South Umpqua Falls Campground

4.48

29 reviews

South Umpqua Falls Campground, Umpqua National Forest, Oregon

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Oregon

Quick Facts

1,600 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Umpqua National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,600 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Umpqua National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

South Umpqua Falls Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single site fee is $10 per night. Additional vehicle fee is $5 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Passes discount 50% on single site fees occupied...

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

4.48

Recommended

Based on 29 reviews

24 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspacioussites

"User reviews highlight the campground as a beautiful and peaceful location with spacious campsites and easy access to South Umpqua Falls. However, the lack of potable water and site markings has been a point of contention."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

South Umpqua Falls Campground, Umpqua National Forest, Oregon

South Umpqua Falls Campground

South Umpqua Falls Campground, Umpqua National Forest, Oregon

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 28) and continue for 20 miles. The campground is located on the left side of the road.

The campground is reached via paved OR-227 and County Road 46, but may be subject to weather-related conditions. Visit the Umpqua National Forest's current conditions page for road alerts and closures.

Nearby places

Canyonville (approximately 43 miles, ~45 minutes drive)

Tiller (20 miles, ~20 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Supplies available in Tiller (20 miles away, ~20 minutes drive) and Canyonville (~43 miles away, ~45 minutes drive). Campers need to bring their own potable water and firewood.

Best Time to Camp at South Umpqua Falls Campground

Experience the full drama of Oregon's seasons at South Umpqua Falls, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Summer transforms the campground into a warm haven with temperatures climbing into the pleasant 80s, perfect for hiking and river exploration. As autumn arrives, crisp air and changing leaves create a photographer's paradise. Winter brings a different kind of magic, with temperatures often dipping into the 30s and occasional dustings of snow that transform the meadow into a wonderland. Rain and mixed precipitation create a lush, verdant environment year-round, though winter snow typically melts quickly rather than accumulating deeply. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and rushing waters from snowmelt.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm season is busiest and best for swimming; falls draw crowds on hot weekends.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Oregon seasonal colors and quieter off-season visits make fall attractive.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Wildflower-dotted meadow and misty mornings suggest strong spring scenery and flows at the falls.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year‑round and quiet in winter, but weather and lack of services reduce appeal.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Check current fire information and fire danger status before camping.

About South Umpqua Falls Campground

Nestled in a sun-dappled meadow embraced by towering timber, South Umpqua Falls Campground offers 19 peaceful campsites where nature's symphony plays day and night. This rustic retreat features three vault toilets and convenient grey water disposal sumps for a comfortable camping experience. Just across the road, adventure beckons at South Umpqua Falls Picnic Area, where crystalline waters cascade dramatically over ancient rocks. Here, lucky visitors might witness the spectacular sight of Chinook salmon leaping upstream or catch a glimpse of majestic bald eagles soaring overhead. Perched at 1,600 feet elevation, this mountain sanctuary provides the perfect basecamp for exploring the wonders of the Umpqua wilderness.

South Umpqua Falls Campground provides tent and group camping opportunities. Sites are first-come, first-serve and are equipped with basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire pits.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Oregon's seasons at South Umpqua Falls, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Summer transforms the campground into a warm haven with temperatures climbing into the pleasant 80s, perfect for hiking and river exploration. As autumn arrives, crisp air and changing leaves create a photographer's paradise. Winter brings a different kind of magic, with temperatures often dipping into the 30s and occasional dustings of snow that transform the meadow into a wonderland. Rain and mixed precipitation create a lush, verdant environment year-round, though winter snow typically melts quickly rather than accumulating deeply. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and rushing waters from snowmelt.

ElevationAt 1,600 feet above sea level, South Umpqua Falls Campground occupies a sweet spot in the Cascade foothills where mountain air stays fresh and cool without the harsh extremes of higher elevations. This moderate altitude means winter visitors can enjoy the beauty of occasional snowfall without worrying about heavy accumulation or difficult access. The elevation creates an ideal microclimate where diverse plant communities thrive and wildlife flourishes throughout the seasons.

Natural Features and SceneryPicture waking up in a wildflower-dotted meadow where morning mist dances between ancient Douglas firs and the gentle murmur of the South Umpqua River provides nature's soundtrack. The campground's unique setting offers the best of both worlds: sunny, open sites in the meadow for those who love expansive sky views, and cool, shaded spots beneath the protective canopy of old-growth timber. This diverse habitat attracts an impressive array of wildlife—from black bears foraging for berries to bald eagles patrolling the river for salmon. The real stars of the show are the Chinook salmon, whose epic upstream journey provides one of nature's most inspiring spectacles.

Geological RegionThe campground rests in the heart of the scenic Umpqua Valley, where millennia of geological forces have carved a landscape of stunning contrasts. Ancient volcanic activity and centuries of erosion by the South Umpqua River have created this perfect camping oasis where meadowlands meet forest. The nearby cascading falls showcase the raw power of water sculpting through volcanic basalt, creating pools and rapids that have sustained wildlife and delighted visitors for generations. This unique position in the Umpqua drainage offers campers front-row seats to one of Oregon's most biodiverse and visually striking regions.

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.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutOpen meadow style layout surrounded by timber. Individual campsites are spacious with picnic tables and fire pits.

Reservation PlatformsSome sites may be reservable; visit UMPQUA National Forest website.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve with reservations also available.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features or accommodations for disabilities are mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious and ideal for group camping. User reviews note that each site has a large area for pitching tents.

PrivacyThe campground features an open field style of layout, which limits privacy. Some user reviews describe it as being more suitable for group camping than for secluded individual experiences.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites away from the shoreline if camping with pets to minimize disturbances.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

South Umpqua Falls Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities such as hiking, swimming, and picnicking. The nearby South Umpqua Falls Picnic Area provides scenic views of the cascading river and opportunities for wildlife observation.

HikingThe campground is located near hiking trails, which include a short walk to the falls and additional trails leading to swimming holes.

SwimmingThe falls feature swimming holes, which are accessible via a short hike from the campground. However, the area can become very busy, particularly on hot summer days.

Wildlife viewingVisitors to the campground have reported spotting wildlife such as bears and bald eagles. One user mentioned seeing up to 6 bears in a single day a few miles from the campground.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include bears and snakes. Campers should avoid leaving food outside and check tents for snakes. Nearby swimming holes can have slippery rocks.

Active AlertsCheck current fire information and fire danger status before camping.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted in designated fire pits when conditions allow. Fireworks are strictly prohibited.

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

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services include Tiller Ranger Station for forest-related issues and Canyonville as the nearest town with medical services and police.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal is minimal at the campground. No recycling facilities were specifically mentioned.

Water FeaturesSouth Umpqua River and South Umpqua Falls are within walking distance, offering swimming and picnicking opportunities.

Weather at South Umpqua Falls Campground

Reviews

4.5

29 reviews

Recommended

South Umpqua Falls Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground as a beautiful and peaceful location with spacious campsites and easy access to South Umpqua Falls. However, the lack of potable water and site markings has been a point of contention.

Review Summaries

Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciated the campground's natural beauty and proximity to the falls. One user described it as 'so beautiful and peaceful,' and another remarked, 'just a short walk to the falls and then...

Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, site markings, and the busy nature of the falls during peak times. One user stated, 'They do not have running water, so you will need to bring...

Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing plenty of water, as the campground does not offer potable water. Another tip is to avoid busy weekends for a quieter experience. Campers are also advised to be mindful of...

Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer, particularly on hot weekends, when the falls become a popular day-use destination. In contrast, the off-season is described as quiet and equally...

Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'I love camping here!!!!! The only bummer is that it is a first come first reserve space.' - Eve W. 2. 'The camp space is clean and the views are beautiful.' - Eve W. 3. 'Very spacious campground...

Based on 29 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites are not numbered or marked, which has caused confusion for some campers. One user complained, 'Sites aren't marked when you have to pay for them and put the spot number when there...

Based on 29 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were found.

Based on 29 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but campers are reminded to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them. One user emphasized selecting a campsite on the edge of the campground to avoid disturbing others.

Based on 29 reviews

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