Toketee Air Strip Forest Camp

For us Oregon locals who truly cherish the wild heart of our state, finding a unique and tranquil spot to connect with nature is always a rewarding endeavor. Toketee Air Strip Forest Camp, located near Idleyld Park in the Umpqua National Forest, offers just such an experience. This isn't your typical roadside campground; it's a distinctive, primitive camping area situated adjacent to the Toketee State Airport (3S6), an active, albeit quiet, turf airstrip. This unusual combination creates a special appeal, making it a hidden gem for both ground-based campers and those who might even fly in for an adventurous getaway.

Toketee Air Strip Forest Camp embodies a back-to-basics approach to outdoor recreation. It caters to those who appreciate a rustic setting, where the sounds of nature often outweigh any human-made distractions. While reviews of the adjacent Toketee Lake Campground highlight some maintenance issues, the Air Strip Forest Camp, by its very nature, offers a different, perhaps more raw, experience. It's a place where you're truly immersed in the Umpqua National Forest, surrounded by abundant wildlife and the rugged beauty of Southern Oregon.

What makes this spot particularly intriguing for us Oregonians is its dual functionality. For pilots, it offers a rare opportunity for "fly-in camping," allowing for a truly unique mode of arrival. For everyone else, it provides a quiet and secluded basecamp with direct access to a plethora of regional attractions, from majestic waterfalls to renowned hot springs and extensive trail systems. It's a place where the simplicity of camping meets the vastness of the Oregon wilderness, promising a memorable escape for those willing to embrace its primitive charm.

Toketee Air Strip Forest Camp is located near Idleyld Park, Oregon, specifically at Toketee State Airport, Idleyld Park, OR 97447, USA. This places it deep within the Umpqua National Forest in Southern Oregon, approximately 65 miles east of Roseburg.

To access the campground by vehicle, you would typically travel east on Oregon Route 138 (the North Umpqua Highway) from Roseburg. Near milepost 6592, you'll turn onto Forest Road 3701, which leads to the Toketee State Airport. The camp is situated around the east end of the airstrip.

The accessibility of Toketee Air Strip Forest Camp is notable for both its ground and air access. For ground-based campers, the roads leading to the airstrip are generally gravel forest roads. While these roads are usually passable for most vehicles, conditions can vary depending on weather and maintenance. It's always advisable to check with the Umpqua National Forest for current road conditions, especially during the shoulder seasons or after heavy rains.

For aviators, Toketee State Airport (FAA Identifier: 3S6) is a 5,350 x 60 ft turf airstrip. It's open to the public from May 1st to November 1st (closed during winter months). Pilots should be aware that the runway surface can be "bumpy, from the Elk" and "the middle portion is currently pretty rough," though the first 1500 feet of each end are smoother. High-wing aircraft are generally favored, and caution is advised for retracts. Wildlife, including elk, deer, and turkeys, can be present on or near the runway, requiring pilots to scan before landing or takeoff. This unique air access makes it a truly distinctive destination for those with aviation interests in Oregon. The remote location ensures a secluded experience, but also means campers should be self-sufficient as services are minimal.

Toketee Air Strip Forest Camp offers very basic, primitive services, aligning with its rustic and remote nature. It's designed for those who are prepared for a self-sufficient camping experience in the wilderness.

• Campsites: The camping area is primarily located on the east end of the airstrip, offering designated spots for primitive camping. These sites are generally suitable for tents and smaller RVs/trailers, though larger RVs might find navigation challenging on the forest roads or within the limited space.

• Picnic Tables: Campsite improvements have included the addition of picnic tables at the east end camping area, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.

• Fire Rings: Fire rings or communal fire pits are available at the camping spots. However, it is absolutely critical to check current fire danger levels and restrictions within the Umpqua National Forest before lighting any fires. Firewood is not provided, and visitors should bring their own.

• Pit Toilet: A pit toilet (vault toilet) is located on the west end of the airstrip, near the road access. This provides basic sanitation. Campers should bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as supplies are not guaranteed.

• No Potable Water: There is no source of potable (drinking) water available at Toketee Air Strip Forest Camp. Campers must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing for the duration of their stay.

• No Hookups: The campground does not offer any electrical, water, or sewer hookups for RVs or trailers.

• No Trash Services: This is a "pack it in, pack it out" area. There are no trash receptacles, so all garbage must be carried out by campers when they leave.

• Limited/No Cell Service: Due to its remote location, cellular phone service is likely to be unreliable or non-existent, contributing to the peaceful, off-grid experience but requiring self-reliance for communication.

Toketee Air Strip Forest Camp, with its unique setting, offers several compelling features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for adventurous Oregonians.

• Unique Fly-In Camping: For pilots, the ability to fly directly into the Toketee State Airport and camp adjacent to the airstrip is an unparalleled experience, blending aviation with wilderness recreation.

• Secluded & Quiet Environment: This primitive camp provides a truly quiet and undisturbed setting, far from the crowds often found at more developed campgrounds. It’s ideal for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature.

• Exceptional Stargazing: The remote location and high elevation contribute to exceptionally dark night skies, offering incredible opportunities for stargazing and even potential for telescope parties.

• Access to North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River: The camp is in close proximity to the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River, known for its stunning beauty, fishing opportunities (especially for steelhead), and various water activities.

• Proximity to Famous Waterfalls: Within a short drive, campers can access several iconic Oregon waterfalls, including Toketee Falls (a two-tiered waterfall cascading through basalt columns), Watson Falls (the highest waterfall in Southern Oregon), Clearwater Falls, and Whitehorse Falls. These offer fantastic hiking and photography opportunities.

• Nearby Umpqua Hot Springs: A significant draw is the close access to the renowned Umpqua Hot Springs, natural geothermal pools perched above the North Umpqua River, offering a unique soaking experience.

• Extensive Trail Access: The area is a hub for hiking and mountain biking, with direct access to segments of the famous North Umpqua Trail, which stretches for 79 miles and connects with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.

• Wildlife Viewing: The Umpqua National Forest is home to abundant wildlife, and campers may have the chance to observe elk, deer, turkeys, and other forest creatures, particularly around the airstrip in spring and fall.

For information regarding Toketee Air Strip Forest Camp, its unique nature means that inquiries might be best directed to the managing authority of the Toketee State Airport and the Umpqua National Forest. As a primitive camping area, there isn't a direct phone number for the camp itself.

Address: Toketee State Airport, Idleyld Park, OR 97447, USA

For ground-based camping inquiries, current conditions, fire restrictions, and road status within the Umpqua National Forest, the relevant ranger station is the primary contact:

North Umpqua Ranger Station (Umpqua National Forest):

Address: 18782 North Umpqua Highway, Glide, OR 97443

Phone: (541) 496-3532

For aviation-related information, including airstrip conditions, closures, and pilot advisories, information is typically managed by the Oregon Department of Aviation and the U.S. Forest Service as the owner of the airport.

U.S. Forest Service (Owner of Airport): P.O. Box 1008, Roseburg, OR 97470; Phone: (541) 672-6601

Oregon Department of Aviation (Manager): 3040 25th Street SE, Salem, OR 97302-1125; Phone: (503) 378-4880

It is highly recommended to contact the North Umpqua Ranger Station or consult the Umpqua National Forest website before your trip for the most up-to-date information on camping regulations, road accessibility, and any alerts that might impact your visit.

For us Oregon locals, Toketee Air Strip Forest Camp represents an adventurous and truly unique opportunity to experience the raw beauty of the Umpqua National Forest. Its suitability for local residents lies in its rustic charm and its unparalleled access to some of Southern Oregon's most iconic natural attractions. This isn't a place for those seeking manicured lawns and full hookups; it's for the seasoned camper who values solitude, self-sufficiency, and a profound connection with the wilderness.

The draw of nearby natural wonders, such as the breathtaking Toketee and Watson Falls, and the therapeutic Umpqua Hot Springs, makes this primitive camp an ideal base for exploration. For hikers and mountain bikers, the extensive North Umpqua Trail offers endless possibilities for adventure right outside your tent. And for those with a pilot's license, the ability to fly directly into your campsite is an experience that truly sets Toketee Air Strip Forest Camp apart from any other camping spot in Oregon.

While the basic amenities and potential for rougher roads might require more preparedness, these aspects also contribute to its secluded appeal, ensuring a more authentic and less crowded experience. For Oregonians yearning to unplug, witness incredible stargazing, and explore some of the state's most magnificent landscapes, Toketee Air Strip Forest Camp offers a truly memorable and distinctive outdoor adventure that celebrates the wild heart of our home.

Toketee Air Strip Forest Camp

Toketee State Airport, Idleyld Park, OR 97447, USA