Dumont Creek Campground

For us Oregon locals, the vastness of our state offers an incredible diversity of natural landscapes, from the rugged coast to the high desert, and of course, the serene beauty of our national forests. When the craving for a genuine, no-frills outdoor experience calls, many of us turn to the quieter, more intimate spots that truly connect us with nature. Dumont Creek Campground, nestled in the Umpqua National Forest near Tiller, is just such a place. It's a small, individual campground that promises a peaceful escape, highlighted by its unique access to a beautiful swimming hole on the South Umpqua River.

Dumont Creek Campground offers a rustic charm that appeals to those who prioritize natural surroundings over extensive amenities. With only three individual campsites, it fosters a sense of seclusion and quiet, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing getaway. Imagine spending your days exploring the nearby forest, then cooling off in the refreshing waters of the South Umpqua River, and finally settling down by a crackling campfire under the Southern Oregon sky. It’s the kind of place where you can truly unplug and unwind, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Reviews from past visitors consistently praise the "extremely enjoyable" nature of this campground, particularly highlighting the "communal path to the swimming hole" as a major draw. Despite some minor drawbacks like the smelliness of the communal bathroom (a common feature of vault toilets in remote areas), campers find the overall experience "worth it" for the natural beauty and the unique river access. For us Oregonians, who appreciate finding those special, less-developed spots, Dumont Creek Campground presents a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the tranquility and recreational possibilities of the Umpqua National Forest.

Dumont Creek Campground is located near Tiller, Oregon, with its address listed as Tiller, OR 97484, USA. This places it within the beautiful Umpqua National Forest, renowned for its diverse landscapes and ample recreational opportunities in Southern Oregon.

To reach Dumont Creek Campground from the Tiller Ranger Station, you would typically take County Road #46, which eventually becomes South Umpqua Road #28. You will follow this road for approximately 11 miles, and the entrance to Dumont Creek Campground will be on your right side.

Accessibility to Dumont Creek Campground is generally via a gravel forest road. While the road is passable, some sources indicate that it can be "rough and narrow" or have "tight turns" in spots. For this reason, while standard vehicles can typically make it, RVs and trailers are not recommended due to the challenging road conditions and the limited space within the campground. The small size of the campground, with only three individual campsites, contributes to its secluded and tranquil atmosphere, but also means it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It is advisable to arrive early, especially during peak camping seasons, to secure a desirable campsite. This remoteness, while adding to its charm, means campers should be prepared for limited services once they leave paved roads, embodying the true spirit of a Southern Oregon outdoor adventure. The campground is generally open from May to October, but it's always wise to check with the Forest Service for specific opening and closing dates, as well as current road conditions, before planning your trip.

Dumont Creek Campground provides essential, primitive services designed to offer a comfortable and authentic camping experience in the Umpqua National Forest.

• Individual Campsites: The campground features 3 individual campsites. Each site is equipped to support traditional tent camping and potentially smaller RVs, though larger RVs are not recommended due to access road conditions and site limitations.

• Affordable Fees: Camping at Dumont Creek is very affordable, with a reported fee of $10 per site. An additional fee of $5 may apply per extra vehicle, making it a budget-friendly option for locals.

• Site Amenities: Each individual campsite is well-equipped with its own grill, a fire pit, and a picnic table. These amenities greatly enhance the camping experience, allowing for easy meal preparation and comfortable outdoor lounging.

• Communal Vault Toilet: There is a communal bathroom in the form of a vault (pit) toilet. While convenient for basic sanitation, one reviewer notes it can be "so smelly that when the wind blows certain ways it is hard to breathe." Campers should bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

• No Potable Water: It is important to note that Dumont Creek Campground does NOT have potable (drinking) water available. Campers must bring all the water they will need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning for the duration of their stay. Some past visitors mention filtering water from the nearby small stream, but this requires appropriate purification equipment and knowledge.

• Garbage Disposal: Unlike some truly primitive sites, Dumont Creek Campground is noted to have garbage disposal facilities, making it easier for campers to leave no trace.

• No Showers: There are no shower facilities at this campground.

• No Cell Service: Due to its remote location, cellular phone service is likely to be unreliable or non-existent, contributing to the "unplugged" experience.

Dumont Creek Campground, despite its small size and rustic nature, offers several distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Access to a Swimming Hole: A major highlight and frequently praised feature is the "communal path to the swimming hole" on the South Umpqua River. This offers a "very nice, albeit rocky, beach with shallow wading areas with deeper patches for swimming." It's an excellent spot for cooling off during warm summer days.

• River Recreation: The South Umpqua River provides opportunities for various water activities beyond just swimming. Visitors recommend bringing "floats and/or rafts recommended for relaxation" in the deeper patches and quiet water. Note that fishing may not be permitted directly at this specific location on the river.

• Exploration Opportunities: The area offers "tons of exploring nearby," suggesting ample opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and discovering the surrounding Umpqua National Forest. This encourages active engagement with the natural environment.

• Secluded and Peaceful Atmosphere: With only 3 campsites, Dumont Creek provides a more isolated and quiet camping experience compared to larger, more crowded campgrounds. This makes it ideal for those seeking solitude and a break from noise.

• First-Come, First-Served Basis: The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which offers flexibility for spontaneous trips without needing prior reservations. However, it means arriving early to secure a spot during busy periods.

• Affordable Camping: At $10 per site, it's a very budget-friendly option for a multiple-night stay, making quality outdoor recreation accessible to more people.

• Individual Site Amenities: The provision of a grill, fire pit, and picnic table at each of the three sites enhances the comfort and convenience for campers, allowing for easy cooking and dining.

For information regarding Dumont Creek Campground near Tiller, Oregon, the primary point of contact is the Umpqua National Forest, which manages this site. Since it's a small, rustic campground, there isn't a direct phone number to the campground itself.

Address: Tiller, OR 97484, USA

For inquiries about Dumont Creek Campground, including current conditions, fire restrictions, road accessibility, and seasonal opening/closing dates, you should contact the managing ranger district of the Umpqua National Forest.

Tiller Ranger District (Umpqua National Forest):

Phone: (541) 957-3200 (This is the phone number provided for the campground itself, indicating it connects to the relevant Forest Service office for information.)

It is highly recommended to call this number before your trip to get the most up-to-date information, especially concerning the condition of the access roads and any fire bans that might be in effect. The Umpqua National Forest website is also an excellent resource for maps, alerts, and detailed recreational information about the area, helping you plan a safe and enjoyable visit to this secluded Southern Oregon gem.

For us Oregon locals, Dumont Creek Campground is a true testament to the hidden gems found within our state's vast national forests. Its suitability for local residents lies in its ability to offer an incredibly enjoyable, rustic, and affordable escape into nature, particularly for those who appreciate a quieter, more intimate camping experience. In a world where many popular campgrounds are often booked solid, Dumont Creek provides a refreshing first-come, first-served option for a spontaneous outdoor adventure.

The highlight of the "communal path to the swimming hole" on the South Umpqua River is a major draw, offering a unique and incredibly refreshing way to beat the summer heat. This natural swimming spot, with its mix of shallow wading areas and deeper pools, caters to both families and individuals looking to relax by the water. The surrounding opportunities for "exploring nearby" also appeal to our Oregonian spirit of discovery, whether it's hiking, wildlife viewing, or simply enjoying the peaceful forest environment.

While the note about the communal bathroom's smell is a minor point, it's a small trade-off for the overall beauty and tranquility of the site. The individual campsites, each with its own grill, fire pit, and picnic table, provide comfort amidst the rustic setting. For locals in Southern Oregon seeking a genuine camping experience with river access, a sense of solitude, and a strong connection to nature, Dumont Creek Campground is an ideal choice. It's a place where memories are made by the campfire, by the river, and under the wide-open Oregon sky.

Dumont Creek Campground

Tiller, OR 97484, USA