Go if
You want uncrowded river access for fishing and wildlife viewing and value peace over connectivity.
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$75/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Camping season is ge...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$75/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Camping season is ge...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District-Attn: Recreation Operations, 1717 Fabry Rd SE, Salem, OR 97306
You want uncrowded river access for fishing and wildlife viewing and value peace over connectivity.
You need reliable cell service or want amenities that justify higher fees.
Context for the broader area surrounding Elk Bend Recreation Site, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.
<h1>Want to camping?</h1> <p>Camping season is generally May-October. Reserve a site at one of our four campgrounds on <a href="http://recreation.gov" rel="nofollow">recreation.gov</a> or pay when you arrive for non-reserved campsites using the <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app" rel="nofollow">Recreation.gov Mobile App</a>. You must download before you reach the site since there is no cell reception in the drainage.</p> <h2>Bible Creek Access Road Open</h2> <p>The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has re-opened Bible Creek Access Road earlier than planned. The contractor will have flaggers during continued clean up efforts, but traffic delays should be minimal.</p> <h2>Overview:</h2> <p>The Nestucca River Recreation Area takes travelers along a slow, leisurely route that winds through Oregon's Coast Range on the Nestucca River National Back Country Byway. The Byway runs adjacent to the Nestucca River. Whether you are exploring by car, motorcycle or bicycle, you'll find a riverside picnic table or camping spot at any of four BLM campgrounds located along the route. There are 37 campsites in the Alder Glen, Dovre, Fan Creek and Elk Bend Recreation Sites that offer steel fire rings, picnic tables, potable water and restrooms.</p> <h2>Know Before You Go:</h2> <ul> <li>Camping is limited to Alder Glen, Dovre, Fan Creek, and Elk Bend Campgrounds.</li> <li>Fires are limited to the steel fire rings or BBQ grills provided.</li> <li>Firewood collection is NOT allowed at the developed campgrounds.</li> <li>Trash: Pack-it in, pack-it out.</li> <li>Caution: Log trucks may be encountered throughout the year. The Byway is open year-round but may become hazardous due to snow and ice.</li> </ul> <h2>Point of Interest:</h2> <p>The Nestucca OHV Area is located in the Nestucca Backcountry Byway, and includes Whipup Flat, Elk Flat, and Grassy Flat. <a href="https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/ATV/Pages/ATV-permits.aspx" rel="nofollow"> Oregon ATV permits required </a>.</p>
<p>From Coastal Hwy 101 at Beaver, Oregon: Turn right onto Blaine Road. Drive 7 miles to reach the Nestucca Byway.<br/> <br/> From Willamina, Oregon: 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.<br/> From Carlton, Oregon: Take Meadow Lake Road west 12 miles, continue onto the Nestucca Byway.<br/> </p>
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Best season: summer. 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, so reservations are recommended. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March
Summer is 'prime time' for swimming and river activities; mild, dry weather.
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Elk Bend Recreation Site offers a range of basic amenities designed for group camping in a scenic, remote location. Each of the five campsites includes a picnic table and a fire ring, ensuring essential comforts for outdoor recreation. A centralized paved parking area serves visitors, though it is mentioned that sites are located away from the road, necessitating the use of a handcart for transporting gear. Seasonal potable drinking water is available, but it may be turned off during periods of reduced sunlight, requiring visitors to bring their own water. There is one vault toilet available for campers.
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