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Reservations possible?
Yes
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
Yes
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Nearby Lodging + Camping
Willamette Foothills, Oregon
Willamette Foothills, Oregon
Willamette Foothills, Oregon
Comments
We didn't realize this until after the window for online reservations had closed.
We risked it anyway.
Enter the relatively unknown beauty of Fernview Group Camp.
Cascadia, Trout Creek, Yukwah, and House Rock were full.
I had read about Fernveiw, but assummed it was out of the question because of the "group site" designation.
However, if a group has not reserved the campground, the individual sites are available on an "first come" basis for only $15/night (summer prices). What luck!
Even with all the others filled to capacity, we were one of only four groups on a Friday night in August. On Saturday, two groups moved on. And Sunday night we had the place to ourselves. Heavenly!
River and swimming access is available most directly from site 3. Site 2 has a lengthier but productive trail. Site 1 connects to the Site 2 trail to get you to the water. Also, near the entrance to the campground, there is a trail used by day use folks to access the river.
From Site 3 you will find a sweet stair case and rope assisted trail to the river. Since there is no filtered/pumped in water, we found this super helpful during our trips to hand-filter water from the river.
We loved our Ferview weekend SO much. It is within five minutes of several trailheads. And, only about 15 minutes' drive from the trailhead to Iron Mountain. If you haven't hiked this one yet, make it happen. Even on a smokey day, the hike, terrain, and view were rewarding.
We did drive through the other four campgrounds on this stretch of the Santiam, but when we return, I'd be happiest to make camp at Fernview again.
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