Yellowbottom Recreation Site

Star4.56
78 reviews
Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District-Attn: Recreation Operations, 1717 Fabry Rd SE, Salem, OR, 97306
Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,463 ft

Price

$5 - $15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Closed indefinitely ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet 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
Yellowbottom Recreation Site
$5.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric campsite fee is $15 per night during peak season. Additional vehicle fee is $5 per vehicle. Payments are accepted via cash or...
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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$0.00
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

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 78 reviews

64 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryfriendly

Some mention

noise

"The campground is generally well-liked for its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and clean facilities. However, recent closures and safety concerns have affected its reputation."

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Campground Map

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

Yellowbottom Recreation Site

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

Driving directionsFrom Sweet Home: Drive east 5 miles on US-20 E/Main St toward 22nd Ave. Turn left on to Quartzville Road, continue on Quartzville Road for 18 miles. From Sisters: Drive west 26 miles on US-20 W/W Cascade Ave., continue on US-20 W for another 42 miles. Turn right on Quartzville Road; continue on Quartzville Road for 18 miles.
Road access includes paved and unpaved sections. Quartzville Road is accessible year-round but may become hazardous due to snow and ice. Log trucks may be encountered throughout the year. The site is remote and not recommended for large RVs or trailers due to a one-lane site road and tight turning radius.
Nearby places
Sweet Home (approximately 23 miles, 30-40 minutes), Sisters (approximately 86 miles, 2 hours)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Sweet Home, approximately 23 miles from the site.

Best Time to Camp at Yellowbottom Recreation Site

Summer transforms Yellowbottom into a sun-dappled paradise, with temperatures hovering between a comfortable 70°F and 80°F—perfect for afternoon swims and evening campfires. As autumn arrives, the forest erupts in a symphony of gold and crimson, while crisp air carries the earthy scent of fallen leaves. Winter brings a dramatic shift, blanketing the landscape in snow and ice, creating a wonderland that's beautiful but potentially treacherous for unprepared visitors. Spring awakens the forest floor with wildflowers pushing through the rich soil, signaling nature's renewal.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in OR

Peak season May–Sep; summers 70–80°F ideal for swimming and hiking; highly popular.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Autumn offers scenery but rain, vandalism and off-season issues reduce appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring brings lush growth and creek flows but can be wet and subject to closures.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Typically closed outside May–Sep; winter visits are rainy and limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 01 through September 27 during specified years.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Closed indefinitely due to safety hazards. It is typically open from May to September during peak season.
  • Current Alerts: Closure notice: Yellowbottom Recreation Site is closed indefinitely due to safety concerns.

About Yellowbottom Recreation Site

Nestled beneath towering giants of the Pacific Northwest, Yellowbottom Recreation Site offers an enchanting escape into Oregon's ancient forests. Here, centuries-old trees stand as silent sentinels while the pristine waters of Quartzville Creek beckon swimmers to its natural pools. This cherished wilderness retreat, where old-growth forests meet crystal-clear waters, remains temporarily closed as dedicated teams work to ensure visitor safety. When it reopens, adventurers will once again discover why this hidden gem along the Wild and Scenic River corridor has captivated nature lovers for generations.
Yellowbottom Recreation Site accommodates tent camping and small trailers. Primitive camping is implied due to the lack of amenities like electricity and running water.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Unknown
Check-out
Unknown
Stay Limit
Unknown

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Yellowbottom Recreation Site can enjoy a variety of activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, photography, and recreational gold panning. The swimming holes and the one-mile trail leading to old-growth trees are particular highlights.
HikingThe campground features a one-mile hiking trail that leads to scenic views and old-growth trees. The trail is noted for its natural beauty and accessibility.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at the nearby Quartzville Creek, offering a serene environment for catching fish.
SwimmingThe campground has access to beautiful swimming holes, which are a major draw for visitors. Reviews highlight the clarity of the water and the fun experience.
Wildlife viewingThe area offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, with its rich natural habitat and old-growth forests.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include log truck traffic throughout the year and hazardous road conditions during winter due to snow and ice. Wildlife encounters may occur.
Active AlertsClosure notice: Yellowbottom Recreation Site is closed indefinitely due to safety concerns.
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 Yellowbottom Recreation Site

Reviews

4.6
78 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Yellowbottom Recreation Site is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is generally well-liked for its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and clean facilities. However, recent closures and safety concerns have affected its reputation.
Review Summaries
Based on 78 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praised the natural scenery, including the old-growth trees and swimming holes. The camp host was frequently mentioned as helpful and friendly. Quotes like 'We loved the swimming hole' and...
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Based on 78 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of running water due to theft, cramped campsites, and occasional noise from machinery. Some visitors noted issues with vandalism and a feeling of being watched during the...
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Based on 78 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water as the campground's system is out of order. Arrive prepared for a remote location with no cell service. Consider visiting the swimming holes and hiking trail.
Based on 78 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during the warmer months for swimming and hiking. Off-season visits are less enjoyable due to rain, vandalism concerns, and limited facilities.
Based on 78 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'It was really fun; the swimming holes were awesome.' 2. 'Vault toilets were clean but a bit of a hike.' 3. 'Bring water—running water is currently unavailable.'
Based on 78 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 03 is well-rated for its proximity to activities like gold panning and swimming. Site 07 is appreciated for its scenic setting and quiet atmosphere.
Based on 78 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited; one review notes that 'the only toilet requires a long, steep trail,' which may be challenging for some visitors.
Based on 78 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome but must be leashed. Reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly policies, though proper waste disposal is emphasized.
Based on 78 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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