Chances are, you're like everyone else when it comes to taking a break — ready and raring to go. The problem is that you’re at a loss for vacation spots. Your emotions are urging you to stay away from where everyone else is going, but your rational mind doesn’t want you to miss out on recommended spots. You’re in dire need of a destination, and you’re in luck — Oregon’s State Park system makes the decision of where to go very easy.

Located less than an hour away from Oregon’s state capital of Salem, Silver Falls State Park is an attractive option for folks who want to experience nature at its most beautiful and bountiful. Read on to learn more about Silver Falls State Park RV camping and attractions and why it’s the perfect destination for a road trip!

Silver Falls State Park Facts

It might not be on the beaten path for most out-of-state travelers, but that just means there’s more for an intrepid visitor like you to discover when RV camping near Silver Falls State Park. Here are a few Silver Falls State Park facts to digest to help get you acquainted when you start planning your visit. 

• At more than 9,000 acres, Silver Falls State Park — dedicated in July 1933 — is the largest state park in Oregon.

• The presence of numerous waterfalls helped give Silver Falls State Park its name, with the most visited being the 177-foot-high South Falls.

• There are more than 24 miles of hiking trails, 14 miles of horse trails, and four miles of biking trails at Silver Falls State Park.

• Silver Falls State Park is often referred to as the "crown jewel" of the Oregon State Parks system due to its stunning natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities.

• The park is located in the Cascade Range foothills, approximately 26 miles east of Salem, making it easily accessible from the state's capital city.

• In addition to South Falls, the park boasts a total of 10 waterfalls, each with its own unique charm and character. Some of the other notable falls include North Falls, Middle North Falls, and Winter Falls.

• Silver Falls State Park is rich in history, with evidence of Native American use dating back thousands of years. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a significant role in developing the park's infrastructure during the Great Depression, leaving behind historic structures and trails that visitors can still enjoy today.

• The Trail of Ten Falls is a popular hike that takes you past many of the park's waterfalls, offering a breathtaking experience of the area's natural beauty. It's approximately 8.7 miles long and provides opportunities for up-close views of several waterfalls.

• Due to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Silver Falls State Park has been the backdrop for numerous films and television shows such as Grimm and The River Wild, making it a place of cinematic significance as well.

Best Silver Falls Campgrounds and RV Parks

When it comes to RV camping, Silver Falls State Park is prime territory for RVers. This is why there are numerous options for RV camping near Silver Falls State Park. What follows is a list of Silver Falls campgrounds that can provide space for you, your family, and your RV as you explore the area. 

Silver Falls State Park Campground

Amenities: With an RV rental, Silver Falls campground is yours to explore. There is perhaps no better way to get an early start on your daily adventures than RV camping in Silver Falls State Park itself. With picnic shelters, electric hookups, and more, you’re in the heart of everything.

Capacity: 51 RV campsites

More information: Silver Falls State Park Campground

Silver Spur RV Park

Amenities: All of the RV spaces at Silver Spur RV Park have electric hookups, making this an easy choice for travelers who want to get away from it all while still having modern conveniences. With a fish pond, an off-leash pet area, a game room, and a jacuzzi that’s open seven days a week (year-round), it’s easy to envision Silver Spur RV Park as your home away from home.

Capacity: 81 RV campsites

More information: Silver Spur RV Park

Camp Dakota

Amenities: What this campground lacks in dedicated space for RVs, it more than makes up for with its ambiance — and, of course, with attractions that’ll satisfy the whole family! While parked here, you can go zip-lining, take aim on a paintball course, try your hand at gold-panning, and more.

Capacity: 10 RV campsites

More information: Camp Dakota

Phoenix RV Park

Amenities: When you’re not out exploring Silver Falls State Park, you can do your laundry, exercise in the fitness room, or catch up on your emails using Phoenix RV Park’s free Wi-Fi. In addition to being one of the many Silver Falls State Park RV sites providing full hookups, there is an on-site RV repair service, and appointments can be made for washing, waxing, and detailing your RV!

Capacity: 107 RV campsites

More information: Phoenix RV Park

Hee Hee Illahee RV Resort

Amenities: More like a community than a campsite, Hee Hee Illahee RV Resort has practically everything those looking for Silver Falls State Park RV campgrounds need for either a short- or long-term stay. Clean bathrooms await, as do a spacious coin-op laundry room, grassy dog runs, and even a kitchen you can use for a party. Those aiming to call Hee Hee Illahee RV Resort home for a while can also rent a private mailbox. 

Capacity: 139 RV campsites

More information: Hee Hee Illahee RV Resort

Premier RV Resort

Amenities: The Salem Premier RV Resort offers long pull-thru sites with 20/30/50 amp hookups. It is open year-round and includes a fitness center, basketballs and pickleball courts, a playground, off-leash dog areas, an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, and free Wi-Fi. You’re sure to have a blast at Premier RV Resort.

Capacity: 173 RV campsites

More information: Premier RV Resort

Best Time to Visit Silver Falls State Park for RV Camping

Now that you’ve seen some of the Silver Falls State Park RV campgrounds, you next need to decide on the best time to visit Silver Falls State Park. This depends on many factors. Every season brings with it both blessings and challenges. Before planning your trip, check out what the different seasons can offer.

Winter

With trails often covered in icy white powder during the winter, the photo opportunities at Silver Falls State Park at this time of year are practically endless. But, be careful. Those trails can get quite slippery! You’ll have more than enough space to yourself as you take in the breathtaking sight of waterfalls framed with a backdrop of snowy rocks and trees. Many RV parks are closed in the winter, though, so you might have to sleep further away than you would’ve preferred. It'll get quite chilly — so make sure you dress warm!

Spring

Spring is when things start to get busier at Silver Falls State Park — and for a good reason. The trails that were more traversed by foot in winter become easier to conquer for those with mountain bikes. What's more, the snow has melted, and the park blooms with colorful flowers. Many would agree that spring is the best time to visit Silver Falls State Park to see nature at its best and brightest. As other travelers also want to see Silver Falls State Park this time of year, you need to be sure that your RV campground is booked long beforehand.

Summer

Summer is one of the drier seasons at Silver Falls State Park. Hit the trails with little fear of needing to bring an umbrella or getting your boots excessively dirty — unless you enjoy that sort of thing. Be aware, though, that as with spring, tourists aplenty make their way to Silver Falls State Park in the summer. It will be even harder to get an RV campground on short notice during this time than in spring or fall, so plan accordingly and book early.

Fall

Come September, rain clouds appear more often in the skies above Silver Falls State Park. As the months progress, the chance for rain increases further still. October and November tend to be amongst the rainier months, making fall one of the less popular seasons for those who want to go hiking in Silver Falls State Park without turning their boots into a muddy mess. However, all the fall colors are on display and the crisp mornings make for a great time to explore the wilderness. 

Things to Do in Silver Falls State Park

There are countless things to do in Silver Falls State Park, but choosing between them all can be a bit overwhelming. Have a look at a few attractions and options to see what might be the best fit for you and your family.

Hike the falls. The Trail of Ten Falls loop — designated a National Recreation Trail — will take you past ten beautiful waterfalls over the few hours it takes to traverse.

Go behind the scenery. The main draw for many to Silver Falls State Park is the South Falls which can be seen along the Trail of Ten Falls. However, you can take a dedicated trail just to see South Falls, and a side junction can take you on a bridge behind South Falls for a picturesque experience. 

Watch for birds. Silver Falls State Park is on the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail. Keep an ear out for pileated woodpeckers, and keep your eyes ready to spot American dippers, varied thrushes, pigeons, warblers, and more. 

Horse around. If you’ve ever wanted to ride a horse through a forest but never had the chance to do so before, do it at Silver Falls State Park. Guided horseback tours are available for both beginners and intermediate riders.

Take photos. Beyond the waterfalls, Silver Falls State Park offers stunning flora and fauna that make for Instagram-worthy shots. Take your phone or digital camera out and see what gems you can capture behind the lens.

Have a picnic. Silver Falls State Park has several picnic areas equipped with tables and grills, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely outdoor meal with family and friends.

Winter activities. In the winter, the park can be a serene wonderland with opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The waterfalls can be particularly picturesque when surrounded by snow and ice.

Go fishing. Silver Falls State Park has several creeks and streams where you can try your hand at fishing. Be sure to check the fishing regulations and obtain any necessary permits.

Tips on Visiting Silver Falls State Park 

Even if you’re familiar with things to do in Silver Falls State Park, you need to be aware of a couple of other Silver Falls State Park facts for a seamless experience.

• Many Silver Falls State Park RV camping sites operate on a time-limited basis — usually between May 1 and November 1. If you’re planning an RV rental Silver Falls State Park visit from November 1 to April 30, keep in mind that your campground options will be more limited. 

• For safety reasons, pets are not allowed on the Canyon, Maple Ridge, Twin, and Winter trails. However, an off-leash pet exercise area is available in the South Falls day-use area. Leashed dogs are also allowed on the Rim trail, bike paths, and backcountry trails.

RV Rental for Silver Falls Campground in Oregon 

Once you've booked your RV rental, Silver Falls State Park is ready for your adventure. If you haven't yet secured your RV rental, though, you absolutely need to arrange that — and Cruise America's selection of RVs is second to none. The RVs you can explore with Cruise America are equipped with everything you need to help get you to Silver Falls State Park and all of the other sights in the Central Oregon and Willamette Valley area in comfort and style. 

If you haven't yet gotten in touch with Cruise America about an RV rental, don't delay; go book yourself an RV and get going!