Sawyers Rapids Park Introduce
Welcome to Sawyers Rapids Park, an RV campground situated at 24828 OR-38, Elkton, OR 97436, USA. For local users searching for "RV parks near me" in the Elkton area or those traveling through scenic Oregon, Sawyers Rapids Park offers a unique experience directly on the bank of a potentially dangerous river. This introduction aims to provide a detailed and objective overview of the park based on the available customer reviews, highlighting both its advantages and potential drawbacks.
According to one detailed review, Sawyers Rapids Park is described as a small and somewhat cramped RV campground with tight spaces. The reviewer suggests that the park has a slightly "seedy and run down" appearance and strongly disputes any classification of it as a "resort" campground. This paints a picture of a no-frills environment focused more on basic accommodation rather than extensive amenities or a luxurious setting. Prospective visitors seeking a resort-style experience with numerous facilities might find Sawyers Rapids Park lacking based on this feedback.
The review also points out that approximately half of the campsites are occupied by full-time residents. This high percentage of long-term occupants could limit the availability of sites for transient travelers and might also influence the overall atmosphere of the park. It's important for short-term visitors to be aware that the community might have a more permanent residential feel rather than a purely transient camping vibe.
A significant feature of Sawyers Rapids Park is its location directly on the bank of a river. This is highlighted as a major draw for "hardcore fishermen" who might find it to be a "little slice of heaven." The immediate river access provides opportunities for fishing and enjoying the waterfront. However, the same reviewer also cautions that the river is "very dangerous" and poses a significant risk, particularly to families with small children, stating that it could "sweep your kids away in the blink of an eye." This serious warning about the river's potential hazards is crucial for anyone considering a stay, especially those traveling with young families.
Counterbalancing the allure of the riverfront is the park's close proximity to Highway 38. The review explicitly mentions that the campground is "literally feet off hwy 38," resulting in constant noise from "full-speed traffic zipping by," including many large trucks. While the "everpresent sound of the rapids" is noted as mitigating the traffic noise to some degree, it's clear that guests should expect a significant level of ambient noise from the nearby highway. This is an important consideration for those seeking a quiet and secluded natural retreat.
Despite the criticisms regarding the park's condition and noise levels, the detailed review also notes that Sawyers Rapids Park is "very affordable" and that the surrounding area is "pretty." Furthermore, the reviewer mentions not encountering a single unfriendly person during their stay, suggesting a potentially welcoming and positive social atmosphere among the occupants. This highlights a possible trade-off: while the physical amenities and environment might be basic, the affordability and the people could be appealing.
Another, much briefer review simply states "Awesome place. The staff are friendly and it's right on the river." This positive feedback corroborates the friendliness of the staff and the desirable riverfront location. However, it doesn't address the concerns raised in the more detailed review regarding the park's condition, cramped spaces, or highway noise.
Based on the available information, Sawyers Rapids Park appears to be a budget-friendly RV campground primarily appealing to serious anglers due to its direct river access. The park's environment is described as small, cramped, and somewhat run-down, located very close to a busy highway, resulting in significant traffic noise. While the sound of the rapids might offer some white noise, it's unlikely to completely mask the highway sounds. The presence of a large number of full-time residents might influence the park's atmosphere.
The riverfront location, while a major draw for fishing enthusiasts, also presents a significant safety hazard, particularly for children. Therefore, Sawyers Rapids Park is explicitly cautioned as "Not a Place for Families With Small Kids!" due to the dangerous river conditions. However, the staff is noted as friendly, and the area is described as pretty, suggesting some positive aspects to a stay.
Promotional information is not included in the provided text. Therefore, we cannot comment on any special offers, discounts, or long-term stay options that Sawyers Rapids Park might currently be providing. For the most up-to-date information on pricing, availability, and any ongoing promotions, contacting the park directly at (541) 584-2226 or +1 541-584-2226 is recommended.
In conclusion, Sawyers Rapids Park in Elkton, OR, offers a riverside location that is particularly attractive to fishermen. However, prospective visitors should be aware of the park's small, cramped, and potentially run-down environment, its close proximity to Highway 38 and the associated noise, and the significant safety risks posed by the river, especially for children. While the park is reported to be affordable and the staff friendly, those seeking extensive amenities or a tranquil natural setting away from traffic noise might need to consider other options. It is crucial for potential guests to weigh these factors carefully based on their individual needs and preferences before making a reservation.
Sawyers Rapids Park Photos










Sawyers Rapids Park Location
Sawyers Rapids Park
24828 OR-38, Elkton, OR 97436, USA
Sawyers Rapids Park24828 OR-38
Elkton RV Park450 River Dr
CLOSED180 Main St
Smith River RV Park & Marina8451 Lower Smith River Rd
Eagle Valley RV Park221 Eagle Valley Rd
Rice Hill RV Park LLC1120 John Long Rd
River Bend Mobile Resort100 River Bend Rd SPC 2
Holly Knolls Mobile Home Park1000 N 8th St #41
Umpqua Mobile Village1413 Hawthorne Ave
Coho RV & Marina1580 Winchester Ave
Highland Mobile Home & RV Park3000 Frontage Rd
Oregon Coast RV Resort75381 US-101
Pacific Sands RV Park75351 US-101
Sawyers Rapids Park Reviews
It's a small, cramped, very tight RV campground that is a bit seedy and run down. To call this a "resort" campground by anyone's definition would be a big stretch. About half of the sites are taken by full-timers which, of course limits your choices AND while right on the bank of the river, it's also literally feet off hwy 38 so there's no getting away from the sound of full-speed traffic zipping by (many of which are big trucks) though it is mitigated to a degree by the everpresent sound of the rapids. Now to be fair, if you're a hardcore fisherman and don't care about amenities this is a little slice of heaven. On the other hand, if you stay in parks FOR the amenities steer shy of this place. It's very affordable, the area is pretty and I didn't meet a single unfriendly person. NOTE: This Is Not a Place for Families With Small Kids! The river is very dangerous and will sweep your kids away in the blink of an eye! Use caution
Apr 12, 2018 · Mark HarveyAwesome place. The staff are friendly and it's right on the river.
Aug 23, 2023 · tyson shatswellIt was amazing the owners are hella nice and i Caught a 12" fish with me hands.. exept the part when i stayed out in the sun too long... make sure to wear sun block😑
Jun 28, 2021 · RedEdge 1My family and I have not stayed here since the new owners took over but we used to visit in June for many years. Tent camped behind the big rock and stayed in the cabins many many times! I have not met the new owners but look forward to it! I get a kick out of reading the negative reviews! You can't please all the people all the time! Keep up the good work guys!
May 04, 2024 · Robert FinkWe drove 2 hours to camp, turned around and went home. Sadly the pictures on their website are inaccurate. They depicted a spacious atmosphere with room for a canopy. The space was so incredibly small that you could have a conversation in your low voice with all 7 other sites and every would be able to hear you. Man were we bummed. Their pics show the river being full of water and there were only dry rocks. I know its not their fault the water is low, but they seriously need to reconsider the photos on the site and explain in detail the truth about the "campground".The staff (Mark and Shane) were extremely kind.
Aug 04, 2023 · Erika Pit
More RV Parks Near Me
Elkton RV Park4.0 (180 reviews)450 River Dr, Elkton, OR 97436, USA
CLOSED5.0 (7 reviews)180 Main St, Scottsburg, OR 97473, USA
Smith River RV Park & Marina5.0 (9 reviews)8451 Lower Smith River Rd, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
Eagle Valley RV Park3.0 (51 reviews)221 Eagle Valley Rd, Oakland, OR 97462, USA
Rice Hill RV Park LLC4.0 (150 reviews)1120 John Long Rd, Oakland, OR 97462, USA
River Bend Mobile Resort3.0 (47 reviews)100 River Bend Rd SPC 2, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
Holly Knolls Mobile Home Park3.0 (22 reviews)1000 N 8th St #41, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
Umpqua Mobile Village4.0 (8 reviews)1413 Hawthorne Ave, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
Coho RV & Marina3.0 (89 reviews)1580 Winchester Ave, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
Highland Mobile Home & RV Park4.0 (45 reviews)3000 Frontage Rd, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
Oregon Coast RV Resort4.0 (195 reviews)75381 US-101, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
Pacific Sands RV Park4.0 (8 reviews)75351 US-101, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
Categories
Popular Camping Sites
Rocky Creek Campground4.0 (74 reviews)
Eagle Tree RV Park4.0 (179 reviews)
Chet's Place3.0 (17 reviews)
Green Acres RV Park4.0 (6 reviews)
Lumber River Campground4.0 (353 reviews)
Epsom Valley Campground4.0 (124 reviews)Most Searched Camping Sites
Trending Camping Blog Posts
10 Must-Visit Campgrounds in the Midwest for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Romantic Camping Spots for Couples: Perfect Getaways in Nature
Ultimate Guide to Off the Grid Camping in Remote Locations
Vanlife in Winter: My Personal Experience Living on the Road
How to Cook Over a Campfire Safely for an Enjoyable Outdoor Experience
From City to Camp: My Journey to Nature and What I Learned 
