Chances are, you're like everyone else when it comes to taking a break — ready and raring to go. The problem is, you’re at a loss for vacation spots. Your emotions are urging you to stay away from where everyone else is going, but your rational mind doesn’t want you to miss out on recommended spots. You’re in dire need of a destination, and you’re in luck — Oregon’s State Park system makes the decision of where to go very easy.
Located less than an hour away from Oregon’s state capital of Salem, Silver Falls State Park is an attractive option for folks who want to experience nature at its most beautiful and bountiful. Read on to learn more about Silver Falls State Park RV camping and attractions and why it’s the perfect destination for a road trip!
Silver Falls State Park Facts
It might not be on the beaten path for most out-of-state travelers, but that just means there’s more for an intrepid visitor like you to discover when RV camping near Silver Falls State Park. Here are a few Silver Falls State Park facts to peruse to help get you acquainted when you start planning your visit.
- At more than 9,000 acres, Silver Falls State Park — dedicated in July 1933 — is the largest state park in Oregon.
- The presence of numerous waterfalls helped give Silver Falls State Park its name, with the most visited being the 177-foot-high South Falls.
- There are more than 24 miles of hiking trails, 14 miles of horse trails, and four miles of biking trails at Silver Falls State Park.
Best Silver Falls State Park RV Parks and Campgrounds
When it comes to RV camping, Silver Falls State Park is prime territory for RVers. This is why there are numerous options for RV camping near Silver Falls State Park. What follows is a list of RV parks near Silver Falls State Park that can provide space for you, your family, and your RV as you explore the area.
Silver Falls State Park Campground
Amenities: With an RV rental, Silver Falls is yours to explore. There is perhaps no better way to get an early start on your daily adventures than RV camping in Silver Falls State Park itself. With picnic shelters, electric hookups, and more, you’re in the heart of everything.
Capacity: 51 RV campsites
More information: Silver Falls State Park Campground
Silver Spur RV Park
Amenities: All of the RV spaces at Silver Spur RV Park have electric hookups, making this an easy choice for travelers who want to get away from it all while still having modern conveniences. With a fish pond, an off-leash pet area, a game room, and a jacuzzi that’s open seven days a week (year-round), it’s easy to envision Silver Spur RV Park as your home away from home.
Capacity: 81 RV campsites
More information: Silver Spur RV Park
Camp Dakota
Amenities: What this campground lacks in dedicated space for RVs, it more than makes up for with its ambiance — and, of course, with attractions that’ll satisfy the whole family! While parked here, you can go zip lining, take aim on a paintball course, try your hand at gold-panning, and more.
Capacity: 10 RV campsites
More information: Camp Dakota
Phoenix RV Park
Amenities: When you’re not out exploring Silver Falls State Park, you can do your laundry, exercise in the fitness room, or catch up on your emails using Phoenix RV Park’s free Wi-Fi. In addition to being one of the many Silver Falls State Park RV sites providing full hookups, there is an on-site RV repair service, and appointments can be made for washing, waxing, and detailing your RV!
Capacity: 107 RV campsites
More information: Phoenix RV Park
Hee Hee Illahee RV Resort
Amenities: More like a community than a campsite, Hee Hee Illahee RV Resort has practically everything those looking for Silver Falls State Park RV campgrounds need for either a short- or long-term stay. Clean bathrooms await, as do a spacious coin-op laundry room, grassy dog runs, and even a kitchen you can use for a party. Those aiming to call Hee Hee Illahee RV Resort home for a while can also rent a private mailbox.
Capacity: 139 RV campsites
More information: Hee Hee Illahee RV Resort
Best Time to Visit Silver Falls State Park for RV Camping
Now that you’ve seen some of the Silver Falls State Park RV campgrounds, you next need to decide on the best time to visit Silver Falls State Park. This depends on many factors. Every season brings with it both blessings and challenges. Before planning your trip, check out what the different seasons can offer.
Winter
With trails often covered in icy white powder in winter, the photo opportunities at Silver Falls State Park at this time of year are practically endless. But, be careful. Those trails can get quite slippery! You’ll have more than enough space to yourself as you take in the breathtaking sight of waterfalls framed with a backdrop of snowy rocks and trees. Many RV parks are closed in the winter, though, so you might have to sleep further away than you would’ve preferred. It'll get quite chilly — so make sure you dress warmly — and that your RV is equipped with enough blankets to keep you toasty!
Spring
Spring is when things start to get busier at Silver Falls State Park — and for a good reason. The trails that were more traversed by foot in winter become easier to conquer for those with mountain bikes. What's more, any snow has melted, and the park blooms with colorful flowers. Many would agree that spring is the best time to visit Silver Falls State Park to see nature at its best and brightest. As other travelers also want to see Silver Falls State Park this time of year, you need to be sure that your RV campground is booked long beforehand.
Summer
Summer is one of the drier seasons at Silver Falls State Park. Hit the trails with little fear of needing to bring an umbrella or getting your boots excessively dirty — unless you enjoy that sort of thing. Be aware, though, that as with spring, tourists aplenty make their way to Silver Falls State Park in the summer. It will be even harder to get an RV campground on short notice during this time than in spring or fall, so plan accordingly and book early.
Fall
Come September, rain clouds appear more often in the skies above Silver Falls State Park. As the months progress, the chance for rain increases further still. October and November tend to be amongst the rainier months, making fall one of the less popular seasons for those who want to go hiking in Silver Falls State Park without turning their boots into a muddy mess.
Things to Do in Silver Falls State Park
There are many things to do in Silver Falls State Park, but choosing between them all can be a bit overwhelming. Have a look at a few attractions and options to see what might be the best fit for you and your family.
Hike the falls. The 7.2-mile
Trail of Ten Falls loop — designated a National Recreation Trail — will take you past ten beautiful waterfalls over the few hours it takes to traverse.
Go behind the scenery. The main draw for many to Silver Falls State Park is the South Falls which can be seen along the Trail of Ten Falls. However, you can take a dedicated trail just to see South Falls, and a side junction can take you on a bridge behind South Falls for a unique experience.
Watch for birds. Silver Falls State Park is on the
Oregon Cascades Birding Trail. Keep an ear out for pileated woodpeckers, and keep your eyes ready to spot American dippers, varied thrushes, pigeons, warblers, and more.
Horse around. If you’ve ever wanted to ride a horse through a forest but never had the chance to do so before, do it at Silver Falls State Park. Guided horseback tours are available for both beginners and intermediate riders.
Tips on Visiting Silver Falls State Park
Even if you’re familiar with things to do in Silver Falls State Park, you need to be aware of a couple of other Silver Falls State Park facts for a seamless experience.
- Many Silver Falls State Park RV camping sites operate on a time-limited basis — usually between May 1 and November 1. If you’re planning a RV rental Silver Falls State Park visit from November 1 to April 30, keep in mind that your campground options will be more limited.
- For safety reasons, pets are not allowed on the Canyon, Maple Ridge, Twin, and Winter trails. However, an off-leash pet exercise area is available in the South Falls day-use area. Leashed dogs are also allowed on the Rim trail, bike paths, and backcountry trails.
RV Rental for Silver Falls State Park
Once you've booked your
RV rental, Silver Falls State Park is ready for picture-taking. If you haven't yet secured your RV rental, though, you absolutely need to arrange that — and Cruise America's selection of RVs is second to none. The RVs you can explore with
Cruise America are equipped with everything you need to help get you to Silver Falls State Park and all of the other sights in the Central Oregon and Willamette Valley area in comfort and style.
If you haven't yet gotten in touch with Cruise America about an RV rental, don't delay; go book yourself an RV and get going!