Clay Creek Recreation Site

Star4.17
83 reviews

Quick Facts

436.492 ft

Price

$20 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open from Memorial D...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Northwest Oregon District 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
Clay Creek Recreation Site
$20.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $20 for standard non-electric campsites to $75 for group shelter electric sites, with additional charges of $1.50 per person for...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
541-683-6600BLM_OR_NO_Mail@blm.gov
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What Campers Say

4.17

Satisfactory

Based on 83 reviews

44 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanspaciouslocation

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Clay Creek Recreation Site range from highly positive to critical, highlighting the campground's natural beauty, spacious campsites, and family-friendly environment. However, noise complaints and lack of a camp host have been recurring concerns."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Clay Creek Recreation Site

43.9051, -123.5683

Driving directionsFrom Eugene (valley): From Interstate 5 go west on Beltline Road to West 11th Avenue. Turn right onto West 11th Avenue (Highway OR-126). Follow Highway 126 about 29 miles to Siuslaw River Road just west of Walton. Turn left on Siuslaw River Road and follow about 10 miles to the intersection of BLM Road 19-7-20.1. Keep left on Siuslaw River Road for about 6 miles. The main entrance to the recreation site is located on the right. From Florence (coast): Take Highway OR-126 east about 14 miles to Mapleton. Turn right and follow Highway 126 for about 12 miles to Siuslaw River Road. Turn right on Siuslaw River Road and follow about 16 miles to the intersection of BLM Road 19-7-20.1. Keep left on Siuslaw River Road for about 6 miles. The main entrance to the recreation site is located on the right.
The main access roads are paved. However, the campground is remote and requires travel along Siuslaw River Road, which can be narrow. Some user reviews noted the challenging nature of the drive, citing log trucks and narrow roads as concerns.
Nearby places
Eugene (approximately 35 miles)
Florence (approximately 42 miles)
Mapleton (approximately 16 miles).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Walton (nearest town), Mapleton, or Florence, including fuel, groceries, and camping items.

Best Time to Camp at Clay Creek Recreation Site

Experience the dramatic beauty of Oregon's seasonal transitions at Clay Creek. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for river adventures and starlit evenings around the campfire. As autumn arrives, misty mornings give way to crisp afternoons ideal for hiking. Winter transforms the landscape into a rain-soaked wonderland, with powerful storms bringing life-giving moisture to the forest. Spring emerges with explosive wildflower blooms and the gentle return of sunshine through the canopy.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and busiest season; swimming, boating and stargazing are best in summer per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Site is seasonal and primarily open Memorial Day–Labor Day; limited fall access.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Spring largely before opening date; limited availability for spring camping.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed in winter; no winter services or activities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16, 2025 - September 28, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
  • Current Alerts: NOTICE: The Clay Creek Trail is closed indefinitely due to downed trees.

About Clay Creek Recreation Site

Nestled in Oregon's lush Coast Range, Clay Creek Recreation Site welcomes families seeking tranquility and adventure at 436-492 feet elevation. This peaceful retreat beckons with crystalline swimming holes along the Siuslaw River, scenic hiking trails that wind through ancient forests, and prime fishing spots where patient anglers can test their skills. Whether you're roasting marshmallows under towering evergreens or exploring hidden trails, Clay Creek offers an authentic Pacific Northwest camping experience.
Clay Creek Recreation Site offers standard camping options, including individual campsites and group shelters.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-In is at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-Out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
14 days in a 28-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Clay Creek Recreation Site include camping, picnicking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking. A summer swimming area is also available, and visitors can enjoy recreational sports in the ball field and horseshoe pits.
HikingThe Clay Creek Trail provides access to old-growth Douglas fir and offers a ridge-top view. However, the trail is currently closed indefinitely due to downed trees.
FishingThe Siuslaw River offers fishing opportunities for Coho and Chinook salmon, especially during fall and winter. Visitors must adhere to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
SwimmingA summer swimming area with nearby dressing rooms is available. However, some users noted that the water depth can vary significantly, impacting usability.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is permitted on the Siuslaw River. No permit is required for the 6.5-mile stretch with Class II-III rapids.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to diverse bird species, including pileated woodpeckers, northern spotted owls, and Oregon juncos. Larger wildlife like elk, deer, and bears are also present.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include narrow roads shared with log trucks, slippery riverbanks, and active wildlife such as bears.
Active AlertsTrail is closed indefinitely due to multiple downed trees. | NOTICE: The Clay Creek Trail is closed indefinitely due to downed trees.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Clay Creek Recreation Site

Reviews

4.2
83 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Clay Creek Recreation Site is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Clay Creek Recreation Site range from highly positive to critical, highlighting the campground's natural beauty, spacious campsites, and family-friendly environment. However, noise complaints and lack of a camp host have been recurring concerns.
Review Summaries
Based on 83 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praise the campground's scenic location, noting its dense forest, privacy, and variety of wildlife. Cleanliness and spaciousness of campsites are also appreciated.
Based on 83 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include loud and disruptive campers, lack of proper site maintenance, and absence of a camp host. Trash and odor issues have also been noted.
Based on 83 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing bug spray, downloading maps in advance due to poor cell service, and preparing for remote conditions. A reviewer mentioned, 'Bring a light source to use the bathrooms...
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Based on 83 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are the most common, with mixed sentiments about the water levels for swimming. Noise and maintenance issues are frequently noted during peak seasons.
Based on 83 reviews

Camper Quotes

'This is my favorite campground in Oregon so far!' noted one visitor. Another shared, 'The river was amazing, the hiking was amazing... just hit this on a very bad weekend.'
Based on 83 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #20 is described as 'incredibly small,' while sites #1 and #3 are praised for their spaciousness and proximity to hiking trails. Site #11 has a fire pit in need of repair. Site-specific privacy...
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Based on 83 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features such as parking and vault toilets are appreciated. However, no reviews specifically from users with disabilities were noted.
Based on 83 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted, and one visitor shared, 'My dog loves playing in the creek.'
Based on 83 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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