Green Canyon Campground & Day Use Area

Star4.36
60 reviews
Green Canyon Campground, Near Zigzag, OR
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

1,600 ft

Price

$10 - $25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Alaska Recreational Management site

Official Website
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Green Canyon Campground & Day Use Area
$10.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight camping costs $25 per single site per night, with an additional vehicle fee of $8 per night. Day-use fees are $10 per vehicle per day....
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
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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Provider
(503) 622-3191
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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 60 reviews

55 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietsites

"User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful natural setting, proximity to the Salmon River, and access to hiking trails. While many praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the seclusion of sites, others note the lack of potable water and cell phone service as drawbacks."

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Campground Map

Green Canyon Campground, Near Zigzag, OR

Green Canyon Campground & Day Use Area

Green Canyon Campground, Near Zigzag, OR

Driving directionsFrom Sandy, OR, travel southeast on Highway 26 to Forest Road 2618 (about one mile past the town of Wemme). Follow 2618 south for approximately four miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. However, some user reviews report that the last few miles of the road contain "car killer potholes," making careful driving essential.
Nearby places
Sandy, OR (approximately 14 miles), Portland, OR (approximately 50 miles), Government Camp, OR (approximately 20 miles)
Nearby supplies
The closest grocery is 6 miles away (Thriftway in Welches, OR). Additional supplies and fuel are available in Sandy, OR.

Best Time to Camp at Green Canyon Campground & Day Use Area

Experience the Pacific Northwest's ever-changing moods at Green Canyon, where misty mornings give way to dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy. Spring and fall bring crisp air with temperatures hovering in the low 50s, accompanied by the gentle patter of rain on leaves overhead. Summer offers the most stable conditions with pleasant temperatures perfect for trail exploration, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland. Pack layers and rain gear year-round to fully embrace the mountain's dynamic climate.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 22–Sept 27; peak season is summer and reviews note high popularity and full use then.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers 'stunning displays' of color; cooler, crisp weather enhances scenic appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Misty mornings and dappled sunlight noted, but campground opens late May so spring season is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal gate closes in winter; campground is closed Nov–May (open May 22–Sept 27).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season aligns with the open season (May 22 to September 27).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 22 through September 27. A seasonal gate closes during winter.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are mentioned in the sources.

About Green Canyon Campground & Day Use Area

Tucked away in the heart of the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, Green Canyon Campground offers an intimate escape beneath towering old-growth Douglas firs and ancient cedars. This hidden gem along the pristine Salmon River provides the perfect basecamp for wilderness adventurers seeking solitude among giants. With its small, primitive sites sheltered by a cathedral-like canopy of maples and alders, Green Canyon invites you to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Mt. Hood National Forest.
Green Canyon Campground accommodates traditional camping setups, primarily tents, with no electrical or water hookups. RV camping is possible with restrictions on vehicle length.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is available 24 hours as the campground is first-come, first-served.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights per reservation.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The surrounding Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness is accessible via nearby trails. The Salmon River provides opportunities for catch-and-release fishing.
HikingHiking opportunities include Green Canyon Way Trail #793A (3 miles) and Old Salmon River Trail #742A (2.6 miles). Trails range from easy to challenging and offer access to the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness.
FishingFishing in the Salmon River includes catch-and-release opportunities for cutthroat and rainbow trout as well as whitefish. Oregon Fish & Wildlife regulations apply.
BikingThe Old Salmon River Trail allows mountain biking, though specifics about trail conditions are not detailed.
Wildlife viewingCampers have the opportunity to observe forest wildlife, though specific species are not mentioned.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are a known hazard in the area, making safe food storage essential. User reviews also mention the presence of potholes on the road leading to the campground.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are mentioned in the sources.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Green Canyon Campground & Day Use Area

Reviews

4.4
60 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Green Canyon Campground & Day Use Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful natural setting, proximity to the Salmon River, and access to hiking trails. While many praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the seclusion of sites, others note the lack of potable water and cell phone service as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 60 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciated the "beautiful old-growth timber," "secluded and quiet" sites, and the "star-filled nights." Others highlighted its close proximity to trails and the river, making it an...
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Based on 60 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, occasional odors from the vault toilets, and no cell phone reception. A few users also reported car break-ins at nearby trailheads.
Based on 60 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own drinking water, practicing bear-safe food storage, and being cautious of potholes on the access road.
Based on 60 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during the summer months when all sites are open. Some visitors recommended staying at riverside sites for better access to the Salmon River. Fall offers stunning...
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Based on 60 reviews

Camper Quotes

"One of the closest campgrounds to PDX that feels deeply in the forest." - Loren Blaine. "Each site has an attached parking spot, fire pit, and table." - Xavier Salazar. "Great place if you have dogs...
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Based on 60 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #10 is highlighted in a review for its "nice river access right on the Salmon River." Some riverside spots have less privacy due to trails running near campsites.
Based on 60 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but no reviews specifically from disabled users address broader accessibility concerns.
Based on 60 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and one user noted that the campground is "great for dogs."
Based on 60 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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