Coolwater Campground
4.089 reviewsCoolwater Campground, Umpqua National Forest
Coolwater Campground
$15.00 - $35.00 / 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
Campground fees range from $15 to $35. Pricing varies based on site type and amenities available. No potable water is available, and additional gear may be needed.
About this campground
Tucked away in nature's embrace, Coolwater Campground offers an intimate escape with just seven carefully placed campsites beneath a canopy of ancient trees. The gentle murmur of the Little River provides a natural soundtrack to your stay, while the nearby trail to the magnificent Grotto Falls beckons adventurers to explore. This hidden gem combines the tranquility of a secluded forest retreat with easy access to some of the region's most breathtaking hiking destinations.
Coolwater Campground offers basic camping options that are primarily suited for tent campers and small groups. Its secluded location fosters a rustic camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Pacific Northwest seasons at Coolwater. Summer days bloom with comfortable temperatures in the upper 70s, perfect for hiking and riverside relaxation, while evenings cool to the mid-50s for ideal sleeping weather around the campfire. Winter transforms the landscape into a moody wonderland, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s during the day to crisp mid-30s at night. Rain and occasional snowfall paint the forest in dramatic hues, creating a photographer's paradise for those who embrace the season's wild beauty.
ElevationElevation data is not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Little River valley cradles Coolwater in a verdant tapestry of towering evergreens and deciduous giants, where shafts of sunlight filter through the dense canopy to illuminate moss-covered logs and fern-lined paths. The landscape reveals nature's artistry at every turn—from cascading waterfalls that thunder through rocky gorges to peaceful meadows where native wildlife, including the majestic black bear, roam freely. Mountain peaks frame distant horizons, while closer at hand, the forest floor bursts with seasonal wildflowers and the rich, earthy scents of the Pacific Northwest wilderness.
Geological RegionCoolwater Campground rests in the heart of the Little River valley, a pristine pocket of the sprawling Umpqua National Forest. This remarkable ecosystem showcases the geological drama of the Cascade Range, where ancient volcanic activity and millennia of river erosion have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. Dense coniferous forests blanket steep canyon walls, while the Little River has carved its patient path through the bedrock, creating the waterfalls and swimming holes that make this region a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe campground contains seven campsites that seem to cater to small group camping.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are located close to the river, potentially limiting privacy.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near the river for natural views and easy access; avoid far-end sites due to restroom issues.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest all campsites benefit from proximity to the Little River.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay anywhere in the Umpqua National Forest is 14 days.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features seven individual campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. Layout ensures privacy and proximity to natural features.
Open and Closed SeasonCoolwater Campground is operational year-round but subject to seasonal conditions (e.g., extreme weather or fire danger).
Reservation PlatformsReservations are managed by the Umpqua National Forest and its concessionaire. Contact the North Umpqua Ranger Station for details.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is likely given the small size (7 sites), but no specific details are available regarding fill patterns.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not detailed in source materials.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Coolwater Campground is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts looking for hiking opportunities and access to nearby natural attractions. Recreational activities include camping, hiking, and picnicking. Fishing and swimming are popular pursuits, though not formally structured as specific activities.
Hiking
Several scenic hiking trails are accessible from the campground, such as the Overhang Trail #1509 (0.5 miles away), Grotto Falls Trail #1503 (5 miles away), Wolf Creek Nature Trail #1508 (4 miles away), and the Bureau of Land Management's Wolf Creek Falls Trail (5 miles away). These trails offer varying levels of difficulty and scenic views.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in developed fire pits when conditions are favorable. Check fire danger status.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include aggressive bees (user reviews) and wildlife such as bears. Lack of potable water and trail contamination (trash or human waste) are additional concerns.
Weather forecast
95
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 29%
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
North Umpqua Ranger Station, Address: 18782 North Umpqua Highway, Glide, OR 97443, Phone: 541-496-3532 (hours: Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM). Closest hospital null.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer months typically show high demand due to favorable weather.
Trash and recyclingGarbage disposal facilities are available on-site for waste management.
Proximity to water featuresAll sites are steps away from the Little River; nearby Grotto Falls adds to the attraction.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include aggressive bees near water sources, lack of proper restroom facilities on the far end of the campground, and trail littering.
HostNo explicit host details provided.
Campground Map
Coolwater Campground, Umpqua National Forest
Driving directionsFrom Roseburg, OR, turn onto OR-138 east / northeast Diamond Lake Boulevard. Continue on OR-138 for approximately 16 miles until you cross the Umpqua River. Take the first right after the bridge onto Little River Road #17. Follow Road 17 for 15.5 miles to Coolwater Campground, located on the right side of the road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads until the final stretch on Little River Road #17, which may require caution based on seasonal conditions. Check road alerts and closures before departing.Nearby places
Roseburg, OR (approx. 31.5 miles, 40 min drive)
Glide, OR (15.5 miles, 25 min drive).
Nearby supplies
Essentials can be found in nearby towns—Glide (approx. 15.5 miles away), featuring gas stations and general stores. Larger supermarkets are available in Roseburg (31.5 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.1
9 reviews
Coolwater Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Coolwater Campground highlight its serene and picturesque setting, with many campers appreciating the close proximity to the river and the opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, some concerns have been raised about cleanliness, particularly related to the absence of restrooms at the far side of the campground and waste left by previous campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
"Clean and well maintained small campground! All the campsites are right next to the river with easy access!" - Lisa The Cat Lady. "We love Coolwater Campground!!" - Denise Abodeely. "Great camp...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water, cleanliness issues related to the absence of restrooms in some areas, and aggressive bees near the water. One user mentioned, "There is no...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring adequate drinking water due to the lack of potable water on-site. Bringing a flashlight is recommended for evening excursions, particularly for those planning to explore the...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summertime experiences are mixed; while campers enjoy the warm weather and accessible trails, heatwaves (e.g., 95-100°F in summer 2022) can make camping uncomfortable. Fall reviews suggest cooler,...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"It was pretty awesome aside from the aggressive bees that were attacking me around the water." - Jen Himmelreich. "We have done a large family camp here for several years. One of our favorite...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers were mentioned, but all campsites are noted to be close to the river, which is a highlight for many visitors.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025