Luckiamute State Natural Area
This is a fantastic Willamette River Greenway park. LSNA has grown from a collection of small parcels along the Willamette River to a 925-acre Natural Area managed as a single entity by OPRD. LSNA is divided into two sections, the 615-acre North Unit, which includes the current Water Trail campsite, and the smaller 310-acre South Unit. With its position at the confluence of the Santiam and Willamette Rivers, and the Luckiamute and Willamette Rivers, the area has an abundance of wildlife. Confluence areas typically have a higher number of fish species.
Deer, beaver, river otter, osprey, and an array of birds can be seen at this property.
Note that there is a parking area ahttps://willamettewatertrail.org/map/luckiamute-landing/ few miles from the Water Trail campsite, and in the summer, hikers tend to stroll through the camp area. although camping is for Water Trail users only. https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=192
Kate Ross Mar 13, 2013
This is primarily a “paddle in” campsite. While there is a parking lot, it is about a mile from camp.
Karl Lisle Jul 29, 2013
Great camp site. We camped on the beach, but the meadow looks like a good option too. The porta-potty is great amenity, though it could perhaps be placed in the shade.
Steve Salas Sep 14, 2014
Great site – camped on the gravel beach. Many osprey overhead in the morning.
Doug Decker Aug 2, 2016
Camp three (from Half Moon Bend) on the way from Harrisburg to Independence. This is a great spot, so many layers of history and things going on at the confluence. Be sure to paddle up the Luckiamute a ways when you depart: a different kind of river that will make you think “bayou.” If you are camped here overnight, walk the road out to the parking area (a couple miles) for a good look at this amazing cottonwood forest: a nice leg stretch after kneeling in the canoe for three days!
Donna Enbysk Nov 16, 2016
My 91 year old Mother grew up in Burma Vista. She is a treasure box of information on the Luckiamute. Her father drove logs down the river. She knows where the Indian encampments were and has many stories of growing up there. If you are interested, I can put you in contact with her.
Kyle H Sep 4, 2020
Awesome spot to stop at while traveling up the river. Has a few open spots to set up tents with a few areas that have picnic tables and burn pits available. Definitely recommend not picking as a start point, it’s a bit of a hike to the nearest parking.
Kyle Amann Jul 16, 2021
This is one of our favorite stops on our yearly trip. Comfortable and relatively private, we are very grateful for this site’s existence and maintenance. Fast water makes for a fun ride down the river in your life vest once you set up.
Eric M Young Sep 6, 2021
One of the best spots on the river! We love this camping spot. We arrived via Kayak on a 35th anniversary trip from Albany to Independence. It was a totally awesome trip Thank you so much for the people who maintain this area. The area was clean, the porta-potties were clean and no mosquitos but wow were the crickets loud!! If you are planning a float, don’t hesitate to include this stop on your itinerary, you wont be sorry.
Michael J Haskett Jul 16, 2022
This site is a great resource. I’m floating from Albany to Independence. I have a heck of a time finding the water trail map. Sometimes I stumble onto it. Frustrating. Does the map show the river miles?
Doug Decker Jul 30, 2022
When we passed Luckiamute on July 2nd, it was transformed into headquarters for a floatilla of scouts, so we camped on the gravel bar across the river, below where the Santiam confluence. Nice, long cobbled beach and some willows for afternoon shade. And amazing view of Buena Vista Bluffs. A good option if Luckiamute Landing is full.