Trout Creek Campground
4.2172 reviewsSWEET HOME RANGER DISTRICT, 4431 HIGHWAY 20 SWEET HOME, OR 97386
Trout Creek Campground
$25.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
Nightly rates for standard non-electric campsites range between $25 and $50, varying by season. Additional vehicle charges are $9 per vehicle.
About this campground
Twenty miles east of Sweet Home, Oregon, where the Willamette National Forest embraces the rushing waters of the South Santiam River, Trout Creek Campground offers a perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness charm. This intimate 24-site campground welcomes both tent campers and RV adventurers, with four pull-through sites designed for larger rigs up to 40 feet. Whether you've secured your spot through reservation or are hoping for a first-come, first-served site, you'll find yourself immersed in old-growth forest tranquility. Modern conveniences meet rustic charm here, with vault toilets and a hand-pump well providing fresh mountain water, while a stunning 1930s-era picnic shelter stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Families particularly love the easy riverside access and nearby trail connections that make this an ideal basecamp for Pacific Northwest adventures.
Trout Creek Campground offers tent camping and limited RV camping. It is best suited for smaller RVs or trailers due to the tight roadways and shallow spaces.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Trout Creek, where the enduring legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps lives on in the magnificent stone picnic shelter they constructed during the Great Depression. This architectural gem, complete with its original fireplace, serves as a gathering place where modern campers can connect with the pioneering spirit of the 1930s. The campground also serves as a gateway to the historic Santiam Wagon Road, where pioneers once traversed these ancient forests on their journey across the Cascades, following routes that Native Americans had used for generations before them.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Trout Creek into a temperate paradise, where warm days invite river play and cool nights demand cozy campfires. The dry season typically runs from late June through September, offering the most reliable conditions for camping enthusiasts. As autumn arrives, the maple trees paint the campground in brilliant golds and reds, though rain becomes more frequent. Winter brings a dramatic transformation as heavy snow blankets the forest and temperatures plunge well below freezing, effectively closing the campground to all but the most intrepid winter adventurers.
Natural Features and SceneryBeneath a cathedral canopy of moss-draped alders and towering Douglas firs, Trout Creek Campground feels like a secret garden in the heart of the Cascade wilderness. Ancient hemlocks and bigleaf maples create a multi-layered forest tapestry, while sword ferns and lush understory plants carpet the forest floor in endless shades of green. The true star of the show is the South Santiam River, whose crystal-clear waters dance past many of the riverside campsites, providing a natural soundtrack of rushing water and creating perfect spots for quiet contemplation or adventurous wading. This temperate rainforest environment creates an almost tropical feel during summer months, with morning mist often hanging in the trees like nature's own special effects.
Geological RegionCarved by centuries of volcanic activity and glacial forces, the South Santiam River corridor showcases the dynamic geology of the Western Cascades. This 66-mile tributary has sculpted its way through ancient lava flows and volcanic deposits, creating the dramatic river valley that cradles Trout Creek Campground today. The surrounding Willamette National Forest represents one of the most biologically diverse temperate forests on Earth, where the meeting of ocean moisture and mountain terrain has created ideal conditions for the magnificent old-growth ecosystem. Here, moss-draped alders stand alongside centuries-old Douglas firs, hemlocks, and maples, all thriving in the volcanic soils that make this region so remarkably fertile and green.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets and is situated on paved roads with gravel parking spurs. Some trails, including nearby attractions like Walton Ranch Interpretive Trail, are wheelchair-accessible.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, with some being spacious enough for larger trailers. However, certain sites are described as small or cramped in user reviews. "Most sites are decent sizes," and "some sites are narrow and shallow."
Sites PrivacyThe sites generally offer a fair amount of privacy with separation provided by lush greenery and trees. "Most campsites feel secluded," and "privacy between sites is decent."
Total Campsites24 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the river are recommended for serenity and views. Consider larger sites for families or groups; avoid sites close to the road for reduced noise.
Best CampsitesSites 002, 009, 013, and 022 are highlighted as private and scenic, with some offering riverfront access.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights per reservation.
Groups
No specific group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of a single loop with sites spread along the South Santiam River. Four RV pull-throughs are available.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 2, 2025, to September 28, 2025. Closed during the off-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are first-come, first-served; availability is higher during weekdays.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be modified or canceled ahead of arrival. Changes incur a $10 fee for new dates, while late cancellations result in forfeiting the first night's fee plus a $10 penalty. Scan & Pay transactions are non-refundable.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Trout Creek Campground provides opportunities for various activities, including fishing, hiking, wading, and wildlife viewing. It is situated near trails such as the 2.8-mile Trout Creek Trail and Walton Ranch Interpretive Trail. The South Santiam River is a popular location for water activities and scenic views.
Hiking
The campground offers easy access to the Trout Creek Trail (2.8 miles) and Walton Ranch Interpretive Trail. The Menagerie Wilderness can also be accessed from these trails. "Hikers enjoy easy access to the Trout Creek Trail and the short Walton Ranch Interpretive Trail."Fishing
Fishing is popular along the South Santiam River. However, fishing is catch-and-release only, and the use of lures or flies is required. "Caught not one thing after 4 days," noted one user review.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities at the campground are supported by its proximity to the wildlife viewing platform overlooking Long Ranch. "A short wheelchair-accessible trail... accesses a wildlife viewing platform that overlooks the ranch."Winter Activities
Winter activities such as skiing or snowshoeing are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not explicitly mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted but firewood is not provided. Visitors are encouraged to bring or purchase firewood nearby.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include noise from neighboring campers and road traffic for sites near the highway. Wildlife might also pose risks, as per user reviews mentioning rattlesnakes.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 2, 2025 - September 28, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are available on-site, although some reviews note they can become full during busy times. "Trash cans were all full the whole time we were there."
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the South Santiam River, offering activities like wading and fishing. Public river access is available near the day-use picnic shelter.
Common complaintsNoise disturbances from inconsiderate campers are common due to the lack of a camp host. Complaints also include improperly cleaned vault toilets and tight RV site spacing related to trailer maneuverability.
Campground Map
SWEET HOME RANGER DISTRICT, 4431 HIGHWAY 20 SWEET HOME, OR 97386
Driving directionsFrom Sweet Home, OR, follow Highway 20 east for 19 miles and look for signs for the Trout Creek Campground.
Roads are paved leading to the campground, though some parking spurs are gravel. There is no cell service or limited service at the campground, which may pose navigation challenges.Nearby places
Sweet Home, OR (19 miles, approximately 20–25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely found in Sweet Home, OR, 19 miles away, for groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.
Camper Reviews
4.2
72 reviews
Trout Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Trout Creek Campground highlight its scenic beauty, riverfront campsites, and peaceful environment. However, issues such as noisy neighbors, lack of a camp host, and occasional cleanliness problems are noted. Many campers praise the campground's privacy, lush environment, and accessibility to water activities and hiking trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 72 reviews
What Campers Love
- Scenic and riverfront campsites
- Peaceful environment
- Easy access to trails and the river
- Generally clean vault toilets
- Privacy between campsites
- Suitable for families and children
Based on 72 reviewsCommon Concerns
- Noise disturbances due to lack of camp host
- Vault toilets occasionally lacking maintenance (e.g., toilet paper, odors)
- Trash cans becoming full during high occupancy times
- Small and cramped...
Based on 72 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- "Reserve sites online ahead of time, preferably next to the water."
- "Bring your own firewood or purchase locally as it is not readily available."
- "Avoid weekends if you prefer a quieter...
Based on 72 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are popular but can be noisy due to lack of enforcement of quiet hours. Midweek stays are recommended for a quieter experience. Out-of-season camping is not available.
Based on 72 reviewsCamper Quotes
- "Our site was very spacious and riverfront. Most sites are next to water which was great for wading in for the kids." - Randi Gonzales
- "Our camp was close to the water that you could hear the...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 002: "Hard to back into due to an unfortunately placed disposal area. Privacy and creek access are excellent." - Parker M
Site 007: "Vault toilets weren't particularly clean but water access...
Based on 72 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible vault toilets and paved roads are available. A nearby wheelchair-accessible trail offers wildlife viewing opportunities. "A short wheelchair-accessible trail is located directly across...
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Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and many reviews note the suitability of the campground for families with dogs. "Pets Allowed."
Based on 72 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025