Blackberry
4.0873 reviews17686 E. Alsea Hwy, Tidewater, OR, 97390, USA
Blackberry
$32.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$32.00
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
The nightly fee for both RV Nonelectric and Standard Nonelectric sites is $32. Additional fees apply for extra vehicles ($8 per car). Reservation fees are $8 online, $9 via contact center, and $3 in-person.
About this campground
Perched on a scenic bluff above the meandering Alsea River, Blackberry Campground invites you into the heart of the Siuslaw National Forest's untamed beauty. Here, beneath towering canopies of ancient cedars and Douglas firs, modern amenities blend seamlessly with wilderness charm. Each thoughtfully designed campsite features a paved parking spur, sturdy picnic table, and traditional campfire ring where stories and s'mores come to life under starlit skies. Whether you're casting a line for native salmon, navigating the river's gentle currents in a drift boat, searching for crawfish in crystal-clear pools, or exploring forest trails that wind through this temperate rainforest, Blackberry Campground serves as your perfect basecamp for Oregon Coast Range adventures.
Blackberry Campground offers a mix of standard non-electric and RV non-electric campsites. Group camping and cabin lodging options are not available.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this specific campground location remains unchronicled, the surrounding landscape whispers ancient stories waiting to be discovered by curious visitors.
Weather and SeasonsThe coastal mountain climate here dances to its own rhythm, surprising even summer visitors with refreshingly cool evenings and gentle breezes that whisper through the forest canopy. Seasoned campers know to pack that extra fleece or cozy sweater – the temperature drop as twilight approaches can catch the unprepared off guard. Autumn transforms the campground into a painter's palette of golden maples and rust-colored vine maples contrasting against the evergreen backdrop, creating some of the region's most photogenic moments. Winter brings its own quiet magic, with crisp, cold days that reward the hardy camper with solitude and frost-kissed mornings, though proper cold-weather gear is essential for comfort during these peaceful months.
ElevationNestled within the rolling terrain of the Oregon Coast Range, the campground's exact elevation remains undocumented, though its riverside location suggests a moderate mountain setting.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral where centuries-old cedars and Douglas firs stretch skyward, their massive trunks creating natural pillars in this temperate rainforest sanctuary. The forest floor tells its own story, carpeted with emerald moss and punctuated by wild blackberry brambles that burst with sweet fruit in late summer. The star attraction flows just below – the Alsea River, whose 48.5-mile journey from the Coast Range to the Pacific at Waldport provides endless entertainment. From your campsite, catch glimpses of the river through breaks in the foliage, watch osprey dive for fish, or simply listen to the eternal conversation between water and stone.
Geological RegionBlackberry Campground sits within the magnificent Siuslaw National Forest, a 630,000-acre wonderland where the Oregon Coast Range reveals its most intimate secrets. This geological masterpiece showcases the region's signature old-growth characteristics – towering cedars and Douglas firs that have witnessed centuries, understory vegetation including the campground's namesake blackberry bushes, and the ever-present Alsea River carving its patient path through ancient volcanic and sedimentary formations. The river's 48.5-mile odyssey from its mountain birthplace near the town of Alsea to its ocean rendezvous at Waldport creates a vital corridor for wildlife and a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible sites are noted, but further details about accessibility features are not provided.
Sites SizeSites vary, with some offering more space for larger families while others are described as small or exposed. "Site #4 is a joke. It's basically a small dirt area between the pull-in spot and the road in the campground." - User Review.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary greatly among sites; some are secluded under tall trees while others are exposed or close to the main road. "Most sites aren't very private." - User Review.
Total Campsites33 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the river provide scenic views but may experience more noise. Site #4 is criticized for lack of privacy. Users suggest avoiding spots near the road.
Best CampsitesSpecific mentions include Site #15 for motorcycle enthusiasts, and Sites #16 and #31 for families with children.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not stated.
Check-out
Checkout time is not stated.
Stay Limit
- 14 nights maximum per visit
- total stay within 60 days cannot exceed 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Exact numbers not provided
- user reviews imply adequate space for family groups.
Groups
Group sites are not mentioned in the source materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are organized along loops and offer varying degrees of privacy. Some are near the river, while others are positioned by grassy fields.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Reservations begin on Jan 01, 2025, with peak season pricing applied throughout the year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before the arrival date incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of other reservation fees. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours prior) forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Changes and modifications are allowed with fees depending on the nature of the change.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Blackberry Campground offers a variety of activities including fishing, boating, hiking, berry picking, crawfishing, and canoeing. It is a great base for elk hunting and provides access to the Alsea River for water-based recreation. Guests can relax by the river, fish for Coho and Chinook salmon, or enjoy crawfishing along the banks. However, users noted limited direct river access.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available, though specific details about their difficulty or length are not provided.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant, with anglers targeting Coho and Chinook salmon, Steelhead trout, and crawfish. "There’s nothing around really except the river, which was fun and had loads of crawdads." - User Review.Swimming
Swimming in the Alsea River is a popular summer activity. However, direct river access is limited to the boat ramp.Biking
The campground loop serves as a safe and enjoyable area for children to ride bikes. "Nice circle area for kids to ride bikes and play." - User Review.Boating
Drift boating is popular along the Alsea River, with a boat ramp available on-site for easy access.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like canoeing are available. Float trips starting from nearby boat launches are a popular adventure during the summer.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed, and firewood is sold on-site for $7 per bushel. Users should follow fire safety and food storage guidelines.
- Quiet hours appear to be in effect but enforcement is inconsistent, according to reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential bear presence suggests campers should adhere to food storage guidelines. Overflowing sumps were noted as a safety concern in user reviews.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 57%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 11.2 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
Nearest dump station and some services are in Waldport, including emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesJan 01, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection facilities are provided, with multiple trash cans dispersed throughout the campground. "The large trash cans near the day use area smelled so bad that we had to hope the wind wasn't blowing towards our site." - User Review.
Proximity to water featuresProximity to the Alsea River provides opportunities for fishing, drift boating, and crawfishing. The boat ramp is the primary access point.
Common complaintsComplaints include loud generators, highway noise, lack of privacy in campsite layouts, and uneven enforcement of quiet hours. Overflowing sumps were also a noted issue.
HostMixed reviews about hosts; some describe them as helpful and attentive, while others report rude or overbearing behavior.
Campground Map
17686 E. Alsea Hwy, Tidewater, OR, 97390, USA
Driving directionsFrom Waldport, Oregon, take State Route 34 east about 18 miles and turn right at the sign for the campground.
Accessible via paved State Route 34, which is a well-maintained road. There are no seasonal closures mentioned.Nearby places
Waldport (20 minutes / ~18 miles), Cape Perpetua Scenic Area (15 minutes south of Waldport)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, groceries, and gas are available in Waldport, which is approximately 18 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.1
73 reviews
Blackberry is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Blackberry Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment of 3.808. Guests appreciated the clean facilities, helpful hosts, and scenic location but criticized the lack of modern amenities, noisy campers, and limited privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 73 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained campground, friendly and attentive hosts, scenic location by the Alsea River, good fishing opportunities, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Based on 73 reviewsCommon Concerns
Limited privacy, noise from generators and nearby highway, lack of modern amenities like showers and flush toilets, sump maintenance issues, and inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours.
Based on 73 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Choose sites away from the highway for reduced noise. Site #15 is recommended for motorcyclists. Bring extra layers as the area can be cool even in summer.
Based on 73 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are ideal for water activities but can be crowded and noisy. Off-season camping offers solitude but colder weather and limited activities.
Based on 73 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Awesome campgrounds with AWESOME Camp Hosts!" "Quiet, peaceful. Easy access to the Oregon Coast." "The campground is clean but the sites are wide open and busy."
Based on 73 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #4 is criticized for its small dirt area and lack of privacy. Site #15 is noted for its public-view nature but proximity to the boat launch.
Based on 73 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible sites are noted, but no specific reviews or details on accessibility features are provided.
Based on 73 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews or experiences related to pet-friendly features were highlighted.
Based on 73 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025