South Umpqua Falls Campground
4.468 reviewsSouth Umpqua Falls Campground, Umpqua National Forest, Oregon
South Umpqua Falls Campground
$5.00 - $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
Single site fee is $10 per night. Additional vehicle fee is $5 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Passes discount 50% on single site fees occupied by pass holder. Payment accepted via cash or check only.
About this campground
Nestled in a sun-dappled meadow embraced by towering timber, South Umpqua Falls Campground offers 19 peaceful campsites where nature's symphony plays day and night. This rustic retreat features three vault toilets and convenient grey water disposal sumps for a comfortable camping experience. Just across the road, adventure beckons at South Umpqua Falls Picnic Area, where crystalline waters cascade dramatically over ancient rocks. Here, lucky visitors might witness the spectacular sight of Chinook salmon leaping upstream or catch a glimpse of majestic bald eagles soaring overhead. Perched at 1,600 feet elevation, this mountain sanctuary provides the perfect basecamp for exploring the wonders of the Umpqua wilderness.
South Umpqua Falls Campground provides tent and group camping opportunities. Sites are first-come, first-serve and are equipped with basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire pits.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Oregon's seasons at South Umpqua Falls, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Summer transforms the campground into a warm haven with temperatures climbing into the pleasant 80s, perfect for hiking and river exploration. As autumn arrives, crisp air and changing leaves create a photographer's paradise. Winter brings a different kind of magic, with temperatures often dipping into the 30s and occasional dustings of snow that transform the meadow into a wonderland. Rain and mixed precipitation create a lush, verdant environment year-round, though winter snow typically melts quickly rather than accumulating deeply. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and rushing waters from snowmelt.
ElevationAt 1,600 feet above sea level, South Umpqua Falls Campground occupies a sweet spot in the Cascade foothills where mountain air stays fresh and cool without the harsh extremes of higher elevations. This moderate altitude means winter visitors can enjoy the beauty of occasional snowfall without worrying about heavy accumulation or difficult access. The elevation creates an ideal microclimate where diverse plant communities thrive and wildlife flourishes throughout the seasons.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture waking up in a wildflower-dotted meadow where morning mist dances between ancient Douglas firs and the gentle murmur of the South Umpqua River provides nature's soundtrack. The campground's unique setting offers the best of both worlds: sunny, open sites in the meadow for those who love expansive sky views, and cool, shaded spots beneath the protective canopy of old-growth timber. This diverse habitat attracts an impressive array of wildlife—from black bears foraging for berries to bald eagles patrolling the river for salmon. The real stars of the show are the Chinook salmon, whose epic upstream journey provides one of nature's most inspiring spectacles.
Geological RegionThe campground rests in the heart of the scenic Umpqua Valley, where millennia of geological forces have carved a landscape of stunning contrasts. Ancient volcanic activity and centuries of erosion by the South Umpqua River have created this perfect camping oasis where meadowlands meet forest. The nearby cascading falls showcase the raw power of water sculpting through volcanic basalt, creating pools and rapids that have sustained wildlife and delighted visitors for generations. This unique position in the Umpqua drainage offers campers front-row seats to one of Oregon's most biodiverse and visually striking regions.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features or accommodations for disabilities are mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as spacious and ideal for group camping. User reviews note that each site has a large area for pitching tents.
Sites PrivacyThe campground features an open field style of layout, which limits privacy. Some user reviews describe it as being more suitable for group camping than for secluded individual experiences.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsites away from the shoreline if camping with pets to minimize disturbances.
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.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOpen meadow style layout surrounded by timber. Individual campsites are spacious with picnic tables and fire pits.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsSome sites may be reservable; visit UMPQUA National Forest website.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve with reservations also available.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
South Umpqua Falls Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities such as hiking, swimming, and picnicking. The nearby South Umpqua Falls Picnic Area provides scenic views of the cascading river and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Hiking
The campground is located near hiking trails, which include a short walk to the falls and additional trails leading to swimming holes.Swimming
The falls feature swimming holes, which are accessible via a short hike from the campground. However, the area can become very busy, particularly on hot summer days.Wildlife viewing
Visitors to the campground have reported spotting wildlife such as bears and bald eagles. One user mentioned seeing up to 6 bears in a single day a few miles from the campground.Winter Activities
The campground does not have snow cover in winter, making it accessible year-round, but no specific winter activities are described.Water Sports
The campground is close to swimming holes, but no additional water sports like kayaking or canoeing are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted in designated fire pits when conditions allow. Fireworks are strictly prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include bears and snakes. Campers should avoid leaving food outside and check tents for snakes. Nearby swimming holes can have slippery rocks.
Active alertsCheck current fire information and fire danger status before camping.
Weather forecast
97
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Closest emergency services include Tiller Ranger Station for forest-related issues and Canyonville as the nearest town with medical services and police.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal is minimal at the campground. No recycling facilities were specifically mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresSouth Umpqua River and South Umpqua Falls are within walking distance, offering swimming and picnicking opportunities.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include lack of potable water, first-come site availability leading to uncertainty, and rowdy behavior during busy weekends.
Campground Map
South Umpqua Falls Campground, Umpqua National Forest, Oregon
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 28) and continue for 20 miles. The campground is located on the left side of the road.
The campground is reached via paved OR-227 and County Road 46, but may be subject to weather-related conditions. Visit the Umpqua National Forest's current conditions page for road alerts and closures.Nearby places
Canyonville (approximately 43 miles, ~45 minutes drive)
Tiller (20 miles, ~20 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Tiller (20 miles away, ~20 minutes drive) and Canyonville (~43 miles away, ~45 minutes drive). Campers need to bring their own potable water and firewood.
Camper Reviews
4.5
8 reviews
South Umpqua Falls Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground as a beautiful and peaceful location with spacious campsites and easy access to South Umpqua Falls. However, the lack of potable water and site markings has been a point of contention.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciated the campground's natural beauty and proximity to the falls. One user described it as 'so beautiful and peaceful,' and another remarked, 'just a short walk to the falls and then...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water, site markings, and the busy nature of the falls during peak times. One user stated, 'They do not have running water, so you will need to bring...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing plenty of water, as the campground does not offer potable water. Another tip is to avoid busy weekends for a quieter experience. Campers are also advised to be mindful of...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during the summer, particularly on hot weekends, when the falls become a popular day-use destination. In contrast, the off-season is described as quiet and equally...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'I love camping here!!!!! The only bummer is that it is a first come first reserve space.' - Eve W.
2. 'The camp space is clean and the views are beautiful.' - Eve W.
3. 'Very spacious campground...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are not numbered or marked, which has caused confusion for some campers. One user complained, 'Sites aren't marked when you have to pay for them and put the spot number when there...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but campers are reminded to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them. One user emphasized selecting a campsite on the edge of the campground to avoid disturbing others.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025