Mineral Camp Campground
01 review18782 North Umpqua Highway Glide, OR 97443
Mineral Camp Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
No fees are required for this site.
About this campground
Tucked away in the shadow of ancient Douglas firs, Mineral Camp offers a rare glimpse into Oregon's gold rush past. This intimate, free campground features just three sites, each thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and fire pits where modern adventurers can gather around crackling flames just as miners did over a century ago. Once a vital rest stop for prospectors heading up the grueling Hardscrabble Grade to the legendary Bohemia Mining District, today's camp welcomes those seeking solitude along the babbling waters of Sharps Creek.
Mineral Camp offers primitive camping with limited facilities.
Historical SignificanceEvery stone and trail at Mineral Camp whispers tales of the Bohemia Mining District's golden age. Positioned at the foot of the notorious Hardscrabble Grade, this humble camp served as the last civilized outpost where exhausted miners could rest their pack animals, repair equipment, and steel their nerves before tackling the punishing ascent to the gold fields above. The ghosts of these fortune seekers still seem to linger among the Douglas firs, their dreams of striking it rich forever woven into the fabric of this historic waystation.
Weather and SeasonsThe seasons paint dramatically different portraits at Mineral Camp. Winter transforms the forest into a crystalline wonderland, though temperatures plunge to bone-chilling lows that test even the hardiest souls. As spring awakens the Douglas firs, conditions shift from crisp mornings to pleasantly warm afternoons. The golden window for camping arrives during weeks 25-27 (late June), when azure skies dominate and rain becomes a distant memory. Wise travelers avoid the tempestuous weeks 48-51 (late November to December), when Pacific storms unleash their fury with driving rain and occasional snow.
Natural Features and ScenerySharps Creek provides the soundtrack to your stay, its crystalline waters tumbling over moss-covered rocks while towering Douglas firs stand sentinel overhead, their massive trunks telling stories of centuries past. The interplay of dappled sunlight through the evergreen canopy creates an ever-changing cathedral of light and shadow. Beyond your campsite, a network of trails beckons hikers to explore deeper into this verdant wilderness, while the creek's gentle pools invite quiet contemplation or perhaps a refreshing splash on warm summer afternoons.
Geological RegionMineral Camp rests in a geological treasure trove where Sharps Creek has carved its patient path through ancient volcanic and sedimentary formations. The surrounding Douglas fir forest thrives on slopes shaped by millennia of erosion and tectonic activity. At the base of the historic Hardscrabble Grade, the landscape tells a dual story - one written in stone by geological forces over millions of years, and another etched by human ambition during the Bohemia Mining District's heyday. This convergence of natural history and human heritage creates a uniquely compelling backdrop for your camping adventure.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details about accessibility features were provided. The site may not be easily accessible to campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of three small campsites.
Sites PrivacySpecific details about the level of privacy between campsites are not provided.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNot specified.
Best CampsitesNot specified.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
N/A
Check-out
N/A
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay anywhere on the forest is 14 days.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSmall campground with three campsites, each featuring a picnic table and fire pit. The campground also has a vault toilet.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsN/A - No reservations required.
Walk-in Availability"Walk-up availability only. "If planning on camping here please keep in mind there is NO cell service." (User review by Ghost, 2023)."
Cancellation PolicyN/A - No reservations required.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers rustic recreational opportunities such as hiking and general outdoor activities like camping and picnicking. No additional amenities or organized activities are provided.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include nearby trails such as the Fairview Creek Trail (#1408A) and the Hardscrabble Trail, which both begin near the vault toilet.Winter Activities
No information is available about winter recreation opportunities.Water Sports
No information is available about non-motorized water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in developed fire pits when conditions allow; see current fire information for restrictions.
- Quiet hours between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazards"No cell service" (User review) and lack of potable water can pose challenges. Visitors must pack out their garbage as no disposal services are provided.
Active alerts"Under closure order due to 2024 fires: Umpqua National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov)," indicating temporary closure.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
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 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage disposal. Campers are required to pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresSituated along Sharps Creek.
Common complaints"No cell service" and lack of water facilities are noted by users. No garbage disposal services, requiring visitors to pack out their waste.
HostNot specified.
Campground Map
18782 North Umpqua Highway Glide, OR 97443
Driving directionsFrom Cottage Grove, OR, travel east on Row River Road 2400 for 15 miles to Sharps Creek Road 2460. Turn right on Sharps Creek Road 2460 and continue for 10 miles. Turn left and continue onto the gravel portion of Sharps Creek Road 2460 for 2 miles. Mineral Camp is located on the right side of the road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads for the first portion, followed by a gravel road for 2 miles. "Travel Considerations: Alerts and closures can be found at the top of this page. Check weather before traveling. Road information can be found on https://www.tripcheck.com."Nearby places
Cottage Grove, OR - 27 miles
Nearby supplies
The nearest town for supplies is Cottage Grove, OR, located 27 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Mineral Camp Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the rustic and minimalistic nature of the campground, highlighting the lack of modern amenities such as cell service and potable water.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the natural setting and the proximity to hiking trails.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
The lack of potable water, no cell service, and absence of garbage disposal were common concerns.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should plan ahead and bring sufficient water and a method for trash disposal due to the lack of these facilities. "If planning on camping here please keep in mind there is NO cell service."...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal trends or variations in user experiences are explicitly mentioned in the sources.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"If planning on camping here please keep in mind there is NO cell service." (User review by Ghost)
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to particular campsites or areas within the campground were provided.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user feedback was provided regarding accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user feedback regarding pet policies or pet-related amenities was provided.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025