Whether you’re planning a family reunion or a party with all your friends, there’s no better way to enjoy each other’s company than camping, surrounded by Oregon’s natural beauty. Many campgrounds across the state offer group sites, but there’s one unique place near Sweet Home where you can rent the entire campground for just $150. Check out Longbow Organization Camp:
Longbow Organization Camp was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937.
Mike Martin/Google During the Great Depression and in the years following, many young men lived in this camp while training and working in the forest. They built trails, installed telephone lines, and even fought forest fires. Today, this place is a beautiful group campground that can accommodate up to 50 people overnight. Address: Sweet Home, OR, 97386
The campground is nestled right on the banks of the South Santiam River, and it’s surrounded by the beauty of the Willamette National Forest.
Farid Javadnejad/Google
Go for a hike to explore the Old Santiam Wagon Road, which was used to move cattle to the grasslands of Central Oregon every spring. You’ll also find several other trails in the area that are perfect for a day of hiking.
Mike Martin/Google
The campground includes six shelters. No need to bring a tent or trailer - these three-sided shelters will keep you nice and dry.
Nadine MacLane/Google In fact, tents and trailers aren’t allowed, so you won’t need to worry about dragging them up here - just enjoy the shelters that are already built for you!
Bring your sleeping pad and sleeping bag, and settle in on the bunk beds inside.
Moonstruck Exploring/Google
You’ll also find a large communal dining shelter with long picnic tables where you can dine together.
Moonstruck Exploring/Google
Create delicious meals for a large group in the kitchen area off the back of the dining pavilion. You’ll have everything you need here, including a sink, fireplace, and plenty of countertop space.
Samantha Bailey/Google
Drinking water is available from these quaint water pumps that were installed when the camp was built.
Mike Martin/Google
The amphitheater is the perfect place to meet as a group. It seats up to 75 people, and has a huge fire pit right in the middle…
Mike Martin/Google
…which is ideal for a roaring fire in the evening. Tell ghost stories, make s’mores, and enjoy the evening under the stars.
Mike Martin/Google
There’s even a volleyball court tucked into the trees!
Mike Martin/Google Longbow Observation Camp is available from May 5th through September 23rd. The entire site costs $150 per night.
Book Longbow Organization Camp in advance here, and learn more about the campground on the USDA Forest Service’s website. Does this look like a place you’d like to go with friends and family? Tag them in the comments, and start planning your trip!
Mike Martin/Google
During the Great Depression and in the years following, many young men lived in this camp while training and working in the forest. They built trails, installed telephone lines, and even fought forest fires. Today, this place is a beautiful group campground that can accommodate up to 50 people overnight. Address: Sweet Home, OR, 97386
Farid Javadnejad/Google
Nadine MacLane/Google
In fact, tents and trailers aren’t allowed, so you won’t need to worry about dragging them up here - just enjoy the shelters that are already built for you!
Moonstruck Exploring/Google
Samantha Bailey/Google
Longbow Observation Camp is available from May 5th through September 23rd. The entire site costs $150 per night.
If you’re looking for another great spot to camp in Oregon, take a look at this unique campground that’s situated right on the banks of the Siletz river.
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