Shadow Bay Campground

Oregon's Best Camping

Waldo Lake, Willamette National Forest, Oregon
Waldo Lake, Willamette National Forest, Oregon

Shadow Bay Campground

Willamette National Forest


Shadow Bay Campground

Shadow Bay Campground sits at the southeastern side of Waldo Lake in the Willamette National Forest. Visitors to Shadow Bay find great boating in the lake. The only motorized boats permitted in the lake are electric motors. Kayaks, canoes, sailboats, and paddleboards are welcome. Numerous hiking trails in the area lead around the lake and into nearby wilderness areas.

Shadow Bay Campground has 92 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents. Less busy than its neighbor North Waldo Campground, Shadow Bay Campground is a quieter place to camp. Mosquitoes can be a problem from June through mid-August. A small number of campsites may be reserved. Many sites are offered first-come, first-served. Three sections of the campground can be reserved as Group Campsites.

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Shadow Bay Campground Basics
Shadow Bay Campground Location: Shadow Bay Campground is 32 miles east of Oakridge by way of Highway 58, Waldo Lake Road, and finally Forest Road 5896.
Elevation: 5,400 feet
Nearby Gateway Cities: Eugene - 73 miles
Cottage Grove - 82 miles
Crescent - 35 miles
Number of Sites: 92 (includes group sites)
Open - Closed: Open late June through late September
Max. People per site: Standard campsite - 6
Vehicles per site: Standard campsite - 2 ($8 fee for 2nd vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by American Land and Leisure for Willamette National Forest
Middle Fork Ranger District: (541) 782-2283

Shadow Bay Campground Reservations
Shadow Bay Campground Reservations Reservations are available for some of the campsites up to 6 months in advance. Some campsites are available first-come, first-served.
Maximum vehicle length: 40 feet
Wheelchair accessible sites: None designated, but there are accessible trails in the campground.
Fees: Single campsites - $27 per night
Double campsite - $50
Campground Reservations: Shadow Bay Campground Reservations
Campground Map: Shadow Bay Campground Map
Check-in, check-out: check-in - 2:00 PM
check-out - 1:00 PM

Shadow Bay Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, campfire ring, no hook-ups
Campground: Vault and composting toilets, potable water
Showers: No
Dump station: Gray water disposal
Attractions near Shadow Bay Campground:
  • A boat launch ramp is in the day use area next to the campground.
  • Enjoy swimming in the lake's swim area.
  • Enjoy ranger programs on summer weekends at the amphitheater at North Waldo Campground.
  • Hike or mountain bike 20 miles around Lake Waldo on the Jim Weaver Loop.
  • Find some nice hikes on the Taylor Burn Trail.
  • Fish for brook and rainbow trout.
  • Take the 1-mile Shoreline Trail from North Waldo Campground to Islet Campground.



Shadow Bay Campground Group Campsites

Three areas within Shadow Bay Campground can be reserved as group sites.
Group Site B is composed of campsites #25-43. It can accommodate up to 120 people and 19 vehicles.
Group Site C is composed of campsites #44-60. It can accommodate up to 120 people and 17 vehicles.
Group Site E is composed of campsites #71-75. It can accommodate up to 30 people and 5 vehicles.
Fees: Sites B or C $424 per night, site E is $121 per night

General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the website when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate


Shadow Bay Campground, Waldo Lake

Shadow Bay Campground (2018)

Waldo Lake Area
Attractions and Activities

  • Hike or mountain bike 20 miles around Lake Waldo on the Jim Weaver Loop.
  • Set off onto Waldo Lake in a kayak, paddleboard, sailboat, or electric motor boat. The speed limit is 10 MPH.
  • Find some nice hikes on the Taylor Burn Trail.
  • Boat out to Waldo Lake's two islands to explore and have a picnic (no camping).
  • Hike into the Waldo Lake Wilderness or connect with the nearby Pacific Crest Trail.
  • Take advantage of boat launch ramps at North Waldo Day Use Area, Islet Day Use Area, and Shadow Bay Day Use Area.
  • Head over to nearby Odell Lake and find boat rentals at Shelter Cove Resort & Marina.

Key Shadow Bay Campground Regulations

  1. Campfires may only be in campground provided fire pits.
  2. Dogs must be kept on leash and attended at all times.
  3. Use of chainsaws is not permitted in the campground.
  4. Quiet Hours extend from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Check for any park or campground updates: Willamette National Forest: Shadow Bay Campground

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