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Humbug Campground is surrounded by old-growth forest, and during the months of May through July, the rhododendrons bloom in a spectacular show of pink blossoms. Recreation in the area is abundant -- plan on a quiet stroll through this lush forest or fishing on nearby Breitenbush River. Recreation Wading and fishing are popular activities in the Breitenbush River, and rainbow trout is the most common catch for anglers. The Willamette National Forest has about 1,700 miles of trail. While many are in wilderness areas, a number of trails are low-elevation, easy-access trails for year-round hiking. Facilities Humbug Campground sites have picnic tables, grills and easy access to the vault toilets. Drinking water spigots are spread throughout the campground. Most campsites offer sweeping views of the river. Natural Features The campground lies in the Willamette National Forest, which stretches for 110 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Range. The varied landscape of high mountains, narrow canyons, cascading streams and wooded slopes offer varied recreational opportunities for visitors. The Breitenbush River is a tributary of the North Santiam River, and its clean waters flow from short forks of snowmelt in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. A variety of plants and foliage separate the spacious campsites and provide privacy from other sites. Nearby Attractions Detroit Lake has a marina and provides plenty of opportunity for water recreation like boating, water skiing and kayaking. ADA Access: N
4.6 miles northeast of Detroit, Oregon. From Highway 22 at Detroit, turn east onto Breitenbush Road/Forest Service Road 46 and continue for 4.6 miles to Humbug Campground on the right.
Great little campground. Quiet. Little bit buggy, better if you build a fire, though often late season it's a "no burn" area. Sites away from the river (1-7) are more shaded. River access is high bank. Very clean vault toilets, potable water spigots. Firewood for sale, $6 per bundle, though we found it pretty wet. Better wood at the market in Detroit.
We loved camping at Humbug! We were looking for a last minute spot that had first come availability and decided to try this spot. The campsites are relatively spacious (some are much bigger than others) and offer a decent amount of privacy. The vault toilets smelled SO BAD, but maybe they aren't getting cleaned as regularly because of covid. We stayed at site 9 and really loved it. There is no cell service, but you are only 10 min drive from Detroit. There is river access from site 13 and the river is gorgeous! We even took a chilly swim in it while the kids waded in the shallow water. Another plus, not very many mosquitoes, hooray!
We stayed at Humbug this past weekend, 7/7-7/9/23, and had a great trip! Here are some hopefully helpful review points for anyone considering a stay.
Facilities: bathroom was always clean with plenty of toilet paper. The nearby water spigot was readily available and functional.
River access: steep and inaccessible to folks who aren’t mobile and surefooted. The trail we attempted with our toddler in tow had a short but sketchy washed-out, cliffside section with a rope handrail. It was enough to turn us around; between our improper flipflop footwear and precious kiddo cargo, it wasn’t worth a potential slide down into the canyon!
Scenery: most of the campground is still lush and green, with some lingering old growth firs above a smattering of vine maple and red huckleberries. Some sites, including 6, 8, and 9, were impacted by the fire and have minimal shade/greenery, or look straight out at the burn. People still had a good time camping in those spots! If you prefer lots of classic Oregon greenery while camping though, I’d recommend choosing a different spot. Across the river, the canyon is severely burned.
Sites: we stayed in Site 7 and, for the most part, it was great. The pros: lots of privacy, proximity to the bathroom/spigot, and a sizable pullout for extra vehicles. The cons: smaller space, very uneven ground, and tons of tripping-hazard rocks jutting up near the firepit from an old fire ring.
All in all, it’s a good campground and an incredibly lucky green oasis amid the burn. I’m excited to see what site maintenance and improvements come now that it’s open again. Enjoy!
It was the first day open after 4 years. Camp sites need some care. Uneven ground, thistle on campsites not at all pet friendly. I picked up 5 gallons of the thistle taking over an hour before being able to allow my dog to be somewhat safe. Pick nick tables could have been cleaned prior to opening. They only raked about a foot around the fire pit and was full of soot and raked crud. Again it was the first day after a long closure period. I suspect that it will take a season of campers to help clean the area up.
I did a on-line reservation. I told them I had a 25' trailer. They said the spot was 45' long. Drove an hour and a half to find the drive way for the spot was so steep. When trying to back in the bumper of my trailer was on the ground. Couldn't find a camp host. Luckily, I found another campground to save the weekend. But, still out the money for this spot.
