Steamboat Falls Campground
3.978 reviewsSteamboat 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$5.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Cash/Cheque are accepted. Please note senior citizens are eligible for a 50% discount
About this campground
Escape into a world of towering Douglas firs at this hidden gem, where ancient trees create a natural cathedral that shields you from the nearby North Umpqua Highway. Despite its convenient location, the dense canopy and whisper of wind through branches transport you deep into Oregon's wilderness, offering the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion for your outdoor adventure.
Steamboat Falls Campground offers a mix of tent-only and combined-use sites catering to small groups, with a total of 7 campsites. No RV-specific or group camping facilities are provided.
Historical SignificanceEach year, this stretch of the North Umpqua River becomes nature's theater as magnificent steelhead trout return to their ancestral spawning grounds. This centuries-old migration has drawn anglers, naturalists, and photographers from around the world, creating a vibrant tradition of conservation and appreciation for these remarkable fish. Witnessing the steelhead run connects visitors to the timeless rhythms of the Pacific Northwest.
Weather and SeasonsSpring awakens this mountain retreat in April, when winter's last snow melts away to reveal a temperate paradise. Throughout the season, comfortable temperatures hover between 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit, creating ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and fireside evenings. The crisp mountain air and gentle climate make this an perfect basecamp for exploring the North Umpqua's natural wonders.
ElevationPerched at 1,500 feet above sea level, the campground sits in the sweet spot of Oregon's Cascade foothills, where mountain air stays crisp without the harsh extremes of higher elevations.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in an enchanted forest where massive firs stretch skyward, their interwoven branches creating a living roof overhead. This private woodland sanctuary offers intimate campsites nestled among ferns and moss-covered logs, where filtered sunlight dapples the forest floor and the outside world fades away into green tranquility.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast Umpqua National Forest, this campground showcases the geological splendor of Oregon's Cascade Range. Ancient volcanic activity and millennia of forest growth have created this remarkable landscape, where majestic firs dominate the canopy along the historic North Umpqua Highway corridor, offering a gateway to one of the Pacific Northwest's most pristine wilderness areas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilets at the campground are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeCampsites are standard in size and accommodate small groups. Parking aprons are gravel and dirt.
Sites Privacy"Fewer than a dozen sites and most are relatively secluded," according to a user review. Site 1, situated where two creeks meet, is noted for its seclusion.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose a site away from the trailheads
Best CampsitesSite 1
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
12 pm
Stay Limit
The maximum stay is up to 14 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
No maximum limit
Groups
No group camping sites are available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe tent sites are along the main campground loop
Open and Closed SeasonApril 1-September 20
Reservation Platformsnfs.gov/umpqua
Walk-in AvailabilityThe sites are available only during peak season
Cancellation PolicyReservations can cancelled immediately but cash only reservations are present
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers limited but unique recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, swimming, and hiking on nearby trails, including the Mott segment of the North Umpqua Trail. Wildlife viewing is also popular during the summer as steelhead trout can be seen jumping the falls.
Hiking
The trailhead for the 5.5-mile Mott segment of the North Umpqua Trail is located approximately 6 miles southwest of the campground.Swimming
Swimming is available in Steamboat Creek but does not feature developed swimming areas. Some user reviews mention poison oak near the creek, which may affect access.Wildlife viewing
During summer months, visitors can see steelhead trout attempting to jump the falls as part of their spawning run.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are not available based on the provided data.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed
- Quiet hours are 12-8 am
Hazards
General hazardsIncludes Mosquitos and bears
Active alertssnow closures alerts
Weather forecast
97
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.3 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
The North Umpqua Ranger Station is nearest for road conditions and closures
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1-September 20
Trash and recyclingGarbage disposal is provided, but no recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe falls and creek attract most visitors
Common complaintsTrash littering and water shortage
HostNo hosts are on site
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Idleyld Park, OR, take State Rt. 138 east 17.6 miles to Steamboat Creek Rd./Forest Rt. 38. Turn left onto Rt. 38 and go 5.5 miles to campground sign. Turn right at the sign onto Forest Rt. 4750 (single lane), cross a bridge, and go 0.6 miles to the campground on the left.
The campground is located off Forest Rt. 38, which is a single-lane road. Travel conditions and road accessibility should be checked in advance for current conditions.Nearby places
Roseburg, OR: Approximately 23.1 miles (40 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Visitors can get their supplies from Roseburg
Camper Reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Steamboat Falls Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful environment and scenic location near Steamboat Creek. However, some reviewers raised concerns about cleanliness, citing issues like trash and a dirty toilet during peak seasons. Poison oak and mosquitoes were also mentioned as potential nuisances.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground for its quiet atmosphere, seclusion, and beautiful natural setting. "Beautiful camp spot on the Umpqua River!" and "Very nice, small campground along the creek," were...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some reviewers reported issues with poison oak, mosquitoes, and cleanliness during their visits. For example, "The pathway down is overgrown with poison oak...the campers left trash all over, with a...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to be cautious of poison oak and to bring mosquito repellant. Since potable water is unavailable, visitors should bring their own drinking water. Early arrival is recommended to...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer visits typically offer opportunities for steelhead trout viewing but may also bring mosquitoes and poison oak. Fall reviews highlight the serene and less crowded environment. Cleanliness...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Beautiful camp spot on the Umpqua River!" - Jean Jarvaise
2. "The waterfalls are beautiful, but the pathway down is overgrown with poison oak." - Carly Rose
3. "Nice out-of-the-way campground...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1 is particularly noted for its seclusion, located on a point where two creeks meet. Campers describe it as wonderfully private and scenic.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but no other specific accessibility features were mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash and cannot roam freely. Owners are reminded to clean up after their pets to maintain the area's cleanliness.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025