Alder Springs

Star0
2 reviews
57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413

Quick Facts

3,766 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open season depends ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
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

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 2 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."

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Campground Map

57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413

Alder Springs

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).

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Described as 'perfect for summer'; cool mountain refuge (40–65°F) and highway access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Likely accessible until highway closure; limited fall-specific information provided.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Spring access depends on highway opening; conditions often limited by snow/closures.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

McKenzie Highway often closed in winter; campground primarily warm-season.

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.
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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.

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
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

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

Weather at Alder Springs

Reviews

0.0
2 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited 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 2 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 2 reviews

Common Concerns

No specific complaints are shared in the user reviews.
Based on 2 reviews

Pro 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...
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Based on 2 reviews

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 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great little quiet dry camp close to all the things you want to do."
Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific reviews for individual campsites are noted.
Based on 2 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are present.
Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressing pet-related experiences are available.
Based on 2 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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