Camp Smith
Campground
10 mi
4.8 (25)
NO STREET ADDRESS, McMinnville, OR 97128
RiverOR
Dovre
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan a Dovre visit with BLM campground river access, seasonal water availability, camping links and offline preparation for the Nestucca River.
Swimming restriction
Use campground river access and follow current BLM notices. Swimming is listed as an activity, not a guarantee of safe water, lifeguard coverage or approved jumping.
Official sources checked:
Water type
River
Access
Informal
Fee
Camping and shelter fees apply; confirm current charges on BLM and Recreation.gov. Separate swimming/day-use fee not established.
Best season
BLM generally describes the camping season as May through September. Confirm the current Dovre opening and closing dates before travelling
Nearby towns
Salem, Mcminnville
Water body
Nestucca River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Salem, Mcminnville
Access location not verified
45.316, -123.477
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Dovre
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Dovre Recreation Site on the Nestucca River
Dovre is a Bureau of Land Management campground in the Nestucca River Recreation Area, not an unmanaged roadside swimming hole. BLM lists swimming among its activities, but this does not establish safe conditions on any particular day.
River access and camping
BLM identifies two campground river access points at campsite 6. Follow signs and staff guidance, respect occupied sites and avoid searching for unmarked roadside paths. The campground has ten campsites and a group shelter. Use Recreation.gov to check campsite availability and booking details.
Facilities and preparation
Campsites have picnic tables, fire rings and paved parking. Two vault toilets and a central drinking-water well serve the campground, but BLM warns that water may be turned off seasonally. Bring drinking and washing water. Download maps and the payment app before arrival because the drainage has no cell reception.
Plan around current notices
Check the BLM visitor page for seasonal access, fees and notices. Camping charges are not a confirmed swimming admission price. No reviewed source establishes child-safe shallows, approved jumping ledges or lifeguard coverage.
What the camping and shelter photographs show
The additional historical views show a tent, chairs and a metal fire ring within a wooded campsite, plus an open-sided picnic shelter with tables and a stone fireplace. Tents, chairs and other visitor gear are not supplied amenities. Neither photograph identifies a campsite number or a swimming entrance, and the shelter view does not establish booking availability or step-free access. Follow the manager's river-access directions and current fire restrictions rather than treating old camping photographs as present conditions.
Getting There
From Carlton, BLM directs visitors west on Meadow Lake Road for 12 miles, then onto the Nestucca Byway. Follow signs for Dovre Recreation Site and use campground access instead of unmarked roadside trails.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
BLM identifies two campground river access points at site 6. Follow on-site signs and staff guidance; do not treat campsites or road shoulders as unrestricted visitor parking.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Use campground river access and follow current BLM notices. Swimming is listed as an activity, not a guarantee of safe water, lifeguard coverage or approved jumping. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
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Gender-neutral restroom
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Public restroom
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Public bathroom
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Public Parking
Parking garage
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Parking lot
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Hiking area
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RV park
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Picnic tablesPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Dovre
Is Dovre an unmanaged swimming hole?
No. Dovre Recreation Site is a BLM-managed campground in the Nestucca River Recreation Area. BLM lists swimming as an activity, but this is not a guarantee of safe conditions.
Where is river access at Dovre?
BLM identifies two campground river access points at campsite 6. Follow current signs and staff guidance and respect occupied campsites.
Are drinking water and toilets available?
BLM lists two vault toilets and a central drinking-water well. Water may be turned off seasonally, so bring drinking and washing water and confirm availability before travelling.
Can I rely on mobile reception at Dovre?
BLM reports no cell reception in the drainage. Download maps and the Recreation.gov payment app before arriving.
Is the campsite fee a swimming admission charge?
The published campground and shelter charges do not establish a separate swimming admission price. Check current BLM and Recreation.gov information for your planned visit.
Highlights
BLM-managed Nestucca River campground
Two river access points identified at campsite 6
Vault toilets and seasonal drinking water
Download maps and payment app before arrival
Unique Features
Nestucca Wild and Scenic River setting
Campground river access
Small campground with group shelter
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Check current river conditions and BLM notices before entering
- Do not infer safe depth, child suitability or permission to jump from river appearance
- Plan for no cell reception
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Dovre is located near Salem and McMinnville, areas rich in Oregon's history. Salem, the state capital, has roots in the early Oregon Trail era, while McMinnville is known for its agricultural and viticultural heritage.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
River and campground scenery from permitted access areas; respect occupied campsites and other visitors.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles. Avoid littering, stick to designated paths, and respect the local wildlife to preserve the natural beauty of Dovre.
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Check water quality before swimming
Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
BLM generally describes the camping season as May through September. Confirm the current Dovre opening and closing dates before travelling.
Difficulty Level
Use signed campground access. Accessible water entry and current riverbank conditions have not been verified.
Fee
Camping and shelter fees apply; confirm current charges on BLM and Recreation.gov. Separate swimming/day-use fee not established.
Facilities
Bring drinking and washing water when the campground well is unavailable. Download maps and the Recreation.gov payment app before arrival; BLM reports no cell reception in the drainage.
Activities
Swimming
Phone
503-375-5646
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Ten campsites and a group shelter. Check Recreation.gov for availability and current seasonal operation.
Nearby Attractions
- Nestucca River Back Country Byway - Scenic route
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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