Boulder Creek Campground

4.73

13 reviews

Boulder Creek Campground, South Umpqua Road, OR

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

1,400 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

The campground has c...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Umpqua National Forest - Tiller Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,400 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

The campground has c...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Umpqua National Forest - Tiller Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Boulder Creek Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight camping costs $10 per night for a single site, with an additional $5 per night for extra vehicles. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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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USFS

Provider

541-825-3100

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What Campers Say

4.73

Top-Rated

Based on 13 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyshadesites

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews for Boulder Creek Campground generally praise its seclusion, natural beauty, and the privacy of the campsites. The South Umpqua River and its swimming holes are frequently noted as standout features. However, some users warn about a lack of amenities (e.g., potable water and showers) and the presence of poison oak."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Boulder Creek Campground, South Umpqua Road, OR

Boulder Creek Campground

Boulder Creek Campground, South Umpqua Road, OR

Driving directionsFrom Canyonville, OR, turn off of southeast Main Street onto southeast 3rd Street / OR-227. Continue on OR-227 for approximately 23 miles until reaching the town of Tiller, OR. Turn left onto County Road 46 (South Umpqua Road) and continue for 14 miles to Boulder Creek Campground. The entrance is on the right side of the road.

The campground is accessible via paved roads. It is located 14 miles from Tiller, OR, along County Road 46 (South Umpqua Road). Roads are typically open during standard camping seasons, but travelers should check for seasonal closures or conditions through the Umpqua National Forest website.

Nearby places

Canyonville (37 miles), Tiller (14 miles)

Nearby supplies

A small general store is available in Tiller, approximately 14 miles from the campground. There are no stores at or near the campsite.

Best Time to Camp at Boulder Creek Campground

Boulder Creek transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own distinct character to this forest sanctuary. Winter arrives with a hushed beauty, occasionally dusting the conifers with snow while rain nurtures the moss-draped understory. As spring unfolds, the campground awakens to perfect camping conditions—those magical weeks from late May through early June when precipitation fades to memory and crystal-clear skies showcase the forest in its full glory. Summer brings warm, golden days ideal for river adventures, with reliably dry weather stretching through August. Seasoned campers know the sweet spot: those late spring to early summer weeks when nature strikes the perfect balance between comfortable temperatures and pristine conditions.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm, clear river swimming holes make summer the prime season for visitors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quiet riverside setting and forest views make fall appealing and scenic.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring leads into the warmer months and trails/swimming holes become attractive.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter has hushed beauty and occasional snow, but amenities and access may be limited.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground has closed for the 2024 summer season.
Current Alerts: The campground is temporarily closed for the 2024 summer season.

About Boulder Creek Campground

Tucked away in the heart of the Umpqua National Forest, Boulder Creek Campground offers an intimate escape where the rhythmic whispers of the South Umpqua River blend with the gentle rustling of towering conifers. This hidden gem features just seven thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with its own picnic table and fire pit, creating perfect gathering spots beneath the protective canopy of Douglas firs and pines. Here, privacy isn't just promised—it's woven into the very fabric of the forest, with generous buffers of wild greenery between each site ensuring your wilderness retreat remains truly your own.

Boulder Creek Campground is a small and rustic site suitable for tent camping. It includes 7 campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire pits.

Historical SignificanceAs part of the storied Umpqua National Forest, Boulder Creek Campground rests within a landscape that has witnessed centuries of both natural and human history. This protected forestland serves as a living testament to the Pacific Northwest's ecological heritage, preserving ancient forest ecosystems that have thrived here since time immemorial. While the campground itself maintains a quiet presence in the historical record, it stands as a gateway to understanding the broader cultural and ecological significance of the Umpqua watershed—a region that has sustained both indigenous peoples and pioneer communities through its abundant natural resources.

Weather and SeasonsBoulder Creek transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own distinct character to this forest sanctuary. Winter arrives with a hushed beauty, occasionally dusting the conifers with snow while rain nurtures the moss-draped understory. As spring unfolds, the campground awakens to perfect camping conditions—those magical weeks from late May through early June when precipitation fades to memory and crystal-clear skies showcase the forest in its full glory. Summer brings warm, golden days ideal for river adventures, with reliably dry weather stretching through August. Seasoned campers know the sweet spot: those late spring to early summer weeks when nature strikes the perfect balance between comfortable temperatures and pristine conditions.

ElevationPerched at 1,400 feet above sea level, Boulder Creek Campground occupies a sweet spot in the Cascade foothills where mountain air meets river valley comfort. This modest elevation creates an ideal microclimate—high enough to escape the valley's summer heat, yet low enough to remain accessible when higher elevations are locked in snow. The elevation gifts campers with enhanced forest vistas and that special quality of light that filters through the canopy, creating an ever-changing tapestry of shadows and illumination throughout the day.

Natural Features and SceneryBoulder Creek Campground immerses visitors in the raw beauty of an old-growth mixed conifer forest, where massive Douglas firs create natural cathedrals overhead. The confluence of Boulder Creek and the South Umpqua River provides the soundtrack to your stay—a constant, soothing symphony of moving water over ancient stones. Moss-draped maples and understory ferns create layers of green that shift with every breeze, while the 1,400-foot elevation ensures dramatic lighting at dawn and dusk. Wildlife watchers will delight in spotting everything from Roosevelt elk to varied thrush, though hikers should remain aware of poison oak lurking in sunnier patches along the trails.

Geological RegionNestled at the confluence where Boulder Creek meets the South Umpqua River, this campground showcases the dynamic geology of the western Cascades. The mixed conifer forest thrives on volcanic soils laid down over millennia, creating a rich tapestry of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and cedar that towers above a diverse understory. The river has carved its patient path through ancient basalt flows, creating the gentle valley that cradles the campground today. While the lush vegetation includes some patches of poison oak in disturbed areas, the overwhelming character is one of pristine Pacific Northwest forest—a place where shade-loving plants carpet the forest floor and the air carries the distinctive scent of cedar and fir.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 p.m.

Check-out

12:00 p.m.

Stay Limit

Maximum length of stay anywhere on the forest is 14 days.

Groups

There is no specific mention of group camping facilities at Boulder Creek Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of seven campsites with picnic tables and fire pits. Sites are well-separated, providing privacy and a secluded camping experience.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through applicable federal platforms such as USGS.

Cancellation PolicyReservations may be subject to cancellation fees.

AccessibilityInformation about accessibility features is not provided.

Site SizeThe campground consists of 7 small campsites suitable for individual or family use.

PrivacyUser reviews consistently praise the privacy offered at Boulder Creek Campground, with comments highlighting the ample space between sites and secluded nature of the campground.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are well-spaced, providing privacy. Campers sensitive to poison oak should exercise caution near trail access points to the river.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Boulder Creek Campground include hiking and swimming. User reviews highlight the scenic South Umpqua River, its swimming holes, and the nearby hiking trails as key attractions.

HikingThe campground offers access to several hiking trails nearby as noted by users, though specific trail details such as difficulty or length are not provided.

SwimmingThe South Umpqua River provides numerous swimming holes with clear, warm water. User reviews emphasize the river as a highlight of the area.

Wildlife viewingUser reviews mention abundant wildlife in the area. Campers are advised to exercise caution due to wild animals passing through the campground.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison oak is prevalent in the area. Users have also noted a lack of cell service within an hour of the campground.

Active AlertsThe campground is temporarily closed for the 2024 summer season.

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in developed fire rings, subject to seasonal restrictions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesTiller Ranger Station (27812 Tiller Trail Highway, Tiller, OR 97484, Phone: 541-825-3100, Hours: Thursday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.).

Trash & RecyclingGarbage disposal facilities are available, but there is no mention of recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located along the South Umpqua River, near Boulder Creek. Multiple swimming holes are accessible via trails from the campsite.

Weather at Boulder Creek Campground

Reviews

4.7

13 reviews

Top-Rated

Boulder Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Boulder Creek Campground generally praise its seclusion, natural beauty, and the privacy of the campsites. The South Umpqua River and its swimming holes are frequently noted as standout features. However, some users warn about a lack of amenities (e.g., potable water and showers) and the presence of poison oak.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Privacy of campsites, ample shade, scenic surroundings, and the South Umpqua River with its swimming holes are commonly mentioned as positives.

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of potable water, no cell service, and poison oak are common concerns raised by users. Some reviews also warn about the trail leading to the river being surrounded by poison oak.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring sufficient water supplies due to the lack of potable water. Selecting campsites on the edge of the campground and away from poison oak areas is recommended. Pet owners...

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not provide explicit seasonal trends, but they suggest that the quiet and secluded nature of the campground may be most appealing during warmer months when swimming in the South Umpqua...

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Wondered up on this perfect little camp ground. This place has no amenities but it's very private, lots of shade and tons of space between spots. Great swimming holes and lots of wildlife." -...

Based on 13 reviews