Clearwater Falls Campground
4.6215 reviewsClearwater Falls 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
The campground charges $10 per night for a single site. An additional vehicle fee of $5 per night applies. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites occupied by the passholder. Fees are payable by cash or check.
About this campground
Nestled along the breathtaking Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway, Clearwater Falls Campground offers an intimate escape into Oregon's pristine wilderness. This serene retreat features just 9 secluded campsites, each thoughtfully positioned among towering old-growth Douglas firs and equipped with classic picnic tables and fire pits for those cherished campfire moments. The thundering Clearwater Falls divides this hidden gem into two distinct camping areas, with one section perched dramatically above the cascading waters. As a true back-to-nature experience, the campground embraces a pack-it-in, pack-it-out philosophy with no running water or garbage services, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of the forest.
Clearwater Falls Campground caters to tent and small trailer camping. The nine campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for $10 per night.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Cascade wilderness at Clearwater Falls. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the most adventurous cold-weather campers. As spring emerges, the forest awakens with vibrant life, leading into the perfect camping season of late spring through summer. During these golden months, clear mountain skies and comfortable temperatures create ideal conditions for sleeping under the stars, hiking the surrounding trails, and enjoying long evenings by the campfire.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where ancient Douglas firs stretch skyward, their massive trunks telling stories of centuries past. The campground is enveloped in a lush tapestry of emerald moss and ferns that thrive in the moist Pacific Northwest climate. The crystal-clear Clearwater River winds through this verdant paradise, its gentle murmur providing nature's soundtrack. At the heart of it all, Clearwater Falls crashes down in a spectacular display of raw power and beauty, creating a misty microclimate that nurtures the surrounding rainforest ecosystem.
Geological RegionPositioned along the legendary Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway, this campground sits in one of Oregon's most spectacular volcanic landscapes. The ancient forests of Douglas fir that dominate the area have grown for centuries in the rich volcanic soils, creating cathedral-like groves that inspire awe. The Clearwater River has carved its path through this dramatic terrain over millennia, shaping the landscape and creating the stunning waterfall that gives the campground its name.
Campsite details
Sites SizeOne site can accommodate a 19-ft trailer, but other sites are shorter.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites 6, 7, or 8 for maximum privacy and distance from the road. Sites near the falls offer ambient sound from the water.
Best CampsitesSites 6, 7, and 8 are recommended for their location away from the roadside.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay anywhere on the forest is 14 days.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into two sections by Clearwater Falls, with one section above the falls.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen in May.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be possible; specific platforms not listed.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; $10 per night, pay envelopes and fee tubes/boxes are located on-site.
Cancellation PolicySites may be reservable. Reservation fees may apply.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers can engage in hiking and enjoy close proximity to the Clearwater River and scenic waterfalls. The campground is also in reasonable proximity to Crater Lake National Park, making it a peaceful alternative to busier camping areas.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities abound in the surrounding old-growth Douglas fir forest and along the scenic Rogue-Umpqua Byway.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in developed fire pits when conditions permit. Fireworks are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews and official sources indicate the presence of mosquitos and occasional black bears in the campground.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
North Umpqua Ranger Station, 18782 North Umpqua Highway Glide, OR 97443. Phone: 541-496-3532. Open Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays).
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere are no garbage services at this campground. Campers must pack out all their trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe Clearwater River meanders through the campground, and Clearwater Falls is a short walk away from the campsites.
Common complaintsMany user reviews mention mosquitos as a significant issue, particularly in the evening. The lack of potable water and garbage disposal services are also frequently noted.
HostNo camp host on-site, as mentioned in user reviews.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Roseburg, OR, travel east on OR-138 / Diamond Lake Boulevard for approximately 70 miles, turn right at the sign for the Clearwater Falls Campground. Follow the short entry road and bear left, the campground will be to the left. For access into the four upper sites, continue to travel east on OR-138 to Forest Road 4785 and turn right, then make an immediate right and drive approximately 1.5 miles to the campground located on the right.
The campground is accessible from a paved highway (OR-138), with a short entry road leading to the campground. Additional access to upper sites requires a turn-off to Forest Road 4785 and approximately 1.5 miles of travel on what appears to be smaller forest roads.Nearby places
Roseburg, OR (approximately 70 miles)
Nearby supplies
Diamond Lake Campground (potable water supply, dump station)
Camper Reviews
4.6
15 reviews
Clearwater Falls Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beauty, peacefulness, and close proximity to the scenic Clearwater Falls. However, campers noted issues such as mosquitoes, the absence of potable water, and its small size, which may limit options for bigger RVs.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Many campers appreciated the quiet and scenic environment, describing it as 'beautiful,' 'peaceful,' and 'hidden but worth it.' The falls received high praise for their accessibility and beauty.
Based on 15 reviewsCommon Concerns
The absence of potable water and garbage services were the most common complaints. Mosquitoes were also mentioned as an issue, particularly in the evening. Some users noted the small size of...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing potable water and bug spray. For those with trailers, only one longer site is suitable for a 19-ft trailer. It's suggested to choose sites away from the highway due to...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer visits are praised for the quietness and beauty, but mosquitoes tend to be an issue. The campground was noted to be less crowded even in the peak summer months.
Based on 15 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'First night there were so many mosquitoes we nearly moved. But the campground is very nice and very small.' - Eric Frame
2. 'It’s beautiful, there is 1 longer spot that we backed our 19 ft...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 6, 7, and 8 were recommended for their location, while site 9 was noted as being more roadside.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed and not left unattended. One review emphasized cleaning up after pets to maintain a positive environment.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025