How much does camping cost at Alder Springs?

Camping fees at Alder Springs range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Alder Springs first-come first-served or reservation?

Alder Springs 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Alder Springs before I book?

Yes! Alder Springs has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Alder Springs?

Alder Springs is open July 02 to October 10. 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 Alder Springs?

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

How many campsites does Alder Springs have?

Alder Springs has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Alder Springs?

Yes, pets are allowed at Alder Springs. 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 Alder Springs?

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

Alder Springs

2 reviews

57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413

Featured in:Tent Camping Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,766 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open season depends ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,766 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open season depends ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Alder Springs

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

N/AN/A

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413

Alder Springs

57600 McKenzie Highway, Blue River, OR, 97413

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)

Weather at Alder Springs

Current alerts(9)

Access is dependent on McKenzie Highway (OR Hwy 242), which is closed in the winter. Check tripcheck.com for conditions.
Camping is not allowed more than 14 days in a 60 day period.
Dogs MUST be on leash at all times within the campground.
First come, first serve sites.

Best Time to Camp at Alder Springs

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably clear skies, comfortable daytime highs in the mid-60s°F and chilly mornings around 40°F — ideal for tent camping without valley heat. Trails, viewpoints and dispersed areas are fully accessible via the McKenzie Highway, making hiking, day trips on McKenzie Pass, stargazing and photography the peak activities. Crowds are present on weekends but remain modest compared with lower-elevation recreation areas, giving a true backcountry feel. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is reliable with clear skies and comfortable temperatures; main season of use.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 02 to October 10. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season depends on McKenzie Highway's accessibility, as the road is closed during winter months.

About Alder Springs

Alder Springs is a U.S. Forest Service campground in Willamette National Forest near Blue River, offering primitive tent sites in the foothills. The very small layout attracts campers seeking quiet and proximity to McKenzie Highway recreation, including hiking and McKenzie Pass day trips. Sites include vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, but no potable water.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably clear skies, comfortable daytime highs in the mid-60s°F and chilly mornings around 40°F — ideal for tent camping without valley heat. Trails, viewpoints and dispersed areas are fully accessible via the McKenzie Highway, making hiking, day trips on McKenzie Pass, stargazing and photography the peak activities. Crowds are present on weekends but remain modest compared with lower-elevation recreation areas, giving a true backcountry feel. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3766 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDouglas firs tower overhead, creating a canopy that filters light onto the forest floor. The campground sits on ancient lava flows from the Cascade Range's volcanic past, though those flows are now buried under centuries of soil and vegetation. At this elevation, mornings are cool and the air is noticeably thinner than in the valley below. The surrounding forest is thick and old, typical of mid-elevation Willamette stands.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or cabins are available; the campground is geared toward tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsScan and Pay system at the campground; reservations cannot be made in advance.

AccessibilityThe site includes accessible vault toilets, parking, and grills, though further details on accessibility are not provided.

Site SizeThe campground is small and accommodates only tent camping, with no mention of site-specific dimensions.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not directly mentioned, but the campground is noted as small and rustic.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers are advised to park additional vehicles near the restroom to minimize congestion.

Need help booking Alder Springs?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Alder Springs Campground is a small, rustic camping site within Willamette National Forest, offering basic amenities. The campground is noted for its accessible features such as vault toilets, grills, parking, and picnic areas. However, there is no potable water, and campers should plan accordingly. Accessible parking and campfire rings are available. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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

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 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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

2 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...

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