Marion Forks Campground And Day Use Area

Star4.16
7 reviews
44125 North Santiam Highway SE Detroit, OR 97342

Quick Facts

2,500 ft

Price

$12 - $40/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Willamette National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Marion Forks Campground And Day Use Area
$12.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight campsite fees range from $12/night for single sites to $40/night for multiple sites. Additional vehicle fee is $6-$7 per night. Discounts...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$21.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$22.00
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
USFS
Provider
(503) 854-3366sm.fs.mf@usda.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 7 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietspacioussites

"The campground is appreciated for its quiet and secluded nature, as well as its accessibility to nearby recreational opportunities. However, the lack of potable water and firewood are noted as drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

44125 North Santiam Highway SE Detroit, OR 97342

Marion Forks Campground And Day Use Area

44125 North Santiam Highway SE Detroit, OR 97342

Driving directionsFrom Detroit, Oregon, travel southeast on State Highway 22 for 16 miles to Marion Forks. Turn left at the Marion Forks Fish Hatchery sign. Day Use Area is adjacent to the Fish Hatchery and Marion Creek. Campground is behind the Fish Hatchery.
The campground is accessible from State Highway 22 and requires visitors to turn left at the Marion Forks Fish Hatchery sign. The roads are paved, and the campground is tucked away from the highway, providing a quiet experience.
Nearby places
Detroit, OR (16.1 miles, approximately 20 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Detroit, OR (16.1 miles): Supplies, groceries, and fuel can be found in Detroit, Oregon.

Best Time to Camp at Marion Forks Campground And Day Use Area

From May through October, Marion Forks awakens with wildflowers, warm sunshine, and the gentle sounds of rushing water. Summer brings perfect camping weather with cool mountain breezes, while autumn transforms the maple canopy into a brilliant tapestry of gold and crimson. As winter approaches, the campground enters its quiet season, blanketed in snow and offering a serene escape for the hardy few who venture into this winter wonderland. Each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

May–Oct peak: wildflowers, warm sun and cool mountain breezes ideal for summer camping.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn brings foliage and quiet, making it attractive despite reduced services later in season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring awakening of wildflowers, but services only resume May 1 and early spring may be wet.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but services closed Nov–Apr; enjoyable for solitude but limited amenities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; however, services are provided from May 1 through October 31.

About Marion Forks Campground And Day Use Area

Nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, Marion Forks Campground offers 15 thoughtfully designed sites split into two distinct experiences. Cross the bridge over the Marion Forks Fish Hatchery to discover your perfect basecamp: choose the convenience of roadside sites in the first section, or venture deeper to find spacious, secluded spots embraced by towering maples, alders, and ancient conifers. One pull-through site accommodates larger rigs, while the dappled sunlight filtering through the dense canopy creates an enchanting atmosphere throughout.
Marion Forks Campground provides diverse camping options that cater to both individual and group campers, although the amenities are basic and rustic.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
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

Marion Forks Campground offers limited recreational activities suitable for those seeking a quiet, nature-focused camping experience. Activities include hiking, picnicking, and fishing.
HikingHiking opportunities include the Independence Rock Trail (#3431), which is accessible nearby and supports both foot and mountain bike travel. It's described as a short, less commonly used trail.
FishingFishing is available in the nearby river/stream, with rainbow trout being the primary catch.
BikingBiking is permitted on the Independence Rock Trail, which supports mountain biking.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsCampers can take educational tours of the Marion Forks Fish Hatchery to learn about spring Chinook salmon and local history.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters and winter conditions that may make access challenging. The absence of potable water and firewood requires visitors to plan ahead.
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 Marion Forks Campground And Day Use Area

Reviews

4.2
7 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Marion Forks Campground And Day Use Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is appreciated for its quiet and secluded nature, as well as its accessibility to nearby recreational opportunities. However, the lack of potable water and firewood are noted as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

"Quiet place to relax," as noted by the campground description, and the tours at the fish hatchery are a unique highlight. The spacious sites in the second section of the campground are appreciated...
Show more
Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of potable water and on-site firewood are consistent issues mentioned. The first section is criticized for having small sites with little privacy.
Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own water and firewood, as these are not provided on-site. The second section is recommended for those seeking more spacious and private sites.
Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open year-round, with services available from May 1 through October 31. A user mentions enjoying winter camping at the campground due to its solitude during this season.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Winter camping. Not a soul around," from a user review by Derek Arneson.
Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The second section of the campground is described as having longer parking aprons and better privacy, making it more desirable. The first section is noted for smaller, less private sites.
Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, but no additional reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, as per federal regulations.
Based on 7 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Marion Forks Campground And Day Use Area? 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
Marion Forks Campground And Day Use Area