Shady Cove
Closed due to Beachie Creek Fire damage. A closure order covering Shady Cove Campground and the surrounding Opal Creek area is in effect through May 21, 2026. No confirmed reopening date has been announced.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
About
Shady Cove Campground sits within the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area, one of Oregon's most treasured old-growth forest ecosystems. The campground provides a primitive camping experience along the Little North Fork of the Santiam River, approximately 18.5 miles northeast of Mehama. Numerous trails within a short distance offer scenic mountain vistas, waterfalls, and hikes through majestic ancient forests. The nearby Three Pools Day Use Site is also a popular destination. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Facilities include vault toilets and picnic tables at each site, but campers must bring their own drinking water as no potable water is available on-site. Payment can be made via QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Download the app before arrival as cellular service is limited. Restrictions include a 14-day stay limit within a 60-day period, dogs must be leashed at all times (6 feet maximum), chainsaw use is prohibited, and horses/pack animals are not allowed. Check-in is at 2:00 PM or later with checkout by 1:00 PM. When operational, the typical season runs June through October, though access is dependent on road conditions and weather.
Directions
From Salem, Oregon, travel east on State Highway 22 to Mehama. At milepost 23, turn left (north) onto Little North Fork Road and proceed for 15.3 miles to the Forest Boundary. Continue on gravel FS Road 2209 for 1.3 miles to the intersection of FS Road 2207. Turn right and continue another 1.9 miles to Shady Cove Campground on the right.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $12 - $22 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.mf@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (503) 854-3366 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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