If you’re looking for a serene and picturesque camping experience then you won’t want to miss camping near Oakridge, Oregon.

Considered the mountain biking capital of the northwest, Oakridge is located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in the stunning Willamette National Forest. This beautiful forest is home to miles of trails, several campgrounds, and a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.

If you’re a fan of mountain biking, the Oakridge area is a must-visit destination. The Cog Wild headquarters is located in the town of Oakridge, and the nearby Interpretive Nature Trail winds through the beautiful Willamette National Forest.

No matter what kind of outdoor adventure you’re looking for, the Oakridge area has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in camping, hiking, mountain biking, or just soaking in the natural beauty of the Willamette National Forest, you’ll find it all in this small town.

If you’re looking for a bit of local flavor during your stay, be sure to visit the Willamette Mountain Mercantile or stop by the Lookout Point Lake for a breathtaking view. And if you’re feeling brave, you can even hike to the top of Dead Mountain for an unforgettable experience.

You will also find some of the best fly fishing in the Pacific Northwest along the North Fork of the Willamette River, just outside town.

Check out this related article: 32 Fun and Interesting Facts about Hiking

Campgrounds near Oakridge, Oregon

Black Canyon Campground

Black Canyon Campground is located in a mature Douglas-fir and Western Red Cedar forest. It offers 75 campsites located in cool shade from summer heat alongside the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. There are even riverside sites with pleasant shade, fresh air with a nice cool breeze. The campground is directly off of Oregon State Highway 58 and close to Oakridge.

Black Canyon is near the Winberry Trail Area and Fall Creek reservoir. This area has excellent terrain. Be sure to experience the Tire Mountain Trail for mountain biking and horseback riding, and the Clover Patch Trail for hiking.

Black Canyon Campground Campsite — Campsite

Amenities:

Picnic table and fire ring with grill at each site
Vault Toilets
Drinking water
River access

Recreational Activities:

A mile long interpretive nature trail runs through the campground.
Boating and fishing on Lookout Point Reservoir. A boat ramp is located on the lake.
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Horseback riding

Reserve your stay here: Black Canyon Campround

Find more information at the Willamette National Forrest website here.

Packard Creek Campground

Packard Creek is a popular 37 site campground on the west side of Hills Creek Reservoir. This campground is a family-friendly destination that offers a beautiful setting among tall fir trees.

The campground is busy on summer weekends, so plan your arrival accordingly.

Accessible parking is offered at the boat ramp/swimming area. Hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers can explore the nearby Larison Creek Trail. Her you’ll find Oakridge mountain biking at its best!

Be aware that there is a lot of poison oak throughout the camp, so use caution when walking through the brush and off the paved roads.

Day Use area Packard Creek Campground — Day Use Area

Amenities:

Picnic table and campfire ring
Vault Toilets
Drinking water
Large group camp that can accommodate up to 80 people
Boat dock
Swimming area
Large picnic shelter
Day camping area
Some sites have individual docks

Recreational Activities:

Swimming
Boating and fishing on Hills Creek Reservoir
Hiking, Horseback riding and mountain biking on the nearby Larison Creek Trail

Reserve your stay here: Packard Creek Campground

Find more information at the Willamette National Forrest website here.

Salmon Creek Falls Campground

Oakridge Oregon camping at its best can be found at this 14 site campground is located along Salmon Creek. This area of the Willamette National Forrest is full of beautiful, lush, old growth forest.

Salmon Creek Campground Campground Map — Salmon Creek Campground

The steep terrain creates beautiful waterfalls and many deep pools of refreshing clear blue-green waters. Wild thimbleberries and hazelnuts abound in the summer.

This camp is a favorite recreation spot for local residents as well as some more distant travelers.

Amenities:

Picnic Table
Vault toilets
No water
fire pit

Recreational Activities:

Hiking
Mountain Biking
Fishing (Rainbow trout, Brooke Trout)
Swimming

Camping is first come first serve only.

Find more information at the Willamette National Forrest website here.

If you’re looking for a solar power station for your camping trip, check out this article: Jacker Explorer 1000 vs Bluetti EB150 – Solar Power Station Comparison

Blue Pool Campground

Blue Pool is a 24-site campground conveniently located adjacent to Oregon State Highway 58. It’s surrounded by a beautiful old growth forest nestled alongside Salt Creek.

This campground is a perfect example of Oakridge, Oregon camping at its best. It places you close to just about any outdoor activity you have in mind.

The McCredie Day Use Area & Hot Springs are located just one-half mile east on Highway 58. This hidden gem was formally developed as a hot springs resort, but currently the hot springs area is unimproved. The hot springs water temperature is very high in the pools, so use extreme caution.

Amenities:

Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Large picnic area

Recreational Activities:

Fishing
Swimming
Hiking
Easy access to the nearby hot spring

Camping is first come first serve only.

Find more information at the Willamette National Forrest website here.

Waldo Lake Shadow Bay Campground

Waldo Lake is a large, high-elevation lake located in a remote area northeast of Oakridge. It is the second-deepest lake in Oregon and is known as on of the purest lakes in North America.

The Waldo Lake Campground is a popular destination for camping and outdoor recreation, with a variety of amenities and recreational activities available for visitors to enjoy.

The Shadow Bay Campground offers a variety of campsites to accommodate different types of campers and camping equipment.

Some campsites may also have additional amenities, such as bear-proof food storage containers or a shared shelter.

The campground may also offer a range of campsite types, including standard campsites, group campsites, and walk-in campsites. Standard campsites are suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs, and may be available with or without electricity. Group campsites are larger and can accommodate larger groups or events. Walk-in campsites are typically located a short distance from the parking area and are suitable for tent camping only.

In addition to the amenities provided at individual campsites, the Waldo Lake Campground also has a number of shared amenities available for all campers to use, including flush toilets, drinking water, and a fish cleaning station.

Amenities:

Campsites with tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables
Flush toilets and drinking water
Boat launch and dock
Fish cleaning station
Hiking trails

Recreational activities:

Camping
Fishing (trout, kokanee, and perch)
Boating (electric motors only)
Swimming
Hiking
Biking
Wildlife viewing (including bald eagles, ospreys, and beavers)

Reserve your stay here: Waldo Lake Campground

Find more information at the Willamette National Forrest website here.

Sand Prairie Campground

This 21-site campground is nestled along the Middle Fork of the Willamette River above Hills Creek Reservoir. It sits in a mixed stand of Douglas-fir, Western hemlock, cedar, dogwood and hazelnut.

Hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers can easily access the large Middle Fork Willamette Trail at the south end of the site.

Amenities:

Vault toilets
Tent and trailer camping (max 28 feet in length)
Day use area

Recreational activities:

Camping
Fishing (Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout)
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Horseback Riding

Camping is first come first serve only.

Find more information at the Willamette National Forrest website here.

Gold Lake Campground

The campground has 21 sites and is located near the Cascade crest, with some sites next to Gold Lake.

Gold Lake is a small, fly-fishing only lake that allows electric motors at slow-no wake speed and non-motorized craft such as canoes and float tubes.

This area is known for its quiet, alpine forest setting and abundant wildlife, including deer, elk, and beaver

The campground features the historic “Willamette Winged” log shelter that serves as an overnight facility for cross-country skiers in the winter and a day-use facility in the summer.

The shelter is a historic structure located in the day use area of the campground. It was designed by William Parke, the Willamette National Forest’s first Recreation Planner, and constructed with Civilian Conservation Corps labor during the early 1940s.

Amenities:

Vault toilets
Hand pump water source
Fire rings
Garbage containers
Boat launch

Recreational Activities:

Hiking
Swimming
Boating
Paddle boarding
Fishing
Mountain biking
Horseback riding

Camping is first come first serve only.

Find more information at the Willamette National Forrest website here.

Summary

As with any outdoor adventure, it’s important to be prepared and to respect the natural surroundings. If you have any concerns or need assistance during your trip, don’t hesitate to contact the deputies at the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.

Also, most campgrounds are only open during the summer months and can fill up fast. Be sure to pan your trip and reserve your stay.

So why wait? Pack your bags, grab your tent, and head to Oakridge, Oregon for a camping trip you’ll never forget. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, you’ll find plenty of beauty and adventure in this charming small town nestled in the heart of the Willamette National Forest.