Skip to main content

Picnicking

Whether you are looking for a quiet, secluded spot by the river or a sheltered area for a crowd, there are a multitude of possibilities for your picnic site.

Picnicking - Single

Developed picnic areas typically offer parking, tables, and restrooms. Always be prepared to pack out trash and garbage, as onsite garbage service may be limited or not offered in all areas. Some sites require a day use fee or a Northwest Forest Pass.

Many of the developed campgrounds, boat launches and viewpoints on the forest offer day use picnic sites. Some sites offer picnic shelters which provide shade in summer and cover during rainy weather. Some areas, such as Salt Creek Falls Observation Site and Paradise Day Use Area on the McKenzie River, offer immediate access to hiking and bicycling trails.

Picnicking - Group

Group picnic sites are available on a first come, first served basis. Upper Arm Day Use Area on Detroit Lake offers individual, multiple, and a group picnic area near shoreline trails and swimming access.

Group campgrounds, including Clark Creek Organizational Camp in Fall Creek and Cove Creek Group Campsite on Detroit Lake, offer covered picnic shelters perfect for family reunions and special occasions.

Search for Picnicking Opportunities

Showing: 11 - 20 of 97 results

Blue Pool Campground (Middle Fork Ranger District)

Site Open
Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking
This 24-site campground is conveniently located adjacent to Oregon State Highway 58 in an old growth forest alongside Salt Creek.Fishing and swimming are popular activities. A large picnic area along…

Blue Pool Day Use Area (Middle Fork District)

Site Open
Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking
This picnic area is adjacent to Blue Pool Campground, which is located in an old growth forest alongside Salt Creek. Fishing and swimming are popular activities. There is a large picnic area along…

Blue River Reservoir Area

Picnicking Hiking Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
In the summer months, Blue River Reservoir is a popular place for fishing, boating, swimming, waterskiing and stand-up paddle boarding. There are two main campgrounds, Lookout Campground and Mona…

Broken Bowl Campground

Site Open
Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Hiking
This small campground offers 16 sites with a family atmosphere, mature forest shade, and easy access to the cool waters of Fall Creek. Three of the sites are walk-in. 

C.T. Beach Picnic Area and Boat Launch

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Picnicking Water Activities
Located on the Hills Creek Arm of Hills Creek Reservoir, this day use only site offers two picnic tables and one fire ring. If fires are allowed, use caution during summer, as upslope winds can be…

Campers Flat Group Campground

Site Open
Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Hiking
Located on an open river terrace below Forest Road 21, this small campground is one group site situated in a beautiful setting under Douglas-firs and Ponderosa pines. The dynamic Middle Fork of the…

Clear Lake Area

Site Open
Water Activities Hiking Biking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking
Clear Lake has a long history of being a popular recreation spot in the high Cascades. It was discovered in 1859 by a party of men who were searching for a route over the Cascade Mountains. They had…

Clear Lake Day Use Area

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Water Activities Picnicking
Enjoy a picnic in the historic shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s or near the wooded edge of the beautiful, pristine Clear Lake.The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail…

Cold Water Cove Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Picnicking Water Activities
Stunning views of the turquoise-colored Clear Lake and 3000-year-old lava fields make this campground an ideal location. The campground sits on the south end of Clear Lake in a mix of maple, alder…

Cougar Crossing Campground

Site Open
Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Picnicking
Located on the confluence of the South Fork of the McKenzie River and the south end of Cougar Reservoir, Cougar Crossing is open year round and offers 11 sites that can accommodate either RV or tent…

Last updated March 21st, 2025