the Santiam's famous fish. Pet-Friendly: Limit 3 furry friends along to enjoy the adventure! (Please keep pets on a leash/ No digging and clean up after them) Location, Location, Location! Detroit, Oregon: Just a short 5.9-mile drive to the charming town of Detroit, where you'll find restaurants, shops, and the stunning Detroit Lake. Outdoor Recreation: Hike, bike, fish, boat, and explore all that the Willamette National Forest has to offer. Important Notes: This property provides non-potable water only. Please be sure to bring your own drinking water. Trash cans are provided as well as 1 can designated for recyclable cans/bottles Adhere to Leave No Trace principles. Be aware of and follow any posted fire restrictions. Book Your Stay! Contact: [email protected] Cindi's River Getaway is the perfect place for a memorable camping experience on the Santiam River. Contact us today to book your stay and start planning your adventure! *NEW way to take advantage of this lovely, 1,5-acre property on the river Rent it for the day "DAY USE" leave your tent and sleeping bag at home ***Don't forget to bring life jackets for the kids!

98%

(305)

Elk Falls Outdoor Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Molalla, OR

Learn more about this land: Centrally located in the Foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range between Portland and Salem, "Elk Falls Outdoor Recreation Retreat" is a small, private, "ADULT ONLY" (minimum of 21 years) Outdoor Recreation Retreat that provides the general Public with all Aspects of outdoor Recreation Activities and Pursuits. Please review the Rules to make sure they can be adhered to. Dogs, outsourced Firewood and more than 4 people per Permit are not allowed. This isolated and remote Outdoor Retreat will provide the quiet, peaceful and semi private outdoor recreation Experience you're looking for. Currently there are three Outdoor Recreation Permits available. Recreation Permits allow Outdoor Recreation Activities including, but not limited to, r/v Parking, Hunting, Fishing, dispersed Camping, Nature watching, Hiking, Bicycling, Horseback riding and Swimming on forty Acres of private Timberland. Enjoy Time spent at a forty foot Waterfall that flows into a damned swimming Hole and fishing Pond. The swimming Hole and Pond is accessible by a short Walk, from the end of the access Road. The limited square Footage at the Waterfall is equally divided, to insure that each recreation Permit has Space to occupy at the waterfall Area, at any given Time. Direct Access is available to hundreds of Acres of Port Blakely Tree Farm Property. Ask about sportsmans Discounts with Proof of valid Oregon hunting and fishing Licenses. The Molalla River Corridor, Table Rock Wilderness Area and Silver Falls State Park are all close by.

99%

(100)

Old Elkhorn Golf Course

36 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Lyons, OR

Previously known as Elkhorn Golf Course. The property sits on 461 acres in the Little North Fork Valley with small ponds, streams and the Little North Fork River flowing through the lower level of the property. It has many open and wooded areas as well as beautiful mountain views throughout. The property is approximately 10 minutes from the Town of Gates and Lyons. It is also 25 Minutes from the Detroit Lake day use area.

98%

(1132)

Molalla Ripple

12 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Mulino, OR

Welcome to Molalla Ripple! Enjoy the sound of the Molalla River rolling over the rocks. Wake up to birds chirping and tall trees swaying in the breeze. The campsites are sixty feet apart for privacy, and one path leads to the river with two private beach areas to relax. NOTE, Please use the clean bathrooms provided. DO NOT USE THE WOODS or camp site as your bathroom. Thank you, let's keep things clean and safe for others to enjoy! We are forced to require our guests to pay a cleaning fee that's refundable after your stay. Please add the extra to your booking. We have tried to work with our guests to offer trash service, yet campers leave more than we can handle or clean before our next guest arrives. This is our home and property that we want to share, so let us work together to keep it clean and safe. Thank you from the Toops Family Jsm Ranch started in 2004 when we moved from Oregon City. This once was a working farm with two chicken barns and a meat locker barn. All had been fallen into disrepair before taking owner ship. In 2007 we planted 200 trees and 100 shrubs to build a new fish and wildlife habitat along Woodcock Creek. We then focused on building fence along the Molalla River to protect water quality. From there, we started raising Black Angus in 2008 after spending four years cleaning up the fields to make it safe for animals. We strive to be good stewards with our land as we continue to work with Clackamas Soil and Water to make better working lands. You're only minutes away from the town of Molalla to grab a bite, groceries or other camp items. Also have Molalla Rodeo just 3 minutes away on Splat Action Paintball is just five minutes away. Open all year. -March 21 – April 27, 2025 Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival Camp with us while you visit. Just twenty minutes away or thirteen miles. -July 1-4th. The Molalla train park! You won't be disappointed for a great breakfast at Tammy D's (Mulino, OR), sandwiches at Humble Pig or pizza at Bear Creek Pizza & Pub.

99%

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Mt. Hood Enchanted Forest

5 sites · Lodging, Tents17 acres · Sandy, OR

The property is 17 acres of enchanted forestland with 300ft of Sandy River frontage. Both sides of the river are part of the Enchanted Forest There are a few walking paths and plenty of room to roam. Bring your paddle board or kayak to enjoy the river (Dependent on river level/current strength) The property is located within 2 miles from the Sandy Ridge Mountain bike trails and Barlow Wayside hiking trails. It's approximately 20 minutes to Government camp, ~ 35 minutes to Timberline for skiing and biking and an additional ~ 15 minutes to Mt. Hood Meadows. Approximately 50 min to PDX airport, and 1 hour to downtown Portland.

96%

(109)

Marmot House Old Growth Forest

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Sandy, OR

Marmot House is a lush 13 acres of mostly old growth forest in the foothills of Mt. Hood, right on the Historic Oregon Trail. It is close to hiking, biking, and forested waterfalls a short drive away. We have beautiful short hikes on trails in our forest on the property. World class windsurfing 30 miles away in Hood River, as well as more amazing waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. The Sandy River recreation area is just up the road from us and we are 10 mins. from The Sandy Ridge Trail with its 17 miles of mountain bike trails. Each campsite is tucked in the woods and has access our communal fire pit at our gathering space. Our well water tastes amazing! The is not a developed campground, it is our home. We see ourselves as stewards of this hidden forest gem and welcome people to enjoy its beauty. We are avid campers and recently spend 9 months in our teardrop trailer off grid on public lands. Living here we are three family members, one renter and short term volunteer traveler workers. We all work from home, Arehn a spiritual life coach, who loves to cook, Jim a software engineer and disc golfer, son Ian, software engineer and writer and Zuzu, forest fire fighter and logger lives in a separate apartment on the property.

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Camp Colton

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents85 acres · Colton, OR

Escape to 85 acres of Pacific Northwest forest, just an hour southeast of Portland. Our modern-rustic accommodations blend seamlessly with nature—choose from cozy forest yurts, charming cabins, a tiny house, pet-friendly cottages, or the spacious River Falls Lodge. Tent campers and RV travelers will find serene sites under towering firs and cedars. Hike through sun-dappled trails, explore our converging creeks, or swim and canoe in our spring-fed pond. Most sites welcome campfires (burn bans permitting) and furry companions. Whether you seek a bare-bones adventure or comforts like full kitchens, our range of listings lets you unplug at your own pace. Ideal for romantic getaways, family trips, or creative retreats—every stay supports our mission of land stewardship. ****PLEASE NOTE: IN ADDITION TO OUR ACCOMMODATIONS, WE ARE A WEDDING AND EVENT VENUE, SO YOU MAY HEAR MUSIC AND JOYFUL VOICES ACROSS THE CREEK LATE INTO THE EVENING DURING OUR PEAK SEASON (ROUGHLY MAY 1 - OCTOBER 31). If you prefer only to stay when there is no event on our large site, please inquire before requesting to book.

97%

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GeerCrest Farm

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents21 acres · Salem, OR

GeerCrest Farm was settled by the Geer family in 1848, and is still owned and stewarded by the family. The house Ralph and Mary Geer built in 1851 stands and is one of the oldest in Oregon to remain in the same family. The farm features creeks, forests, pastures, orchards and gardens as well as the historic buildings. Currently we have four friendly sheep and a small flock of Mallard ducks to keep us company. The Pioneer Memorial Orchard features over 50 vairieties of pre 1850 apple trees. The Heritage Grove has ten fruit and nut trees that were recognizeds as a memorial the the early pioneers of the nursery trade by Oregon Heritage Tree program. The 20 acre property, offers three tent camp sites Including the Tree House site, as well as two forest cabins and a small forest bunkhouse (sleeps 6). Our peaceful, small farm offers a reflective immersion in nature and history among the occasional quacking of ducks and baaas of sheep. The scenery from all corners of the farm is incredible - a favorite is the westward view of the valley pasture at sunset -- called "Homer's View" after famous political cartoonist and Geer descendant, Homer Davenport. No matter which camping site you choose, the sounds of the creek, pond frogs, or conversing owls are sure to lull you to sleep. Feel free to roam the farm, but always leave gates as you find them, open or closed. Please say hello to our sheep and barn cats (they may say hello first). Explore the Heritage Grove of historic trees, the Memorial apple orchard and pear glade with varieties circa 1840s, indulge your senses in our medicinal herb garden, and chat with our farm family while they water the veggie gardens, if you so wish! Your experience will certainly be unique to the season. Your host Jim Toler represents the fifth generation of the farm and will happily share stories of the farm and it's history. GeerCrest Farm is truly an off-the-beaten-path gem.

98%

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Zen Acres

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Estacada, OR

We purchased this slice of paradise in 2003 as a place to relax, recharge, and someday build our dream home. It started as nothing more than a gravel road leading to a small clearing with an old bus and a couple decks. Our children have grown up out here learning a deep respect for nature and the real (non digital) world. Now empty nesters, we live on site. Part of our retirement planning is to spend next several years developing the lower portion of the property (approx. 15 acres) into a campground and retreat for our guests, as well as our own family, friends, and grandchildren. The campground area (currently) consists of a handful of primitive campsites, and a group area. We are working steadily on improvements, including adding more sites, improving the roadways, and upgrading the common areas. In all we will likely have 12-15 total designated camping areas (including a group area or two, as well as a couple hike to secluded locations). For much more details regarding our philosophy, history, and future plans please visit our website at www.zen-acres.com. There is also a lot of additional information listed on the individual campsite descriptions.

Camping in Detroit Lake State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

It’s all about the views at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area. Perched on the glittering shores of Detroit Lake, the forested peaks of the Cascade Mountains stretch out all the way to the snow-capped peak of Mt. Jefferson on the horizon. Whether you’re coming to cruise the lake, fish for rainbow trout and catfish, cool off at the swimming areas, or enjoy water skiing and other water sports, the lakeside spot is the perfect camping getaway. There’s just one campground within the Recreation Area, but it has everything you might need, including full hookups, tent sites, and three mini-cabins.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve all RV sites, tent sites, and cabins at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area Campground online via the Reserve America website.
Online reservations can be made up to nine months in advance.
With 300 campsites available, there’s plenty of space, but lake-view campsites, boat moorings, and cabins can book up fast over summer and holiday weekends, so reserve as soon as possible.

When to go

Summer is the best time to camp by the lake, and April through September is peak season. However, be sure to check the water levels prior to arrival as they can be unpredictable, and the lake sometimes dries up during late summer. The campground stays open year-round, although some sites are closed during low season.

Know before you go

Detroit Lake State Recreation Area is located within the Willamette National Forest, 90 miles southeast of Portland or about a 1-hour 40-minute drive.
Day passes and/or camping reservations are required for all vehicles entering the recreation area, and booking fees also apply.
Blue-green algae, which is toxic to humans and dogs, can bloom at Detroit Lake, so follow park guidance on swimming and water sports.
You can bring your own boat or watercraft to Detroit Lake, and there are both reservable and non-reservable moorings available, as well as two boat ramps.
Facilities at Detroit Lake include a Visitor Centre with a gift shop and general store, volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, a playground, and a fishing dock. The closest dump station is in Salem, 51 miles away. Generators are not permitted.
There are accessible restrooms and campsites at Detroit Lake Recreation Area.

94%

23 ratings · 2 reviews

Mixed feelings

· October 2018

Detroit Lake Campground

Really good you are most likely always on the water

Cameron T.

6 years on Hipcamp

September 2017

Detroit Lake Campground

Detroit Lake is awesome! The park is HUGE so there are hundreds of sites available. The ones closest to the lake (furthest from the highway) are the best ones. The restrooms and showers are clean, and hot running showers are FREE. The campsites are a little close together so it can be a bit loud. This park is also dog-friendly and bike friendly. There are lots of different beach access points to the lake w/ a beautiful view of Mt. Jefferson. Don't forget to bring floaties and rafts for the lake. Each campsite comes with a table, fire pit and grill, and a nearby water spigot as well as dump station. Very convenient campsite, and helpful staff. If you forget anything, it's an easy drive/walk/bike ride to Detroit where you can get supplies.