Whispering Falls Campground

Star4.31
105 reviews
HC 73 Box 320, Mill City, OR, 97360, USA
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$25 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Linn County Parks and Recreation site

Official Website
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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
Whispering Falls Campground
$25.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees for standard nonelectric sites range from $25 to $50 per night depending on the season.
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
503-854-3366
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What Campers Say

4.31

Satisfactory

Based on 105 reviews

49 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanfriendlysites

Some mention

noise

"The campground has an average sentiment rating of 4.127, with many reviewers praising the cleanliness, spacious sites, and natural beauty. However, some mentioned noise from the nearby highway and occasional issues with rowdy groups."

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Campground Map

HC 73 Box 320, Mill City, OR, 97360, USA

Whispering Falls Campground

HC 73 Box 320, Mill City, OR, 97360, USA

Driving directionsFrom Detroit, Oregon follow Highway 22 southeast for 8.3 miles to Whispering Falls Campground on the right.
Highway 22 offers direct access to Whispering Falls Campground, making it relatively easy to locate. However, user reports mention some roadway roughness near the campground.
Nearby places
Detroit, OR (8.3 miles, approximately 10 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Supplies may be found in Detroit, OR (approximately 8.3 miles away), offering access to grocery stores, fuel, and additional camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Whispering Falls Campground

Each season paints Whispering Falls in dramatically different hues. Summer brings crystalline days perfect for riverside relaxation, though campfire enthusiasts should note that fire restrictions may apply during peak dry periods. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a tapestry of gold and rust. Winter visitors discover a more contemplative campground, where Pacific storms deliver generous rainfall and crisp mountain air, creating the perfect atmosphere for cozy camping adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season with clear days ideal for riverside relaxation; watch for fire restrictions and limited water.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground open Apr 25–Sep 28; closed for most of fall (Oct+).

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens Apr 25; spring blooms (rhododendrons) and pleasant weather make it an excellent season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed in winter; open season is Apr–Sep only.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 25, 2025 - September 28, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season runs from April 25, 2025 to September 28, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Fire bans are common in summer months. Water was unavailable for the 2021 season due to maintenance.

About Whispering Falls Campground

Tucked away in a cathedral of towering cedar and Douglas fir, Whispering Falls Campground offers an intimate escape where the North Santiam River's gentle murmur provides nature's soundtrack. This hidden gem features 16 thoughtfully spaced campsites that balance accessibility with solitude—whether you prefer to reserve your perfect spot in advance or arrive spontaneously to claim one of the first-come, first-served sites. Here, privacy isn't just promised—it's woven into the very fabric of the forest that embraces each campsite.
Whispering Falls Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping and RVs. While it is a primitive campground without utilities, it offers a serene and remote environment along the North Santiam River.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit not specified.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Whispering Falls Campground offers a variety of recreational activities for campers. These include fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The campground is situated along the North Santiam River, providing opportunities for fishing and river access. Nearby trails like the Minto Mountain Trail and Coffin Mountain Trail Area offer hiking options for different skill levels.
HikingHiking opportunities include Coffin Lookout Trail, Bugaboo Ridge Trail, and the Minto Mountain Trail. These trails provide options for both easy and challenging experiences.
FishingFishing for rainbow trout is available in the North Santiam River, which runs through the campground.
BikingBiking options are available near the campground, but specific trails and their details are not provided.
Wildlife viewingThe campground's natural setting includes tall trees, dense vegetation, and the river, making it suitable for tranquil wildlife observation.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad noise can be significant for campsites closer to the highway. Wildlife encounters with bears or mosquitos are possible. Seasonal fire hazards may also be present.
Active AlertsFire bans are common during summer months. | Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted. | Fire bans are common in summer months. Water was unavailable for the 2021 season due to maintenance.

Weather at Whispering Falls Campground

Reviews

4.3
105 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Whispering Falls Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has an average sentiment rating of 4.127, with many reviewers praising the cleanliness, spacious sites, and natural beauty. However, some mentioned noise from the nearby highway and occasional issues with rowdy groups.
Review Summaries
Based on 105 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, large and private campsites, direct river access for certain sites, and a peaceful natural environment. Hosts are frequently mentioned as friendly and...
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Based on 105 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes highway noise at some sites, limited cellular service, lack of flush toilets, and occasional issues with noisy neighbors. A few campers also noted the high cost relative to...
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Based on 105 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend downloading the Rec.Gov app before arrival due to limited cell service. Sites closer to the river are quieter and more scenic. Bringing rope for river access and bug spray for...
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Based on 105 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season for camping here, but fire bans and limited water availability during this time are common issues. Off-season camping is not available.
Based on 105 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We stayed in space 7 and it was perfect for one large tent and two medium tents. It has an easy path that leads directly down to the river.' - Carolyn Fleming 2. 'Vault toilets were immaculate,...
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Based on 105 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 7: Large, accommodates multiple tents, direct river access. - Site 4: Described as amazing, a favorite among users. - Site 16: Noted for highway noise but still popular for its privacy. - Site...
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Based on 105 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews about accessibility features are available.
Based on 105 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground is described as pet-friendly. However, one review noted issues with off-leash dogs wandering into other campsites.
Based on 105 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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