Outdoors
Lakes, rivers and beaches near Eugene where swimming is allowed on public land.
Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.
17 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management
Looking for that motorized trail experience to enjoy with family and friends? The Shotgun OHV System offers a mix of challenges, scenic views, technical features, and amenities to satisfy the OHV enthusiast.
17 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management
The refreshing location with its lush, forest setting, coupled with comforts normally associated with an urban park, blend seamlessly at this popular day-use site.
19 mi south · Bureau of Land Management
This 14-mile, paved, multi-use National Recreation Trail follows the route of the now-abandoned Oregon Pacific & Eastern Railroad line, along the scenic shores of the Row (rhymes with "cow") River and Dorena Reservoir.
Map of 9 places loads as you scroll.
Looking for that motorized trail experience to enjoy with family and friends? The Shotgun OHV System offers a mix of challenges, scenic views, technical features, and amenities to satisfy the OHV enthusiast.
The refreshing location with its lush, forest setting, coupled with comforts normally associated with an urban park, blend seamlessly at this popular day-use site.
This 14-mile, paved, multi-use National Recreation Trail follows the route of the now-abandoned Oregon Pacific & Eastern Railroad line, along the scenic shores of the Row (rhymes with "cow") River and Dorena Reservoir.
Pine Meadows Campground is located on Cottage Grove Lake in Oregon's southern Willamette Valley.
The natural bedrock slide at Lake Creek Falls is very popular and ideal for a hot summer day! A series of low cascades carved in the bedrock within a narrow gorge create this geological wonder that spills into Triangle Lake.
Bedrock is located in a dynamic landscape setting shaped by fire, this 22 site camground is situated on a terrace above Fall Creek where the hillsides surrounding the camp offer an impressive fireweed bloom display during the summer…
Rujada Campground is located 21 miles east of Cottage Grove (45 minutes from Eugene) on a riverside terrace above Layng Creek.
Rujada Day Use Picnic Area is set along the banks of Layng Creek, with a large, open grassy area amidst a scattering of Douglas fir. Rujada is a perfect setting for family reunions, parties or group getaways.
Oregon’s Smith River forms in the Coast Range and flows about 50 miles west, emptying into the Pacific Ocean just north of Reedsport, Oregon. This site offers camping right next to the river, just above the falls.
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Eugene. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
An activity Short shared by Traveling Spud.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
An activity Short shared by The Boutique Adventurer.
Watch on YouTube ↗
Shotgun Creek OHV Staging Area (Bureau of Land Management), about 17 miles northeast of Eugene as the crow flies. Next are Shotgun Creek Recreation Site (17 mi) and Row River Trail (19 mi).
Based on Eugene’s average highs, July–September. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Federal agencies including Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.