Schwarz Park
4.37170 reviews34909 SHOREVIEW DRIVE, COTTAGE GROVE, OR 97424
Schwarz Park
$24.00 - $150.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$150.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates range from $24 for standard nonelectric sites to $150 for group standard nonelectric sites. Additional fees for reservation changes ($10) and cancellations apply.
About this campground
Nestled beneath the sparkling waters of Dorena Lake, Schwarz Park Campground beckons families seeking the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness. This Oregon gem in the Southern Willamette Valley treats visitors to modern conveniences like flush toilets and hot showers, while kids delight in the on-site playground between adventures. Here, where marshlands meet coniferous forests and open grasslands paint the landscape, you'll discover a basecamp that feels worlds away yet keeps you connected to the essentials.
Schwarz Park provides diverse camping accommodations, including single-family, double-family, group sites, and options for tent and RV camping.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure places you at the doorstep of Oregon's romantic past. The nearby Cottage Grove Scenic Byway winds through a collection of seven historic covered bridges, each a testament to 1920s and 1930s craftsmanship. These weathered wooden tunnels, once vital lifelines for rural communities, now serve as picturesque portals to a bygone era, inviting photographers and history buffs to explore their timeless charm.
Weather and SeasonsPack layers for your Southern Oregon adventure, where Mother Nature keeps things interesting. Summer days can soar into the balmy 90s, perfect for lake activities, while crisp mornings in the low 50s call for cozy campfire gatherings. Spring visitors should come prepared with rain gear, as May through mid-June brings refreshing Pacific Northwest showers that keep the surrounding forests lush and vibrant.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery, the campground's position in the valley creates a gentle, accessible terrain perfect for campers of all ages and abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to a symphony of ecosystems at Schwarz Park, where verdant marshlands teem with wildlife, towering conifers provide natural shade canopies, and rolling grasslands stretch toward the horizon. The crown jewel, Dorena Lake, mirrors the sky just moments away, offering endless opportunities for water recreation. This remarkable convergence of habitats creates a living kaleidoscope that shifts with each passing hour, from misty morning marshes to golden afternoon meadows.
Geological RegionCradled in the gentle embrace of the Calapooya Mountains' foothills, Schwarz Park occupies a fascinating ecological crossroads. These ancient low-lying peaks have sculpted a landscape where wetlands flourish alongside evergreen forests, creating a unique tapestry of Oregon's diverse terrain. The interplay between mountain, marsh, and meadow offers campers a front-row seat to the geological forces that have shaped this enchanting corner of the Pacific Northwest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets and well-maintained trails are available. Many reviews highlight the campground's suitability for families and children.
Sites SizeCampsites range in size, including standard single and double-family sites and six group sites. Some sites are noted to be extremely spacious, such as site #038D.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy at campsites varies significantly. Some areas offer secluded sites surrounded by trees, while others are open and clustered, leading to mixed reviews about the lack of privacy.
Total Campsites80 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and proximity to the river, choose sites like 041. Avoid sites near the entrance or highway for quieter experience.
Best CampsitesSites near the river and shaded areas are frequently praised, such as campsite 041.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit and up to 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Single sites allow maximum 8 individuals
- double sites allow up to 16 individuals.
Groups
Group sites can accommodate up to 16 individuals. Reviews mention spacious areas but restrictive rules on vehicle limits.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are divided into single-family, double-family, and group sites, with various tent and RV configurations.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens April 25, closes September 7 (reservable dates align).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned, but reservations are highly recommended due to popularity during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyA $10.00 service fee applies for cancellations or changes. Late cancellations (individual sites) incur an additional fee forfeiting the first night's use fee. Group facility cancellations less than 14 days before arrival also forfeit the first night's use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Schwarz Park offers a diverse range of activities for campers, including hiking, swimming, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. "The Row River Trail stretches 14 miles...and is open for hiking, biking, and horseback riding." Several historic covered bridges, accessible by trails, add to the recreational charm.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities at Schwarz Park are highly praised. 'Long list of trails with good views of the dam, lake, and reservoir.' The Row River Trail stands out as a popular attraction offering 14 miles of paved trails for hiking and biking.Fishing
Fishing is available and popular at Schwarz Park. One camper claimed, 'Good trout fishing,' while another commented about fishing opportunities at the nearby Dorena Reservoir.Swimming
Swimming is available at designated areas, but reviews mention limited access points near the campground. 'Only one small access point, and on hot days it gets crowded.'Biking
Biking is highly recommended by campers, especially along the Row River Trail. 'Great biking on the Row River Trail,' and 'Visited 4 covered bridges by bike,' are typical sentiments.Boating
Boating is available at Dorena Lake, a short drive from Schwarz Park, where facilities include a boat ramp and marina at Baker Bay County Park.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight of Schwarz Park. One user wrote, 'Saw a Wood duck drake and hen foraging...a great blue heron and a beaver.' Another praised the sightings of bald eagles and ospreys.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs such as the 4th of July bike parade are organized by park rangers. Cultural explorations include visits to historic covered bridges in the area.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed for Schwarz Park.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular activities at Dorena Lake, though not available directly at Schwarz Park.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but policies emphasize using local firewood to prevent invasive species.
- Quiet hours are enforced, but specific times are not noted.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include poison oak and mosquitoes.
Active alertsNo active alerts are noted.
Weather forecast
91
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Cottage Grove, 5 miles away, has emergency services including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 25 to September 7.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available and praised for their convenience and cleanliness. One review noted, 'ample trash sites; clean bathrooms.'
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is close to Dorena Lake and the Row River.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention issues with park ranger enforcement, strict rules, and overcrowding. Complaints also include generator noise, lack of privacy, and bathroom cleanliness.
HostHosts are mentioned as friendly, helpful, and proactive in resolving issues.
Campground Map
34909 SHOREVIEW DRIVE, COTTAGE GROVE, OR 97424
Driving directionsFrom Cottage Grove, Oregon, take Exit 174 off of Interstate 5. Travel East on Row River Road for approximately 5 miles; you will cross Row River twice. The entrance to the campground is on the left side of the road immediately after you cross Row River for the second time.
The campground is easily accessible from Interstate 5 via Row River Road, which is a paved, well-maintained road suitable for standard vehicles. Seasonal closures or road maintenance issues were not mentioned.Nearby places
Cottage Grove is 5 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Cottage Grove, approximately 5 miles away, which includes groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.4
170 reviews
Schwarz Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Schwarz Park are mixed, with sentiments ranging from glowing praise for cleanliness and spacious sites to complaints about strict rules and staff behavior.
Review Summaries
Based on 170 reviews
What Campers Love
Praise for cleanliness and spacious sites is common. 'Beautiful campground with fantastic hiking and sightseeing,' and 'Loved the river access and shaded sites,' are typical positive sentiments.
Based on 170 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include strict rules, noisy generators, and poor customer service from staff. Multiple users were dissatisfied with parking regulations and restrictions.
Based on 170 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Plan ahead to avoid noisy areas near the entrance. 'Bring very sturdy stakes for tents,' and 'explore waterfalls and covered bridges nearby' are useful tips.
Based on 170 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate the campground gets crowded and noisier on weekends and holidays. Mid-week stays are praised for being quieter and more relaxing.
Based on 170 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great park!" "Showers were okay." "Showers and bathrooms were absolutely disgusting." "Well-maintained facilities with clean restrooms." "Camping spots near the river are the best."
Based on 170 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Sites #041, #038D, and #058 are repeatedly highlighted as excellent due to privacy and proximity to the river. Site #007 received complaints about noise and proximity to the road.
Based on 170 reviewsAccessibility Features
Access to trails and flush toilets is appreciated by families with children. No specific reviews from disabled individuals.
Based on 170 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are permitted, and leash laws are strictly enforced, leading to mixed reviews from pet owners.
Based on 170 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025