Dovre Recreation Site

Star4.27
81 reviews
Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District-Attn: Recreation Operations, 1717 Fabry Rd SE, Salem, OR, 97306

Quick Facts

1,572 ft

Price

$15 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

May to September for...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management 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
Dovre Recreation Site
$15.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite fee of $15 per night includes one vehicle per site. Extra camping vehicle fee is $5 per vehicle. Shelter fee is $50 per day, and additional...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
503-375-5646blm_or_no_mail@blm.gov
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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 81 reviews

79 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationfriendly

"The campground receives high praise for its cleanliness, peaceful atmosphere, and natural beauty. Common themes include the helpfulness of the camp host, the cleanliness of the vault toilets, and the serene environment."

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Campground Map

Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District-Attn: Recreation Operations, 1717 Fabry Rd SE, Salem, OR, 97306

Dovre Recreation Site

Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District-Attn: Recreation Operations, 1717 Fabry Rd SE, Salem, OR, 97306

Driving directionsFrom Willamina: Take Willamina Creek Road, to Coast Creek Road, to Gilbert Creek Road, to Bald Mountain Access Road, to Bible Creek Road to the Nestucca Byway. From Carlton: Take Meadow Lake Road west 12 miles, continue onto the Nestucca Byway.
The site is remote and located along the Nestucca River National Back Country Byway, which can be challenging to navigate due to hazardous snow and ice during winter. No cell phone service is available in the drainage.
Nearby places
Willamina (approx 30 miles)
Carlton (approx 12 miles)
Salem (approx 50 miles)
Coast (approx 45 minutes drive due to winding roads)
Nearby supplies
Salem offers the nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel, approximately 50 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Dovre Recreation Site

From May through September, Dovre comes alive as a summer haven where warm days invite river adventures and cool mountain nights demand cozy campfires. The camping season perfectly captures the Coast Range at its finest—mornings often break with misty river fog that burns off to reveal brilliant sunshine filtering through the forest canopy. Winter transforms the access roads into challenging passages of snow and ice, making this truly a seasonal treasure reserved for the warmer months.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May–Sep; warm days invite river activities and it's the peak season for visitors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Off-season may have closures and reduced potable water; fall is less reliable than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens in May; spring conditions variable with cool nights and some access/water limits early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Camping season is May–September; winter camping/operations not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 02 to September 28. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: May to September for general camping. Potable water availability depends on sunlight conditions, and it may be turned off during reduced daylight months. Out-of-season reservations are unavailable from September 28 to May 01.
  • Current Alerts: The road is reported to be closed frequently, and snow or storm damage may impact accessibility.

About Dovre Recreation Site

Hidden deep within the Oregon Coast Range, Dovre Recreation Site offers an intimate escape where the pristine Nestucca River winds through towering forests. This secluded BLM-managed gem rewards adventurous souls who navigate the scenic Nestucca River National Back Country Byway with a tranquil riverside sanctuary. Here, days unfold with the gentle rhythm of casting lines into crystal-clear waters, taking refreshing dips in natural swimming holes, and spotting wildlife that calls this peaceful corridor home.
Dovre Recreation Site features 10 campsites and a group shelter, catering primarily to tent and RV campers. The campground is small and offers a back-to-nature camping experience.
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Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Dovre Recreation Site offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, wildlife viewing, swimming, and hiking. The surrounding Nestucca River and scenic byway provide a picturesque setting for these activities.
HikingThe campground provides access to nearby trails suitable for short hikes and exploring the river. However, longer, established trails are limited.
FishingFishing is a popular activity along the Nestucca River, which is renowned for its fishing opportunities. However, fishing may not be allowed at specific sections near the campground, as noted in user reviews.
SwimmingThere are small areas for wading and light swimming near the campground. These areas are casual and not formally designated swimming spots.
Wildlife viewingThe scenic location provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. User reviews emphasize the serene natural setting.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe remote location lacks cell service or electrical connections. Snow and ice may create hazardous road conditions in winter. Wildlife encounters are possible.
Active AlertsThe road is reported to be closed frequently, and snow or storm damage may impact accessibility.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Dovre Recreation Site

Reviews

4.3
81 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Dovre Recreation Site is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives high praise for its cleanliness, peaceful atmosphere, and natural beauty. Common themes include the helpfulness of the camp host, the cleanliness of the vault toilets, and the serene environment.
Review Summaries
Based on 81 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects highlighted by campers include the exceptionally clean vault toilets, friendly camp host, beautiful riverside location, and opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.
Based on 81 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues raised in reviews include the small and non-private campsites, occasional road closures affecting access, lack of trash disposal facilities, and proximity of campsites to each other.
Based on 81 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early for the best sites, particularly site #6, which is spacious and close to the water. Bring your own firewood, as it is not available on-site, and prepare for a lack of...
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Based on 81 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the peak season from May to September. In the off-season, reduced sunlight may affect water availability, and some areas may remain closed for maintenance.
Based on 81 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The host was awesome and the bathrooms sparkling clean." - Colin Kingen "Amazing beautiful little campground so peaceful." - Emily Rose "Sites are so close together and not private at all." - Carter...
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Based on 81 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #6 is frequently praised for its size and proximity to the river. Site #5 is noted as more suitable for RVs due to limited tent space. Site #3 offers a hilltop area for large tents and...
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Based on 81 reviews

Accessibility Features

The accessible trail to the fishing/viewing platform is a notable feature. Vault toilets are also accessible and well-maintained.
Based on 81 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and must be leashed. Campers appreciated the quiet environment, which was particularly suitable for dogs.
Based on 81 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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