How much does camping cost at Elk Bend Recreation Site?

Camping fees at Elk Bend Recreation Site range from $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elk Bend Recreation Site first-come first-served or reservation?

Elk Bend Recreation Site 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 Elk Bend Recreation Site before I book?

Yes! Elk Bend Recreation Site has 4 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 Elk Bend Recreation Site?

Elk Bend Recreation Site is open May 2, 2025 - November 29, 2025; May 1, 2026 - November 28, 2026.. 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 Elk Bend Recreation Site?

Elk Bend Recreation Site does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Elk Bend Recreation Site have?

Elk Bend Recreation Site has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Elk Bend Recreation Site?

Yes, pets are allowed at Elk Bend Recreation Site. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Elk Bend Recreation Site?

Elk Bend Recreation Site offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elk Bend Recreation Site?

Popular activities at Elk Bend Recreation Site include Fishing, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elk Bend Recreation Site

Q: Can I have a campfire at Elk Bend Recreation Site?

Fire policies at Elk Bend Recreation Site: Campfires must be contained within steel fire rings or BBQ grills provided at the site. Building new fire rings is prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.04

15 reviews

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

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,047 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Camping season is ge...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Only 5 sites — this campground fills fast. Set up a free alert.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,047 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Camping season is ge...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

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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503-375-5646blm_or_no_mail@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.04

Satisfactory

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

Nearby supplies

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

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.

Best Time to Camp at Elk Bend Recreation Site

Summer offers the mildest, driest weather and the fullest range of river activities. Expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. This is prime time for swimming, wading, and warm-water fishing on the Nestucca, plus long daylight for hiking and wildlife viewing. Campground services are fully available May–September, but with only five sites Elk Bend can fill quickly on weekends. Winter brings snow and ice to the access roads, creating challenging conditions. Water systems get winterized when the season ends.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 18% in OR

Summer is 'prime time' for swimming and river activities; mild, dry weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 2, 2025 - November 29, 2025; May 1, 2026 - November 28, 2026.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Camping season is generally May-September, with Alder Glen and Elk Bend remaining open through the weekend following General Western Oregon Coast 2nd Season for elk.

About Elk Bend Recreation Site

Elk Bend Recreation Site sits along the Nestucca Wild and Scenic River with five group-sized campsites that accommodate up to 25 people each. The campground operates May through September with potable water and vault toilets, charging $75 per night. Positioned at 1,047 feet elevation along the Nestucca River National Back Country Byway, this remote site has zero cell reception in the drainage.

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.

Weather and SeasonsSummer offers the mildest, driest weather and the fullest range of river activities. Expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. This is prime time for swimming, wading, and warm-water fishing on the Nestucca, plus long daylight for hiking and wildlife viewing. Campground services are fully available May–September, but with only five sites Elk Bend can fill quickly on weekends. Winter brings snow and ice to the access roads, creating challenging conditions. Water systems get winterized when the season ends.

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 SceneryThe Nestucca River cuts through ancient seafloor sediments that formed when the Coast Range lay beneath the Pacific. Douglas firs and western hemlocks shade the riverbanks, with moss-draped maples creating natural swimming holes. The river valley reveals the geological layering of tectonic uplift and millions of years of erosion. Eagles hunt overhead while salmon navigate the riffles. The surrounding Coast Range forest stays emerald green year-round, fed by Oregon's wet climate.

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

Curated by campers, for campers

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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 layoutFive group sites spread away from a centralized paved parking area. The distance between parking and campsites is significant enough that campers recommend bringing a handcart for gear transport.

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.

Need help booking Elk Bend Recreation Site?

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

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

RV details

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.

Fishing

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this site.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.0

15 reviews

Satisfactory

Elk Bend Recreation Site is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites are not reviewed in detail, with one user mentioning campsite 1 as being part of their stay.

Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

Photos suggest accessible paths and parking areas, but no specific user feedback was provided on accessibility.

Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed (maximum 6 feet). Campers are reminded to dispose of pet waste properly.

Based on 15 reviews

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4.4

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Alder Glen Recreation Site

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

Alder Glen Recreation Site sits along the Nestucca Wild and Scenic River in Oregon's Coast Range, 11 sites spread through old-growth forest at 768 feet elevation. The campground draws anglers and families who don't mind packing out their trash and losing cell service for a quiet riverside setting. Sites cost $15 per night and include picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and potable water.