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: 51 - 60 of 100 results
House Rock Day Use Area
House Rock Day Use Area is located at the confluence of Sheep Creek and the South Santiam River in an old growth grove. Visitors enjoy hiking the House Rock Trail, which starts at the day-use area.…
Huckleberry Flats OHV Trail
This motorized-only trail system consists of 65 miles of Class I and III trails and some Class IV trails of various degrees of difficulty. Set in a second-growth stand of Douglas fir with a dense…
Ice Cap Campground
This scenic campground is located in a stand of Douglas fir, cedar and hemlock on a bluff above the McKenzie River and Carmen Reservoir. Ice Cap Creek runs along the eastern edge of the campground.…
Ice Cap Creek Day Use Area
This primitive day use site is located within the Ice Cap Campground, a scenic spot in a stand of Douglas fir, cedar and hemlock on a bluff above the McKenzie River and Carmen Reservoir.  Carmen…
Indigo Springs Campground
This small, three site tent-only campground is surrounded by a fine stand of old growth Douglas-fir.The springs for which the camp was named originates nearby along an easy, 500' round trip loop…
Kiahanie Campground
This quiet, 19 site, family-friendly camp is located in a lush, mature Douglas-fir/vine maple/sword fern forest alongside the North Fork of the Middle Fork Willamette Wild and Scenic River. The…
Lakes End Campground
This primitive campground is located on the north shore of Smith Reservoir and is accessed by boat only. This site is popular with people looking for a remote, off the beaten path camping…
Limberlost Group Campground
After a fun filled day exploring the area, relax and fall asleep to the sound of the babbling Lost Creek at this secluded and quiet 12-site campground. Towering Douglas fir and cedar trees surround…
Lookout Campground
Lookout Campground is on the Blue River Reservoir. The campground includes picnic sites, a boat launch, floating dock, and a day use/overflow parking area. It is located on a beautiful open meadow…
Lost Lake Campground
Lost Lake Campground is adjacent to Highway 20 near the summit of Santiam Pass.  The rustic campground is located on the west shore of shallow Lost Lake. The water level of the lake fluctuates…