Longbow Organizational Camp

Longbow Organizational Camp is a Forest Service campground in the Sweet Home Ranger District of Oregon's Willamette National Forest, about 1.2 miles from the South Santiam River. The site was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and retains its historic character, with six alpine shelters that sleep a total of 48 people, all facing the river. A covered cooking area with a fireplace and an amphitheater that seats 75 people round out the facilities. The campground is set up for groups, with six shelters and a large gathering space. Firewood can be purchased onsite, and the South Santiam River offers fishing and wading. Hikers can explore the Old Santiam Wagon Road, a historic trail used to transport livestock across the Cascade Mountains, or head to the South Santiam and Gordon Lakes Trail Area for more hiking. Summer is the most comfortable time to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July and August highs around 79 to 80°F with only about four wet days a month, while winter months bring highs in the mid-40s and rain on most days. Trout Creek campground is 0.7 miles away, and Yukwah campground is 1.2 miles off. The South Santiam River paddling route is 1.2 miles away, and the Walton Ranch Interpretive hike is 0.8 miles away.