Archie Knowles Campground

Hey there, Oregon adventurers! Are you searching for that perfect camping spot that combines the tranquility of nature with the comforts of home, all managed with exceptional care? Look no further than Archie Knowles Campground, a delightful and often-praised gem nestled within the lush landscapes near Mapleton. This cozy campground offers a refreshing escape for locals eager to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Siuslaw National Forest and explore the wonders of the Oregon Coast Range.

For us Oregonians, finding a clean, welcoming, and conveniently located campground is key to a successful outdoor adventure. Archie Knowles Campground consistently delivers on these fronts, offering a serene base camp that’s perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Despite being near a highway, its charm, well-maintained facilities, and friendly atmosphere truly set it apart. It’s a place where you can relax by a gentle creek, spot local wildlife, and enjoy the peace of the forest, all while being a stone's throw from fantastic hiking and coastal attractions. This article will provide you with all the essential details about Archie Knowles Campground, helping you plan your next memorable Oregon getaway.

Archie Knowles Campground is ideally situated at 12952 OR-126, Mapleton, OR 97453, USA. This location places it along scenic Highway 126, making it easily accessible for Oregonians traveling from various parts of the state, particularly those coming from Eugene or the Willamette Valley heading towards the coast. The campground is nestled among towering Douglas fir, spruce, and huckleberry, creating a dense, natural setting that provides ample shade and a true forest feel.

The accessibility of Archie Knowles Campground is a notable feature. While it’s conveniently located directly beside Highway 126, which can lead to some daytime road noise, many visitors find this diminishes significantly at night. Its proximity to the highway also means easy navigation and quick access to nearby towns. Mapleton itself is just a "stone's throw away," offering convenient access to fuel and groceries, which is a major plus for campers.

Furthermore, the campground's strategic position means it's about 13 miles from Florence on the Oregon Coast, making it an excellent base for exploring the beaches, dunes, and coastal towns. It's also approximately 37 miles from Eugene, offering a manageable drive for a weekend trip. The campground is well-maintained with paved sites, making it suitable for both tents and RVs (though without hookups), and parking is straightforward. Its location along Knowles Creek also provides direct access to the gentle flowing water, enhancing the natural experience. This balance of easy accessibility and immersive natural surroundings makes Archie Knowles Campground a highly practical and appealing choice for Oregon residents.

Archie Knowles Campground offers a focused selection of essential services, prioritizing cleanliness and visitor comfort to enhance the camping experience in its rustic setting.

• Clean Restrooms with Flush Toilets: A consistent highlight from visitors is the exceptional cleanliness of the bathrooms, which feature flush toilets and sinks with warm water. This is a significant comfort often praised by campers, noting it as "the cleanest campground of my 30 day road trip."
• Potable Water: Potable water is readily available through several water spigots located throughout the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh drinking water.
• Campsites with Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each of the 9 developed campsites (without hookups) is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor dining and enjoying campfires.
• Paved and Level Sites: The campsites are noted for being paved and generally level, providing a stable surface for setting up tents or parking RVs/vans.
• On-site Campground Host: The presence of "friendly and awesome hosts" is frequently mentioned. These caretakers do a superb job maintaining the campground and often go above and beyond, providing a welcoming and helpful presence that enhances the overall stay.
• Trash Receptacles: There are designated trash receptacles, often enclosed, to help keep the campground clean and free from animal interference.
• No Hookups: It's important to note that Archie Knowles Campground does not offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups at the campsites, making it ideal for tent camping or self-contained RVs.
• Day Use Area: The park also features a day-use area, which is open dawn to dusk and requires a day pass or annual pass for access.

These services ensure a comfortable, clean, and well-managed camping experience for those seeking a more traditional outdoor retreat.

Archie Knowles Campground is celebrated for several distinctive features and highlights that make it a truly special place for Oregonians seeking an authentic and relaxing outdoor experience. These aspects contribute significantly to its high visitor satisfaction.

• Exceptional Cleanliness: This is arguably the most lauded feature. Visitors consistently praise the campground's immaculate condition, with bathrooms noted as being "cleaner than any other camping place" and not "a dog poop anywhere." This dedication to cleanliness ensures a pleasant and worry-free environment, making it a safe place "where you can let your kids play in nature without fear of what they might be touching."
• Friendly and Attentive Hosts: The campground boasts "friendly and awesome hosts" who are highly engaged and attentive to campers' needs. Their superb job in maintaining the site and their warm interactions (like giving bubbles to a child) significantly enhance the overall experience, fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
• Access to Knowles Creek: A gentle creek runs nearby, offering campers direct access to the water. This provides opportunities for children to play, for peaceful contemplation, or simply to enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water.
• Abundant Wildlife: The forested setting means "lots of fun critters to see," providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and enhancing the natural immersion for campers of all ages.
• Shaded, Forested Environment: The campground is nestled among mature Douglas fir, spruce, and huckleberry, providing ample natural shade for many campsites, which is particularly welcome during warmer months.
• Paved and Level Campsites: The sites are paved and generally level, making them easy to set up on for both tents and RVs, contributing to overall convenience and comfort.
• Proximity to Sweet Creek Falls Trail: Campers are only about 15-20 minutes away from the beautiful Sweet Creek Falls trail, which offers a lovely, easy hike, making it a fantastic nearby attraction for outdoor exploration.
• Convenient Coastal Access: Despite its forested setting, the campground is only about 13-20 minutes from Florence on the Oregon Coast, offering quick trips to the beach for sightseeing, shopping, dining, or simply enjoying the ocean air.

These features combine to create a highly enjoyable and memorable camping experience that consistently earns high praise from those who visit.

For those planning their visit to the welcoming Archie Knowles Campground, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 12952 OR-126, Mapleton, OR 97453, USA

Phone: (541) 682-2000

Mobile Phone: +1 541-682-2000

Archie Knowles Campground is managed by Lane County Parks. For the most up-to-date information regarding reservations, seasonal operating dates (typically April 11 - Oct. 13, 2025, but always verify for current year), any alerts, or specific park rules (such as tobacco restrictions, which prohibit smoking in most areas except designated campsites), it is highly recommended to visit the official Lane County Parks website or use their online reservation portal. While the phone number is provided, online resources will often have the most current and detailed information to help you plan your perfect Oregon camping trip.

For us Oregonians, Archie Knowles Campground is an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its reputation for being "the cleanest campground" with "superb" hosts speaks volumes. For locals who appreciate well-maintained facilities and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, this campground truly stands out. It provides a peace of mind that allows families to genuinely relax and let their "kids play in nature without fear," a significant advantage for those seeking a carefree outdoor experience.

Secondly, its location offers a fantastic balance of secluded forest charm and practical accessibility. While nestled among towering trees and along a gentle creek, it's conveniently situated on Highway 126. This means an easy drive from cities like Eugene and quick access to the stunning Oregon Coast. For us, this dual benefit allows for diverse activities – from tranquil creek-side relaxation and exploring nearby trails like Sweet Creek Falls to day trips for beachcombing, crabbing, or enjoying the coastal towns. It perfectly encapsulates the varied beauty of Oregon within an accessible reach.

Furthermore, the campground's size, with just 9 developed sites, fosters a more intimate and less crowded atmosphere compared to larger parks. This creates a sense of community and tranquility that many locals seek when trying to escape the daily grind. The thoughtful amenities, including clean flush toilets and potable water, provide essential comforts without detracting from the rustic charm. Archie Knowles Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a testament to the quality and natural beauty that Oregon offers. It's a perfect spot for locals to reconnect with nature, create cherished family memories, and enjoy the pristine outdoors that make our state so unique.

Archie Knowles Campground

12952 OR-126, Mapleton, OR 97453, USA