Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

Star4.08
113 reviews
PO BOX 549, DETROIT, Oregon, 97342, United States
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,637 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

271 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Oregon State Parks site

Official Website
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Detroit Lake State Recreation Area
$7.00 - $7.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Extra vehicle fee is $7 per night. Each campsite fee includes parking for one vehicle, with a total of two vehicles permitted per site. Additional...
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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

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What Campers Say

4.08

Satisfactory

Based on 113 reviews

999 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspaciouslake

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful natural setting, clean facilities, and family-friendly environment. However, common complaints include proximity to Highway 22 (resulting in road noise) and occasional issues with noise curfews not being enforced."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 549, DETROIT, Oregon, 97342, United States

Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

PO BOX 549, DETROIT, Oregon, 97342, United States

Driving directionsDetroit Lake State Park is located just off highway 22, milepost 48.48 miles east of Salem Oregon or 2 miles west of the town of Detroit, Oregon.
Access is via highway 22, which is paved and easily accessible. Seasonal closures affect boat ramps due to fluctuating lake levels during fall and winter. Generators are not allowed.
Nearby places
Salem, Oregon - 48 miles (approx. 45 minutes)
Detroit, Oregon - 2 miles (approx. 5 minutes)
Sisters, Oregon - approx. 55 miles
Nearby supplies
The town of Detroit offers convenience stores and local shops for essentials like firewood, snacks, and camping supplies. Firewood can also be purchased on-site for $6 per bundle.

Best Time to Camp at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

The camping season brings its own rhythm to Detroit Lake, with each month offering unique experiences. Spring through early fall presents ideal conditions for water recreation, though visitors should note that natural blue-green algae blooms can occur between April and September, temporarily affecting swimming and water sports. As autumn arrives, the lake begins its seasonal transformation, with water levels gradually receding to reveal hidden coves and altered shorelines—a fascinating display of nature's cycles that continues through winter.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for water recreation and boating, though crowded and occasional algae blooms noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Should offer pleasant weather and scenery with fewer crowds than summer; water recs decline.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Good conditions for water recreation in spring, though early algae blooms possible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but many water facilities closed seasonally; limited winter activities noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak camping season is during spring and summer, especially when lake levels are higher.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Seasonal closures affect boat ramp accessibility and moorages from August 1 to April 30.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal closures affect boat ramps and moorages. Algae bloom advisories are recommended to be checked via Oregon Health Authority Recreation Advisory's website.

About Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

Nestled along the shores of a pristine mountain reservoir, Detroit Lake State Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse camping options and stunning natural beauty. This beloved destination seamlessly blends modern amenities with wilderness charm, offering everything from fully-equipped RV sites to secluded tent camping spots beneath towering evergreens. Whether you're seeking a weekend getaway or an extended adventure, this expansive recreation area serves as your gateway to the spectacular Cascade Mountains.
Detroit Lake State Recreation Area caters to a range of camping preferences, from full-hookup RV sites to primitive tent camping options. Group camping is supported, and specific lakeside sites are particularly sought after.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit information not provided.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Firewood available
Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Detroit Lake State Recreation Area offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing, and playground enjoyment for kids. Seasonal algae blooms can limit some water activities.
HikingSeveral trails are available, including those leading down to the lake. Trails vary in difficulty and provide scenic views.
FishingFishing is popular at Detroit Lake, with trout being a notable species. Accessible fishing docks are provided for ease of use.
SwimmingSwimming areas are well-marked with visible ropes. The water is described as clean and suitable for wading and swimming, though shallow areas and exposed logs are noted in some places.
BikingChildren and families frequently use the campground for biking. The terrain is generally flat and safe for casual rides.
BoatingTwo boat ramps and 82 boat slips are available for boating enthusiasts. Boating activities include kayaking and paddleboarding.
Wildlife viewingDucks, birds, and chipmunks are commonly seen around the campsite, contributing to a lively natural environment.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHighway noise is a frequent complaint, especially for sites closer to the road. Seasonal algae blooms can pose risks during water recreation. Sharp rocks and steep terrain near the lake challenge accessibility for some visitors.
Active AlertsSeasonal closures affect boat ramps and moorages. Algae bloom advisories are recommended to be checked via Oregon Health Authority Recreation Advisory's website.

Weather at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

Reviews

4.1
113 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Detroit Lake State Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful natural setting, clean facilities, and family-friendly environment. However, common complaints include proximity to Highway 22 (resulting in road noise) and occasional issues with noise curfews not being enforced.
Review Summaries
Based on 113 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean and well-maintained restrooms, friendly staff, spacious and private lakeside sites, and abundant recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.
Based on 113 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback focuses on road noise from Highway 22, crowded campsites, insufficient enforcement of quiet hours, and occasional staffing issues.
Based on 113 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking lakeside spots for better views and privacy, bringing earplugs to mitigate highway noise, and planning ahead as reservations fill up quickly.
Based on 113 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the busiest season, with crowded conditions and high activity levels. Algae blooms were noted as a potential seasonal concern, affecting water activities between April and September....
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Based on 113 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Check-in was a breeze and the site was spotless with leftover wood in the fire pit." - Brenten Manuel "Bring earplugs to deal with highway noise but the lake views make up for it." - Various...
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Based on 113 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Lakeside sites like H50 and G36 are highly recommended for their views and privacy. Sites close to the highway, such as H27, are criticized for noise.
Based on 113 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features like ADA-compliant sites and fishing docks are appreciated, but specific feedback from users with disabilities is limited.
Based on 113 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some users noted occasional issues with dog behavior and interactions between pets.
Based on 113 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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