Yellowbottom Recreation Site
Closed — Closed to camping indefinitely due to hazardous tree conditions. Day-use area remains open for swimming, hiking, and recreation. The nearby Old Miner's Meadow group campsite is available for reservations on Recreation.gov.
From Recreation.gov
**Yellowbottom Recreation Site is closed to camping indefinitely.** Visitor safety is our top priority. The nearby Old Miner's Meadow group campsite can be reserved on [**recreation.gov**][1]. Other camping may be available in surrounding national forest and county areas. Yellowbottom day use area remains open for use. [1]: http://recreation.gov
About
Yellowbottom Recreation Site is a BLM-managed area located along the Wild and Scenic Quartzville Creek in Oregon's Cascade foothills. The site is known for its majestic old-growth and maturing forests, dramatic rock outcroppings, wildflowers, and vibrant fall colors. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the creek's emerald waters, hike the one-mile Rhododendron Trail through towering ancient trees, and use the site as a launching point for exploring nearby trails into the Middle Santiam Wilderness. The recreation site is situated along the scenic Quartzville National Back Country Byway, which winds past Green Peter Reservoir and follows the meandering Quartzville Creek. While the area has historically offered camping among some of the largest trees in Oregon, BLM staff discovered hazardous tree conditions during inspections, and the campground has been closed to overnight use since 2022. The naturally decaying trees pose safety risks to overnight campers. The day-use area remains open for swimming, picnicking, and trail access. BLM plans to begin trail improvements in summer 2026 to expand access to previously closed portions of the site.
Directions
From Sweet Home: Drive east 5 miles on US-20 E toward 22nd Ave. Turn left onto Quartzville Road and continue for 18 miles. From Sisters: Drive west 26 miles on US-20 W, continue on US-20 W for another 42 miles. Turn right on Quartzville Road and continue for 18 miles.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| BLM_OR_NO_Mail@blm.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (503) 375-5646 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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