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Waterloo Campground
Overview
Waterloo Campground, nestled within the expansive Waterloo County Park, offers a peaceful retreat along the banks of the South Santiam River. This Linn County destination expertly blends natural beauty with practical camping facilities, providing a scenic backdrop for both weekend getaways and longer stays in the Willamette Valley. The park is widely known for its well-maintained grounds and its proximity to the roaring cascades of Waterloo Falls, making it a favorite for travelers who appreciate the soothing sounds of flowing water and a lush, forested environment.
Location & Surroundings
Located just a short drive from the city of Lebanon, Oregon, the park’s primary draw is its stunning riverfront location. Travelers will find themselves surrounded by towering Douglas firs and various deciduous trees that offer ample shade and a true sense of Pacific Northwest seclusion. The landscape is defined by the South Santiam River, which provides excellent opportunities for water-based recreation right at your doorstep. The transition from the rural farmlands of the valley to this wooded riverside oasis creates a refreshing atmosphere for any weary traveler.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground features a variety of sites, including many equipped with water and electrical hookups to accommodate modern RVs of various sizes. Guests have access to essential facilities such as clean restrooms, private showers, and a convenient dump station. For recreation, the park offers a disc golf course and professional-grade horseshoe pits, along with a boat ramp for easy river access. Large open grassy areas and a well-equipped playground make it easy for families to enjoy the outdoors while staying close to their campsites.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the park boundaries, visitors can explore the stunning McDowell Creek Falls County Park, which is famous for its scenic hiking trails and multiple photogenic waterfalls. Fishing and boating enthusiasts often head to nearby Foster Lake for a full day of activity on the water. The surrounding area is also celebrated for its historic covered bridges, which offer a glimpse into Oregon’s architectural past. For a bit of local culture, Lebanon provides charming boutique shops, local eateries, and seasonal festivals that celebrate the region’s deep agricultural roots.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal choice for nature lovers and anglers who want direct access to one of Oregon’s most beautiful river systems. Its spacious layout and diverse recreational facilities make it perfect for families looking for a classic camping experience without sacrificing basic modern comforts. Because of its serene environment and relative proximity to the Interstate 5 corridor, it also serves as an excellent stopover for RVers who prefer a scenic county park vibe over a standard, crowded roadside RV resort.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Lucas Long
Waterloo is an overall amazing place to camp with your family. There's a lot of activities to keep kids and adults busy each day including an exceptional disc golf course, fishing, hiking, biking, covered rec areas for birthdays and gatherings, fire pits and picnic tables at each campground as well as power and water at most sites with options for RV hook ups. The bathrooms weren't the cleanest but when we went it was pretty busy with lots of children so that could have contributed to the situation. I would absolutely recommend this place! Oh and if you're fishing, cast off of the bridge that crosses the river just outside the park! I didn't catch any fish off of the bank but from the bridge it's easy to see the fish in the water and get yourself lined up.
Meg
Was so very peaceful during a Sunday-Tuesday stay this month. We very nearly had all of Loop B to ourselves! 😊 Enjoyed views of deer, geese, ducks, etc. on the island across from our campsite.
Tammy Foss
Camped here for 4 days! Super clean, quiet, and peaceful. Although busy on the weekend it was still peaceful and the hosts working constantly checking in and making sure people were happy. Garbage empty several times a day and cleaned the showers and bathroom regularly! Beautiful area under the bridge to take a cool dip or cast a fishing line. Big play area for kids and dog park. We will return. Ventured out a checked out the covered bridge nearby.
Kevin Portillo
It's a good place to disconnect for a moment and have a good time with your family. It has a picnic area. It accepts pets and the river water is very clean and a good place to fish 🎣
Troy Russell
Stayed in Loop A since that is the only loop open this time of year. The host in loop A is very engaging and helpful. He worked hard at keeping the loop looking well taken care of. There were two homeless campers, one with a 5th wheel with no way to tow it, which gave the host anxiety because the 14 day limit is coming up. He explained to us that they have new rangers and hosts that will no longer accommodate the homeless, so the campground will be 'follow the campground rules' from here on out. Beyond that, it's a pretty park with level paved sites, pretty quiet spot with great river access. Bathrooms in loop A were clean and heated. Showers are standard dark tile/cement block, kinda creepy. Also be aware that the dump station is not free to campers like it normally is, there is a $10 fee to use it and signage is poor explaining this. The host in Loop B where the dump station is was very little help and acted like we were putting him out to ask about the dump situation for campers. He really should not interact with the public with his attitude. We probably will not go back due to the high fee when you add in the dump fee, the park does not offer a serene camp experience and is not up to par for the pricing. It has potential but you can feel the drug and homeless aura all around it. That may change with the new rangers, time will tell.