Dolly Varden

Star4.27
58 reviews

Quick Facts

1,152 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open May 22, 2025 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

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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
Dolly Varden
$0.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates vary by season. Peak rates are $18 for tent-only sites, while non-electric sites can be as low as $0 during specific periods. The...
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Standard Site Fee$18.00
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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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 58 reviews

49 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacylocationwatersites

"User reviews for Dolly Varden Campground are generally positive, with many users praising its peaceful atmosphere, swimming and fishing opportunities, and spacious sites. Some complaints relate to maintenance issues, such as unclean trash facilities, and a lack of amenities."

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Campground Map

Dolly Varden

43.9639, -122.6156


Best Time to Camp at Dolly Varden

Late summer transforms Dolly Varden into a camper's paradise, where warm golden days melt into crisp, star-filled nights. August emerges as the crown jewel of camping months, offering that perfect balance of comfortable temperatures and clear mountain skies. Seasoned visitors rave about the ideal conditions during this time – sunny days that invite creek exploration, humidity levels that won't dampen your spirits, and weather so reliable you'll want to extend your stay.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Late summer called a 'campers' paradise'; swimming and fishing peak in August.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into mid-September; early fall fine but reviewers note lower water levels later.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Season opens May 22; early-season reviews cite low water levels and some challenges.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 22–Sept 19, so winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22 to September 19. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 22, 2025 to September 19, 2025 (reservable). Closed outside these dates.
  • Current Alerts: Fire closures have periodically impacted the area. Users have reported closures and limited accessibility due to nearby wildfires.

About Dolly Varden

Tucked away in the embrace of towering evergreens, Dolly Varden offers an intimate escape where the gentle murmur of Fall Creek provides nature's soundtrack. This charming tent-only retreat serves as your gateway to adventure, with direct access to the spectacular 13.7-mile Fall Creek National Recreation Trail winding through ancient forests. Five thoughtfully placed campsites await – three easily accessible sites on the north side of Forest Service Road 18, and two secluded walk-in sites across the road for those seeking extra solitude. Whether you're planning ahead or making a spontaneous getaway, the campground's partial reservation system ensures flexibility for every type of adventurer.
The Dolly Varden Campground offers basic tent-only camping with no RV or glamping options. Sites are partially reservable.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities at Dolly Varden include swimming, fishing, and camping amid a natural setting. The Fall Creek National Recreation Trail is nearby, offering additional hiking activities. The small size and creek-side location make it popular for relaxation.
HikingThe campground is located at the start of the Fall Creek National Recreation Trail, which spans 13.7 miles. No difficulty level or specific trail details are provided.
FishingFishing is reported as good by several reviews, with one user calling it 'amazing fishing.' Specific fish types are not mentioned.
SwimmingSwimming is a popular activity. Users note 'great swimming,' with areas deep enough to float on tubes or boards. One user mentioned water levels being low but still swimmable.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include shallow water levels during droughts, limited parking (up to 10 cars), and occasional wildlife like cats. "Do not leave your campsite unattended," warned one reviewer.
Active AlertsFire closures have periodically impacted the area. Users have reported closures and limited accessibility due to nearby wildfires.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Dolly Varden

Reviews

4.3
58 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Dolly Varden is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Dolly Varden Campground are generally positive, with many users praising its peaceful atmosphere, swimming and fishing opportunities, and spacious sites. Some complaints relate to maintenance issues, such as unclean trash facilities, and a lack of amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 58 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently highlight the campground's privacy, large site size, and proximity to the creek. Quotes include: 'The small amount of campsites makes it a jewel for campers who don’t want to be...
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Based on 58 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include maintenance issues such as 'stinking dumpsters' and less-than-ideal cleanliness of the outhouse. One user mentioned concerns about 'questionable company' if campsites are...
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Based on 58 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest reserving creek-side sites (1, 2, or 3) for better access to water and proximity to the restroom. Walk-in sites (4 and 5) are described as quieter but harder to access for seniors, per...
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Based on 58 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from late May to mid-September. Summer reviews note enjoyable swimming and fishing. User reviews for early or late season indicate challenges like lower water levels...
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Based on 58 reviews

Camper Quotes

'One of my very favorite campgrounds!!!' - Sixty Sweet & Savory. 'Nice little spot with water access to the creek. Deep enough to swim & float on tubes.' - Hunter Sunrise. 'Loved it; nice campsites...
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Based on 58 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 1, 2, and 3 on the north side of the road are frequently recommended for better river access. Sites 4 and 5, across the road, are quieter but less convenient.
Based on 58 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed reviews on accessibility, with one user noting difficulty reaching certain campsites for seniors.
Based on 58 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not specifically mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 58 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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