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BLM Camping

Shotgun Creek OHV Staging Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Shotgun Creek OHV Staging Area

BLM sites are areas of unincorporated public lands that are kept in their natural state for visitors to enjoy. Some areas are perfect for Bureau of Land Management free camping while others are for day use and feature hiking trails or off-roading areas. Still others offer a variety of recreational activities and might be great for both day use and overnight camping. To find what activities sites offer and which allow for camping, search for “BLM camping near me.”

The Shotgun Creek OHV Staging Area opens into the Shotgun OHV System, which spans 8,320 acres and features 30 miles of trails. The area also has two other staging areas, called the Crooked Creek Staging Site and the Cascade View OHV Complex. The Cascade View OHV Complex also features a beginners trail loop and a dedicated training site. The entire area is perfect for riding, but it also offers beautiful views of the gorgeous landscape.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Mossy Maple Trail

Located in the beautiful Thurston Hills Natural Area, this trail offers scenic views of the surrounding area.

Length: 4.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Dorris Ranch Loop Trail

This trail, which is open all year, is perfect for viewing the area around the scenic Dorris Ranch Living History Farm.

Length: 1.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Mill Race Path

Located in Springfield, the closest town to the Shotgun Creek OHV Staging Area, this paved trail is excellent for walking, running, or biking.

Length: 5.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Ribbon Trail

Located in Hendricks Park, this trail climbs a slope to the top of Floral Hill.

Length: 1.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Thurston Hills Hike

This trail can be a bit rough in some places, but it offers beautiful views of the Jasper Valley.

Length: 2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Dorena Lake, also called the Dorena Reservoir, is a great place for fishing enthusiasts to catch rainbow trout, bass, brown bullhead, crappie, yellow perch, and bluegill. The nearby McKenzie River also offers excellent trout fishing, and anglers can also catch chinook salmon during the spring and steelhead during the summer.

Wildlife Viewing

The Shotgun Creek OHV Staging is an excellent place to spot wildlife during a quiet moment. The area is home to bald eagles, spotted owls, mule deer, black-tailed deer, elk, wolverines, voles, black bears, and mountain lions. Visitors can also stop at the nearby Weyerhaeuser-McKenzie Natural Area Park to see many different plant and animal species.

Picnicking

Douglas Gardens Park in Springfield is a well-maintained park with picnic tables, paths, large grass areas, and a basketball court. Dorris Ranch, which is a public park, also has beautiful picnic areas with tables and bathrooms, and visitors can explore the ranch’s orchard or the living history village.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There are many RV camping options in the area around the Shotgun Creek OHV Staging Area. Fern Ridge Shores RV Park offers both short- and long-term RV camping, and there are full hookups. The park also offers easy access to kayaking or paddleboarding. The Premier RV Resort also offers full hookups as well as clean bathrooms and showers, a laundry room, and a heated pool and spa.

Free Camping

Free camping is available at the nearby Hult Dam and Reservoir. There are few amenities, so make sure to bring everything that you need with you.

RV Rentals Near Shotgun Creek OHV Staging Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Shotgun Creek OHV Staging Area BLM trip

The Shotgun Creek OHV Staging Area is open all year, but there may be occasional closures if the fire danger is high during the summer months. In general, July and August are the driest months. During the rest of the year, the area sees a good amount of rain. Winter months are relatively mild, with daytime temperatures reaching into the mid-40s. During the summer, daytime temperatures rarely exceed 85 degrees.

Most Bureau of Land Management campgrounds allow for up to two tents per site, with a maximum of eight people, but policies do vary from site to site, so it’s a good idea to check ahead before you plan your trip. You may also want to ensure that there’s enough room as most sites don’t take reservations. In general, BLM campgrounds allow for stays of up to two weeks within a month’s time. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Any time you’re doing some BLM RV camping, it’s important to protect the natural area around you. When you’re riding in the OHV area, stay on the trails so as to respect the property and limit disruption of the native flora and fauna. Only build fires in designated areas, and only start a fire when the fire danger in the area is low. Class I, II, and IV riders must carry a fire extinguisher. Pack out all of your trash and dispose of it properly. Never take any plants, animals, or rocks home with you.

Shotgun Creek OHV Staging Area Location

From Springfield, take Highway 5 to exit 194A for Highway 126. Continue on Highway 126 for four miles until the exit for 42nd Street. Turn left at the exit toward Marcola Road. Continue for 10 miles until you pass through the town of Marcola. Continue until you see signs for the staging area. Turn left at Shotgun Creek Road and follow the signs for the various staging areas.

Ready to visit Shotgun Creek OHV Staging Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.