The camp road will be closed for repairs in 2012 from July 15 into September.
Contact the office for availability!
LAND: Drift Creek Camp is a non-profit owned & operated by the Mennonite Camp Association of Oregon. The area is rich with natural resources and leased from the Forest Service. The creek creates a loop around twelve acres that hosts the spot known as Drift Creek Camp. The organization was formed in 1960 with the intention of creating a gathering place for camps, retreats, family reunions, and church activities. Guests are not permitted to remove items from the forest; though tempting, please do not disturb plants and animals.
DRIVING: The 10-mile camp road is east off Hwy 101 south of Lincoln City. The roads are well marked so just follow the signs.
Turn east off Hwy 101 onto Drift Creek Road at Drift Creek Falls trail sign.
Follow Drift Creek Road 2 miles to Forest Service Road #17 (a paved single lane to the left with a gradual climb).
Follow FSR 17 for 4.5 miles to FSR 1929, which is a right turn onto gravel.
Follow FSR 1929 3 miles to FSR 19.
Follow FSR 19 for 2.7 miles where you will see a yellow & brown sign reading “Siuslaw National Forest, Drift Creek Camp”
Turn right, cross bridge and you’re almost there! If groups wish to post signs, there are five left and three right turns. Please remove signs upon departure.($10 fee for each sign not removed.)
Guests may begin arriving as early as 4pm. It is important to respect the 4pm check-in time, especially during summer months when the window for cleaning between groups is small. In order to make camp presentable for incoming groups, we need to work without interruption. Groups are expected to have the facility cleaned and depart by noon on departure day in order for us to prepare for 4pm arrivals.
Once you reach Lincoln City, the drive off Hwy 101 is about 30 minutes. If you have plenty of time before check-in, you may want to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the ocean or explore local attractions. In recent years, traffic on the camp road has increased. With visitors to the Falls Trail, folks out fishing or hunting; forestry workers coming and going, etc., you should expect to meet other vehicles, including logging trucks. Please use caution and consider sharing the ride. Carpooling reduces traffic, saves resources and alleviates the parking load. Keep in mind that though it is only a 10 mile drive from Hwy 101, but takes 30 minutes. We do our best to keep the road clear, but it is not unusual to find fallen branches or trees. At about 4 miles out, you will lose cell service. To preserve the battery, turn off your phone. There is no cell or internet service at camp.
Once you arrive and unload, park in designated areas. Guests, especially children, play in front of the lodge and frequently cross the road. There should be adequate spaces, even for large groups, as long as people park in an organized and thoughtful manner.
GENERATOR: DCC is “off the grid.” Power comes from a diesel generator which provides lights, heat, etc. When it’s off, it’s DARK! We do have a back-up battery pack that illuminates emergency exit signs, the kitchen and the two main floor handicap-accessible rooms. Fuel costs are high. In order to keep DCC affordable, we strive to minimize use of the generator and propane. If your schedule allows, consider having the generator off during a few day-time hours during your stay.
WHAT TO BRING:
Flashlights, headlamps or a battery-powered lantern if you plan to stay up past 11pm. (Power goes off at 11pm and returns at 6:30. Extended generator time is $50/ hour.
The furnace is powered by the generator so nights can be chilly. Bring warm bedding & clothes.
Please consider bringing a hand towel to use rather than paper towels. All trash has to be hauled out of camp and is a big expense. You can help reduce waste by bringing a towel.
If you wish to wake up with an alarm, bring a battery-powered clock or set your watch. Plug-in clocks go off with the power.
KEEP IN MIND:
If your room’s light goes off with the generator, it will come ON with the generator. Sometimes the generator will come on during the night to charge the batteries. If your light switch is up, your light will turn on. If your group would prefer that the generator go off early, we are happy to arrange that.
To avoid spills, messes and unwanted critters, do not take food or beverages upstairs.
WATER SYSTEM: DCC is now on a well. Batteries power the pump so please keep water usage, especially showering, to a minimum during the hours that the generator is off. Occasionally the well harbors the smell and taste of sulfur. There is a filter on the single prep sink in the kitchen; use water from that tap for cooking and drinking. If the potential taste and smell bothers you, consider bringing bottled water.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS: The main lodge contains 117 beds and can sleep up to 122 if the 12 queen beds have double occupancy. The two main floor rooms each sleep up to 4. The second floor accommodates up to 68 with 58 beds. If your group is less than 50, lodge use will be limited to the 1st & 2nd floors. The 3rd floor can be opened for an additional $100.
The two main floor rooms should be used by guests with limited mobility or who need electricity for CPAPs. Room 207 on the second floor also has 24-hour battery access.
Bedding is available for rent: $20/twin or $25/queen. Bath towels are $5.
There are two restrooms for men and women both on the main and second floors. If a single-sex group is using the lodge, please feel free to use both restrooms accordingly.
If DCC provides meals, space is needed for kitchen volunteers.
ACTIVITIES: The lodge provides a cozy atmosphere for families and friends to spend time away from life’s hectic routine. Many describe the “Ahhhh,” feeling when they arrive. We strive to provide a relaxing stay where you can experience renewal. However, some folks find it easier to relax with things to do!
If your group enjoys activities, feel free to bring equipment for:
OUTSIDE: Basketball (we have hoops), volleyball (we have the net), soccer (we have the goal posts), softball (we have the bases), Horseshoes (we have posts & shoes), etc. Check-out equipment from camp staff. Replacement fees will be charged for lost or damaged items. To float the creek, bring a lifeguard. Inner-tubes & life jackets can be rented for $5 per set. ($25 for popped tubes.)
Enjoy the well-marked trails within the loop. Maps are provided, but please return them to the office.
INSIDE: Ping pong and foosball are available. Additional balls are 50 cents each. We also have tables for games, puzzles, and playing cards.
A piano is available on the main floor and in the chapel.
A digital projector can be rented for $25 to show movies, presentations, photos, etc.
NATURE CENTER: Collections and useful equipment are always being added to the Drift Creek Nature Center. This resource is located inside the lodge to enrich your camp experience. There are trail maps, field guides, displays, photographs, microscopes, computers, artifacts and countless educational materials for you to use and enjoy as you learn about the unique riparian area found at Drift Creek Camp. However, these items are costly to replace and should be checked-out through the camp staff. Please accompany your children while they explore the nature center!
MEALTIME: A large bell is used to indicate mealtimes. Please assign volunteersto wipe tables before & after meals. Please minimize food waste. It is expensive and time-consuming to haul away and we do not have garbage service. Extra fees will be applied for excessive trash.
It is helpful when groups respect the meal clean-up system. There are bins for recyclable items and napkins should be placed in the burnable depository, NOT in the scrap bin. Deposit food waste in scrap bin. Silverware goes in marked tubs. Dishes & cups can be stacked neatly in the window. To minimize waste, camp staff gathers scraps for chickens. Your cooperation in managing and reducing waste is deeply appreciated!
If your group is cooking for yourselves, please remember to include the camp staff who is hosting you in your meal count . Currently the on-site staff includes 2 adults and 4 children.
CHECK OUT: The on-site staff will give cleaning instructions. (This usually happens on Saturday evening.) Please leave DCC the way you found it.
The following procedures are helpful:
1. Guests load bags into vehicles before cleaning to prevent walking through (and dirtying) areas that have already been cleaned. Remind guests to check in restrooms and under beds for personal items.
2. Cleaning lists are posted and supplies will be distributed.
3. It is up to the group leader to ensure that all cleaning is completed.We recommend tracking where guests sleep and ask them to be responsible for cleaning those areas. Divide common spaces among the group. (Don't forget to pick up outside litter too!) Fees will be applied for damages and un-cleaned areas.
DEPARTURE: Please respect the 12 pm check-out. If you strive for an 11:30 check-out, then noon is probably realistic. Be courteous of groups arriving after you by giving staff adequate time to prepare.
THANK YOU!!! We appreciate you choosing DCC! While our unique location provides a wonderful setting, it can also present challenges. We do our best to rise above limitations that come with having a small staff. We strive to meet your needs in order to create a warm and inviting experience! We welcome your return and hope you have a wonderful time!
Have a safe trip! It's never too early to make arrangements for your next stay!
Remember that the camp road will be closed for repairs in 2012 from July 15 into September.
