Campground · Day Use Area · South Santiam · Highway 20, east of Sweet Home
House Rock Campground
Seventeen riverside sites across two loops, plus a free day-use area at the confluence of Sheep Creek and the South Santiam, in an old-growth grove with its own bridge crossing and a short interpretive loop trail.
More detail
Getting there & parking+
From Sweet Home, follow Highway 20 east for 26 miles to Forest Service Road 2044, turn right. The day-use area sits at the confluence of Sheep Creek and the South Santiam, reachable via a footbridge from the campground or its own turn-off (44.39361, -122.24389).
Facilities & accessibility+
- Accessible vault toilets in the campground (upper and lower loops)
- Hand-pump drinking water in the campground loops — none at the day-use area itself
- Day-use picnic area with 4 tables and 2 grills
- House Rock Trail (0.8-mile loop) starting at the day-use area, following a stretch of the historic Santiam Wagon Road
Nearby attractions+
Santiam Wagon Road Trail, Iron Mountain Trail, Foster Lake, and Green Peter Lake are all within reach.
Choose what brings you here
At this day-use area
What’s here+
The 0.8-mile House Rock Trail loop starts right here, following part of the historic Santiam Wagon Road. Fishing, swimming, and scenic viewing are all popular at the confluence itself. Reach it via a footbridge over Sheep Creek from the adjacent campground, or by its own turn-off.
Camping here
Reservations & fees+
Reservable via Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance; remaining sites first-come, first-served. Check-in 2:00 p.m., check-out 12:00 p.m. Max stay 14 days in a 60-day window. Dogs leashed (max 6 ft) or under physical control.
Fishing & boating access+
River fishing (native cutthroat trout) and swimming are confirmed on-site activities. No boat launch — this is a fishing, wading, and swim-access site, not a paddling put-in.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions +
Is there a fee for the day-use area?
No — House Rock Day Use Area is free, open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Camping at the adjacent campground has its own separate per-night fee.
Does House Rock have a boat launch?
No — it’s a fishing, wading, and swimming access point at the Sheep Creek/South Santiam confluence, not a boat ramp.
Do I need a reservation to camp here?
Some of the 17 sites can be booked ahead on Recreation.gov (up to 6 months out); the rest are first-come, first-served.
How far from Sweet Home?
26 miles east on Highway 20, then a right turn onto Forest Service Road 2044.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes — leashed dogs are welcome throughout (leash no longer than 6 feet, or under direct physical control).
Official campground details — Willamette National Forest →
Official day-use site details — Willamette National Forest →
