Packard Creek
4.0261 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
$24 - $200/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
36 campsites
Season
Open May 22, 2025 to...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$24 - $200/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
36 campsites
Season
Open May 22, 2025 to...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsPackard Creek
$24.00 - $200.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$24 for Standard Nonelectric sites, $48 for Double Standard Nonelectric sites, and $200 for Group Standard Nonelectric sites during Peak Season.
Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$200.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$224.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider801-226-3564
What Campers Say
4.02
Satisfactory
Based on 61 reviews
47 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewscleanlocationlake
Some mention
smallreservation
"Packard Creek Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, friendly hosts, and access to recreational activities. It is generally considered family-friendly, although some reviewers noted issues such as poison oak and uneven campsites."
Fees & Passes at Packard Creek
$24 - $200/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Limit one vehicle per site; additional vehicles incur a fee. No specific night limit mentioned.
Cancellation: Scan and Pay system: No refunds, modifications, or cancellations are allowed after payment.
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official American Land and Leisure website.
Best Time to Camp at Packard Creek
Experience the gentle rhythm of Pacific Northwest seasons at Packard Creek, where summer days bring the perfect balance of warm sunshine and cool forest shade. While occasional rain showers keep the landscape vibrantly green, most camping days reward visitors with comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor adventures. The moderate climate means you can enjoy everything from early morning hikes to evening campfires without extreme heat or cold, making this an ideal basecamp for your Oregon exploration.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 22, 2025 - September 19, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open May 22, 2025 to September 19, 2025; closed during off-season.
- Current Alerts: Water line issues reported in certain loops and areas. Poison oak remains a persistent hazard.
About Packard Creek
Nestled on the western shores of Hills Creek Reservoir, Packard Creek Campground beckons families seeking the perfect Oregon outdoor adventure. This welcoming retreat serves as your gateway to endless recreation, where mornings might begin with a peaceful paddle across mirror-like waters and afternoons unfold on scenic mountain bike trails. Whether you're casting a line for the day's catch, exploring forest paths on horseback, or simply watching the sunset paint the reservoir in golden hues, Packard Creek offers an authentic Pacific Northwest camping experience that creates memories to last a lifetime.
Packard Creek Campground caters to various camping preferences, offering options for standard, group, and tent camping. Some sites are close to the lake, providing convenient access to water-based activities.
Historical SignificanceStep into Oregon's rich heritage just moments from your campsite. The nearby town of Oakridge tells the story of the Pacific Northwest's railroad era, when steam engines and timber transformed this valley into a bustling boomtown. Today, the surrounding Willamette National Forest preserves both natural wonders and cultural treasures, including hidden hot springs where weary travelers have soaked for generations. These thermal pools, tucked among ancient forests, offer a unique blend of relaxation and connection to the land's enduring appeal.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of Pacific Northwest seasons at Packard Creek, where summer days bring the perfect balance of warm sunshine and cool forest shade. While occasional rain showers keep the landscape vibrantly green, most camping days reward visitors with comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor adventures. The moderate climate means you can enjoy everything from early morning hikes to evening campfires without extreme heat or cold, making this an ideal basecamp for your Oregon exploration.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering hemlock, Douglas fir, and majestic red cedar create a living cathedral above Packard Creek Campground, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The star attraction, Hills Creek Reservoir, stretches across 2,735 pristine acres, its 44 miles of intricate shoreline offering countless hidden coves and peaceful spots for contemplation. This harmonious blend of ancient forest and expansive water creates a landscape that shifts from intimate forest groves to sweeping reservoir vistas, ensuring every campsite offers its own unique perspective on Oregon's natural splendor.
Geological RegionPackard Creek Campground sits within the embrace of the magnificent Willamette National Forest, where centuries of growth have created a tapestry of towering hemlock, Douglas fir, and aromatic red cedar. This verdant sanctuary cradles the impressive Hills Creek Reservoir, a 2,735-acre jewel with 44 miles of sinuous shoreline carved into the Oregon landscape. Here, the ancient geology of the Cascade foothills meets the engineered beauty of the reservoir, creating a unique environment where pristine forest ecosystems thrive alongside recreational waters, offering campers the best of both mountain and lake experiences.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityMost of the campground is accessible. Specific details regarding accessibility options for campers with disabilities are not provided.
Sites SizeThe campsites vary in size. For example, site 29 was described as 'pretty big for two tents to be put up and a third could have fit as well'.
Sites PrivacyThe campground has a mix of privacy levels. Some reviewers appreciated the secluded nature of certain sites, while others noted that some campsites are part of a parking lot or very compact.
Total Campsites36 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites near steep slopes or heavy poison oak presence. Families with children should exercise caution in bushy areas due to poison oak. Check site dimensions before booking.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
- Limit one vehicle per site
- additional vehicles incur a fee. No specific night limit mentioned.
Groups
The reservable group campground accommodates up to 80 people and includes a large picnic shelter and open space for tents.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout36 campsites, including 14 reservable sites and a group campsite that accommodates up to 80 people. Some sites require a walk-in or are located on slopes.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 22, 2025 to September 19, 2025; closed during off-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov. First-come, first-served sites also available.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis outside of online reservations.
Cancellation PolicyScan and Pay system: No refunds, modifications, or cancellations are allowed after payment.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Packard Creek offers a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. The nearby Larison Creek Trail is a highlight for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking, while the lake is popular for water-based activities.
Hiking
Larison Creek Trail provides excellent hiking opportunities with lush vegetation, including hemlock, Douglas fir, and red cedar trees. A reviewer highlighted its suitability for hiking and mountain biking.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity with anglers often catching catfish, blue gill, crappie, and coho salmon. The day-use area includes a fishing dock.Swimming
The lake offers a pleasant swimming area; the water is 'not too cold and not too warm,' according to one reviewer. However, another noted that the beach is a concrete slab with no designated swim area due to the water level.Biking
Larison Creek Trail is also ideal for mountain biking, featuring lush vegetation and scenic views.Boating
Boating is supported with a boat ramp, and some campsites come with individual boat docks. The reservoir's low activity level during late summer makes it ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding.Wildlife viewing
The campground offers opportunities to see wildlife, including osprey and ravens. A reviewer noted: 'Each day juvenile osprey soared above our camp calling, play fighting and sitting in the trees.'Beach activities
While the lake shore provides some opportunities for relaxation, one reviewer pointed out that the 'beach' is a concrete slab rather than a sandy area.Water Sports
The lake supports water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within campfire rings at individual sites. Firewood should be sourced locally to prevent invasive species spread.
Hazards
General hazardsPresence of poison oak and occasional muddy conditions near water access points. Steep slopes and uneven campsites in some areas.
Active alertsWater line issues reported in certain loops and areas. Poison oak remains a persistent hazard.
Weather at Packard Creek
50
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 85%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 22, 2025 - September 19, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection facilities are available, but detailed descriptions or pickup schedules are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Hills Creek Reservoir, offering boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities. Some campsites feature individual boat docks.
Common complaintsSome campers reported uneven terrains, small campsites, and poison oak presence. Complaints about misleading site descriptions on the reservation website.
HostHosts are consistently praised for their friendliness and attentiveness. Hosts ensure clean facilities and assist with campsite issues.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Oakridge, Oregon: Beginning at the intersection of Crestview Street and Oregon State Highway 58 (the only traffic light along State Highway 58 in Oakridge), travel east on Highway 58 for 1.7 miles. At the intersection with Kitson Springs Road, turn right and travel for 0.5 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 21, and travel for approximately 5.2 miles. The destination will be on your left.
Accessible via paved roads; the directions include turns on smaller roads like Kitson Springs Road and Forest Road 21, which may require caution during winter or rainy seasons.Reviews from booking and map sources
4.0
61 reviews
Packard Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Packard Creek Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, friendly hosts, and access to recreational activities. It is generally considered family-friendly, although some reviewers noted issues such as poison oak and uneven campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 61 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the clean facilities, friendly and helpful camp hosts, and the picturesque location by the lake.
Based on 61 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the prevalence of poison oak, uneven campsites, and issues with site size and layout. Some users also pointed out problems with water access and misleading descriptions of...
Based on 61 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Avoid letting children play in the bushes due to poison oak. Some reviewers recommend bringing a light source for use near vault toilets at night.
Based on 61 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During the summer months, the campground is appreciated for its swimming and water activities, although some users noted low water levels in the lake. Winter reviews are limited, but the campground...
Based on 61 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Bathrooms were the cleanest vault toilets I have ever been in.' - User review from 2022.
2. 'The lake is very nice. It’s not too cold and not too warm so you can actually enjoy swimming in it!'...
Based on 61 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 29 was described as large and suitable for multiple tents. Site 32 received complaints about its condition, such as broken logs, and site 36 was preferred for its secluded location.
Based on 61 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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