Boulder Creek Campground
4.806 reviewsBoulder Creek Campground, South Umpqua Road, OR
Boulder Creek Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
Overnight camping costs $10 per night for a single site, with an additional $5 per night for extra vehicles. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single sites; the discount applies only to the fee for the campsite occupied by the pass holder.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Umpqua National Forest, Boulder Creek Campground offers an intimate escape where the rhythmic whispers of the South Umpqua River blend with the gentle rustling of towering conifers. This hidden gem features just seven thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with its own picnic table and fire pit, creating perfect gathering spots beneath the protective canopy of Douglas firs and pines. Here, privacy isn't just promised—it's woven into the very fabric of the forest, with generous buffers of wild greenery between each site ensuring your wilderness retreat remains truly your own.
Boulder Creek Campground is a small and rustic site suitable for tent camping. It includes 7 campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire pits.
Historical SignificanceAs part of the storied Umpqua National Forest, Boulder Creek Campground rests within a landscape that has witnessed centuries of both natural and human history. This protected forestland serves as a living testament to the Pacific Northwest's ecological heritage, preserving ancient forest ecosystems that have thrived here since time immemorial. While the campground itself maintains a quiet presence in the historical record, it stands as a gateway to understanding the broader cultural and ecological significance of the Umpqua watershed—a region that has sustained both indigenous peoples and pioneer communities through its abundant natural resources.
Weather and SeasonsBoulder Creek transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own distinct character to this forest sanctuary. Winter arrives with a hushed beauty, occasionally dusting the conifers with snow while rain nurtures the moss-draped understory. As spring unfolds, the campground awakens to perfect camping conditions—those magical weeks from late May through early June when precipitation fades to memory and crystal-clear skies showcase the forest in its full glory. Summer brings warm, golden days ideal for river adventures, with reliably dry weather stretching through August. Seasoned campers know the sweet spot: those late spring to early summer weeks when nature strikes the perfect balance between comfortable temperatures and pristine conditions.
ElevationPerched at 1,400 feet above sea level, Boulder Creek Campground occupies a sweet spot in the Cascade foothills where mountain air meets river valley comfort. This modest elevation creates an ideal microclimate—high enough to escape the valley's summer heat, yet low enough to remain accessible when higher elevations are locked in snow. The elevation gifts campers with enhanced forest vistas and that special quality of light that filters through the canopy, creating an ever-changing tapestry of shadows and illumination throughout the day.
Natural Features and SceneryBoulder Creek Campground immerses visitors in the raw beauty of an old-growth mixed conifer forest, where massive Douglas firs create natural cathedrals overhead. The confluence of Boulder Creek and the South Umpqua River provides the soundtrack to your stay—a constant, soothing symphony of moving water over ancient stones. Moss-draped maples and understory ferns create layers of green that shift with every breeze, while the 1,400-foot elevation ensures dramatic lighting at dawn and dusk. Wildlife watchers will delight in spotting everything from Roosevelt elk to varied thrush, though hikers should remain aware of poison oak lurking in sunnier patches along the trails.
Geological RegionNestled at the confluence where Boulder Creek meets the South Umpqua River, this campground showcases the dynamic geology of the western Cascades. The mixed conifer forest thrives on volcanic soils laid down over millennia, creating a rich tapestry of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and cedar that towers above a diverse understory. The river has carved its patient path through ancient basalt flows, creating the gentle valley that cradles the campground today. While the lush vegetation includes some patches of poison oak in disturbed areas, the overwhelming character is one of pristine Pacific Northwest forest—a place where shade-loving plants carpet the forest floor and the air carries the distinctive scent of cedar and fir.
Campsite details
AccessibilityInformation about accessibility features is not provided.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of 7 small campsites suitable for individual or family use.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews consistently praise the privacy offered at Boulder Creek Campground, with comments highlighting the ample space between sites and secluded nature of the campground.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are well-spaced, providing privacy. Campers sensitive to poison oak should exercise caution near trail access points to the river.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsites are not rated by users or official sources.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay anywhere on the forest is 14 days.
Groups
There is no specific mention of group camping facilities at Boulder Creek Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of seven campsites with picnic tables and fire pits. Sites are well-separated, providing privacy and a secluded camping experience.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground has closed for the 2024 summer season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through applicable federal platforms such as USGS.
Cancellation PolicyReservations may be subject to cancellation fees.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities at Boulder Creek Campground include hiking and swimming. User reviews highlight the scenic South Umpqua River, its swimming holes, and the nearby hiking trails as key attractions.
Hiking
The campground offers access to several hiking trails nearby as noted by users, though specific trail details such as difficulty or length are not provided.Swimming
The South Umpqua River provides numerous swimming holes with clear, warm water. User reviews emphasize the river as a highlight of the area.Wildlife viewing
User reviews mention abundant wildlife in the area. Campers are advised to exercise caution due to wild animals passing through the campground.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not outlined in the provided sources.Water Sports
Swimming in the South Umpqua River is the primary water-based activity available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in developed fire rings, subject to seasonal restrictions.
- Quiet hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPoison oak is prevalent in the area. Users have also noted a lack of cell service within an hour of the campground.
Active alertsThe campground is temporarily closed for the 2024 summer season.
Weather forecast
98
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Tiller Ranger Station (27812 Tiller Trail Highway, Tiller, OR 97484, Phone: 541-825-3100, Hours: Thursday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.).
Good to know
Trash and recyclingGarbage disposal facilities are available, but there is no mention of recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located along the South Umpqua River, near Boulder Creek. Multiple swimming holes are accessible via trails from the campsite.
Common complaintsSome users have mentioned the lack of amenities, citing no potable water or showers. Poison oak and the absence of cell service are also recurring concerns.
Campground Map
Boulder Creek Campground, South Umpqua Road, OR
Driving directionsFrom Canyonville, OR, turn off of southeast Main Street onto southeast 3rd Street / OR-227. Continue on OR-227 for approximately 23 miles until reaching the town of Tiller, OR. Turn left onto County Road 46 (South Umpqua Road) and continue for 14 miles to Boulder Creek Campground. The entrance is on the right side of the road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. It is located 14 miles from Tiller, OR, along County Road 46 (South Umpqua Road). Roads are typically open during standard camping seasons, but travelers should check for seasonal closures or conditions through the Umpqua National Forest website.Nearby places
Canyonville (37 miles), Tiller (14 miles)
Nearby supplies
A small general store is available in Tiller, approximately 14 miles from the campground. There are no stores at or near the campsite.
Camper Reviews
4.8
6 reviews
Boulder Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Boulder Creek Campground generally praise its seclusion, natural beauty, and the privacy of the campsites. The South Umpqua River and its swimming holes are frequently noted as standout features. However, some users warn about a lack of amenities (e.g., potable water and showers) and the presence of poison oak.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Privacy of campsites, ample shade, scenic surroundings, and the South Umpqua River with its swimming holes are commonly mentioned as positives.
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
The lack of potable water, no cell service, and poison oak are common concerns raised by users. Some reviews also warn about the trail leading to the river being surrounded by poison oak.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring sufficient water supplies due to the lack of potable water. Selecting campsites on the edge of the campground and away from poison oak areas is recommended. Pet owners...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews do not provide explicit seasonal trends, but they suggest that the quiet and secluded nature of the campground may be most appealing during warmer months when swimming in the South Umpqua...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Wondered up on this perfect little camp ground. This place has no amenities but it's very private, lots of shade and tons of space between spots. Great swimming holes and lots of wildlife." -...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
There are no specific site numbers reviewed in the provided information.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or challenges.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-friendly policies are appreciated, but users emphasize the importance of keeping pets on leashes and cleaning up after them.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025