Dairy Creek Camp West

Tucked away within the expansive and beautiful L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park, Dairy Creek Camp West offers Oregonians a truly comfortable and peaceful camping experience. For those seeking a serene retreat where the sounds of nature prevail, this campground is an ideal choice. Imagine pulling your RV into a spacious, level site with full hookups, or setting up your tent in a tranquil walk-in spot, surrounded by the refreshing ambiance of a well-maintained forest. Dairy Creek Camp West provides all the conveniences you desire, combined with the quiet solitude that makes for a perfect escape into Oregon's stunning outdoors.

What truly sets Dairy Creek Camp West apart, particularly for those prioritizing peace and quiet, is its thoughtfully designed layout. It is often lauded as the quieter counterpart to the park's East loop, attracting "older folks and those of us who prefer peace and quiet," as one enthusiastic camper noted. The sites here are not only level, raked, and impeccably clean, but they are also intelligently angled, ensuring that you're "facing more trees than campers" – a detail that significantly enhances privacy. The wooded center of the loop, featuring a charming trail winding through it, further contributes to the secluded feel.

Beyond the peaceful setting, Dairy Creek Camp West doesn't skimp on amenities. Each RV site boasts its own water, electric (including 50-amp service), and sewer hookups, along with a separate dishwater receptacle, making your stay exceptionally convenient. Clean restrooms with hot showers are readily available, adding a touch of comfort to your outdoor adventure. And for those magical mornings and evenings, keep an eye out for the local deer; sites 47-53 on the outside of the loop are particularly known for these delightful wildlife visits. With friendly hosts ensuring everything is in order, Dairy Creek Camp West truly delivers a very comfortable environment for relaxing, exploring, and reconnecting with nature.

Location and Accessibility

Dairy Creek Camp West is a prominent camping loop within L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park, located at Buxton, OR 97109, USA. This places it approximately 33 miles west of Portland, making it an incredibly accessible and convenient escape for residents of the greater metropolitan area and beyond. Stub Stewart State Park itself spans over 1,800 acres of rolling hills, forest glades, and streams, providing a vast natural playground just a short drive from urban centers.

Access to Dairy Creek Camp West is straightforward and well-maintained. The park is located directly off Highway 47, which connects easily to major routes like US-26 W from Portland. The drive is scenic, transitioning from suburban landscapes into the lush, green forests that characterize this part of Oregon. Once you enter Stub Stewart State Park, clear signage directs you to the Dairy Creek Campground, and then specifically to the West loop.

The roads within the campground are paved, and sites are spacious, designed to accommodate a range of vehicles from smaller passenger cars to large RVs and trailers. Reviewers frequently note the ease of backing into sites and the generally level nature of the camping pads. While parking for extra vehicles may be limited to designated day-use areas within the park (with an additional fee), the accessibility to the campground itself is excellent. This combination of close proximity to urban areas and well-maintained, easy-to-navigate access roads makes Dairy Creek Camp West an ideal spot for Oregonians seeking a hassle-free journey to their peaceful outdoor retreat, allowing more time to enjoy the park's extensive trail system and serene environment.

Services Offered

• Full Hookup RV Sites: 43 full-hookup sites in the West loop offering water, 50-amp electricity, and sewer connections at each site.
• Walk-in Tent Sites: 12 designated walk-in tent sites are available, with water spigots nearby.
• Restrooms: Clean, modern flush toilets are provided throughout the campground.
• Hot Showers: Complimentary hot showers are available for registered campers.
• Individual Dishwater Receptacle: Each RV site includes a separate receptacle for greywater disposal, distinct from the sewer hookup.
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are available at each site for campfires (always check for current fire bans).
• Accessible Sites: Specific sites are designated as ADA-accessible, ensuring comfort for all visitors.
• Park Hosts: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are on-site to assist campers and maintain facilities.
• Reservable Meeting Hall: A reservable meeting hall is available within the Dairy Creek area for group functions.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is typically available for purchase within the park.
• Recycling: Designated areas for refuse and recycling are provided.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome on leash in campsites and on trails, with a fenced off-leash dog area also available within the park.

Features / Highlights

• Quiet & Peaceful Environment: Known as the quieter loop, attracting campers who prefer a serene and relaxing atmosphere, ideal for a peaceful escape.
• Spacious & Private Sites: Campsites are generously sized, level, and often angled for increased privacy, surrounded by natural vegetation.
• Full Hookups & Modern Amenities: Offers the convenience of full hookup RV sites (water, electric, sewer), plus clean flush toilets and free hot showers.
• Extensive Trail System: Direct access to over 30 miles of multi-use trails within Stub Stewart State Park, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
• Proximity to Banks-Vernonia State Trail: Connects directly to the paved 21-mile Banks-Vernonia State Trail, popular for longer bike rides and walks.
• Wildlife Viewing: Frequent sightings of local wildlife, including deer visiting campsites in the mornings and evenings.
• Year-Round Operation: Open year-round, allowing for camping in all seasons and experiencing the park's changing beauty.
• Disc Golf Courses: Features an 18-hole mountain-style disc golf course and a beginner 3-hole course between the East and West camps.
• Discovery Depot Visitor Center: Offers interpretive displays, trail maps, and visitor information about the park's flora, fauna, and history.
• Friendly Park Hosts: Consistently praised for their helpfulness and dedication to maintaining the park's high standards.

Contact Information

Dairy Creek Camp West is part of L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park, managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). For reservations, specific site details, or general inquiries about the park, the primary contact methods are through the statewide reservation system and the OPRD information line.

Address: Buxton, OR 97109, USA

Phone: (800) 551-6949 (Oregon State Parks Information Center)

Mobile Phone: +1 800-551-6949

For making reservations, it is highly recommended to use the official Oregon State Parks reservation system, typically managed through ReserveAmerica. You can access this via the Oregon State Parks website (oregonstateparks.org) or directly through ReserveAmerica.com by searching for L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park. Booking in advance is strongly advised, especially for full hookup sites and during peak seasons, due to the park's popularity and excellent reputation.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Oregonians, Dairy Creek Camp West within L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for an enriching outdoor experience. Its prime location just a short drive from Portland means that a tranquil forest escape is incredibly accessible, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips or easy longer vacations without extensive travel. This convenience is a significant benefit for locals seeking a quick and rewarding getaway into nature.

The campground's deliberate design for peace and quiet, particularly in the West loop, caters perfectly to those who cherish a serene environment. The spacious, well-maintained, and private sites—many with full hookups—offer unparalleled comfort, making it a fantastic choice for both RV enthusiasts and tent campers. The availability of clean restrooms with hot showers further enhances the stay, providing a touch of luxury in a natural setting.

Beyond the creature comforts, Dairy Creek Camp West serves as a gateway to the vast recreational opportunities of Stub Stewart State Park. With over 30 miles of multi-use trails connecting to the popular Banks-Vernonia State Trail, it's a paradise for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The added delights of wildlife sightings, disc golf courses, and a welcoming atmosphere fostered by friendly park hosts make every visit enjoyable. For Oregonians looking for a year-round, comfortable, and activity-rich camping experience that truly embodies the natural beauty and outdoor spirit of their home state, Dairy Creek Camp West stands out as an outstanding choice.

Dairy Creek Camp West

Buxton, OR 97109, USA