How much does camping cost at Coolwater Campground?

Camping fees at Coolwater Campground range from $15-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Coolwater Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Coolwater Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Coolwater Campground before I book?

Yes! Coolwater Campground has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Coolwater Campground?

Coolwater Campground is open Summer months typically show high demand due to favorable weather.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Coolwater Campground?

Coolwater Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Coolwater Campground have?

Coolwater Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Coolwater Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Coolwater Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Coolwater Campground?

Coolwater Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Coolwater Campground?

Popular activities at Coolwater Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Coolwater Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Coolwater Campground?

Fire policies at Coolwater Campground: Campfires are allowed in developed fire pits when conditions are favorable. Check fire danger status.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.83

29 reviews

Coolwater Campground, Umpqua National Forest

Top 9% in ORFall

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Oregon

Quick Facts

1,512 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Tentative opening da...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,512 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Tentative opening da...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

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...

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

541-496-3532

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Coolwater Campground, Umpqua National Forest

Coolwater Campground

Coolwater Campground, Umpqua National Forest

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).

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.

Weather at Coolwater Campground

Best Time to Camp at Coolwater Campground

Fall delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs reach the mid-50s to mid-60s°F from late September through October, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. The maple and alder foliage peaks during this window, trails firm up after summer use, and bug pressure drops off. Water levels are moderate, making the river pleasant without the spring runoff volume. Summer brings upper-70s days and mid-50s nights, though reviews mention aggressive bees near water sources during warmer months. Winter sees mid-50s days and mid-30s nights, with rain and occasional snow.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in OR

Fall is best: peak maple/alder foliage, cooler temps, and hikers fill sites on weekends.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months typically show high demand due to favorable weather.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Tentative opening date May 22, 2026.

About Coolwater Campground

Coolwater Campground sits along the Little River in Umpqua National Forest, 30 miles east of Roseburg at 1,512 feet elevation. The campground has seven primitive sites, all close to the river, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Sites run $15-35 per night and fill up on fall weekends when hikers come for Grotto Falls and the maple foliage.

Coolwater Campground offers basic camping options that are primarily suited for tent campers and small groups. Its secluded location fosters a rustic camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs reach the mid-50s to mid-60s°F from late September through October, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. The maple and alder foliage peaks during this window, trails firm up after summer use, and bug pressure drops off. Water levels are moderate, making the river pleasant without the spring runoff volume. Summer brings upper-70s days and mid-50s nights, though reviews mention aggressive bees near water sources during warmer months. Winter sees mid-50s days and mid-30s nights, with rain and occasional snow.

ElevationElevation data is not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Little River runs directly alongside all seven campsites, providing constant water sound and easy access for cooling off. Dense coniferous forest covers the steep canyon walls above the campground, with pockets of maple and alder that turn color in late September and October. The river has carved waterfalls and swimming holes into the bedrock downstream. The forest canopy provides shade at most sites, and the valley's narrow profile keeps the feel enclosed and forested rather than open.

Geological RegionCoolwater Campground rests in the heart of the Little River valley, a pristine pocket of the sprawling Umpqua National Forest. This remarkable ecosystem showcases the geological drama of the Cascade Range, where ancient volcanic activity and millennia of river erosion have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. Dense coniferous forests blanket steep canyon walls, while the Little River has carved its patient path through the bedrock, creating the waterfalls and swimming holes that make this region a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Scenic ViewsAll sites offer views of the Little River, enhancing natural vistas. Grotto Falls and nearby trails offer spectacular overlooks.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

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

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSeven sites in a linear arrangement along the river. Spacing is tight, with reviews noting limited privacy between sites. All sites have picnic tables and fire pits.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are managed by the Umpqua National Forest and its concessionaire. Contact the North Umpqua Ranger Station for details.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is likely given the small size (7 sites), but no specific details are available regarding fill patterns.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not detailed in source materials.

Site SizeThe campground contains seven campsites that seem to cater to small group camping.

PrivacyThe campsites are located close to the river, potentially limiting privacy.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near the river for natural views and easy access; avoid far-end sites due to restroom issues.

Best CampsitesReviews don't call out specific site numbers, but all seven sites sit next to the river with what users describe as easy access. The far end of the campground lacks restroom facilities, so sites closer to the vault toilets on the near end may be more convenient for families or anyone making frequent trips at night.

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Coolwater Campground offers a modest set of amenities that cater to a simpler and more rustic camping experience. The campground includes seven campsites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. However, it is important to note that potable water is not provided on-site, which requires campers to bring their own drinking water. Vault toilets are available for use, but some user reviews have mentioned issues with cleanliness and the absence of restrooms at the far end of the campground. Garbage disposal is available, adding convenience for waste management. Additionally, horse/pack animals are prohibited at the site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in developed fire pits when conditions are favorable. Check fire danger status.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesNorth Umpqua Ranger Station, Address: 18782 North Umpqua Highway, Glide, OR 97443, Phone: 541-496-3532 (hours: Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM). Closest hospital null.

Trash & RecyclingGarbage disposal facilities are available on-site for waste management.

Water FeaturesAll sites are steps away from the Little River; nearby Grotto Falls adds to the attraction.

Camp HostNo explicit host details provided.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

29 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Coolwater Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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...

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...

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

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...

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,...

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...

Based on 29 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Fall hikers targeting Grotto Falls or the Wolf Creek Nature Trail will find this hard to beat in late September and October, with good foliage, mild days, and river sound at every site. Bring all your water.

Skip if

No potable water on-site, vault toilets only (and none near the far-end sites, which reviewers say gets messy fast), aggressive bees near the water in summer, and just seven tight sites along a shared riverbank, so privacy is thin.

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3.8

(20)

White Creek Campground

White Creek Campground, FS Road #2792, Red Butte Road

White Creek Campground sits in the Umpqua National Forest near Glide, Oregon, at 1,437 feet elevation. This primitive campground has four sites total, three of them walk-in only. There's no potable water or power. You'll find vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The draw is Little River, which runs alongside the campground with sandy beaches and shallow swimming holes.

Coolwater Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Coolwater Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Coolwater Campground

Best Time to Camp at Coolwater Campground

Planning Tips

About Coolwater Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Coolwater Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Activities

Plan a trip to Coolwater Campground

Best Time to Camp at Coolwater Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Coolwater Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews