Ice Cap Campground

Star4.35
113 reviews
McKenzie Ranger Station, 57600 McKenzie Hwy., Blue River, OR 97413
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,690 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Ice Cap Campground o...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Managed by Linn County Parks and Recreation site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Ice Cap Campground
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for individual campsites are $25. Additional vehicle fee is $9 per vehicle.
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$25.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
541-967-3917
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 113 reviews

39 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingwater

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"Ice Cap Campground receives high praise for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and proximity to natural attractions like waterfalls and hiking trails. However, the lack of potable water, limited privacy at some sites, and disappointment over fishing opportunities at Carmen Reservoir are recurring complaints."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

McKenzie Ranger Station, 57600 McKenzie Hwy., Blue River, OR 97413

Ice Cap Campground

McKenzie Ranger Station, 57600 McKenzie Hwy., Blue River, OR 97413

Driving directionsFrom McKenzie Bridge, travel 17.3 miles east on Hwy 126. Turn left at the Ice Cap Campground/Koosah Falls Sign. Follow signs about half a mile to the campground.
The campground is accessible via a paved road, Hwy 126, which is in good condition for passenger cars and RVs under 20 feet.
Nearby places
McKenzie Bridge (17.3 miles, approx. 25 mins), Blue River (21 miles, approx. 30 mins)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available in McKenzie Bridge (17.3 miles away, approx. 25 mins).

Best Time to Camp at Ice Cap Campground

Experience the gentle warmth of Oregon summers at Ice Cap, where mild temperatures create perfect conditions for hiking and exploration—though visitors should note that fire restrictions often apply during peak season. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a misty wonderland punctuated by occasional rain showers. Winter blankets the area in deep snow, rendering the campground completely inaccessible but creating a magical frozen landscape. Spring awakens the forest with fresh growth and cascading waters, though rain gear is essential for comfort during this rejuvenating season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season with mild temps and open facilities; fire bans common but popular.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Late spring/fall noted as quieter; good trail access and scenic views in shoulder season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from mid-May so only late-spring access; reviewers note quieter late-spring experiences.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 16–Oct 12; winter season not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16, 2025 - October 12, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Ice Cap Campground operates from May 16 to October 12 during peak season.
  • Current Alerts: The campground has a drained reservoir due to a geological lava tube issue.

About Ice Cap Campground

Tucked beneath a canopy of towering conifers in the heart of Willamette National Forest, Ice Cap Campground offers an intimate escape into Oregon's pristine wilderness. This hidden gem combines the tranquility of a small, meticulously maintained campground with easy access to some of the region's most spectacular waterfalls and scenic trails. Whether you're seeking a peaceful base camp for adventure or a quiet retreat among ancient trees, Ice Cap delivers an authentic Pacific Northwest experience.
The campground accommodates a range of camping styles, including primitive walk-in tent sites, standard nonelectric sites, and RV sites for vehicles up to 20 feet.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Scan and Pay sites and reservations may not exceed a 14-day stay limit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides access to several recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail is a major highlight, offering opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. Notable nearby trails include the 3-mile loop to Koosah and Sahalie Falls, which are described as "easy" and "kid-friendly." Boating and fishing are available at Clear Lake, but fishing at Carmen Reservoir is no longer possible due to water drainage.
HikingHiking is a key activity, with access to trails leading to Koosah Falls, Sahalie Falls, and the Blue Pool. Trails are described as "easy," "kid-friendly," and offering stunning views. The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail is a major draw for both hiking and biking.
FishingFishing is available at Clear Lake, but not at Carmen Reservoir due to drainage issues. Several reviewers expressed disappointment over the lack of fishing at Carmen.
BikingThe McKenzie River National Recreation Trail is also a destination for mountain biking. No specific details about trail difficulty or terrain are provided.
BoatingBoating is permitted at Clear Lake. Carmen Reservoir previously supported boating, but it is currently drained and inaccessible.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDrained Carmen Reservoir limits water activities. No potable water available; some hand pumps do not function reliably. Mosquitoes are prevalent during certain months.
Active AlertsFire bans are common during summer months. | Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted. | The campground has a drained reservoir due to a geological lava tube issue.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Ice Cap Campground

Reviews

4.4
113 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Ice Cap Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Ice Cap Campground receives high praise for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and proximity to natural attractions like waterfalls and hiking trails. However, the lack of potable water, limited privacy at some sites, and disappointment over fishing opportunities at Carmen Reservoir are recurring complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 113 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and spacious sites, exceptionally clean vault toilets, friendly and helpful camp hosts, proximity to hiking trails and waterfalls, serene natural setting.
Based on 113 reviews

Common Concerns

No potable water, limited privacy in some areas, lack of fishing at Carmen Reservoir, occasional highway noise, and no shower facilities.
Based on 113 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve sites 20 or 21 for maximum privacy. Download the Rec.Gov app for offline payments due to limited cell service. Bring your own drinking water as pumps are unreliable.
Based on 113 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the most popular due to favorable weather and open facilities. Fire bans are common during this season. Some reviewers noted quieter experiences in late spring and early fall.
Based on 113 reviews

Camper Quotes

"I've never seen a grill...as clean as the one here!" – Luke Williams. "The campsite was raked and clean as well." – Luke Williams. "Vault toilets were literally maintained daily and smelled like...
Show more
Based on 113 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 21 is the most private but has stairs and a slope. Sites 20 and 19 also offer privacy and space for multiple tents. Site 6 is not suitable for RVs due to a severe slant.
Based on 113 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are wheelchair-accessible, but trails and other facilities are not fully handicap friendly.
Based on 113 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and no specific pet-related complaints were noted.
Based on 113 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Ice Cap Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Oregon

Campgrounds
Willamette National Forest
Ice Cap Campground