House Rock Campground

Show on map 541-967-3917 r6_willamette_wwweb_frontdesk@fs.fed.us

Overview

There are 17 campsites set in an upper and lower loop. Some of the sites can accommodate trailers up to 22 feet in length. The upper loop has one accessible single vault toilet while the lower loop has two accessible single vault toilets. Drinking water is available from hand pumps located in both the upper and lower loops.

The adjacent picnic area is part of the site and has four tables and two grills, and provides access to the Horse Rock Trial, a 0.8-mile loop trail.

Scan and Pay might be offered at this campground; It is recommended that you pay by cash or check for FCFS campsites. There are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with FCFS payments. This system is the same as putting cash into a fee tube and cannot be refunded. Please download the Rec.Gov app prior to arriving at the campground as there may be no cellular service or very limited service at the campground. If no Scan & Pay option is available you must pay via cash or check.

Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date by reserving online at RECREATION.GOV or by calling 877-444-6777.

Recreation

Swimming is popular, especially because many sites have riverfront access to shallow swimming areas. Anglers can cast for native cutthroat trout.

In addition to the House Rock Trail, hikers have access to a variety of other trails in the Tombstone Pass Area, like the Iron Mountain Trail.

Facilities

The campground road and parking spurs are composed of packed dirt and rock. The double-loop area comes with accessible vault toilets and drinking water from hand pumps. Picnic tables, campfire rings and grills are at each site.

Campfire wood is not readily available at the park. Please plan to bring firewood or purchase from a nearby vendor. Linn County Parks staff, may occasionally, pass through the park with firewood available for purchase.

Natural Features

House Rock Campground is perched on the confluence of Sheep Creek and the South Santiam River in an old growth grove.

The river is a 66-mile tributary of the Santiam River that is fed by snowmelt from the Cascade Mountains.

Nearby Attractions

Campers enjoy hiking the House Rock Trail, which starts at the day-use area. Part of the trail shares paths with the historic Santiam Wagon Road, a trail used to transport livestock east across the Cascade Mountains to central Oregon's grasslands. In addition to the House Rock Trail, hikers have access to a variety of other trails in the Tombstone Pass Area, like the Iron Mountain Trail. Swimming is popular, especially because many sites have riverfront access to shallow swimming areas. Anglers can cast for native cutthroat trout.

Camp site features

Across 16 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 16 sites
Picnic table: all 16 sites
Pets allowed: all 16 sites
Longest RV: 65 ft
Largest party: 8 people
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From Sweet Home, follow Highway 20 east for 26 miles to Forest Road 2044 and turn right. Follow Forest Road 2044 for a half mile and turn right, then drive for another quarter mile. House Rock Campground is across the Sheep Creek bridge.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

76 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Rachel G

Loop:Lower

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Gorgeous. Site 7 still has the large log blocking river access, but that kind of worked out with small kids.

LeJon S

Loop:Lower

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

I stayed at Site 7 in the bottom loop at House Rock Campground on the South Santiam River, and while it was overall a nice spot, there were a few things worth noting. The site used to have direct river access, but a very large fallen tree now completely blocks the path, so you can hear the water but can’t reach it from camp. The ground looks flat at first glance, yet it has a subtle forward slope that caused us to trip more than once, especially around the water's edge, where the rocks are uneven. Sun hits the site consistently from about 11 to 5 on clear days, and there aren’t any solid trees positioned well enough to hang a tarp. Campsites in this loop are fairly close together, so you’re hoping for respectful neighbors, and you’ll hear some truck and motorcycle noise in the mornings, though nothing terrible. On the plus side, the site is close to two vault toilets, has trash cans and a water pump right next to it, and the river itself is quiet. After checking out Trout Creek Campground down the road, I’d say it’s a great alternative with more shade, more trees, and better river views. Overall, Site 7 was fine, but if I had the choice, I’d probably go for the first come, first served Site 1, which has a large flat pad and nicer views near the entrance. There is an upper loop, but I did not go check it out.

Rustica C

Loop:Upper

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Great place to get away from everything. The vault toilets were clean. However, if you stay in the upper sites, it's a walk to the water and toilets. It's quiet for the most part except for several trucks with empty trailers can be heard early in the morning (3 or 4am), which disrupts sleep. That's my only complaint.

Virginia D

Loop:Upper

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Always a pleasant experience. Good camp neighbors.

Janet L

Loop:Lower

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

We had a wonderful experience at House Rock Campground. It's a beautiful spot the campsites were lovely. The Linn County crew that maintains the facilities are fantastic. Toilets are cleaned daily & garbage empties. There were plenty of hiking opportunities. The only reason I didn't give it the highest rating is that I got bitten up around my ankles by fleas. Not a great souvenir but a good experience overall.

Vic H

Loop:Upper

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The site was clean and the Rangers kept us up to date on conditions and campfire regulations

Availability

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

Reserve