Alder Springs
01 review57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413
Quick Facts
Price
$5 - $10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Open season depends ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$5 - $10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Open season depends ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Alder Springs
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single Campsites cost $10 per night. Extra vehicles incur a $5 per vehicle per night fee. Payments are made using the Scan and Pay system.
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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
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What Campers Say
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Limited Reviews
Based on 1 reviews
1 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quiet
Some mention
small
"Reviews highlight the campground as a "great little quiet dry camp" that offers a peaceful environment and is conveniently located near recreational activities."
Fees & Passes at Alder Springs
$5 - $10/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Camping is not allowed more than 14 days in a 60-day period.
Cancellation: No refunds, modifications, or cancellations are allowed with Scan and Pay transactions.
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official U.S. Forest Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Alder Springs
Summer transforms Alder Springs into a cool mountain refuge, with daytime temperatures dancing between a crisp 40°F in the early morning to a comfortable 65°F by afternoon—perfect for hiking without the valley's oppressive heat. Crystal-clear skies dominate the peak season, painting endless blue canvases above the forest canopy. As autumn approaches, the campground prepares for its winter slumber when the McKenzie Pass Highway closes to vehicles, leaving these ancient forests to rest beneath blankets of snow until spring's return.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Not specified; likely peak season aligns with summer road accessibility on McKenzie Highway.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season depends on McKenzie Highway's accessibility, as the road is closed during winter months.
- Current Alerts: Winter closures of McKenzie Highway restrict access to the campground. Check tripcheck.com for updates.
About Alder Springs
Nestled beneath a cathedral of ancient Douglas firs, Alder Springs beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness experience along the legendary McKenzie Pass Highway. This intimate, tent-only sanctuary in the Willamette National Forest offers a refreshing escape to simplicity—no RV hookups, no crowds, just you and the whisper of the wind through centuries-old branches. Perfect for summer adventurers who appreciate the raw beauty of dry camping, this rustic hideaway serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring one of Oregon's most scenic mountain corridors.
Alder Springs offers a first-come, first-served tent camping experience within a rustic and natural setting. There are no additional accommodations like RV sites, group camping, or glamping options.
Historical SignificanceYour tent sits alongside the storied McKenzie Pass Highway, a ribbon of history that has carried everyone from Native American traders to early pioneers through these rugged Cascade peaks. This scenic byway, carved through volcanic landscapes and old-growth forests, has long served as a vital link between Oregon's lush valleys and high desert, offering modern travelers the same awe-inspiring vistas that have captivated adventurers for generations.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Alder Springs into a cool mountain refuge, with daytime temperatures dancing between a crisp 40°F in the early morning to a comfortable 65°F by afternoon—perfect for hiking without the valley's oppressive heat. Crystal-clear skies dominate the peak season, painting endless blue canvases above the forest canopy. As autumn approaches, the campground prepares for its winter slumber when the McKenzie Pass Highway closes to vehicles, leaving these ancient forests to rest beneath blankets of snow until spring's return.
ElevationPerched at a classic Cascade Mountain elevation, Alder Springs offers that perfect sweet spot where the air feels lighter, the stars shine brighter, and summer temperatures stay refreshingly cool. While specific elevation details await discovery, visitors can expect the characteristic mountain environment that defines this volcanic range—crisp air, dramatic temperature swings, and that unmistakable feeling of being truly elevated above the everyday world.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living sanctuary where Douglas firs stretch skyward like nature's own skyscrapers, their massive trunks telling stories of centuries past. The filtered sunlight creates an ever-changing tapestry of shadows and golden beams across the forest floor, while the surrounding Cascade peaks provide a dramatic backdrop to your camping experience. This rustic retreat offers an intimate connection with old-growth forest ecology, where every morning brings fresh discoveries—from delicate wildflowers pushing through the duff to the occasional glimpse of wildlife moving silently through their ancestral home.
Geological RegionAlder Springs rests within the magnificent Willamette National Forest, a testament to the volcanic forces that shaped the Cascade Mountain Range millions of years ago. Here, where the McKenzie Highway winds through ancient lava flows now cloaked in towering Douglas firs, campers experience firsthand the powerful geological story written in stone and soil. This dynamic landscape, formed by fire and ice, continues to evolve, offering visitors a front-row seat to one of the Pacific Northwest's most dramatic natural theaters.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site includes accessible vault toilets, parking, and grills, though further details on accessibility are not provided.
Sites SizeThe campground is small and accommodates only tent camping, with no mention of site-specific dimensions.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not directly mentioned, but the campground is noted as small and rustic.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers are advised to park additional vehicles near the restroom to minimize congestion.
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time is not specified.
Stay Limit
Camping is not allowed more than 14 days in a 60-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limits provided.
Groups
No group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutA small, rustic campground situated along the McKenzie Highway. Sites are tent-only and positioned close to accessible amenities like vault toilets.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season depends on McKenzie Highway's accessibility, as the road is closed during winter months.
Reservation PlatformsScan and Pay system at the campground; reservations cannot be made in advance.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served only; all sites require on-site physical payment and claiming.
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds, modifications, or cancellations are allowed with Scan and Pay transactions.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Alder Springs offers limited but enjoyable activities set amidst a picturesque location surrounded by towering Douglas fir trees. Its proximity to natural and recreational attractions makes it an appealing choice for campers seeking a peaceful retreat.
Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are identified. However, access to the campground is dependent on the seasonal closure of McKenzie Highway during winter.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed within designated rings. Use of chainsaws is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsLimited road accessibility during winter months; no potable water, requiring visitors to bring their own supply.
Active alertsWinter closures of McKenzie Highway restrict access to the campground. Check tripcheck.com for updates.
Weather at Alder Springs
42
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 100%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 10.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include Blue River Fire Department and quick response medical services in Blue River, OR, approximately 10 miles away. Larger facilities and hospitals are available in Bend, OR, 40 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified; likely peak season aligns with summer road accessibility on McKenzie Highway.
Trash and recyclingSpecific details about trash and recycling facilities are not mentioned, but visitors are reminded to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features are mentioned; the campground's dry camping setup indicates limited water access.
Common complaintsComplaints include the absence of potable water and restrictions on vehicle parking due to small site size.
HostNo on-site host availability mentioned.
Campground Map
57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413
Driving directionsThe campground is located along the historic McKenzie Pass Highway (OR Hwy 242). Access is dependent on McKenzie Highway, which is closed in the winter. Visitors should check tripcheck.com for road conditions before planning their trip.
Access is dependent on McKenzie Highway, which is closed during the winter months. The campground is situated along a historic route with limited accessibility seasonally.Nearby places
Blue River (approximately 10 miles, 15 minutes by car)
Sisters (approximately 30 miles, 45 minutes by car)
Bend (approximately 40 miles, 1 hour by car)
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies are available in Blue River, OR (10 miles away), while larger shopping options can be found in Sisters or Bend (30-40 miles away).
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
1 reviews
Alder Springs has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground as a "great little quiet dry camp" that offers a peaceful environment and is conveniently located near recreational activities.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the quiet, serene environment and proximity to nearby activities. A user review describes it as "close to all the things you want to do."
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No specific complaints are shared in the user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own drinking water since there is no potable water on-site. Downloading the Recreation.gov app in advance is also recommended due to potential cellular service...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground's accessibility is dependent on McKenzie Highway, which is closed in the winter. As a result, camping is primarily a warm-season activity.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great little quiet dry camp close to all the things you want to do."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific reviews for individual campsites are noted.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are present.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet-related experiences are available.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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