River Bench Campground
River Bench Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation Use fee prices vary by location and activity; reservation service fees include $8 online, $9 through the contact center, and $3 in-person.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation.gov
ProviderAbout this campground
Nestled on a peaceful river terrace along the Illinois River, River Bench Campground invites adventurers to experience true wilderness camping at its finest. Eight secluded walk-in campsites await beneath a canopy of towering trees, each thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table and fire pit for memorable evenings under the stars. This back-to-basics destination celebrates simplicity—while vault toilets are conveniently located within walking distance, campers should come prepared with their own water and pack-out plans, as the campground maintains its pristine natural state without running water or garbage services. It's the perfect escape for those seeking an authentic connection with nature.
The River Bench Campground is a walk-in camping area designed for tent campers. It features 8 campsites with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire pits.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this specific campground remains unwritten, the Illinois River corridor has long served as a natural pathway through these ancient forests, connecting communities and wilderness travelers for generations.
Weather and SeasonsRiver Bench experiences the full drama of Pacific Northwest weather, creating an ever-changing backdrop for your outdoor adventure. Recent observations reveal a dynamic climate where clouds paint the sky nearly two-thirds of the time, with rain gracing the forest floor on roughly one in three days. Temperatures hover comfortably in the 40s, with crisp mornings dipping to around 36°F and afternoons warming to near 50°F. Winter visitors can expect nature's full symphony—from gentle snowflakes dusting the evergreens to dramatic rainstorms that fill the Illinois River with rushing energy. Each season brings its own magic to this riverside retreat.
ElevationPositioned on the river's natural terrace system, the campground offers a unique vantage point that balances accessibility with the feeling of being immersed in the wilderness landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Illinois River serves as the campground's stunning centerpiece, its waters carving through the landscape and creating the distinctive lower river terrace where campers make their temporary homes. Surrounded by a verdant forest that seems to embrace each campsite, visitors find themselves immersed in a living gallery of Pacific Northwest beauty. Towering conifers filter the sunlight into dancing patterns, while the river's gentle murmur provides nature's perfect soundtrack. This lush, forested sanctuary offers endless opportunities for quiet contemplation and wildlife observation.
Geological RegionRiver Bench Campground occupies a fascinating geological position on a lower river terrace—a natural platform carved by the Illinois River over countless centuries. This forested terrace represents thousands of years of the river's patient work, creating the perfect elevation for camping: close enough to enjoy the water's presence, yet safely above its reach. The surrounding forest thrives in this river-carved landscape, where ancient geological processes continue to shape the environment that delights modern-day campers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options are not detailed in the provided information.
Sites SizeSpecific site dimensions are not provided, but all sites are walk-in and include a picnic table and a fire pit.
Sites PrivacySpecific details on the level of privacy at individual campsites are not provided.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesWalk-in campsites are recommended for visitors seeking proximity to the Illinois River and a secluded camping experience.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
The campground does not specify stay limits.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The number of guests per site is not specified.
Groups
Group sites are not mentioned in the authoritative data.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of eight walk-in campsites accessible via two trails. Parking is located above the campsite area.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal opening and closing dates for the campground are not provided.
Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made for this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground offers walk-in campsites only, with parking located above the campsite area.
Cancellation PolicyLate cancellations for individual campsites incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fees. No-show customers forfeit the first night's fees and incur a $20 fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
River Bench Campground offers a natural, riverside setting ideal for outdoor activities. However, specific recreational opportunities are not elaborated upon in the source information.
Hiking
The campsite requires a short hike down one of two access trails to reach the area. Details about additional hiking opportunities in the surrounding area are not provided.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not discussed in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not mentioned in the available data.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire pits at each campsite.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include lack of drinking water and garbage disposal services. Weather-related hazards like heavy rain and light snow may occur during winter.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are not specified.
Trash and recyclingThere are no garbage disposal facilities available. Campers are required to pack out all of their trash and waste.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to the Illinois River, providing easy access to water-based activities.
Common complaintsLimited facilities such as no drinking water or garbage disposal may be points of concern for visitors.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Selma, OR, take Highway 199 to the turn for Illinois River Road 4301. Take that road approximately 7 plus miles to the campground. Parking is up above the campsites and there are trails to the sites.
The campground requires travel along Illinois River Road 4301, which is accessible from Highway 199. Roads are suitable for most vehicles, although detailed conditions are not provided.Nearby places
Selma, OR (approximately 7 miles)
Camper Reviews
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River Bench Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available for River Bench Campground, so visitor experiences cannot be summarized.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
There are no user reviews available to highlight positive aspects.
Common Concerns
No user complaints are documented due to the absence of reviews.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends cannot be determined as user feedback is not available.
Camper Quotes
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Site-Specific Reviews
There are no reviews or data available specific to individual campsites at River Bench Campground.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not available in the source materials.
Pet-Friendly Features
There are no reviews or data regarding pet policies or experiences related to pets.
Last updated August 10, 2025