Aquila Vista Recreation Site
00 reviewBureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District-Attn: Recreation Operations, 1717 Fabry Rd SE, Salem, OR 97306
Aquila Vista Recreation Site
$10.00 - $13.00 / 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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Cancellations incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations may result in loss of the first night's use fee. Group overnight facilities incur a $10 late cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fees.
About this campground
Tucked away in a tranquil forest beside a serene beaver pond, Aquila Vista provides an authentic wilderness experience for groups seeking to disconnect from the modern world. This rustic campground features essential amenities including vault toilets, covered picnic shelters with tables, and fire rings for evening gatherings under the stars. True to its back-to-nature spirit, visitors should come prepared with their own water and firewood, as the site offers neither running water nor wood collection. The absence of cellular service completes the digital detox, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
Aquila Vista Recreation Site is a group camping facility with a capacity for up to 30 people and 20 vehicles. It does not support individual, RV, or cabin camping.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm, dry days perfect for outdoor adventures, though occasional biting insects remind visitors they're sharing this pristine habitat with its smallest residents. The campground embraces a seasonal rhythm, closing during winter months as the forest undergoes natural restoration following wildfire activity, ensuring the landscape remains healthy and vibrant for future generations.
ElevationNestled within the gentle slopes of the Molalla recreation corridor, the campground rests comfortably between 800 and 1200 feet elevation, offering a perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere.
Natural Features and SceneryNature unveils its artistry at every turn, from the mirror-like beaver pond that reflects the surrounding forest canopy to a delicate waterfall that provides a soothing soundtrack for your stay. The verdant foothills create an intimate forest setting, while breaks in the treeline reveal breathtaking vistas of the majestic Cascade Range stretching across the horizon.
Geological RegionAquila Vista sits gracefully within the lush, forested foothills and gentle slopes of the Molalla River Valley, a stunning pocket of the greater Cascade Range where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty and ecological diversity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities is provided.
Sites SizeThe campground is designed for group usage, accommodating up to 30 people and 20 vehicles.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy details for individual sites are not provided, but the group camping setting suggests a communal arrangement.
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring bug spray, drinking water, and firewood.
Best CampsitesGroup-only site; specifics not provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 13 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Group maximum of 30 people per permit.
Groups
The site accommodates groups of up to 30 people and 20 vehicles. It includes two group picnic shelters and communal fire rings.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutGroup camping setup with shelters and fire ring.
Open and Closed SeasonMid-May through mid-October when reopened.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by contacting the park office directly.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations required.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations subtract the first night's recreation use fee. Modifications within the cut-off window may cost $10. Late cancellations for group sites apply within 14 days before check-in.
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
Aquila Vista Recreation Site offers a range of outdoor recreational opportunities that cater to hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife enthusiasts. The site connects directly to the Molalla River Trail System, offering over 20 miles of trails across varying difficulty levels. Visitors can also enjoy views of the surrounding forest, a beaver pond, and a small waterfall. Nearby, the Molalla Wild and Scenic River provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and whitewater boating.
Hiking
The Molalla River Trail System provides over 20 miles of trails for hiking, featuring routes of varying difficulty. These trails include a mix of single-track paths and old forest roads, winding through forested hills with occasional views of the Cascade Range. Trails are marked with directional signs and difficulty indicators.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available nearby along the Molalla Wild and Scenic River. Specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are not provided.Swimming
While swimming is mentioned as an activity in the nearby Molalla River, it is explicitly not recommended in the beaver pond at the campground due to safety concerns, including the presence of an underwater culvert.Biking
The trail system accessible from the campground is open for mountain biking. Trails offer a variety of difficulty levels, catering to both novice and experienced bikers.Boating
The Molalla Wild and Scenic River nearby supports whitewater boating. No additional details about facilities or boat types are provided.Wildlife viewing
The campground is adjacent to a large beaver pond and surrounded by forest, providing opportunities to observe local wildlife. Specific species are not detailed.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned for Aquila Vista Recreation Site.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not explicitly mentioned, though whitewater boating on the Molalla River may include kayaking or canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No firewood collection allowed; visitors must bring their own firewood.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPoison oak and biting insects during summer; culverts in the pond pose a swimming hazard.
Active alertsClosure due to wildfire restoration efforts; current fire restrictions apply.
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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Temperature Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
There is no cell phone service at the campground. In emergencies, visitors are advised to drive to areas with cell service and dial 9-1-1. A payphone is located on the east side of Glen Avon bridge.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-May to mid-October.
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash or recycling facilities. Campers are advised to bring what they need and presumably pack out their waste.
Proximity to water featuresNext to a beaver pond and near the Molalla River.
Common complaintsNo running water, lack of firewood collection, and no cellular service.
HostNot specified.
Campground Map
Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District-Attn: Recreation Operations, 1717 Fabry Rd SE, Salem, OR 97306
Driving directionsFrom the town of Molalla, drive east on Main St/OR 211. Veer right at the OR 211/Mathias Road intersection, follow signs for Feyrer Park. Once past Feyrer Park, cross over the Molalla River, turn right, and follow signs for Dickey Prairie Rd. Continue south on Dickey Prairie Rd, keeping the Dickey Prairie Store on your left. At 3.7 miles past the store, turn right on Molalla Forest Rd and cross Glen Avon Bridge. Continue on the Molalla Forest Rd for approximately 7 miles to a yellow gate where you will enter the combination provided. Drive another 2 miles up a steep gravel road keeping right until you reach Aquila Vista.
The road access includes paved routes followed by unpaved steep gravel roads. Seasonal closures apply due to wildfire restoration efforts.Nearby places
Molalla (10 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Salem (approximately 50 miles)
Nearby supplies
Feyrer Park and Dickey Prairie Store offer nearby supplies.
Camper Reviews
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Last updated August 10, 2025