Iain C
VerifiedMay 24, 2026 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Camp
The site is lovely, we do recommend bringing a wagon for gear
Helpful
Featured amenities
Pet Friendly
About Elk Bend Recreation Site
Want to camp?
Camping season is generally May-September, with Alder Glen and Elk Bend remaining open through the weekend following General Western Oregon Coast 2nd Season for elk. During months with reduced sunlight, potable water may be turned off. Be prepared to bring your own wash and drinking water.
Reserve a site at one of our four campgrounds on recreation.gov or pay when you arrive for non-reserved campsites using the Recreation.gov Mobile App. You must download before you reach the site since there is no cell reception in the drainage.
A place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the electronic age. Elk Bend is the Bureau of Land Management’s group campground within the Nestucca River Recreation Area. The campground sits along the Nestucca River National Back Country Byway and newly designated Nestucca Wild and Scenic River. The Byway takes travelers on a slow, leisurely route that winds through Oregon's Coast Range. The Nestucca River is renowned for fishing opportunities and beauty.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Fishing
Year-round
Year-round
Fishing
Nearby
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 1 to Dec 5
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Missing information?
1, Loop: Camp
⛺
Tent
- Paved
- Pet Friendly
- Campfire
Site Details
Up to 40 guests
Shade
Surface: Paved
Campfire
Pet Friendly
Reviews
7 reviews
Summary
Elk Bend Recreation Site is a beautiful camping area with gorgeous river views, spacious and level tent sites, and a large fire pit ideal for gatherings. It's recommended for group camping, though bringing a wagon for gear is suggested due to parking limitations. An animal-proof food storage option would enhance the experience, as keeping food in cars requires a bit of a walk.
Based on guest feedback
4.9
Overall rating
Based on 7 reviews
5 stars
85.7% (6)
4 stars
14.3% (1)
3 stars
0.0% (0)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 7 reviews
Verified Only
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Hunter A
VerifiedOctober 5, 2025 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Camp
This is a great site. We had 5 tents out here comfortably, you could fit a couple more if needed but parking might become an issue. An animal proof food storage would be a great addition, we kept everything in our cars overnight but that’s a walk up the hill that feels unnecessary. I would highly recommend it here to anyone looking for a group site. The river is beautiful and great for swimming. The road is above the campsite so you’re not blinded by headlights at night and road noise is at a minimum. We will definitely be returning.
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Hunter A
VerifiedOctober 5, 2025 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Camp
This is a great site. We had 5 tents out here comfortably, you could fit a couple more if needed but parking might become an issue. An animal proof food storage would be a great addition, we kept everything in our cars overnight but that’s a walk up the hill that feels unnecessary. I would highly recommend it here to anyone looking for a group site. The river is beautiful and great for swimming. The road is above the campsite so you’re not blinded by headlights at night and road noise is at a minimum. We will definitely be returning.
Helpful
Michelle E
VerifiedJune 23, 2025 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Camp
A beautiful site, multiple families were able to camp comfortably and each of the tent sites are pretty level. The big fire pit is a great size for everyone to gather together. Gorgeous views down by the river. Will be back.
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Michelle E
VerifiedJune 23, 2025 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Camp
A beautiful site, multiple families were able to camp comfortably and each of the tent sites are pretty level. The big fire pit is a great size for everyone to gather together. Gorgeous views down by the river. Will be back.
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Nathaniel O
VerifiedAugust 31, 2023 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Camp
Great spot with a nice swimming hole. The sites are a ways from the road so bring a handtruck.
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Nathaniel O
VerifiedAugust 31, 2023 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Camp
Great spot with a nice swimming hole. The sites are a ways from the road so bring a handtruck.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Elk Bend Recreation Site
Bureau Of Land Management, Salem, OR 97306 United States
Elevation: 295 ft
Getting There
From Coastal Hwy 101 at Beaver: Turn right onto Blaine Road. Drive 7 mi to reach the Nestucca Byway.
From Willamina: Take Willamina Creek Road, to Coast Creek Road, to Gilbert Creek Road, to Bald Mountain Access Road , to Bible Creek Road to the ...
From Coastal Hwy 101 at Beaver: Turn right onto Blaine Road. Drive 7 mi to reach the Nestucca Byway.
From Willamina: Take Willamina Creek Road, to Coast Creek Road, to Gilbert Creek Road, to Bald Mountain Access Road , to Bible Creek Road to the Nestucca Byway.
From Carlton: Take Meadow Lake Road west 12 mi, continue onto the Nestucca Byway.
Highway access
Elk Bend Recreation Site is accessible via Nestucca Byway, which connects to Coastal Hwy 101 approximately 7 miles away at Beaver.
Policies & Rules
General
- Campfires? Please see here for current campfire restrictions: Fire Closures and Restrictions (https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions). Typically, campfires are limited to the steel fire rings or BBQ grills provided within the recreation site. No building rock campfire rings.
- Pack-it in, pack-it out.
- Firewood collection is NOT allowed at the developed campgrounds.
- Pets are allowed but must be leashed (max. 6 feet). Please dispose all pet waste in trash receptacles.
- A fee of $5 for extra vehicles will be collected at the facility through the on site fee station. Cash or check made payable to BLM is accepted. Place fee in the yellow fee envelope. Keep the receipt tab to display on your vehicle dash or campsite post.
- No ATVs or ORVs allowed within the recreation site.
- Caution: Log trucks may be encountered throughout the year. The Byway is open year-round but may become hazardous due to snow and ice.
- The site is remote, there is no cell service or electrical connections. Sites are small and may have limitations.
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Last updated: October 22, 2026
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Explore Salem, OR
Population: 178,865
Nearby city: Portland, OR
Approx. 45 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 161 ft
Salem, OR
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Managed by the Bureau of Land Management