How would you like to sleep next to a waterfall? Ohh! Or maybe behind the waterfall! In a cave! That sounds like something from a movie; but I did notice an interesting type of campground in the Idleyld Park area. This part of the Umpqua National Forest in Oregon boasts multiple, small campgrounds that are built around their own waterfalls. The campgrounds typically:
- are nine sites or less,
- are first come first serve,
- have no hosts
- have no potable water or showers and
- no rv hookups.
What they do have are day-use picnic tables and gorgeous waterfalls. One really cool thing about these waterfalls is that you can get very close and hike around them. They aren’t blocked off at a distance. They also provide beautiful water sounds while you sleep but don’t forget the bug spray! There are a lot of mosquitos when it gets warm.
WHITE HORSE FALLS campground has 5 campsites, costs $10/night, and allows dogs on leash and fishing. It also has a beautiful cascading waterfall that flows into the fast moving river. My brother and I walked right down to the edge of it to take pictures.
CLEARWATER FALLS campground is also $10/night and dogs are allowed on leash. There are 9 sites, separated by the river and waterfall. The waterfall seems to shoot out of every crevice it can find, then flows down and around large, moss-covered stones. A sign at the lookout point says that there are seven kinds of moss in the river and it looked to me like someone went down there and decorated.
A short trail goes up the side of the fall so you can walk around on top of it and see where all that water is coming from. This was where we stayed so we had an opportunity to hike around and take lots of photos!
Some campgrounds are hiding in the mountains, down gravel roads, and some are closed due to last year’s forest fires. Make sure to do your research and look up Idkeyld Park to find waterfalls, campsites, and weather for this area.
Some similar campgrounds to check out are:
- Steamboat Falls campground has 10 first come first serve camp sites. No fishing. $10/night
- Canton Creek campground has 5 sites and takes reservations. No fishing. Dogs allowed on leash. $10/ night. Temporarily closed but keep an eye out because our site also said it was closed and it wasn’t.
- Cavitt Creek Falls recreation area has 10 sites and is Reservation only. Trout fishing is allowed.
- Susan Creek campground seems a little different than the others. It’s bigger, with 29 sites, is reservation only and costs $20/night. It looks like it has more amenities and also RV hookups.
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Wow, so beautiful . Sounds so soothing .
Absolute treasure, and for 10 to 20 dollars, it’s a win-win! Very beautiful spot. The little clip with flowing water is a nice inclusion for your blog.. Good one
Every time when I read you blogs now, I open this and read! Such a beautiful place, so wholesomely described experience, and amazing pictures, deserve grand music 😀 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2liozIXhJA
Amazing place. Just like heaven on earth. Wish I could be there.
What an idyllic spot to be able to camp right there next to the waterfalls! I really enjoy being able to identify different plants, as well. Seven types of moss, eh?
I have a picture of the sign somewhere. It’s not beautiful but I’ll try to post it here.