The best camping near Valley of the Rogue State Park

Sandwiched between the Rogue River and Interstate 5, the compact Valley of the Rogue State Park offers camping, hiking, and easy access to Southern Oregon's Rogue River, a favorite for fishing and rafting. The Valley of the Rogue State Campground offers a mix of RV sites, tent sites, and yurts, plus group camping areas that can accommodate up to 25 people each. It's also a good jumping-off point for exploring area parks and attractions, and is only a 15-minute drive from the optical illusions at the Oregon Vortex.

1. The 157 sites and eight yurts at Valley of the Rogue State Park can be reserved online or over the phone through Oregon State Parks. Slots open at 6am, six months in advance, and can be booked up to a day in advance.
2. Last-minute reservations are sometimes available in person, on a first-come, first-served basis. Be prepared to show up early, and to potentially have to wait for a site to open up.
3. If you don’t have a lot of flexibility, you can set an availability alert online for specific sites and dates.

The campground is at its busiest between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when temperatures are at their warmest and rainfall is less likely. Rafting in the area is particularly popular in July and August, due to a combination of warm, dry weather and lower water levels. September still tends to stay pretty warm and dry, at least until the end of the month, and visiting in mid-September isn’t a bad idea if you want to beat crowds but still catch good weather.

• You can get basic groceries and supplies in Gold Hill, a 10-minute drive from the campground, or do a more extensive shop in the city of Grants Pass, a 15-minute drive away.
• The campground office is open on the opposite side of the I-5 from the park and walking there takes about half an hour (though it's only a three-minute drive away). Hours are limited, so it’s wise to call ahead.
• Pets on leashes are welcome, and four of the yurts are pet-friendly.