Valley River Center

We've camped at the Valley River Center twice. Minutes after we arrive security pulls up and fills out a permit for us. The parking lot is right next to a river, a park and a bike trail. There's also a movie theater and restaurants. It may be my favorite place to parking lot camp!

We decided to give the dry-camping on the Willamette River at the Valley River Center Mall a try and we are glad we did it. The parking area is in the NW corner and you can park right along the river or nest to a grassy field. The area gets lot of foot traffic and quite a few parents teaching their kids to drive, but it it doesn't feel so busy you are on edge. The security does indeed pull up right away to check you in. They are very nice throughout the process. The sheet you fill our mentions that deny stay over 2 days will cost $50 per day. Not sure if they look the other way because we only stayed the 2 day limit.

The river trail is right outside your door which makes for a quick bike ride to downtown Eugene or to the too numerous to count parks along the path. It is super dog friendly as well with a nice field right next door or a large grassy park right over the bridge. Dog and dog owners will be happy!

PROS:
Its free
Easy to find and easy to get in and out
Mostly in sun so good for solar
Plenty of things to do right outside your door
Mall security is patrolling constantly

CONS:
It is at a mall
Can get busy with lots of foot traffic near by and cars coming and going
Can be a little noisy

We felt safe and enjoyed having other RVing neighbors - something you don't always get in parking lot stays. It was a bit loud until the movie theater closed, but afterward, it was quiet and calm. We slept great and were able to rise and get on the road early!

We had lived in Eugene for a number of years and had frequented this mall more than my checkbook would like to admit. We have since moved out of state, but return occasionally to visit family and friends. It was wonderful to be able to stay centrally located to all we wanted, have great access to the mall and beautiful Riverside Path, and know that we were safe and secure, for a price that let us spend our money on other things.

Can't ask for more for an overnight (or two nights max). Security was helpful in explaining where and how to camp, but did also warn about theft of items left outside, or even attached too, the RV so be aware.

You're behind an office rather than right in the retail space, so when I arrived around 6:30 there wasn't much traffic activity. The whole lot looks fairly level for easy set up.
You have anywhere in the section to park:
Quiet, you want over by the building and the grassy area.
View: the far side away from the building you can see the river, it is close and across a bike path. People walk and run and ride here so you can hear them talk as they go by. This is where I was. I heard runners a few times starting around 5:30AM.
Security checks you in. They guys I spoke with were very friendly and helpful. You actually sign a form with contact info, I liked knowing you're legit, and so is everyone else.
Also, the parking lot lights, either go dim or a few go out later. I woke up in the wee hours and noticed it wasn't as bright as when I went to sleep.
Definitely a good stop over site.
The photos already accurately depict the area. Except it wasn't sunny when I was there!

We loved staying here! The lot was pretty empty during our stay (in early August), but the blackberry bushes were full to bursting, so we ate our fill. There's easy walking and biking access to a bike path right beside the parking lot, that leads into a beautiful park system that goes throughout the town. The mall is decent, with its own movie theater and we definitely indulged in some food court fare at one point. The security comes around frequently, and they checked us in right away. Our spot wasn't particularly level, but there are probably other areas that are.

For the best way to get to the RV parking area, if you're under 12' tall or so, turn onto Goodpasture Island Rd from Valley River Drive, turn right onto Valley River Center, then right when the parking lot ends. If you're taller than 12', there are some trees that might be problematic for you, so you might want to go all the way around the mall.

I can't say much more than the other reviewers, and add my two thumbs up! This is an excellent location for exploring Eugene by bike as it is right in the center of town. They also let you unhitch, which is great for a parking lot, and you don't have to leave until 5 pm. Though there was lots of traffic on the bike path, it never felt intrusive to us. There were other campers there both nights we stayed, so we felt safe at night. I did hear the Crossfit gym music in the morning, but it wasn't too bad.

I would agree with all the positive reviews here but add that my bike was stolen here. I had it locked on my Jeep hitch rack but they cut the Krypotonite cable and removed from the frame adapter. According to mall security and a local bike shop, this happens a lot here. I probably should have also had U locks but security said they will also steal parts. Beware.

Valley River Center is a shopping center, park at the rear of the complex talk to security, they will sign you in and instruct you where to park. The lot is well lit the security patrols the area, the only down side was train whistles.