Elk Bend Recreation Site

4.52

15 reviews

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

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,047 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Campground is open M...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

1,047 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Campground is open M...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Elk Bend Recreation Site

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campground fee of $75 per night for up to 25 people, with each additional person charged $2.50 per night. Additional fees apply and are...

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$75.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

503-375-5646blm_or_no_mail@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 15 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

Some mention

cell service

"Elk Bend Recreation Site is described as a lightly visited, remote group campground. Sentiments range from appreciation of the site's natural beauty and amenities to criticism of its simplicity and upgrades."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Elk Bend Recreation Site

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

Driving directionsFrom Coastal Hwy 101 at Beaver: Turn right onto Blaine Road. Drive 7 miles to reach the Nestucca Byway. From 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 campground is accessible via the Nestucca River National Back Country Byway, which can be reached from several points including Coastal Hwy 101, Willamina Creek Road, and Meadow Lake Road. The area is remote with no cell service, and roads may become hazardous due to snow and ice during winter months.

Nearby supplies

Campers are advised to bring their own supplies, as the site is remote with no nearby grocery or fuel stations.

Best Time to Camp at Elk Bend Recreation Site

From May through September, Elk Bend awakens to welcome campers with full amenities and Oregon's most inviting weather. As autumn approaches and daylight hours dwindle, the campground transitions to a more rustic experience with water systems winterized for the season. While the brave may venture here during winter months, Mother Nature often blankets the access roads with snow and ice, creating challenging conditions that demand respect and proper preparation. Summer visitors can expect the region's characteristic mix of sunshine and refreshing rain showers that keep the landscape emerald green.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–Sept with 'most inviting weather' and potable water available during peak season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open into November but potable water may be turned off and daylight shrinks; still scenic.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens in May; early spring may be cooler and water availability varies at season start.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May–November; winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 2, 2025 - November 29, 2025; May 1, 2026 - November 28, 2026.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campground is open May through November. Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance.

About Elk Bend Recreation Site

Tucked away in the heart of the Nestucca River Recreation Area, Elk Bend Recreation Site offers an intimate camping experience with just five carefully placed campsites. This hidden gem invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's rhythms. Here, the gentle murmur of the Nestucca River replaces notification pings, and towering evergreens frame your outdoor adventures. Whether you're casting a line into pristine waters or simply savoring the solitude, Elk Bend delivers the authentic Pacific Northwest experience that outdoor enthusiasts crave.

Elk Bend Recreation Site is primarily designed for group camping, with five individual campsites that can accommodate up to 25 people each. The facilities cater to tent and RV campers but do not offer cabin or glamping options.

Historical SignificanceThe Nestucca River has flowed through these ancient forests long before Oregon became a state, carving its path through the Coast Range and earning federal recognition as a Wild and Scenic River. This prestigious designation preserves not just the waterway but the stories it carries—from the indigenous peoples who first fished these waters to the generations of Oregonians who have found solace along its banks. Camping at Elk Bend connects you to this living heritage, where every riffle and pool holds echoes of the past.

Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Elk Bend awakens to welcome campers with full amenities and Oregon's most inviting weather. As autumn approaches and daylight hours dwindle, the campground transitions to a more rustic experience with water systems winterized for the season. While the brave may venture here during winter months, Mother Nature often blankets the access roads with snow and ice, creating challenging conditions that demand respect and proper preparation. Summer visitors can expect the region's characteristic mix of sunshine and refreshing rain showers that keep the landscape emerald green.

ElevationNestled in the gentle folds of the Oregon Coast Range, the campground sits at a comfortable elevation that offers the best of mountain and river environments.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mist rising from the Nestucca Wild and Scenic River, its crystal-clear waters catching the morning light as it winds through a cathedral of Douglas firs and western hemlocks. The campground's riverside setting showcases the Coast Range at its finest—where moss-draped maples lean over the water, creating natural fishing holes and peaceful reflection spots. Eagles soar overhead while salmon navigate the riffles below, and the surrounding old-growth forest provides a stunning backdrop of emerald greens that shift with each passing cloud.

Geological RegionElk Bend sits along the spectacular Nestucca River National Back Country Byway, a winding route that reveals the geological wonders of the Oregon Coast Range. This rugged landscape, sculpted by millions of years of tectonic activity and erosion, creates the dramatic river valley that defines your camping experience. The Nestucca Wild and Scenic River serves as the centerpiece, its path carved through ancient seafloor sediments that tell the story of when this mountain range lay beneath Pacific waters.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time not explicitly stated.

Check-out

Check-out time not explicitly stated.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 13 nights within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 25 guests per group site, with additional charges beyond this limit.

Groups

Group campsites can accommodate up to 25 people with an additional charge for groups exceeding that number.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of 5 individual campsites with a centralized paved parking area and a vault toilet.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or through the Recreation.gov Mobile App.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available but must be paid for using the Recreation.gov Mobile App, as there is no cell reception in the area.

Cancellation PolicyStandard reservation fees apply and are non-refundable. Changes to reservations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations for group sites will forfeit the first night's fees and may also incur additional penalties.

AccessibilityPhotos suggest accessible paths and parking areas, though specific details about ADA compliance are not provided.

Site SizeSites are group-sized, accommodating up to 25 people, with clear specifications for additional guests.

PrivacySites are spaced away from the road, providing some separation but no specific mention of overall privacy levels was found.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are a distance from the parking area; bringing a hand truck may be advisable for transporting supplies.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Elk Bend Recreation Site offers a variety of outdoor activities suitable for groups and individuals alike. Popular activities include camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The scenic qualities of the Nestucca River add to the site's appeal, as do nearby attractions like the Nestucca Off-Highway Vehicle Area.

FishingThe Nestucca River is renowned for its fishing opportunities, making it a key attraction for visitors to Elk Bend Recreation Site.

SwimmingUser reviews highlight the presence of a 'nice swimming hole,' adding to the recreational options.

Wildlife viewingThe scenic Nestucca River and its surroundings offer opportunities for wildlife observation, though specific species are not detailed.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include remote access with no cell service, log trucks on the byway, and seasonal snow and ice. Giant Hogweed, a plant that causes burns, has been reported near Elk Creek.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires must be contained within steel fire rings or BBQ grills provided at the site. Building new fire rings is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours enforced from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are in Salem, Oregon.

Trash & RecyclingCampers must adhere to a strict 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' policy as there are no trash or recycling facilities mentioned.

Water FeaturesCampground is situated along the Nestucca River, offering water access and fishing opportunities.

Camp HostNo information about campground hosts provided.

Weather at Elk Bend Recreation Site

Reviews

4.5

15 reviews

Top-Rated

Elk Bend Recreation Site is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Elk Bend Recreation Site is described as a lightly visited, remote group campground. Sentiments range from appreciation of the site's natural beauty and amenities to criticism of its simplicity and upgrades.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the quiet, remote nature of the site and its proximity to a scenic river, including a 'nice swimming hole.' The fire rings and designated picnic tables enhance the camping experience.

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users were critical of the site's upgrades, stating that it is 'less nice than before,' and others noted that the group sites are located away from the road, making gear transportation...

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One user suggested bringing a handcart for easier gear transport due to the distance between parking and campsites.

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the peak season (May to November), the availability of potable water and the natural setting are appreciated. Off-peak seasons present challenges as potable water is turned off.

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great spot with a nice swimming hole. The sites are a ways from the road so bring a hand truck." - Nathaniel O. "Costs $75, group camp. Little use. Less nice than before 'upgrade'." - Tom B.

Based on 15 reviews