Black Canyon Campground (Willamette National Forest, OR)

I love this campground. I've been many times. It's quiet, has lots of space in between campsites, and has the beautiful river. However, this time was different. There was a campsite (not sure if they were supposed to be hosts or not) down by the place where you park by the river, that was very questionable. There were cars park all over the place, people were working on their cars, syphoning gas, there were several people we saw using drugs down by the river (not mariguana). There were various people that kept driving around the campground that were not campers. I didn't feel as safe as I usually do.

This campground is gorgeous, right in a forest and next to the water. The sites have quite a bit of room. The bathrooms are clean. It took some asking to find out where the host was as it wasn't clear and we didn't see them make rounds. Eventually we found out that they don't sell firewood, but there are plenty of places to buy some in nearby Oakridge and there was a surprising amount of fallen branches and twigs at the site. My kids had fun in the water and I was amazed by the wildlife. So many birds! We saw several saw-whet owls around our tent site and then dozens of western tiger swallowtail butterflies congregating on the riverbank. Loved all the maple, cedar, and ferns, too! Would definitely visit again.

This campground is gorgeous, right in a forest and next to the water. The sites have quite a bit of room. The bathrooms are clean. It took some asking to find out where the host was as it wasn't clear and we didn't see them make rounds. Eventually we found out that they don't sell firewood, but there are plenty of places to buy some in nearby Oakridge and there was a surprising amount of fallen branches and twigs at the site. My kids had fun in the water and I was amazed by the wildlife. So many birds! We saw several saw-whet owls around our tent site and then dozens of western tiger swallowtail butterflies congregating on the riverbank. Loved all the maple, cedar, and ferns, too! Would definitely visit again.

There's a good amount of vegetation between campsites which provides decent privacy. It is just off the highway, so some campsites would be too noisy for me but there are many where it's not at a bothersome level. There's also train tracks just across the river, so there were at least 3-4 trains a day going past, but I found that a minor inconvenience overall. A boat ramp within the campground gives easy access to the river, and it's slow enough at that point to be able to wade out at least to hip height. It's only about 8 miles or so to the small town of Oakridge if supplies or non camp food is desired. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring, and several have tent pad areas. I saw some small RVs/campers but normal size ones would likely not be able to navigate the campground or fit in spots. There are sites next to the river (but not necessarily direct access from them) so that you can both see and hear the water. There are frequent potable water stations. The bathrooms are pit toilets, but these were among the cleanest I had seen.

There's a good amount of vegetation between campsites which provides decent privacy. It is just off the highway, so some campsites would be too noisy for me but there are many where it's not at a bothersome level. There's also train tracks just across the river, so there were at least 3-4 trains a day going past, but I found that a minor inconvenience overall. A boat ramp within the campground gives easy access to the river, and it's slow enough at that point to be able to wade out at least to hip height. It's only about 8 miles or so to the small town of Oakridge if supplies or non camp food is desired. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring, and several have tent pad areas. I saw some small RVs/campers but normal size ones would likely not be able to navigate the campground or fit in spots. There are sites next to the river (but not necessarily direct access from them) so that you can both see and hear the water. There are frequent potable water stations. The bathrooms are pit toilets, but these were among the cleanest I had seen.

Wow this campground was beautiful! So green and lush, it was magnificent. Would love to stay again!

Wow this campground was beautiful! So green and lush, it was magnificent. Would love to stay again!

Great little camping spot outside of Eugene, can hear train at times but sites are very private.

Great little camping spot outside of Eugene, can hear train at times but sites are very private.

Camp hosts visible and courteous! Spots were small, but overall a great camping weekend.