Southshore at Detroit Lake - Willamette (OR)

Show on map 801-226-3564 dbarawis@co.linn.or.us

Detroit Dispersed Camping Restrictions

Pursuant to 16 USC§ 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the Closure Areas, roads and their associated spur roads, trailheads, and recreation sites described in this order on National Forest System lands within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. This Order is effective on August 18th, 2025, and shall be in effect through August 17th, 2027, unless it is rescinded sooner.

PROHIBITIONS:

Camping. 36 CFR § 261.58(e).

CLOSURE DESCRIPTION:

All closures are contained within the state of Oregon, within Marion and Linn Counties, and within the Administrative Boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. The closed portions are all US Forest Service general forest areas as described below and depicted on the attached maps, which are incorporated into this order as Exhibits A-C.

Closure Area:

This Order applies to three distinct Closure Areas, which are listed below. The Closure Areas are geographically separated and located within two different Counties:

Closures are located within Township 9S., Range 5E., Sections 26, 35, and 36; and Township 9S., Range 6E., Sections 21, 28, 29, 30, and 31, in Marion County.
Closures are also located within Township 8S., Range 5E., Sections 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, and 27, in Linn County.

Elk Lake

No Dispersed camping within 500 feet of the high-water mark of Elk Lake.
See attached map, Exhibit A.

Breitenbush Road (Forest Service Road (FSR) 46)

Beginning at the intersection of Breitenbush Road (FSR 46) and the Forest Boundary, the affected area is 500 feet on both sides of the road from the center line of FSR 46 for 5 road miles.
See attached map, Exhibit B.

Blowout Road (Forest Service Road (FSR) 10)

Beginning at the intersection of State Highway 22 and Blowout Road (FSR 10), the affected area is 500 feet on both sides of the road from the center line of FSR 10 for 6.8 road miles.
From the intersection of FSR 10 and FSR 10-130, the affected area is 500 feet on both sides of the road from the center line of FSR 10-130 for 1.2 road miles.
See attached map, Exhibit C.

EXEMPTIONS:

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order) specifically exempting them from this Order.
Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Any person camping in the affected area within developed fee campgrounds within a developed recreation approved site.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for an individual or $10,000.00 for a corporation or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3551, 3571, and 3581.

Executed in Springfield, Oregon on this 18th day of August, 2025.

Robert Sanchez
Forest Supervisor
Willamette National Forest

Overview

Southshore Campground provides 30 campsites, 25 single and 5 double sites, in two main loops. This campground is now fully reservable. First come first serve is only available if no prior reservation has been made on site and only one night at a time. The sites can accommodate trailers up to 30 feet in length. Campsites 4 -11 are walk in, tent only sites. No RV's or trailers allowed for these sites. All sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. The Boat Launch area includes the launch and two courtesy docks. *Day use is available for a parking fee. Drinking water is available to both sites via individual faucet risers located throughout the campground. There are two double-vault toilets, and two single-vault toilets located in accessible locations throughout the sites. Trash receptacles are located in the campground. There are approximately 43 parking spaces for use at the boat ramp area, which have also been used as overflow parking (ex. extra vehicle w/boat trailer) or the campground. *Extra Vehicle Fee for campers.

Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted. Fire bans are common during summer months. Please plan accordingly.

A mix of wooded and open sites are available, located a little further away from the busier portions of Detroit Lake. You'll find quiet camping on all but the busiest weekends. Detroit Lake covers 3,500 acres and is surrounded by groves of Douglas fir.

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

Recreation

Detroit Lake is a popular destination for boating, jet skiing, swimming and fishing. Rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon and catfish are found in the lake. A boat ramp and dock are located next to the campground.

Facilities

The campground offers 25 single and five double family campsites. There are vault toilets and drinking water onsite. Coin operated showers are available a mile away at Cove Creek.

In the day use area, there is about 1,000 ft. of shoreline. There is a dock for launching, loading and unloading only. There is no mooring allowed.

Natural Features

Nearby Attractions

Additional hiking trails can be found across the lake, including those that lead to Dome Rock and Needle Rock. The town of Detroit is across the lake with hometown activities. The Cascading Rivers Bikeway is available for cyclists of all ages.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (541) 967-3917.

Camp site features

Across 28 camp sites:

Picnic table: all 28 sites
Pets allowed: all 28 sites
Longest RV: 99 ft
Largest party: 12 people

Directions

From Detroit, Oregon, travel east on State Highway 22 for 2.7 miles to Blowout Road/Forest Service Road 10. From Idanha, Oregon, travel west on State Highway 22 for 0.7 miles to Blowout Road/Forest Service Road 10. Proceed on Blowout Road 4.7 miles to Southshore Campground on the right.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

133 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Noel K

Loop:Loop 3

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Had an amazing experience. The camp Host made it even more palatable!! Enjoyed every minute of it!! Will be back !!!

James Dahlquist J

Loop:Loop 3

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Was a great week. Just me and 1 or 2 other campers all week. And they were at the other end. Tom camp host was great. Had all the info I needed. Will be back next year.

Trai K

Loop:Loop 3

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Phenomenal site, a camper will require a lot of leveling blocks if you park in the dirt fyi. Attached to another site so would be great for a small group!

Marina C

Loop:Loop 2

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Disappointing Experience — Not a Family-Friendly Camping Atmosphere We had a group of 8 preteens and 6 adults. Of course, with a group that size, there will be some noise. We go camping to relax, let loose, spend time together, and have fun. We were never given a warning between 10 p.m. and midnight, so we genuinely believed we weren’t causing a problem. Then the camp host, Tom, came to our site and yelled at my boyfriend. And I mean yelled. I witnessed it from the roadway, and the way he spoke to him was extremely rude and unprofessional. For context, I am sober and have been for 3 years. Yes, some adults in our group were drinking, but we were simply playing a game and listening to music. If someone had politely told us the music was too loud, we absolutely would have turned it off. We understand quiet hours begin at 10 p.m. and respect that rule. After Tom left, we finished our game as quietly as possible. There were a few laughs here and there, but for the most part, we kept things very quiet. Two adults went to bed, while four stayed around the fire until about 2 a.m. The following day, Tom was again extremely rude and unprofessional when telling me we could not stay another night. I asked for his supervisor’s information and told him he was welcome to contact the park ranger. The park ranger arrived while we were eating breakfast and served me with an “eviction” notice. Needless to say, we will not be returning to Southshore. We understand camping comes with rules, and we weren’t upset about being asked to turn down our music. What was unacceptable was how the situation was handled. A simple warning or respectful conversation would have gone a long way. If you’re looking for a campsite where a large family group can enjoy themselves while respecting the rules, Southshore would not be our recommendation. Save your money and choose somewhere else.

Yong Suk J

Loop:Loop 3

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Loved the campground and peaceful trails. Campsites were very cleaned and people were following quite hour well. Overall it was wonderful trip :)

Robert W

Loop:Loop 3

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Quiet campground with many sites overlooking the lake. Sites are well sized and fairly private. Excellent campground host who keeps the restrooms and campsites clean and well stocked.

Availability

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

Reserve