Steamboat Ball Field Group Campground

Hello, fellow Oregon adventurers and group organizers! If you're looking for that ideal spot to gather your large group for an unforgettable outdoor experience, where privacy is abundant and the sounds of nature prevail, then Steamboat Ball Field Group Campground in the Umpqua National Forest is precisely what you need. This isn't your typical crowded campground; it's a dedicated group site designed for up to 100 people, offering a unique blend of spaciousness, primitive charm, and direct access to the beauty of the North Umpqua River.

Steamboat Ball Field Group Campground is truly a hidden gem for those who appreciate getting "far enough away from civilization that we could be loud and enjoy ourselves late into the night without disturbing others," as one satisfied camper aptly put it. This highlights a key benefit: the ability to truly relax and celebrate with your group without worrying about disturbing other campers. It's an ideal setting for family reunions, club gatherings, youth groups, or any large assembly seeking an exclusive natural retreat.

The campground embraces a more rustic, primitive camping style, which for many Oregonians, is exactly what makes it so appealing. While there's "no running water," the "pit toilets" are noted to be surprisingly well-maintained, smelling "better inside than outside due to venting." This commitment to basic yet functional amenities means you can enjoy the serenity of the forest without needing all the bells and whistles of a developed site. The expansive "ball field" at the heart of the campground offers ample open space for games, activities, and simply spreading out, adding a unique recreational element to your group's stay.

Its location near the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River provides a fantastic backdrop for your adventure. Access to the "Umpqua River by trail, a short hike from the far end of the field," opens up opportunities for fishing, river access, and enjoying the renowned emerald green waters. While the surrounding forest does feature "lots of poison oak and poison ivy," careful navigation and awareness of your surroundings are part of the true wilderness experience, which many Oregonians embrace. Steamboat Ball Field Group Campground promises a "little slice of heaven" for groups seeking a memorable and unrestricted outdoor adventure in the heart of Oregon's stunning Umpqua National Forest.

Steamboat Ball Field Group Campground is situated on NF-4712, Idleyld Park, OR 97447, USA, deep within the Umpqua National Forest. This places it approximately 39 miles east of Roseburg, along the scenic corridor of the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River.

For Oregonians traveling from major population centers like Portland, Salem, or Eugene, accessing the Umpqua National Forest typically involves heading south on I-5 to Roseburg, then east on OR-138 (the North Umpqua Highway/Diamond Lake Boulevard). This route is a designated scenic byway, offering breathtaking views as you ascend into the Cascade Mountains. From Roseburg, you'll travel east on Highway 138 for about 39 miles to the Steamboat Workcenter. Here, you'll turn right onto Forest Service Road 4712, crossing Mott Bridge. After crossing the bridge, follow the signs and turn left onto Road 4712-009, which will lead you directly to the group site. The reservation area is located at the end of this road.

As a remote group campground within a National Forest, accessibility is primarily by private vehicle. While the main highways are well-maintained, Forest Service roads can be unpaved or gravel, so drivers should be prepared for varying conditions. Checking current road conditions and potential closures, especially during winter months or after significant weather events, is always advisable. Given its "far enough away from civilization" nature, cell service is likely limited or non-existent, which is often a desirable feature for those seeking to truly unplug. This allows for a deeper immersion into the natural surroundings, encouraging groups to focus on their collective experience. The campground's designated status as a large group site means it's designed to accommodate multiple vehicles and provides ample space once you arrive, ensuring a comfortable setup for your entire party.

Services Offered:

• One large, reservation-only group campsite
• Accommodates up to 100 people
• Maximum of 20 vehicles
• Picnic tables
• Fire pits/rings
• Grills
• Vault toilets (accessible)
• Baseball field
• Horseshoe pits
• Accessible picnic shelter/pavilion
• Garbage disposal (trash receptacles)
• No drinking water available (visitors must bring their own)
• No hookups for RVs or tents
• No campground host on site
• Quiet hours are enforced between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Campfires allowed only in developed fire pits (check current fire restrictions)
• Fireworks and OHV/ATV use prohibited in the campground
• Dogs must be on leash
• Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Features / Highlights:

• Exclusive Group Site: Steamboat Ball Field is a single, large, reservation-only group campsite capable of hosting up to 100 people and 20 vehicles. This exclusivity ensures privacy and ample space for large gatherings.

• Remote and Secluded: Located "far enough away from civilization," it offers a truly quiet and undisturbed camping experience, allowing groups to enjoy themselves late into the night without disturbing others.

• On-Site Recreational Facilities: A unique feature is the actual "baseball field" and "horseshoe pits" available for group use, providing built-in entertainment and activity options for all ages.

• North Umpqua River Access: The campground offers "access to Umpqua River by trail, a short hike from the far end of the field." This allows for fishing, swimming (in appropriate areas), and enjoying the scenic beauty of the Wild and Scenic River.

• Primitive Comforts: While lacking running water or hookups, the presence of clean, well-vented vault toilets and garbage disposal services provides essential amenities for a comfortable primitive experience.

• Ample Space for Activities: The large, open field provides plenty of room for group games, team-building exercises, or simply spreading out and relaxing in the fresh air.

• Natural Beauty: Situated under a canopy of forest near the emerald green waters of the North Umpqua River, the campground offers a beautiful natural setting, despite some burn areas from past fires.

• Digital Detox: Its remote location likely means limited to no cell service, encouraging groups to disconnect from technology and truly engage with each other and their natural surroundings.

• Accessible Facilities: The site includes an accessible group shelter and accessible restrooms, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.

Contact Information:

Address: NF-4712, Idleyld Park, OR 97447, USA

Phone: (541) 496-3532 (North Umpqua Ranger Station - for inquiries)

Reservations: Reservations for Steamboat Ball Field Group Campground are made through Recreation.gov (or by calling 1-877-444-6777).

While the provided phone numbers (541) 485-4433 / +1 541-485-4433 are for "Camp Chinook," a different campground, the Umpqua National Forest Recreation.gov listing provides the correct contact for Steamboat Ball Field. The general Umpqua National Forest phone number (541) 440-4930 might also be helpful for broader information.

For Oregon locals, especially those planning large gatherings, Steamboat Ball Field Group Campground is an unparalleled choice that perfectly captures the spirit of our state's vast outdoor offerings. We Oregonians often seek out places where we can genuinely escape, and this campground, being "far enough away from civilization," provides that sought-after solitude for groups to reconnect without disturbance.

The unique combination of dedicated group space, complete with a ball field and horseshoe pits, speaks directly to our love for active outdoor recreation and community bonding. It's ideal for family reunions where generations can play together, for youth groups learning outdoor skills, or for friends simply wanting to share a memorable time in a private setting. The "no running water" aspect and the use of vault toilets might seem primitive to some, but for many Oregonians, this simply means a more authentic camping experience – a chance to get back to basics and appreciate the natural resources around us.

Moreover, the proximity and access to the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River is a significant draw. For those who enjoy fishing, swimming, or simply exploring beautiful river trails, this campground offers a fantastic basecamp. While being mindful of poison oak is part of the Oregon wilderness experience, the rewards of being immersed in such a pristine forest, under dark, star-filled skies, far outweigh these minor considerations. Steamboat Ball Field Group Campground truly offers a "slice of heaven" for local groups eager to forge lasting memories in the heart of Oregon's stunning Umpqua National Forest.

Steamboat Ball Field Group Campground

NF-4712, Idleyld Park, OR 97447, USA