Campground · Day Use Area · South Santiam · Highway 20, east of Sweet Home
Fernview Group Campground
Eleven sites booked as one group unit for up to 75 people — but the free, walk-up Fernview Day Use Area sitting right alongside it is open to anyone, no reservation needed.
More detail
Getting there & parking+
From Sweet Home, travel east on Highway 20 roughly 20–22 miles. The day-use area and group campground share the same turn-in, on a bluff above the South Santiam River.
Facilities & accessibility+
- Grills and fire rings
- Garbage service
- No potable water anywhere on site — bring your own
Restroom details aren’t published by the Forest Service for either the campground or day-use side.
Nearby attractions+
Fernview sits along Highway 20 near the Rooster Rock Trailhead (across the highway, gateway to Menagerie Wilderness), the historic Santiam Wagon Road (which runs through the campground’s rear section), and Iron Mountain, best known for wildflower blooms in early July.
Choose what brings you here
At this day-use area
What’s here+
Single-site picnicking, river and stream fishing, day hiking, and swimming are all listed activities. Accessed right through the adjacent group campground — there’s no separate entrance.
Camping here
Reservations & fees+
Reservable only as a full group unit via Recreation.gov (877-444-6777), up to 12 months ahead. Check-in 2:00 p.m., check-out 12:00 p.m. Max stay 14 days in a 60-day window. Dogs on leash (max 6 ft) or under physical control.
River access is nearby but can be difficult directly from the campground.
Fishing & boating access+
River fishing is available nearby, though direct river access from camp can be difficult — plan to walk a short distance. Not a boat-launch site.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions +
Is there a fee to use the day-use area?
No — Fernview Day Use Area is free, open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Booking the adjacent group campground is a separate $200/night reservation.
Is Fernview a regular campground or a group site?
The campground side is a group site only — the entire 11-site footprint (up to 75 people) is booked as one reservation. The day-use area next to it is open to anyone, no booking required.
Can I bring an RV?
Space is tight in the campground — RV parking fits one large RV or two small ones, and the max length is 22 feet.
Is there river access for fishing or swimming?
Fishing and swimming are both listed activities at the day-use area; direct river access from the campground side can be more difficult.
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 →
