Old Miner'S Meadow Group Use Area
4.6615 reviewsNorthwest Oregon District Office, 1717 Fabry Rd SE, Salem, OR, 97306
Old Miner'S Meadow Group Use Area
$100.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campground fee of $100 per night up to 50 people; each additional person is $2.00 per night. Additional service fees apply and are non-refundable.
About this campground
Nestled within a serene 2-acre meadow where the melodic waters of Quartzville Creek flow past, Old Miner's Meadow Group Use Area invites gatherings of friends and family to create lasting memories. This thoughtfully designed group camping haven accommodates up to 50 adventurers, offering spacious picnic areas for communal feasts, modern vault facilities, and crackling campfire pits where stories of the day's adventures come alive under starlit skies. The entire meadow is gently fenced, creating a safe and intimate atmosphere for your group's wilderness retreat.
Old Miner's Meadow Group Use Area is designed for group camping and does not have individually designated campsites. It offers a large group area suitable for up to 50 people per reservation.
Historical SignificanceThe very ground beneath Old Miner's Meadow whispers tales of Oregon's gold rush era, when prospectors panned these creeks with dreams of striking it rich. Today's visitors can still try their hand at gold panning in the historic waters of Quartzville Creek, connecting with the adventurous spirits who once called these forests home. The nearby East Linn Museum in Sweet Home offers a deeper dive into the region's colorful mining heritage, showcasing artifacts and stories that bring the past vividly to life. This corner of the Willamette National Forest continues to reward those who seek its treasures, though today's riches come in the form of natural beauty and peaceful moments.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Old Miner's Meadow unfold with comfortable warmth that invites outdoor exploration, while evenings bring a refreshing mountain coolness that makes gathering around the campfire all the more inviting. The peak season delivers consistently moderate temperatures perfect for hiking, creek-side relaxation, and outdoor dining. As night falls, the crisp air carries the sounds of the forest and reminds visitors to pack that extra layer for ultimate comfort under the stars.
ElevationCradled in a sun-dappled meadow where towering forests give way to open skies, Old Miner's Meadow rests peacefully along the banks of Quartzville Creek. This gentle elevation creates the perfect balance between mountain majesty and meadow tranquility, offering both the shelter of ancient trees and the openness of grassy expanses where children can play and groups can gather freely.
Natural Features and SceneryThe star of the show is undoubtedly Quartzville Creek, honored as a National Wild and Scenic River, whose crystal-clear waters dance and tumble past the campground in an endless performance. Just a short drive away, Green Peter Reservoir mesmerizes visitors with its otherworldly emerald waters set against dramatic mountain backdrops. The surrounding forest occasionally reveals hidden groves of magnificent old-growth giants, their ancient presence adding a sense of timelessness to your stay. Keep your camera ready—majestic elk often emerge from the forest shadows, especially during the golden hours of dawn and dusk, transforming an ordinary moment into an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Geological RegionOld Miner's Meadow sits proudly within Oregon's legendary Cascade Range, where volcanic peaks and ancient forests create a landscape of extraordinary diversity. The campground's prime location along Quartzville Creek—a designated National Wild and Scenic River—offers front-row seats to millions of years of geological artistry. Nearby, the stunning Green Peter Reservoir showcases the region's volcanic legacy with its distinctive emerald waters, while scattered groves of old-growth trees stand as living monuments to the area's ecological richness. This western Oregon gem perfectly captures the Cascades' unique blend of water, forest, and mountain that has drawn adventurers for generations.
Campsite details
Accessibilitynull
Sites SizeThe group area spans two acres and features an open meadow surrounded by forests. It has both shaded and sunny areas.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is secluded and provides good privacy for group camping. "It was a very secluded and a great place to camp." (User review: Frank Clements).
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended for groups who require large, private camping areas with centralized amenities like picnic tables and a group campfire pit.
Best CampsitesThe site is a single group use area, which is highly praised in user reviews for its spaciousness and natural beauty.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Up to 5 nights per reservation.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 50 people per reservation.
Groups
The group camping area accommodates a maximum of 50 people per reservation in a two-acre meadow. Overflow guests are charged $2.00 per person per night.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe fenced meadow is expansive with picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets. No separate campsites are designated.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1 - September 26, with no reservations available during off-season from September 27 through May 1.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo first-come, first-served availability except for a brief period from June 21 to June 22, 2025.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 14 days before arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee, along with additional penalties.
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
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
This campground is popular for a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, gold panning, kayaking, hiking, swimming, and scenic touring. "The creek is popular for gold panning and kayaking, while the reservoir offers great fishing, swimming, sailing and water skiing." (Authoritative Source). "Deep pools, waterfalls, and swimming areas can be found within a short drive along the creek." "Clear Stream ... Can See Schools of Fish." (User review: Chrystine Sieber).
Hiking
Hiking trails are available in nearby national forests. "Trails are available to anyone." (User review: shar fagersten).Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant in nearby Quartzville Creek and Green Peter Reservoir. "The reservoir offers great fishing." (Authoritative Source).Swimming
Swimming areas are available near Quartzville Creek and Green Peter Reservoir. "Deep pools, waterfalls and swimming areas can be found within a short drive along the creek." (Authoritative Source).Boating
Boating activities such as kayaking, sailing, and water skiing are popular at Green Peter Reservoir. "The reservoir offers great fishing, swimming, sailing and water skiing." (Authoritative Source).Wildlife viewing
Elk frequent the area, though they may not be seen directly in the campground. "Enjoy the little water critters, ducks and birds." (User review: shar fagersten).Water Sports
Kayaking and sailing are popular water activities at Green Peter Reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires limited to steel fire rings or BBQ grills; restrictions apply during high fire season.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as elk are common in nearby areas; campers are advised to carry bear spray or firearms for protection during hikes. There is no cell phone reception on-site.
Active alertsNo active alerts noted.
Weather forecast
92
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Emergency services are not directly on-site. The closest hospital and police services are located in Sweet Home, Oregon, approximately 25 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1, 2025 - September 27, 2025; May 1, 2026 - September 26, 2026.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site. "Walk-in use of the restrooms and dumpster by visitors camping outside Old Miner's Meadow group area is allowed."
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Quartzville Creek and upstream from Green Peter Reservoir; nearby waterfalls and deep pools.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of signage directing visitors and incidents of garbage mishandling as reported in user reviews.
HostNo host is available on-site; the nearest host is located one mile away at Yellowbottom Campground.
Campground Map
Northwest Oregon District Office, 1717 Fabry Rd SE, Salem, OR, 97306
Driving directionsFrom Sweet Home, Oregon go east on U.S. Highway 20. Approximately one mile out of town turn left on the Quartzville Access Road heading towards Green Peter Reservoir and Quartzville Creek. Old Miner's Meadow is located approximately 25 miles up the road on the right, about one mile past Yellowbottom Recreation Site.
The Quartzville Access Road is accessible from U.S. Highway 20 and offers paved road access; however, the site is relatively remote, and the final vicinity is fenced.Nearby places
Sweet Home (25 miles, approximately 35 minutes), Salem (approximately 90 miles, 2 hours), Eugene (approximately 70 miles, 1.5 hours).
Nearby supplies
Sweet Home offers the nearest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel, approximately 25 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.7
15 reviews
Old Miner'S Meadow Group Use Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the natural beauty, seclusion, and simplicity of the camping experience at Old Miner's Meadow Group Use Area. Some users note clean vault toilets and peaceful surroundings. Cell service is unavailable, adding to the secluded feel. "This is truly one of my most favorite places ever because of the natural beauty." (User review: Leslie Gutierrez). "This is a peaceful oasis of green." (User review: shar fagersten).
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Common positive themes include the campground’s natural beauty, spacious group area, and proximity to Quartzville Creek and Green Peter Reservoir. "Love the camping spots." (User review: Brian...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Issues raised by users include the lack of cell service, occasional public intrusion into reserved areas, and trash-related concerns. "Need better signage so people stop walking through camp to get...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users highlight the importance of booking early, bringing appropriate wilderness gear for safety, and being prepared for lower nighttime temperatures. "You have to make reservations a year...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are particularly appreciated for their warm weather and suitability for water activities. "For June it was amazingly hot/warm weather and the water was perfect." (User review: SUE S).
Based on 15 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Vault toilet bathroom. I never used it since we had our RV but my husband did and said it's kept clean." - Leslie Gutierrez; "This is a peaceful oasis of green." - shar fagersten; "Deep pools,...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews specific to the group site (001) describe it as spacious and well-suited for family gatherings. "We have been coming here for 5 yrs and it is one of the best places for a large group to get...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are not explicitly reviewed or described in the user feedback.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Some users mention enjoying the campground with pets. "When no one is around it's a great place to go with my dogs to let them run." (User review: Calandra Hudson).
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025