Reservations possible?
Yes
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
Yes
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Located just across Highway 20 from the trailhead to the popular Rooster Rock Hike in the Menagerie Wilderness, Fernview Group Campground was a campground consisting of single sites that is currently being operated as a group facility. This means that, in contrast to group campgrounds that have large sites that accommodate multiple tents and trailers, Fernview has several individual sites that are large enough for only a single tent or a single small trailer. The sites are also more dispersed than would normally be the case with a group campground. Depending on the needs of your group, Fernview may be a better alternative than other group sites; if members of the group would appreciate a little more privacy, or if they are on different sleeping schedules, this campground may be a great fit.

Fernview is operated by Linn County, and reservations are available for groups up to four days in advance. Individuals can show up and pay for individual sites on a first-come, first-served basis if no group reservation exists. Fernview has 11 sites, centrally located vault toilets and a water pump, and picnic tables and fire pits at each site. Shade is abundant here, which is very much a positive on hot summer days. The highway is visible from the campground, but thick foliage does a good job of minimizing the traffic noise. The South Santiam River flows below the campground; access can be had from some of the sites, and some excellent small swimming holes await closer to the bridge near the entrance. A small falls where Boulder Creek joins the South Santiam River completes the picturesque river scene below the bridge.

Fernview typically operates from the beginning of May through mid-October.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Group campground with individual sites. River access. Swimming holes. Shade.

Cons

Group reservations can displace individual campers. Old campground.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Managed by

Forest Service

Reservation phone number

1 (877) 444-6777

Features

Vault toilet
Swimming holes
Potable water
Picnic tables

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

08/08/2017
We needed to camp.
We didn't realize this until after the window for online reservations had closed.
We risked it anyway.

Enter the relatively unknown beauty of Fernview Group Camp.

Cascadia, Trout Creek, Yukwah, and House Rock were full.
I had read about Fernveiw, but assummed it was out of the question because of the "group site" designation.

However, if a group has not reserved the campground, the individual sites are available on an "first come" basis for only $15/night (summer prices). What luck!

Even with all the others filled to capacity, we were one of only four groups on a Friday night in August. On Saturday, two groups moved on. And Sunday night we had the place to ourselves. Heavenly!

River and swimming access is available most directly from site 3. Site 2 has a lengthier but productive trail. Site 1 connects to the Site 2 trail to get you to the water. Also, near the entrance to the campground, there is a trail used by day use folks to access the river.

From Site 3 you will find a sweet stair case and rope assisted trail to the river. Since there is no filtered/pumped in water, we found this super helpful during our trips to hand-filter water from the river.

We loved our Ferview weekend SO much. It is within five minutes of several trailheads. And, only about 15 minutes' drive from the trailhead to Iron Mountain. If you haven't hiked this one yet, make it happen. Even on a smokey day, the hike, terrain, and view were rewarding.

We did drive through the other four campgrounds on this stretch of the Santiam, but when we return, I'd be happiest to make camp at Fernview again.
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