Southshore At Detroit Lake - Willamette (Or)

Star4.16
208 reviews
P.O. Box 340, Detroit, OR 97342, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,604 ft

Price

$28 - $56/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open from April 25 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Linn County Parks and Recreation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Southshore At Detroit Lake - Willamette (Or)
$28.00 - $56.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by site type and season. Standard non-electric sites are $28 per night, double sites are $56 per night, walk-to sites are $28 per night....
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Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$28.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
541-967-3917Claudia@AmericanLL.com
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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 208 reviews

78 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlakefriendlywell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"Reviews for Southshore Campground are generally positive, with visitors praising the clean facilities, secluded atmosphere, and proximity to Detroit Lake. Common themes include the friendliness of the camp hosts, the cleanliness of vault toilets, and the accessibility of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. However, some reviews mention noise issues during busy weekends and uneven terrain in certain campsites."

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 340, Detroit, OR 97342, USA

Southshore At Detroit Lake - Willamette (Or)

P.O. Box 340, Detroit, OR 97342, USA

Driving directionsFrom Detroit, Oregon, travel east on State Highway 22 for 2.7 miles to Blowout Road/Forest Service Road 10. From Idanha, Oregon, travel west on State Highway 22 for 0.7 miles to Blowout Road/Forest Service Road 10. Proceed on Blowout Road 4.7 miles to Southshore Campground on the right.
Access via paved roads. Seasonal conditions may affect accessibility during winter months. Blowout Road is narrow and winding; caution is advised.
Nearby places
Detroit, OR (2.7 miles, approximately 5 minutes)
Idanha, OR (0.7 miles, approximately 2 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Town of Detroit offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel approximately 2.7 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Southshore At Detroit Lake - Willamette (Or)

Experience the dramatic beauty of Oregon's changing seasons at Southshore, where summer transforms the campground into a sun-soaked paradise perfect for swimming and water sports—though fire restrictions may apply during the driest months. As autumn arrives, crisp mountain air and golden light create ideal conditions for cozy campfires. Winter brings a hushed stillness to the forest, with snow occasionally dusting the Douglas firs and limiting access to the most adventurous souls. Spring emerges with frequent Pacific Northwest showers that awaken the forest floor and fill the lake to its sparkling brim.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in OR

Peak season for swimming, boating and water sports; campground open April–Sept and busiest in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Early fall (while open) is pleasant, but campground closes late Sept so fall season is limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late spring open season begins Apr 25; cooler water and fewer crowds but limited early-spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr 25–Sep 28 (except limited walk-in access); winter season unsupported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 25 - September 28 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April 25 to September 28 during peak season. Closed outside these dates except for non-reservable walk-in access.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts, though campers should check for seasonal fire bans and closures.

About Southshore At Detroit Lake - Willamette (Or)

Nestled along the pristine south shore of Detroit Lake at 1,604 feet elevation, Southshore Campground beckons adventurers seeking the perfect balance of wilderness and water recreation. This tranquil retreat features thoughtfully spaced campsites across two distinct loops, where towering trees provide natural privacy between wooded hideaways and sun-dappled open spaces. Whether you're launching your boat for a day of fishing, setting off on scenic hiking trails, or simply relaxing by your campfire, you'll find everything you need with well-maintained vault toilets, fresh drinking water, sturdy picnic tables, and established fire rings at each site.
Southshore Campground offers a mix of camping options with 30 campsites, including 25 single and 5 double family campsites. Walk-in tent-only sites are available, while RVs and trailers are permitted at other sites, accommodating vehicles up to 30 feet.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Stays are limited to a maximum of 14 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities abound at Southshore Campground, including boating, jet skiing, swimming, and fishing on Detroit Lake. The nearby Cascading Rivers Bikeway offers cycling options. For hikers, trails across the lake lead to Dome Rock and Needle Rock.
HikingHiking opportunities are available across the lake, including trails leading to Dome Rock and Needle Rock.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Detroit Lake, with rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon, and catfish found in the waters.
SwimmingThere is approximately 1,000 ft. of shoreline in the day-use area and access to lake swimming. However, some reviews mention rocky paths leading to the water and uneven terrain.
BikingThe nearby Cascading Rivers Bikeway provides opportunities for cyclists of all ages.
BoatingThe campground offers a boat ramp and dock for launching, loading, and unloading boats (mooring is not allowed). Detroit Lake is ideal for boating and jet skiing.
Wildlife viewingOspreys are commonly seen hovering or nesting in the trees around the campground.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include uneven ground, steep trails to water, rocky shorelines, and wildlife such as bears. Campers are advised to bring water shoes for rocky lake access and to be cautious of steep paths.
Active AlertsFire bans are common during summer months. | Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted. | No current alerts, though campers should check for seasonal fire bans and closures.

Weather at Southshore At Detroit Lake - Willamette (Or)

Reviews

4.2
208 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Southshore At Detroit Lake - Willamette (Or) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Southshore Campground are generally positive, with visitors praising the clean facilities, secluded atmosphere, and proximity to Detroit Lake. Common themes include the friendliness of the camp hosts, the cleanliness of vault toilets, and the accessibility of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. However, some reviews mention noise issues during busy weekends and uneven terrain in certain campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 208 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, secluded atmosphere, friendly and helpful camp hosts (notably Bill and Gary), proximity to Detroit Lake, and well-maintained vault toilets.
Based on 208 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise disturbances during peak times, uneven terrain at some campsites, lack of level ground for tents, rocky and steep paths to the lake, and occasional theft or disturbances (e.g., noisy late-night...
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Based on 208 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring water shoes for rocky lake access and chairs for comfort. Download the Rec.Gov app beforehand due to limited cell service. Opt for weekdays for a quieter experience. Be cautious of uneven...
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Based on 208 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weekdays are quieter and more peaceful, while weekends (especially summer and holiday weekends) can be noisy and crowded. Seasonal water levels may affect access to the lake and shoreline activities.
Based on 208 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is the side of the Lake that you need to explore if you'd like privacy and your own space.' - Bryan M. 2. 'Vault bathrooms are kept clean, camp hosts are friendly.' - Robbin Carlson 3. 'It...
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Based on 208 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Positive site-specific mentions include site 19 for privacy and lake views, site 28 for a trail to a private lake area, and site 4 for family-friendly access to a cove. Negative mentions include site...
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Based on 208 reviews

Accessibility Features

Toilets are accessible at multiple points, and water is available via faucet risers. Some reviews highlight uneven terrain, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 208 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed at the campground, as noted by users who brought dogs, but specific pet-friendly amenities are not mentioned.
Based on 208 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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