Coolwater Campground

Star4.08
29 reviews
Coolwater Campground, Umpqua National Forest
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Quick Facts

1,512 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Concessionaire under permit from Umpqua National Forest site

Official Website
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Coolwater Campground
$15.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campground fees range from $15 to $35. Pricing varies based on site type and amenities available. No potable water is available, and additional gear...
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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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
541-496-3532
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What Campers Say

4.08

Satisfactory

Based on 29 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationwatersites

"User reviews for Coolwater Campground highlight its serene and picturesque setting, with many campers appreciating the close proximity to the river and the opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, some concerns have been raised about cleanliness, particularly related to the absence of restrooms at the far side of the campground and waste left by previous campers."

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Campground Map

Coolwater Campground, Umpqua National Forest

Coolwater Campground

Coolwater Campground, Umpqua National Forest

Driving directionsFrom Roseburg, OR, turn onto OR-138 east / northeast Diamond Lake Boulevard. Continue on OR-138 for approximately 16 miles until you cross the Umpqua River. Take the first right after the bridge onto Little River Road #17. Follow Road 17 for 15.5 miles to Coolwater Campground, located on the right side of the road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads until the final stretch on Little River Road #17, which may require caution based on seasonal conditions. Check road alerts and closures before departing.
Nearby places
Roseburg, OR (approx. 31.5 miles, 40 min drive)
Glide, OR (15.5 miles, 25 min drive).
Nearby supplies
Essentials can be found in nearby towns—Glide (approx. 15.5 miles away), featuring gas stations and general stores. Larger supermarkets are available in Roseburg (31.5 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Coolwater Campground

Experience the full spectrum of Pacific Northwest seasons at Coolwater. Summer days bloom with comfortable temperatures in the upper 70s, perfect for hiking and riverside relaxation, while evenings cool to the mid-50s for ideal sleeping weather around the campfire. Winter transforms the landscape into a moody wonderland, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s during the day to crisp mid-30s at night. Rain and occasional snowfall paint the forest in dramatic hues, creating a photographer's paradise for those who embrace the season's wild beauty.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer temps in the upper 70s ideal for hiking, but occasional heatwaves (95–100°F) have been reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Cooler temperatures and scenic foliage; fall reviews trend positive for comfort and views.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring likely excellent with high water at falls and lush forest growth; trails accessible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but subject to seasonal conditions and limited amenities; winter comfort may be limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Summer months typically show high demand due to favorable weather.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Coolwater Campground is operational year-round but subject to seasonal conditions (e.g., extreme weather or fire danger).

About Coolwater Campground

Tucked away in nature's embrace, Coolwater Campground offers an intimate escape with just seven carefully placed campsites beneath a canopy of ancient trees. The gentle murmur of the Little River provides a natural soundtrack to your stay, while the nearby trail to the magnificent Grotto Falls beckons adventurers to explore. This hidden gem combines the tranquility of a secluded forest retreat with easy access to some of the region's most breathtaking hiking destinations.
Coolwater Campground offers basic camping options that are primarily suited for tent campers and small groups. Its secluded location fosters a rustic camping experience.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay anywhere in the Umpqua National Forest is 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Coolwater Campground is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts looking for hiking opportunities and access to nearby natural attractions. Recreational activities include camping, hiking, and picnicking. Fishing and swimming are popular pursuits, though not formally structured as specific activities.
HikingSeveral scenic hiking trails are accessible from the campground, such as the Overhang Trail #1509 (0.5 miles away), Grotto Falls Trail #1503 (5 miles away), Wolf Creek Nature Trail #1508 (4 miles away), and the Bureau of Land Management's Wolf Creek Falls Trail (5 miles away). These trails offer varying levels of difficulty and scenic views.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include aggressive bees (user reviews) and wildlife such as bears. Lack of potable water and trail contamination (trash or human waste) are additional concerns.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Coolwater Campground

Reviews

4.1
29 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Coolwater Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Coolwater Campground highlight its serene and picturesque setting, with many campers appreciating the close proximity to the river and the opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, some concerns have been raised about cleanliness, particularly related to the absence of restrooms at the far side of the campground and waste left by previous campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

"Clean and well maintained small campground! All the campsites are right next to the river with easy access!" - Lisa The Cat Lady. "We love Coolwater Campground!!" - Denise Abodeely. "Great camp...
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Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, cleanliness issues related to the absence of restrooms in some areas, and aggressive bees near the water. One user mentioned, "There is no...
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Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring adequate drinking water due to the lack of potable water on-site. Bringing a flashlight is recommended for evening excursions, particularly for those planning to explore the...
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Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summertime experiences are mixed; while campers enjoy the warm weather and accessible trails, heatwaves (e.g., 95-100°F in summer 2022) can make camping uncomfortable. Fall reviews suggest cooler,...
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Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

"It was pretty awesome aside from the aggressive bees that were attacking me around the water." - Jen Himmelreich. "We have done a large family camp here for several years. One of our favorite...
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Based on 29 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers were mentioned, but all campsites are noted to be close to the river, which is a highlight for many visitors.
Based on 29 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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