Waterloo Campground

Albany campers looking to stay close to camp but still get lost in Oregon's beautiful wilderness should plan a trip to Cascadia State Park. This state park consists mainly of verdant forests along the South Santiam River. The park is ideal for a tranquil hike, with several short trails leading along the river, through the woods, and past the stunning Soda Creek Falls. The park also features a bit of history, with the remains of the old Santiam Wagon Road used in the 1800s visible throughout the park. The South Santiam River is suitable for a few different sports, mainly fishing or swimming, and campers looking to relax can book a picnic table for a peaceful lunch.

If you want to learn more about the history of Oregon, visit the historic Champoeg State Park. This park is notable as it contains the remains of the town of Champoeg, where Oregon's first provisional government was formed during the 1840s. The park is also said to contain the oldest general store in Oregon, dating back to the 1860s. You can learn more about this town by stopping at the visitor center or follow an interpretive trail to learn how pioneers lived. The park also consists of a diverse landscape, including forests, wetlands, and fields, making this an excellent area for nature watching, hiking, and biking.

Adventurers trying to explore as much of Oregon as possible will want to visit the nearby seaside. Bullards Beach State Park is one of the closest oceanfront parks and consists of fields, lowland forests, and beaches between the Coquille River and the Pacific Ocean. There are over four miles of trails for hikers to discover, which lead by the Coquille River, along the beaches, and past a quaint lighthouse. Both the river and ocean are ideal for watersports, including fishing and boating, with a boat ramp that provides access to the water. Other popular activities include biking, horseback riding, and picnicking.

Albany campers who want to see the best cities Oregon has to offer will want to head north to Portland. It's Oregon's largest city and features tons of family-friendly attractions. The Pittock Mansion is one of Portland's top museums, and this 46-room French Renaissance-style mansion contains many artifacts and furnishings relating to life in the early 20th century, including a Steinway grand piano, a masonic sword, and a collection of ornate china. This estate is also located high up on a hill, featuring dazzling panoramic views of downtown Portland.

Another museum worth visiting in Portland is the Portland Art Museum. This art museum is one of the oldest on the West Coast and features over 40,000 pieces of art in its permanent collection, with especially excellent holdings of Asian, American, and Native American art.

Campers looking for a family-friendly excursion in Portland should consider the Oregon Zoo. It's the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River and contains over 230 different species, with many rare and exotic animals on display. Some of the interesting critters you'll likely see during your visit include African painted dogs, cheetahs, and southern sea otters. This zoo also contains a botanical garden if you fancy a stroll, and an open-air aviary, where you can interact with exotic birds.