How much does camping cost at Molalla River State Park?

Camping fees at Molalla River State Park range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Molalla River State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Molalla River State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Molalla River State Park before I book?

Yes! Molalla River State Park has 13 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Molalla River State Park?

Molalla River State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Molalla River State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Molalla River State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Molalla River State Park?

Molalla River State Park offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Molalla River State Park?

Popular activities at Molalla River State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Molalla River State Park

3.57

14 reviews

8801 Buena Vista Rd NW, Albany, Oregon, 97321, United States

Top 22% in ORWinter

Featured in:Fall Camping Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

105 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Oregon State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

105 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Oregon State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Molalla River State Park

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

User reviews strongly emphasize that Molalla River State Park is a rare state park without an entrance fee, which is appreciated by visitors. Melissa...

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Campground Map

8801 Buena Vista Rd NW, Albany, Oregon, 97321, United States

Molalla River State Park

8801 Buena Vista Rd NW, Albany, Oregon, 97321, United States

Driving directionsFrom Portland (I-5 south): Exit 282a toward Canby. Turn left onto Arndt Rd, which becomes Knights Bridge Rd. Turn left onto Holly St, then left at the park entrance. From Portland (205 south): Exit 9 toward Oregon City, follow 99E south. Turn right onto Territorial Rd, then right onto Holly St, and take a left at the park entrance. From Salem (I-5 north): Exit 278 toward Aurora. Follow 99E north to Canby, turn left onto Grant St, right onto First St, left onto Holly St, and left at the park entrance.

Molalla River State Park is accessible via paved roads, but it is located off the main highways. User reviews mention its remote location, stating 'it is quite a ways from a main road,' which limits random visitors and makes it primarily frequented by locals. Seasonal accessibility issues are not mentioned.

Weather at Molalla River State Park

Current alerts(1)

Access into Molalla River State Park from Eilers Road is prohibited. OPRD is unable to provide legal access from the county road leading into the park. Use the main entrance at River Park Place near the intersection of NE 37th Avenue and N Holly Street in Canby.

Best Time to Camp at Molalla River State Park

Fall delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and cool nights in the 40s. River flows settle after summer, making for calmer fishing and paddling. Trails dry out and foliage in the riparian areas peaks in color. Crowds drop significantly after summer, especially on weekdays. Summer sees heavier use on weekends.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Reviews note fall offers the most reliable conditions and calmer river flows for fishing/paddling.

Planning Tips

About Molalla River State Park

Molalla River State Park sits along the Molalla River near Canby, a day-use area at 105 feet elevation with flush toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. The park feels quieter than most state parks in the Willamette Valley, described by locals as 'almost like a secret park.' No overnight camping is available. Maintenance is inconsistent, particularly at the boat ramp and restrooms.

Molalla River State Park is a day-use park with no overnight camping facilities. Visitors can enjoy picnics, fishing, walking trails, and other recreational activities.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and cool nights in the 40s. River flows settle after summer, making for calmer fishing and paddling. Trails dry out and foliage in the riparian areas peaks in color. Crowds drop significantly after summer, especially on weekdays. Summer sees heavier use on weekends.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park occupies a mix of open grass meadows and small stands of Douglas fir along the Molalla River. Riparian zones line the riverbanks, transitioning to farmland and scattered native conifers on higher ground. The landscape sits in the Willamette Valley river basin at low elevation, where ancient geological activity carved river channels through rich alluvial soils. Views shift between riverside corridors and agricultural vistas typical of Oregon's Central Valleys Region.

Geological RegionNestled within Oregon's fertile Central Valleys Region, Molalla River State Park serves as a natural gateway to understanding the Willamette Valley's unique geography. Here, the ancient geological forces that shaped the valley have created a diverse landscape where river-carved channels meet rich alluvial soils. The park's setting showcases the characteristic features of the Willamette Valley River basin, from its lush riparian zones to the productive farmlands that have sustained communities for generations. Small groves of native conifers punctuate the terrain, offering glimpses of the forests that once blanketed this entire region.

Scenic ViewsThe park offers views of the Willamette and Molalla Rivers but limited access for activities like fishing due to overgrown openings. R.C. mentions, 'There is more access to the Willamette River than the Molalla. Most openings are overgrown.'

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations like hotels, cabins, or yurts are available for rent at Molalla River State Park.

Best Campsites

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Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutPicnic tables scatter across mowed grass areas. Trails are unmarked. Parking splits between paved sections and rougher mowed areas. The boat ramp is poorly maintained.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Oregon State Parks website, and for group day-use sites, prior reading of rules for reservation changes and cancellations is recommended.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be changed or canceled, as per the Oregon State Parks guidelines. For detailed rules, visit the Oregon State Parks website.

AccessibilityLimited information is available about accessibility features. However, the park does have trails and restrooms described by some users as accessible.

Site SizeThe park is primarily a day-use area with open grass spaces. No designated campsites are available.

PrivacyThe park is open and does not provide secluded or private areas, as noted in user reviews.

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Amenities available

Molalla River State Park offers a variety of day-use amenities, including picnic tables, public restrooms with flush toilets, drinking water, and an off-leash pet exercise area. The park is described by one reviewer as having 'plenty of parking' and another noting that it is 'dog-friendly.' However, there are no camping facilities available on site. The park also has a boat ramp, although reviews suggest it is poorly maintained. Multiple reviewers noted the presence of walking trails and significant open grass space, making it suitable for picnics and group activities.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Molalla River State Park offers activities such as walking, fishing, picnicking, and dog exercise in an off-leash area. The park's open grass areas and trails make it suitable for day-use recreation.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe poorly maintained boat ramp is a recurring safety concern. Stephanie F warns about its condition: 'Even though it is technically a boat ramp/launch, it has always given off an abandoned, unsafe vibe. It scares me to use it.' Additionally, dog waste is an issue, as noted by various reviewers.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the reviews or authoritative content, but the park includes picnic areas and public restrooms, which may suggest some waste management provisions.

Water FeaturesThe park has access to the Willamette and Molalla Rivers, but fishing access is limited. R.C. notes, 'There is more access to the Willamette River than the Molalla.'

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.6

14 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Molalla River State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Molalla River State Park are mixed, with some appreciating its peaceful atmosphere and suitability for dogs, while others criticize the poor maintenance of facilities like the boat ramp and restrooms. The park is described as 'almost like a secret park,' frequented by locals who enjoy its quiet and open spaces.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the park's 'peaceful' setting, dog-friendly amenities, open spaces for picnics, and trails for walking. Users also appreciate the lack of entry fees.

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include poorly maintained facilities such as the boat ramp and restrooms, unmarked trails, and a lack of privacy in group reservation areas. One reviewer noted, 'Restrooms stink due to...

Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group areas were critiqued for a lack of reserved parking spaces and privacy, as noted by one reviewer: 'It would have been better if people, kids, dogs didn't walk through our space.'

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend ignoring leash rules in certain areas, as the off-leash dog exercise area seems underutilized. Another tip is to be cautious when using the boat ramp due to its poor condition.

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is generally less crowded during off-peak seasons but can become busy during summer, particularly in the afternoons. Seasonal weather trends indicate that the park is best enjoyed during dry...

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Molalla state park is almost like a secret park, mostly visited by local area residents.' 2. 'It would have been better if people, kids, dogs didn't walk through our space.' 3. 'Neglected park....

Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited accessibility information is provided. One reviewer noted that the trails can be unclear and may lead into farmland, posing challenges for all visitors.

Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Multiple reviews emphasize the dog-friendly nature of the park, including a designated off-leash area. However, leash rules are widely ignored, and not all owners pick up after their pets.

Based on 14 reviews

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Go if

Dog owners and casual picnickers get the most out of this place. It's free, has an off-leash exercise area, and fall weekdays are genuinely quiet. The 1.5-mile loop trail works fine if you don't mind zero signage.

Skip if

Boaters should read carefully: the ramp is in rough shape and has an 'abandoned, unsafe vibe' per multiple visitors. Also, Eilers Road access is currently closed; you must enter from River Park Place near NE 37th Avenue and N Holly Street in Canby.

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Champoeg State Heritage Area sits along the Willamette River in Oregon's Central Valleys, 98 feet above sea level. The campground offers 86 sites across multiple loops, including tent sites, RV hookups, walk-in tent spots, group areas, cabins, and yurts. Fees run $7 per night. Facilities are clean and well-maintained, though some campers note limited privacy in certain loops.