Old Miner'S Meadow Group Use Area
Fishermen'S Bend Recreation Area
Old Miner's Meadow is a two-acre, fenced-in group use area, located in an open meadow surrounded by forests along the Quartzville Creek National Wild and Scenic River and upstream from the Green Peter Reservoir. It is available by reservation only.
The area is popular for gold panning, fishing, scenic touring and kayaking. Weekends tend to be busy, so campers should book early.
Summer weather is comfortable, but can be cool. Visitors should come prepared for lower temperatures at night.
Maximum of 50 people per reservation.
This facility consists of one large group area with no designated campsites. Site amenities include picnic tables, individual campfire rings, a group campfire ring and grill, trash collection, vault toilets and horseshoe pits.
The toilets for the site are available to campers on private land just outside the site fence boundary. Groups are required to bring their own drinking water and firewood.
Need to Know
Campfires? Please see here for current campfire restrictions: Fire Closures and Restrictions Typically, campfires are limited to the steel fire rings or BBQ grills provided within the recreation site. No building rock campfire rings.
Groups must enter through a locked gate, the combination should be received in the email receipt. The group is responsible for locking the gate upon departure.
There is no cell phone reception at the campground.
- No outside firewood allowed; obtain or purchase firewood at or near your camping destination and burn it on-site; firewood can carry invasive insects and diseases that destroy forests; learn more
- Walk-in use of the restrooms and dumpster by visitors camping outside Old Miner's Meadow group area is allowed.
No host on site; Yellowbottom Campground host is one mile from site.
Natural Features
The section of Quartzville Creek adjacent to the campground is registered as a National Wild and Scenic River for its recreation and resource opportunities. The nearby Green Peter Reservoir has emerald-colored waters, mountain views and plenty of space for water activities.
Though some areas of the surrounding forests have been logged, groves of old growth trees are a short drive away from the campground. This facility is in a meadow dotted with trees, and has both shaded and sunny sites. Though campers may not see them in the campground, elk frequent the area.
Nearby Attractions
Campers can visit the East Linn Museum in the town of Sweet Home to learn about the history of the area. The campground is also adjacent to the Willamette National Forest, which stretches for 110 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Range in western Oregon.
Willamette National Forest
Recreation
The creek is popular for gold panning and kayaking, while the reservoir offers great fishing, swimming, sailing and water skiing. Within a short drive along the creek, campers can find deep pools, waterfalls and swimming areas. Visitors can also drive the Quartzville National Back Country Byway, which meanders along the creek, two lakes and scenic mountain views. There are hiking trails in the nearby national forests.
Changes & Cancellations
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.
Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
Contact Information
Mailing
Northwest Oregon District Office Attn: Recreation Operations 1717 Fabry Rd SE Salem OR 97306
Physical
Northwest Oregon District Office 1717 Fabry Rd SE Salem OR 97306
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 503-897-2406
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Sweet Home, Oregon go east on U.S. Highway 20. Approximately one mile out of town turn left on the Quartzville Access Road heading towards Green Peter Reservoir and Quartzville Creek. Old Miner's Meadow is located approximately 25 miles up the road on the right, about one mile past Yellowbottom Recreation Site.
