How much does camping cost at Ice Cap Campground?

Camping fees at Ice Cap Campground range from $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ice Cap Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ice Cap Campground 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.

What is the best time to visit Ice Cap Campground?

Ice Cap Campground is open May 15 to October 11. 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 Ice Cap Campground?

Ice Cap Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Ice Cap Campground have?

Ice Cap Campground has 22 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ice Cap Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ice Cap Campground. 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 Ice Cap Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Ice Cap Campground?

Popular activities at Ice Cap Campground include Hiking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ice Cap Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Ice Cap Campground?

Fire policies at Ice Cap Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.28

113 reviews

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

Great Hiking

Featured in:Hiking Camping Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Managed by Linn County Parks and Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Managed by Linn County Parks and Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Ice Cap Campground

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $25.00; Single S&P: $25.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $25.00; WALK TO: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$25.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

801-226-3564

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

McKenzie Bridge (17.3 miles, approx. 25 mins), Blue River (21 miles, approx. 30 mins)

Weather at Ice Cap Campground

Current alerts(9)

Fire bans are common during summer months. | Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted.
Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from the area after eating
Be sure to reserve a site that will accommodate your equipment. The site you reserve is your site. You may not move to another site.
Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted. Fire bans are common during summer months. Please plan accordingly.

Best Time to Camp at Ice Cap Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable access, mild daytime temperatures (typically 65–80°F) and fully open campground services (May 16–Oct 12), making trails, waterfalls and water activities easy to enjoy. Waterfalls and rivers are warm enough for comfortable fishing and boating, hiking and biking the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass corridor are at their peak, and long daylight hours maximize exploration time. Expect moderate to busy weekends—advance reservations are recommended—and be aware Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open mid-May to Oct 12; summer temps 65–80°F and long daylight make summer peak season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Ice Cap Campground operates from May 16 to October 12 during peak season.

About Ice Cap Campground

Ice Cap Campground sits in the Willamette National Forest foothills near Blue River, managed by Linn County Parks and Recreation. The small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers use it as a base for hiking trails and boating on nearby waterways, with reviewers praising clean facilities and helpful hosts despite limited privacy between sites.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable access, mild daytime temperatures (typically 65–80°F) and fully open campground services (May 16–Oct 12), making trails, waterfalls and water activities easy to enjoy. Waterfalls and rivers are warm enough for comfortable fishing and boating, hiking and biking the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass corridor are at their peak, and long daylight hours maximize exploration time. Expect moderate to busy weekends—advance reservations are recommended—and be aware Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2690 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense coniferous forest thrives in rich volcanic soils left by ancient lava flows. The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail winds through old-growth forest nearby, and Koosah and Sahalie Falls tumble over lava formations minutes from camp. The location along the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway provides access to dramatic volcanic landscapes. Ice Cap Creek runs close enough to site 21 to be a feature. The forest canopy creates substantial shade across most sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo formal lodging beyond campsites is available. Campers can choose between standard sites, walk-in tent sites, and sites accommodating RVs up to 20 feet.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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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.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard sites allow one vehicle per site and an additional $9 fee for extra vehicles.

Groups

No designated group sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

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

AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available. Some trails and facilities are not handicap accessible, according to user reviews.

Site SizeSites are described as large and spacious. Some are big enough to fit multiple tents, such as a 7-person, a 6-person, and a 2-person tent.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Sites 20/21 are noted for being the most private, while walk-in sites are "stacked on top of each other," and others have limited privacy.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 21 is highly recommended for privacy, but it is slanted and may not accommodate large tents. Site 20 is noted for privacy and size. Sites 1-8 are recommended for proximity to the McKenzie River.

Best CampsitesSites 20 and 21 offer the most privacy. Site 21 sits close to Ice Cap Creek. Walk-in sites are stacked close together with limited privacy. Some sites accommodate multiple large tents, including combinations of 7-person, 6-person, and 2-person tents.

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Ice Cap Campground offers a range of amenities for campers. "Ice Cap offers 22 campsites with 9 that are walk-in tent sites" and "The other 13 can accommodate either tents or RVs." Each site is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. The vault toilets are a highlight, with many user reviews praising their cleanliness, stating that they were "impeccable," "well-maintained," and "smelled like Lysol." Firewood is sold on-site, and there is a camp host available to assist campers. A manual water pump is available, but its reliability is questioned in multiple reviews: "The water hand pumps didn't work that great." Cell phone service is reportedly limited, and Wi-Fi is not mentioned. Trash collection is available, and the dumpster facilities are described as "nice and new." Despite these amenities, there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups for RVs. Accessibility features include wheelchair-accessible vault toilets. Campers are advised to download the Rec.Gov app for payments in case of limited cell service.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Boating

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 Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, with dumpsters described as "nice and new." Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

113 reviews

Satisfactory

Ice Cap Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 113 reviews.

Site 21Loved
Site 21 is the most private but has stairs and a slope.
Site 6Mentioned
Site 6 is not suitable for RVs due to a severe slant.

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...

Based on 113 reviews