How much does camping cost at Broken Bowl?

Camping fees at Broken Bowl range from $8-$22/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Broken Bowl first-come first-served or reservation?

Broken Bowl 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.

What is the best time to visit Broken Bowl?

Broken Bowl is open May 22 to September 19. 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 Broken Bowl?

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

How many campsites does Broken Bowl have?

Broken Bowl has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Broken Bowl?

Yes, pets are allowed at Broken Bowl. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Broken Bowl?

Broken Bowl offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Broken Bowl

3.87

37 reviews

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,089 ft

Price

$8 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,089 ft

Price

$8 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Broken Bowl

$8.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $22.00; ScanPay 2: $8.00; ScanPay 3: $8.00; ScanPay 4: $8.00; Single Nonelectric: $22.00; Tent Only Nonelectric: $22.00. Plus...

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Campground Map

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Broken Bowl

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Weather at Broken Bowl

Current alert: Customer Service Contact 801-226-3564 or Help.Willamette.MiddleFork@AmericanLL.com

Best Time to Camp at Broken Bowl

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and scenery at Broken Bowl — daytime highs are typically in the 50s–70s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–50s°F — making hiking and creekside relaxing most pleasant. Leaf color and quieter trails make wildlife viewing and photography especially rewarding, and trout/creek fishing often improves as water cools. Crowds tend to be lower than summer (busy only on holiday weekends), and the mature forest provides a warm, sheltered campsite for brisk Peak months: October, September, May, June

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall yields reliable conditions, cool water for trout fishing and peak leaf color—recommended season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 19. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Broken Bowl

Broken Bowl is a small, budget-friendly campground in the Willamette National Forest foothills of Oregon. Mature trees provide seclusion at tent sites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, and vault toilets serve the property. Fall brings the best conditions for stargazing, creek access, and wildlife viewing when crowds thin and temperatures settle into comfortable ranges.

The campground accommodates both tent camping and standard non-electric sites. While primarily catering to family and individual campers, there is a mix of site sizes to suit different needs.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and scenery at Broken Bowl — daytime highs are typically in the 50s–70s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–50s°F — making hiking and creekside relaxing most pleasant. Leaf color and quieter trails make wildlife viewing and photography especially rewarding, and trout/creek fishing often improves as water cools. Crowds tend to be lower than summer (busy only on holiday weekends), and the mature forest provides a warm, sheltered campsite for brisk Peak months: October, September, May, June

Elevation1089 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested slope where mature trees create thick overhead cover. Fall Creek runs through the property, with some sites offering direct water access for wading and fishing. The creek forms pools in places where kids hunt for minnows and smooth stones. At night, the forest canopy opens enough for stargazing when conditions are clear. The dense woods keep temperatures cooler during summer but can hold moisture after rain.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground is primarily designed for standard camping and does not include hotel-style lodging.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

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Guests Allowed Per Site

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Groups

No group sites are specifically mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Scan and Pay, and potentially Recreation.gov based on the authoritative content.

AccessibilityAccessibility is limited, with one user noting, 'not ♿ or easy access for anyone with mobility or ambulatory issues.

Site SizeThe campground sites vary in size, with some being small and others large enough to accommodate multiple tents. Site #15, for instance, is described as large with great water access, accommodating up to six people.

PrivacyMany sites offer good privacy due to the wooded setting, but sound travels easily: 'The sites have some good privacy, although you can hear your neighbors when laughter erupts.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #9 is ideal for those wanting creekside access. Site #15 is suitable for larger groups. Site #6 provides stargazing and privacy despite proximity to camp host.

Best CampsitesSite 15 gets consistent mentions for size and creek access. It's walk-in, fits up to six people, and puts you close to the water. Site 9 offers a short path down to Fall Creek and enough room to spread out. Site 6 has space for two tents and good visibility for stargazing through the canopy gaps.

Need help booking Broken Bowl?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Amenities available

Broken Bowl Campground offers a cozy environment with 16 campsites shaded under mature forests. The campground provides features such as picnic tables, fire rings, and an accessible creek. Reviews mention that 'the mightiest picnic tables' and fire rings are available at the campsites. However, there are mixed opinions about bathroom facilities, with some noting 'outhouses were spotless every day' while others lamented the closure of flush toilets, replaced by porta-potties that 'need servicing more often.'

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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Activities you can enjoy

Broken Bowl Campground offers activities like fishing, wildlife viewing, and creek access. 'Quiet and great water access' describes the tranquility and proximity to nature.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsUser reviews consistently report that flush toilets were closed, and porta-potties were provided as an alternative. Some users describe the porta-potties as poorly maintained: 'The lovely on-site bathrooms are closed, replaced with porta-potties that need serviced more often than they are.'

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.9

37 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Broken Bowl has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Broken Bowl Campground garners mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 3.79 for its camping experience. Positive highlights include the scenic beauty, clean facilities, and peaceful atmosphere. Common complaints revolve around management issues, site thefts, and poorly maintained porta-potties.

Review Summaries

Based on 37 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 37 reviews.

Site #6Mentioned
Site #6: Suitable for two tents, near the host.
Site #9Mentioned
Site #9: Features a path to the creek.
Site #15Mentioned
Site #15: Large, accommodates up to six people, walk-in access.

What Campers Love

Users praised the 'beautiful camp sites,' 'amazing star gazing,' and the clean upkeep by some camp hosts. Other highlights included 'great water access' and the seclusion provided by mature trees.

Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns included management issues like site thefts, aggressive behavior by hosts, and unsatisfactory porta-potty maintenance. One user remarked, 'The son and his girlfriend of the host seemed like...

Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cash for site fees and bug spray. Site #15 is recommended for its size and water access, while #9 offers a short path to the creek. Families and pet owners should be wary of accessibility...

Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visits are popular, though the campground can become crowded. Bathrooms and trails are less maintained during peak times, and porta-potties fill quickly.

Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The new camp hosts do a wonderful job keeping the place clean." "Beautiful and mostly quiet." "Camping was nice and the spots r nice."

Based on 37 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited, with steep or uneven terrain creating challenges for those with mobility issues.

Based on 37 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Aggressive or barking dogs may not be tolerated. One user noted, 'Not recommended for people with pets or kids.'

Based on 37 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

Willamette National Forest

Dolly Varden is a very small Forest Service campground in the Willamette National Forest foothills, offering creek access and spacious, private sites. With fewer than 10 primitive camping spots, vault toilets, and fire rings, it attracts campers seeking solitude over amenities. The campground sits near Fall Creek Trail and provides swimming and fishing access during its seasonal operation.