Shotgun Creek Recreation Site

Star4.44
143 reviews
Shotgun Creek Recreation Site

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens booking site

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Shotgun Creek Recreation Site
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 143 reviews

206 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanhikingstaff

"Reviewers consistently give Shotgun Creek Recreation Site top marks, describing it as a beautiful, well‑maintained spot for day use, family gatherings, and events. Visitors highlight the swimming area, hiking trails, playground, and picnic shelters, and several say they plan to return or visit regularly. The park staff and ranger support also receive very positive feedback from group-event organizers."

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Best Time to Camp at Shotgun Creek Recreation Site

The gates stay open all year, welcoming visitors through every season's unique character. Summer brings the main event—when the creeks warm enough for wading and the shelters (bookable May 1 through September 30) become hubs for family reunions and group gatherings. Off-season visits offer their own rewards: quieter trails, crisp forest air, and the peaceful sound of rushing water without the crowds.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Day-use site open year round. Shelter reservations available May 1–September 30 each year.

About Shotgun Creek Recreation Site

Tucked into a verdant forest where meandering creeks invite summer splashing and shaded trails beckon explorers, Shotgun Creek Recreation Site offers the perfect day-use escape for families seeking outdoor adventure. Whether you're gathering under one of the spacious reservable shelters or cooling off in the swimming area, this year-round destination delivers classic Pacific Northwest recreation just steps from your picnic blanket.
Shotgun Creek is a day-use recreation site with reservable group shelters and individual picnic sites; it is not described as a camping facility in the source material.
Weather and SeasonsThe gates stay open all year, welcoming visitors through every season's unique character. Summer brings the main event—when the creeks warm enough for wading and the shelters (bookable May 1 through September 30) become hubs for family reunions and group gatherings. Off-season visits offer their own rewards: quieter trails, crisp forest air, and the peaceful sound of rushing water without the crowds.
ElevationThe recreation site itself sits at a comfortable low elevation, while adventure-seekers can explore dramatic elevation gains nearby. The adjacent Shotgun OHV Trail System climbs from 758 feet to 2,864 feet, offering riders and hikers a taste of everything from creek-level forest to ridge-top views.
Natural Features and SceneryDense canopy overhead, crystal-clear creeks winding through moss-covered banks, and over six miles of hiking trails weaving through old-growth forest—Shotgun Creek feels like stepping into a storybook Northwest woodland. The swimming area provides a natural pool where kids can safely splash while parents relax on the banks, and the sound of moving water creates a constant, soothing soundtrack. Just north, the extensive 34-mile Shotgun OHV Trail System offers motorized recreation enthusiasts their own playground of challenging terrain and scenic backcountry routes.
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Campsite details

Total Campsites23 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReserve one or both large group shelters for events; shelters include fireplace, lights, sinks, potable water, and picnic tables. The site offers playgrounds, sand volleyball, softball, and horseshoe pits; 6.43 miles of hiking trails provide additional recreation opportunities.

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site
Large group shelters accommodate up to 112 people.
Groups
  • Two large reservable group day-use shelters (each with fireplace, lights, sinks, potable water, and picnic tables) that can accommodate up to 112 people
  • shelter reservations available May 1–September 30. The site also has 23 individual picnic sites.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFacilities include 23 individual picnic sites, one or two large group day-use shelters (each equipped with fireplace, lights, sinks, potable water, and picnic tables and able to accommodate up to 112 people), playground, sand volleyball, softball field, and horseshoe pits. Trails totaling 6.43 miles.
Open and Closed SeasonDay-use site open year round. Shelter reservations available May 1–September 30 each year.
Reservation Platformshttps://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
Cancellation PolicyStandard fees apply and are non-refundable.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Day-use recreation offering hiking, picnicking, shelters for gatherings, and seasonal water play/swimming. Additional on-site amenities include sand volleyball, softball, a playground, and horseshoe pits; nearby OHV trail system offers staging facilities and related recreation.
Hiking
The site includes 6.43 miles of hiking trail and access to surrounding trails for exploration.
Swimming
A swimming area and seasonal water play are available (noted as seasonal summer activities).
Water Sports
Seasonal water play and a swimming area are offered (primarily summer activities).
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Current fire restrictions apply; site references BLM 'Fire Closures and Restrictions' and Oregon Department of Forestry Public Fire Restriction information via links.

Hazards

General hazardsFire closures and restrictions may be in effect; site references Fire Closures and Restrictions and Oregon Department of Forestry Public Fire Restriction levels via provided links.

Weather at Shotgun Creek Recreation Site

54
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 89%
Wind: 4.5 mph
Mainly clear

Weather History
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Good to know

Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are provided at nearby OHV trail staging areas; on-site trash/recycling at the recreation site is not specified.
Proximity to water featuresContains/adjacent to meandering creeks and a swimming area.

Campground Map

Shotgun Creek Recreation Site
Driving directionsFrom the North: Take Interstate 5 south, exit 216, OR-228 towards Brownsville/Crawfordsville. Turn right on Bush Creek Road just east of Crawfordsville. Drive 12.4 miles on Bush Creek Road that turns into Marcola Road. Turn right just past the community of Mabel onto Shotgun Creek Road. Follow Shotgun Creek Road approximately 1.5 miles. The recreation site is located on the right side of the road. From the South: Take Interstate 5 north, exit 194A, OR-126 E towards Springfield. Travel 4 miles east to the 42nd St/Marcola exit and follow the signs to Marcola driving for about 13.3 miles until it intersects the Shotgun Creek Road (first paved road on the left). Follow Shotgun Creek Road approximately 1.5 miles. The recreation site is located on the right side of the road.
Access via Interstate 5: northbound exit 194A (OR-126 E toward Springfield) or southbound exit 216 (OR-228 toward Brownsville/Crawfordsville). Site reached via Bush Creek Road/Marcola Road turning onto Shotgun Creek Road.
Nearby places
References in directions and nearby attractions include Crawfordsville (Bush Creek Road just east of Crawfordsville), the community of Mabel (turn just past Mabel onto Shotgun Creek Road), and Springfield (directions reference traveling to Marcola from Springfield).

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.4
143 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Shotgun Creek Recreation Site is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers consistently give Shotgun Creek Recreation Site top marks, describing it as a beautiful, well‑maintained spot for day use, family gatherings, and events. Visitors highlight the swimming area, hiking trails, playground, and picnic shelters, and several say they plan to return or visit regularly. The park staff and ranger support also receive very positive feedback from group-event organizers.
Review Summaries
Based on 143 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests love the scenic setting, quiet atmosphere, and variety of activities: hiking on multiple trails, a designated swimming area, playground, picnic tables, and covered gathering shelters. Many...
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Based on 143 reviews

Common Concerns

There are very few complaints in these reviews. One reviewer notes the park can be a little hard to find if you’re not local, and another mentions the digital pay machine for the day-use fee was not...
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Based on 143 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Non-local visitors may need good directions or GPS, as the park sits outside the main part of Marcola in the woods. Bring cash for the day-use fee (reported as $3–$5), since the digital machine may...
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Based on 143 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Perfect little hiking area with a various length trails. Decently maintained… Definitely worth the $5 day fee.” “If you have never been there and are not a local of Marcola its a little hard to...
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Based on 143 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Shelter 1 in the Shelter Area receives very positive reviews from multiple users, especially for group events. It’s described as a beautiful site that works well for annual staff picnics and other...
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Based on 143 reviews

Accessibility Features

One reviewer highlights paved paths and a generally nicely kept, large area, which suggests easier movement for strollers or limited mobility users. Another notes that the Tiki trail was manageable...
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Based on 143 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed on at least some trails; one reviewer brought their dog on the Tiki trail and enjoyed the hike. However, dogs are not allowed in the designated swimming area, so pet owners should...
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Based on 143 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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