Cleator Bend

4 reviews

44125 N. Santiam Hwy SE

Quick Facts

2,159 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 16th, close...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Linn County Parks and Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

2,159 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 16th, close...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Linn County Parks and Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Cleator Bend

$200.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group site fee is $200.00 per night during peak season (May 16th - October 12th). Prices exclude taxes, discounts, or incremental charges.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-967-3917

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

"User reviews indicate that Cleator Bend is a well-regarded group campground, with positive feedback on its natural setting and group accommodations. Some concerns were noted about the temporary lack of drinking water and the odor of the vault toilet."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

44125 N. Santiam Hwy SE

Cleator Bend

44125 N. Santiam Hwy SE

Driving directionsFrom Highway 22 at Detroit, turn onto Breitenbush Road/Forest Service Road 46. The campground is 9.8 miles ahead on the right.

Access from major roads is straightforward via paved surfaces on Highway 22 and Breitenbush Road/Forest Service Road 46. No mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain; access appears uncomplicated.

Nearby places

Detroit (approximately 9.8 miles, ~15 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Essentials such as groceries, camping supplies, and fuel likely available in Detroit (~9.8 miles away). Specific stores or services not listed.

Best Time to Camp at Cleator Bend

Time your adventure wisely at Cleator Bend, where each season paints a dramatically different picture. Summer transforms this riverside haven into a sun-dappled paradise, with warm days perfect for swimming and cool nights ideal for campfire gatherings—though fire restrictions may apply during peak dry spells. As autumn arrives, the forest explodes in golden hues while crisp air adds magic to morning hikes. Winter, however, belongs to the wilderness alone, as heavy mountain snows and bitter cold make the campground inaccessible and inhospitable. Spring brings the dramatic rush of snowmelt, swelling the Breitenbush with fresh energy. For the ultimate group camping experience, plan your visit between late June and early October, when nature rolls out its finest welcome mat.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer described as 'sun‑dappled paradise' and is peak season (May 16–Oct 12).

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open into October; fall offers changing foliage and quieter conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens May 16; late spring access but snow‑melt runoff may make water cold and higher.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 16–Oct 12; winter stays unavailable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16th - October 12th annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 16th, closes October 12th. Out-of-season bookings unavailable.

About Cleator Bend

Gather your favorite people and escape to Cleator Bend Group Campground, where the pristine Breitenbush River becomes your backyard playground. This spacious riverside retreat welcomes groups of up to 45 adventurers, creating the perfect setting for family reunions, scout troops, or outdoor clubs seeking their next wilderness experience. Eight campfire rings invite evening storytelling sessions, while matching picnic tables ensure everyone has a spot for memorable meals under towering evergreens. Whether you're casting for rainbow trout at dawn, exploring forest trails by day, or taking refreshing dips in crystal-clear river pools, this group sanctuary offers endless opportunities for shared adventures. While you'll need to bring your own drinking water for now, a well-maintained vault toilet and regular trash collection keep your stay comfortable and worry-free.

Cleator Bend Group Campground is designed for group camping and accommodates a variety of camping setups.

Weather and SeasonsTime your adventure wisely at Cleator Bend, where each season paints a dramatically different picture. Summer transforms this riverside haven into a sun-dappled paradise, with warm days perfect for swimming and cool nights ideal for campfire gatherings—though fire restrictions may apply during peak dry spells. As autumn arrives, the forest explodes in golden hues while crisp air adds magic to morning hikes. Winter, however, belongs to the wilderness alone, as heavy mountain snows and bitter cold make the campground inaccessible and inhospitable. Spring brings the dramatic rush of snowmelt, swelling the Breitenbush with fresh energy. For the ultimate group camping experience, plan your visit between late June and early October, when nature rolls out its finest welcome mat.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Breitenbush River serves as the beating heart of this enchanted campground, its crystal-clear waters born from ancient glaciers high on Mount Jefferson's flanks. This rushing mountain stream creates a natural soundtrack for your stay, its pools and riffles teeming with native rainbow trout that flash like silver beneath the surface. Massive Douglas firs and western red cedars form a living cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Morning mist often clings to the river valley, creating ethereal scenes as the sun burns through, while afternoons bring the sweet scent of sun-warmed pine needles. The surrounding Cascade wilderness stretches endlessly in every direction, offering glimpses of distant peaks and the promise of trails leading deeper into Oregon's magnificent backcountry.

Geological RegionCleator Bend sits within the magnificent Willamette National Forest, a 110-mile ribbon of protected wilderness draped along the western slopes of the volcanic Cascade Range. This dramatic landscape tells the story of fire and ice—ancient volcanoes that built these mountains and glaciers that carved the valleys between them. The Breitenbush River, your constant companion at camp, begins its journey high in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness, where year-round snowfields feed its perpetual flow. As a tributary of the mighty North Santiam River, the Breitenbush has spent millennia carving its course through volcanic rock and ancient forest, creating the perfect riverside sanctuary where your group can connect with Oregon's wild heart.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out time is 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights per visit, and a total of 14 nights within 60 rolling days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 45 guests allowed at the group site.

Groups

The single group site can accommodate up to 45 people and includes 8 picnic tables and 8 campfire rings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFeatures one group site with facilities centralized around a loop design, including picnic tables, campfire rings, trash collection, and a vault toilet.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo indication of walk-up availability; reservations must be booked in advance through Recreation.gov.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed at least 14 days before arrival for group facilities, with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations.

Site SizeThe group site can accommodate up to 45 people and has space for group activities with multiple campfire rings and picnic tables.

PrivacyPrivacy information is not explicitly stated; however, the campground is a group setting, which suggests less seclusion and more communal space.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesSite-specific recommendations include bringing potable water and planning for fire bans during summer.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Cleator Bend offers a range of outdoor recreational opportunities, especially centered around the natural features of the Breitenbush River.

HikingHiking opportunities include the nearby South Breitenbush Gorge Trail, located three miles from the campground. This trail allows hikers to view the Breitenbush River passing through basalt narrows and features a log footbridge crossing Roaring Creek.

FishingThe Breitenbush River is a popular spot for fishing, with rainbow trout being the primary catch.

SwimmingThe river provides opportunities for wading and swimming in its clean, snow-fed waters.

BikingBiking is mentioned as an available activity, though no specific trails or routes are described.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear encounters and risks related to summer fire bans. Vault toilets may have odor issues during peak usage.

Active AlertsFire bans are common during summer months. | Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed unless otherwise posted due to fire bans often enforced in summer months.

Emergency ServicesDetroit Ranger District office at 44125 N. Santiam Hwy SE, Detroit, OR 97360 managed by Linn County Parks. Phone: (541) 967-3917; emergency services likely accessible within Detroit.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is provided, with receptacles available on-site to ensure proper disposal of waste.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on the northern bank of the Breitenbush River. The river permits fishing, swimming, and wading.

Weather at Cleator Bend

Reviews

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Cleator Bend has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews indicate that Cleator Bend is a well-regarded group campground, with positive feedback on its natural setting and group accommodations. Some concerns were noted about the temporary lack of drinking water and the odor of the vault toilet.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the group-oriented facilities such as multiple campfire rings and picnic tables. The natural surroundings, including the proximity to the Breitenbush River, were praised for...

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

The main complaints focused on the temporary unavailability of potable water and the need for better odor control in the vault toilet.

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Be prepared with your own drinking water due to the temporary lack of potable water. Consider bringing odor-neutralizing agents if you find strong smells from vault toilets unpleasant.

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is a great group campground. Other than the water shortage, everything was wonderful.' 2. 'I would suggest regularly treating the vault with lime to minimize smell, it was RIPE.'

Based on 4 reviews

0 review