• Ice Cap Campground is shady forest campground surrounded by waterfalls and mountain scenery
Ice Cap Campground sits along Highway 126 in the Willamette National Forest, about 17 miles east of the McKenzie River Ranger Station and 64 miles east of Eugene.
Tucked into a shady stand of Douglas fir, cedar, and hemlock, this quiet little camp rests above the McKenzie River and Carmen Reservoir. You can't see the river from your tent, but you'll hear it humming all night long.
Things to Do at Ice Cap Campground
Camping above Carmen Reservoir
The nine walk-in tent sites overlook Carmen Reservoir and offer the best views in the campground.
You'll need to take a short walk to reach them, but the scenery is well worth the effort.
Hiking and Biking the McKenzie River Trail
One of my favorite parts of staying here is the easy access to trails.
Follow the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail north to reach Sahalie Falls in less than a mile. Keep going to reach Clear Lake.
Want both waterfalls in one trip? A 3-mile Waterfalls Loop Trail connects Koosah Falls and Sahalie Falls.
Fishing and Paddling
A day-use area within the campground provides easy access to Carmen Reservoir. The reservoir is perfect for fishing and non-motorized boating.
Bring a canoe or kayak and paddle out on a calm morning. Clear Lake and Fish Lake are close by, too, if you want more options.
Ice Cap Campground - Carmen Reservoir Camping near Sahalie Falls
Ice Cap has 22 sites total. Nine are walk-in tent sites, and the other 13 fit either tents or RVs up to 30 feet. Just know there are no hookups out here.
Each site comes with a fire ring and picnic table. You'll also find vault toilets, firewood for sale, and a host on-site. Keep in mind here is no drinking water at Ice Cap, so pack plenty of your own.
All sites are first-come, first-served, so no reservations needed. Show up early on weekends since those reservoir-view walk-in spots fill fast.
Ice Cap Creek Campground and Day-Use | Facts
Open: Mid-May through late September
Managed by: McKenzie River Ranger District, Willamette National Forest
Facilities: 22 sites (9 walk-in tents), vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, firewood for sale, boat launch, on-site host, no drinking water
Activities: Camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, paddling, waterfall viewing
Road access: Any vehicle (RVs to 30 feet)
Reservations & Fees: First-come, first-served; 541-822-3381 or Hoodoo Recreation Services 541-822-3799
Elevation: ~2,650 ft (808 m)
Ice Cap Creek Campground and Day-Use is located:
- 64 miles east of Eugene
- 75 miles west of Bend
- 134 miles south of Portland.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Ice Cap Creek Campground and Day-Use
From Bend,
- Head west on US 20 for about 47 miles
- Turn south onto OR 126 and drive roughly 3 miles
- The entrance is on your right.
Phone: 541-225-6300