Fan Creek Recreation Site

Show on map 503-375-5646 blm_or_no_mail@blm.gov

Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District-Attn: Recreation Operations, 1717 Fabry Rd SE
Salem, OR 97306

Overview

Want to camp?

Camping season is generally May-September, with Alder Glen and Elk Bend remaining open through the weekend following General Western Oregon Coast 2nd Season for elk. During months with reduced sunlight, potable water may be turned off. Be prepared to bring your own wash and drinking water. Reserve a site at one of our four campgrounds on recreation.gov or pay when you arrive for non-reserved campsites using the Recreation.gov Mobile App. You must download before you reach the site since there is no cell reception in the drainage.

A place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the electronic age. Fan Creek is one of the Bureau of Land Management’s middle campgrounds within the Nestucca River Recreation Area. The campground sits along the Nestucca River National Back Country Byway and newly designated Nestucca Wild and Scenic River . The Byway takes travelers on a slow, leisurely route that winds through Oregon's Coast Range. The Nestucca River is renowned for fishing opportunities and beauty.

Recreation

A small campground offering 11 campsites and a group shelter in the Oregon Coast Range.

Facilities

Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and paved parking area. Within the campground are two vault toilets and a centralized well providing potable drinking water. The campground also has an accessible trail to access a fishing/viewing platform.

Natural Features

Nestucca Wild and Scenic River

Nearby Attractions

The Nestucca Off-Highway Vehicle Area is located in the Nestucca Backcountry Byway, and includes Whipup Flat, Elk Flat, and Grassy Flat. Oregon ATV permits required .

Charges & Cancellations

Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.

Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.

Camp site features

Across 10 camp sites:

Pets allowed: all 10 sites
Longest RV: 50 ft
Largest party: 8 people

Fees

Campsite fee of $15 per night includes one vehicle per site. Extra camping vehicle fee of $5 each is collected at the site. Additional service fees apply and are non-refundable. Cash or check made out to Bureau of Land Management is accepted. Fee envelope receipt stub must be displayed on the dash.

Directions

From Coastal Hwy 101 at Beaver: Turn right onto Blaine Road. Drive 7 miles to reach the Nestucca Byway. From Willamina: Take Willamina Creek Road, to Coast Creek Road, to Gilbert Creek Road, to Bald Mountain Access Road , to Bible Creek Road to the Nestucca Byway. From Carlton: Take Meadow Lake Road west 12 miles, continue onto the Nestucca Byway.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 1 PM.

Reviews

31 reviews

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1 stars

Spencer D

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Reviewed 2 months ago

Great spot, great host

Julia C

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Reviewed 2 months ago

The campground is small in a good way. The campsites are fairly close together, but not overly so. The whole place is shaded by trees, so this would be a great place to escape the heat during summer. There was no cell coverage for me (AT&T) and the trees and surrounding hills blocked skylink coverage. Most of the campsites seem to have paths to the creek, which surrounds the campground on three sides. There is an informal trail along the bank, if you don't mind hopping between rocks occasionally. Look out for stinging nettle. I had a great time watching all the water striders and minnows hunting in the creek, and someone mentioned seeing crawfish. The creek along the campground is too shallow for swimming, but is great for wading and there are a few spots perfect for setting up a chair on the bank.

Kathie B

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Reviewed 2 months ago

I've been camping at Fan Creek my whole life. I love how quiet it is. I am grateful for the improvements that the camping fees help to pay for. Things started to get a little sketchy with homeless campers a few years back, so I'm grateful for the camp host and police presence as well. Sad to say it's necessary. I've been camping there for over fifty years.

Brooke S

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Reviewed 3 months ago

Great little campground with a nice host. Some of the sites are quite small and close together but we have never minded.

Lonny W

Loop:Camp

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Reviewed 3 months ago

Very quiet. 1st night only one other campsite and the campground host was "off" for two days. This was interesting as the campground host left their garbage out in a bag and a Black Bear and her cub decided it was lunch. Got pictures and everything. Awesome experience but I ended up watching from inside my vehicle. DON'T EVER GET CLOSE TO A MOMMA BEAR AND HER CUB....

Hannah R

Loop:Camp

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

The location was excellent. Be aware there is no cell reception but there is a little market and cafe about 15 mins down the road where you can buy firewood and they have wifi. The camp host was very kind. Some of the sites are very, very small and most have little to no privacy. But the area is beautiful and I would come back here.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve