How much does camping cost at FISHERMENS BEND?

Camping fees at FISHERMENS BEND range from $16-$110/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is FISHERMENS BEND first-come first-served or reservation?

FISHERMENS BEND 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 FISHERMENS BEND before I book?

Yes! FISHERMENS BEND has 10 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.

What is the best time to visit FISHERMENS BEND?

FISHERMENS BEND is open May 01 to October 06. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at FISHERMENS BEND?

FISHERMENS BEND does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at FISHERMENS BEND?

Pets are not allowed at FISHERMENS BEND. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at FISHERMENS BEND?

FISHERMENS BEND offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at FISHERMENS BEND?

Popular activities at FISHERMENS BEND include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

FISHERMENS BEND

4.35

161 reviews

Located 29 miles east of Salem on Hwy 22, and 1.5 miles west of Mill City.

Top 9% in ORFall

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

771 ft

Price

$16 - $110/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Fishermen's Bend Rec...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Fishermen's Bend Recreation Site Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

771 ft

Price

$16 - $110/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Fishermen's Bend Rec...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Fishermen's Bend Recreation Site Official Website

Get Directions

FISHERMENS BEND

$16.00 - $110.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin Electric: $40.00; Camp Loop Full Hookup: $28.00; Camp Loop No Water Hookup: $22.00; Camp Loop Tent Only: $22.00; Camping Group Shelter: $85.00...

Group Site Fee$110.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

503-897-2406blm_or_no_mail@blm.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to FISHERMENS BEND

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Campground Map

Located 29 miles east of Salem on Hwy 22, and 1.5 miles west of Mill City.

FISHERMENS BEND

Located 29 miles east of Salem on Hwy 22, and 1.5 miles west of Mill City.

Nearby places

Salem — 29 miles

Mill City — 1.5 miles

Weather at FISHERMENS BEND

Current alert: Day-use only, no camping. All vehicles entering the site must pay a day-use fee including those vehicles associated with the shelter reservation.

Best Time to Camp at FISHERMENS BEND

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of cooler, stable weather and excellent river conditions for fishing and paddling — expect daytime highs in the 50s–70s°F and crisp nights in the 40s. Water levels are typically lower and clearer than winter, improving access at the boat launch and making the fishing overlook productive, while cottonwoods and riverside maples put on autumn color. Crowds are generally lighter than summer weekends, so weekdays and early October offer a peaceful riverside experience. Peak months: September, October, June, May Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in OR

Fall highlighted as most reliable season with vivid maples/cottonwoods and good river conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Fishermen's Bend Recreation Site has limited day use open. No camping or dump station is available.

About FISHERMENS BEND

Fishermen's Bend Recreation Site sits along the North Santiam River near Mill City, offering forested tent and RV camping at low elevation with direct river access. The campground features well-spaced sites beneath cottonwoods and maples, flush and vault restrooms, and a boat launch serving anglers and paddlers. Operated seasonally during peak months, it draws families and river enthusiasts seeking a quiet, maintained base for fishing and hiking.

Facility is open for day use only; camping is not available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of cooler, stable weather and excellent river conditions for fishing and paddling — expect daytime highs in the 50s–70s°F and crisp nights in the 40s. Water levels are typically lower and clearer than winter, improving access at the boat launch and making the fishing overlook productive, while cottonwoods and riverside maples put on autumn color. Crowds are generally lighter than summer weekends, so weekdays and early October offer a peaceful riverside experience. Peak months: September, October, June, May Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation771 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested riverside corridor at 771 feet elevation. Large cottonwoods and maples shade the picnic areas and provide fall color in October. The North Santiam River runs cold and clear most of the year, with strong current in winter and spring. Calmer pools form along the banks for wading. Dense forest creates privacy between sites but blocks satellite signals in many spots. Paved trails wind through the trees to the boat launch and fishing overlook.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group picnic shelter (Cottonwoods) is reservable for day use
rental fee $110 per day (does not include vehicle day-use fees).

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site Size7 first-come-first-serve individual picnic sites; group picnic shelter (Cottonwoods) available for reservation

Recommended SitesCottonwoods group picnic shelter can be reserved; there are 7 first-come, first-serve individual picnic sites. Trails around River Loop provide short hikes and access to a fishing overlook.

Need help booking FISHERMENS BEND?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No camping or dump station is available.

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Day-use recreation focused on picnicking, river access, boating and short hikes around the River Loop. The river loop area is the expanded open area for visitors.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

161 reviews

Recommended

FISHERMENS BEND is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers overwhelmingly rate Fishermens Bend 5/5, describing it as a clean, well‑maintained, family‑friendly campground in a forested, riverside setting. Campers highlight the sense of privacy between sites, friendly hosts and rangers, and plentiful recreation like walking/biking trails and river access. Many say they return annually or multiple times a year and express hope for rebuilding after fire damage in 2020.

Review Summaries

Based on 161 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 161 reviews.

C03Loved
In the Camp Loop, C03 and C28 are noted as clean with good privacy in a dense, treed setting; C11 is described as a beautiful, well‑maintained…
R06Loved
In the River Loop, R06, R07, R10, R11, R12, and R14 are repeatedly praised for being right on or very close to the river, with privacy, the sound of the…
G07Loved
Group cabin G07‑Osprey is described as very spacious and comfortable in the rain, with a friendly ranger, but with men’s showers that did not get warm during…

What Campers Love

Campers consistently praise how clean and well‑maintained the entire park is, from campsites to restrooms. The forested setting along the river, with large, well‑spaced and often secluded sites, is a...

Based on 161 reviews

Common Concerns

Very few complaints appear in the reviews. One camper notes limited larger sites and that bathrooms are spaced far apart and could be more numerous. Another mentions that the men’s shower water never...

Based on 161 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several reviewers recommend confirming satellite line of sight if you rely on satellite TV or internet, because the forest is dense and treed. Swimmers should be aware the river is beautiful but...

Based on 161 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Hands down the only place to camp. Go 2 to 3 times a year to camp and relax." "The site was everything we wanted. Private and right on the river. The campground was well maintained and the bathrooms...

Based on 161 reviews

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Campgrounds

FISHERMENS BEND

About Fishermen's Bend Recreation Area

Context for the broader area surrounding FISHERMENS BEND, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record. View official page →

<h2>Overview:</h2> <p>Surrounded by the tranquility of the North Santiam River, Fishermen's Bend has something for everyone. This full-service campground offers hot showers, fire pits, picnic tables, and water and electricity hook-ups for RV's. Come make lifelong memories hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, playing basketball, volleyball, and horseshoes. Fishermen's Bend is a family friendly park!</p> <h2>Know Before You Go:</h2> <ul> <li>Camping is by reservations only</li> </ul>

Directions

From Salem, OR: Travel east on Oregon Highway 22 (the Santiam Highway) 27 miles. Watch for signs. Turn right on River Road SE, 2 miles west of Mill City. <br><br>From Bend, OR: Travel west on Oregon Highway 22 for 102 miles. Fishermen's Bend Recreation Site is located 2 miles west of Mill City.

Download area map (PDF)