The best mountainous campgrounds near Ashland, Oregon

For outdoor enthusiasts, it doesn’t get much better than Ashland, Oregon. The Siskiyou and Cascade mountains rise above downtown, putting the wilderness at your fingertips. With four distinct seasons and mild weather, this Southern Oregon spot offers year-round adventure.

Any time of year, head to Emigrant Lake—the Point RV park offers full hookups and lake views. From March through October, sleep under the trees at Oak Slope’s peaceful tent sites. Around the lake, you’ll find gentle hiking trails, swimming, boating. Be sure to bring your fishing gear; the lake is stocked regularly.

For mountain camping near Ashland, the nearby national forests are your best bet. At Mt. Ashland campground, sleep just steps from the stunning Pacific Crest Trail. A few miles away, Wrangle Campground offers five tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings. If you’re looking to go off-grid, most of the forest is open for backcountry camping.

Bringing a boat? Drive 24 miles from Ashland to Howard Prairie Lake, where you’ll find a full-service marina. With two campgrounds, cabin rentals, and great fishing, the park makes a comfortable home base. In the winter, the nearby Pederson Trailhead / Sno-Park is a popular snowshoeing spot.

No matter when you arrive in Ashland, you'll find plenty to do. In the summer, book seats to the world-renowned Shakespeare Festival. Raft on the Rogue River’s spring rapids, and hike through the colorful leaves in the autumn. In the winter, go cross-country skiing in the snowy mountains or ice skate on an outdoor rink.

97% (1.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Scenic views on a hilltop surrounded by mountains overlooking a valley and pond. Wide open spaces dotted with junipers and oaks. Bring your self-contained RV or camper. No tent camping at this time, sorry. Wake up to see the sun on the hillsides and the beautiful horses and donkeys grazing nearby. Your RV will be in a separate area apart from the horses, but near enough to observe them. We are located between Mt Shasta and Mt Ashland with winter sports nearby. Hike the Klamath National Monument trails. Visit the old mining town of Yreka and check out historic Montague's Open Sky Art Gallery, the only justice-inspired art gallery in the Pacific Northwest. Many waterfalls and clean lakes in our area to visit too. I am an ARCH (Arenas for Change) Designated Horse Professional, Coach and Educator. I will be present with you for any horse experience you choose. Horse experiences available: 1. Communication with Horses. Connect and interact with the 5 horses and 2 donkeys in their pasture in a natural setting. Build confidence, reset your nervous system, and experience a deeper dimension of horse nature and how they teach and heal us. Stroke or groom horses as you learn more about these magnificent, sensitive creatures. 2. Self-Development with Horses. Want to be seen and heard? SEEN and HERD is a wellness session with horses with a specific intention you identify. This experience is often deep, transformational, and healing. The solution to any issue lies within ourselves. The unfolding stories of the horses and donkeys, as they interact with us in their natural setting, lend insights into our own story. Learn what is needed to move forward with intent. 3. Mountain Horseback Trail Riding. Go for a ride with a wrangler and me on gentle riding horses up well-established mountain trails on a recreational ranch as my guest. Guest fees apply and are included in the price. 4. Arena Horseback Riding and Lesson. Ride alongside me in a large arena on a gentle riding horse. Learn how to relate to the horse as you ride, communicate effectively, keep your balance using the correct posture, turn, stop, and move forward smoothly. Build your confidence as you learn from a patient riding instructor. No judgment, no yelling. Just fun learning!

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Peace&Panorama in Southern Oregon

100%

(16)

4.5mi from Ashland · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging · Talent, OR

Zenith Farm welcomes you to a touch of Tuscany in Southern Oregon. You’ll enjoy privacy and breathtaking views of the Rogue Valley and The Cascade Mountains. Situated on a 5-acre estate in Talent, Or, 4 miles from downtown Ashland and 10 miles from Medford, you'll be surrounded by an abundance of fine food, great entertainment, incl. world-famous Shakespeare and Britt Festivals, nightlife, family-friendly and outdoor activities, day trips to destination wineries, redwoods, Crater Lake and beyond.

Two Horses Ranch

100%

(10)

55mi from Ashland · 1 site · Tent, RV · Weed, CA

Very quiet property north of Mt Shasta. No neighbors with water and outhouse. Rock climbing, horse access and thirty minutes from Mt Shasta skiing. Twelve miles from Weed, Ca . Tall pines and Juniper. Rare Fungus reserves. 30 ft yurt is close to completion. Host on property. All animals welcome.

Shasta Valley Horse Ranch Adventure

100%

(2)

25mi from Ashland · 2 sites · RVs · Montague, CA

Scenic views on a hilltop surrounded by mountains overlooking a valley and pond. Wide open spaces dotted with junipers and oaks. Bring your self-contained RV or camper. No tent camping at this time, sorry. Wake up to see the sun on the hillsides and the beautiful horses and donkeys grazing nearby. Your RV will be in a separate area apart from the horses, but near enough to observe them. We are located between Mt Shasta and Mt Ashland with winter sports nearby. Hike the Klamath National Monument trails. Visit the old mining town of Yreka and check out historic Montague's Open Sky Art Gallery, the only justice-inspired art gallery in the Pacific Northwest. Many waterfalls and clean lakes in our area to visit too. I am an ARCH (Arenas for Change) Designated Horse Professional, Coach and Educator. I will be present with you for any horse experience you choose. Horse experiences available: 1. Communication with Horses. Connect and interact with the 5 horses and 2 donkeys in their pasture in a natural setting. Build confidence, reset your nervous system, and experience a deeper dimension of horse nature and how they teach and heal us. Stroke or groom horses as you learn more about these magnificent, sensitive creatures. 2. Self-Development with Horses. Want to be seen and heard? SEEN and HERD is a wellness session with horses with a specific intention you identify. This experience is often deep, transformational, and healing. The solution to any issue lies within ourselves. The unfolding stories of the horses and donkeys, as they interact with us in their natural setting, lend insights into our own story. Learn what is needed to move forward with intent. 3. Mountain Horseback Trail Riding. Go for a ride with a wrangler and me on gentle riding horses up well-established mountain trails on a recreational ranch as my guest. Guest fees apply and are included in the price. 4. Arena Horseback Riding and Lesson. Ride alongside me in a large arena on a gentle riding horse. Learn how to relate to the horse as you ride, communicate effectively, keep your balance using the correct posture, turn, stop, and move forward smoothly. Build your confidence as you learn from a patient riding instructor. No judgment, no yelling. Just fun learning!

10mi from Ashland · 54 sites · Lodging · Jacksonville, OR

Trillium is a former wilderness community and retreat center tucked into a vast valley of the Siskiyou Mountains of Southern Oregon. From ridge-top to riverside, guest are immersed in pristine nature, breathtakingly fertile and rugged landscape. Over the past 40 years, Trillium has been a multi-faceted community, education & birthing center. The history of this place is vast, rich and honored. TRILLIUM’S FIRST COMMUNITY Trillium was home to a community since the 1970’s. This community was unique in that it sustained on its own functioning without a “guru,” which was popular of that time. Trillium birthed many babies along the hippie trail, as well as many entrepreneurial ventures. Most notable of these ventures was Unicorn Domes, now known as Pacific Domes located in neighboring Ashland, OR. GRANDMA’S TROUT FARM Chant, a founder of the Trillium’s first community, tells the story of coming upon the land while out on a camping trip. The story flows like a fairytale, having a sense of awe and deep resonance of home in this place. At that time, the land was home to a trout farm, and thus many holding ponds and water features were created in Birch Creek, meandering south through the valley to feed the Little Applegate River. Our office, Cedar Barn, was filled with tanks of small trout, while the waterwheel containing them still remains on the old barn you’ll see as you enter the parking lot. APPLE ORCHARD While we don’t know much about it, there is a story of 2 sisters and their apple orchard. As we continue to explore and rehabilitate the valley, we have discovered a variety of old legacy apple trees in unexpected places. These trees were likely displaced during one of the old floods through the valley, but have held on (sometimes to the edge of a slope) and continue to produce fruit…an inspiring example of the resilience of this land. NATIVES, CHINESE IMMIGRANTS & MINERS This part of the world is gold-mining land, and there are even still claims upriver today! As with any monetary venture, there is ingenuity as well as tests of integrity. The peaceful natives of this land, the Dakubetedes were all but obliterated, while Chinese immigrants were exploited for their engineering genius and labor to construct the 26.5 mile Sterling Mine Ditch. This ditch had a “clean out” that emptied through our valley, thus named “Muddy Gulch.” It’s deep ruts are still quite evident, both physically and energetically. We seek to learn and heal these parts of our history on this land.This description of the history, lightly touching on these atrocities, can be found on the BLM website: “Long before the appearance of European settlers, Sterling Creek and the Little Applegate River area were traditional homelands of the Dakubetede people. This group was also known as the Applegate Creek Indians and was part of the Rogue River Indians, a name applied to the people of the Upper Rogue River and its tributaries. The Dakubetedes utilized an abundance of berries, seeds, roots, fish, and game throughout the year to maintain a diverse diet. The Dakubetedes spoke a dialect of the Athabascan language group, unusual for the tribes in interior southwest Oregon. The Dakubetedes took part in the Rogue River Indian Treaties of 1853 and 1854 that resulted in their removal from their homelands to the Grand Ronde and Siletz Indian Reservations in northwest Oregon. When gold was discovered in 1854 on Sterling Creek, prospectors poured into the area. At first, they panned for gold along the creek, but this proved to be inefficient in extracting the gold that was buried under layers of rock and soil. Hydraulic mining, using a powerful jet of water, promised better returns for large scale mining; they just needed more water. In 1877 miners built the Sterling Mine Ditch to redirect water from the upper reaches of the Little Applegate River to the Sterling Creek Mine. The ditch followed the contours of the rugged slopes of Anderson Butte and lost only 200 feet in elevation over its 26.5 mile length. Using hand tools, up to 400 workers, most of them probably Chinese, completed the ditch in just 6 months, at a cost of $70,000. The ditch carried water to the mine, and the trail alongside it provided access for ditch maintenance. During peak operation, hydraulic mining on Sterling Creek blasted away up to 800 cubic yards of soil and rock each day. Impacts to fisheries and water quality were immense, and generations would pass before the hydrologic balance and fish habitat in Sterling Creek would recover. The mine discontinued operations in the 1930s, and the ditch and trail became overgrown with brush and trees. The Sterling Mine Ditch Trail (SMDT) is a marvel of late nineteenth century engineering. Be sure to see the tunnel, dug as a shortcut through the ridge at the top of the Tunnel Ridge access trail! You can also see old flume remnants while hiking along sections of the trail. As you drive along Sterling Creek Road, you can see piles of stones and boulders along the creek that were left by hydraulic mining as soil was washed away in the search for gold. In addition to gold, the layers of soil and rock also yielded bones and tusks of elephants and other ancient inhabitants of the area.” GLACIERS AND BIODIVERSITY The biodiversity of the natural world is immense in our PNW pocket, and especially at Trillium. This description, and more info, can be found on the World Wildlife website under ecoregion, “Klamath-Siskiyou.” “Biological DistinctivenessThe Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion is considered a global center of biodiversity (Wallace 1982), an IUCN Area of Global Botanical Significance (1 of 7 in North America), and is proposed as a World Heritage Site and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (Vance-Borland et al. 1995). The biodiversity of these rugged coastal mountains of northwestern California and southwestern Oregon has garnered this acclaim because the region harbors one of the four richest temperate coniferous forests in the world (along with the Southeastern Conifer forests of North America, forests of Sichuan, China, and the forests of the Primorye region of the Russian Far East), with complex biogeographic patterns, high endemism, and unusual community assemblages. A variety of factors contribute to the region’s extraordinary living wealth. The region escaped extensive glaciation during recent ice ages, providing both a refuge for numerous taxa and long periods of relatively favorable conditions for species to adapt to specialized conditions. Shifts in climate over time have helped make this ecoregion a junction and transition zone for several major biotas, namely those of the Great Basin, the Oregon Coast Range, the Cascades Range, the Sierra Nevada, the California Central Valley, and Coastal Province of Northern California. Elements from all of these zones are currently present in the ecoregion’s communities. Temperate conifer tree species richness reaches a global maximum in the Klamath-Siskiyous with 30 species, including 7 endemics, and alpha diversity (single-site) measured at 17 species within a single square mile (2.59 km2) at one locality (Vance-Borland et al. 1995). Overall, around 3,500 plant species are known from the region, with many habitat specialists (including 90 serpentine specialists) and local endemics. The great heterogeneity of the region’s biodiversity is due to the area’s rugged terrain, very complex geology and soils (giving the region the name "the Klamath Knot"), and strong gradients in moisture decreasing away from the coast (e.g., more than300 cm (120in)/annum to less than 50 cm (20 in)/annum). Habitats are varied and range from wet coastal temperate rainforests to moist inland forests dominated by Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Pinus ponderosa, and P. lambertiana mixed with a variety of other conifers and hardwoods (e.g., Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, Lithocarpus densiflora, Taxus brevifolia, and Quercus chrysolepis); drier oak forests and savannas with Quercus garryana and Q. kelloggii; serpentine formations with well-developed sclerophyllous shrubs; higher elevation forests with Douglas fir, Tsuga mertensiana, Abies concolor and A. magnifica; alpine grasslands on the higher peaks; and cranberry and pitcher plant bogs. Many species and communities have adapted to very narrow bands of environmental conditions or to very specific soils such as serpentine outcrops. Local endemism is quite pronounced with numerous species restricted to single mountains, watersheds, or even single habitat patches, tributary streambanks, or springs (e.g., herbaceous plants, salamanders, carabid beetles, land snails, see Olson 1991). Such fine-grained and complex distribution patterns means that any losses of native forests or habitats in this ecoregion can significantly contribute to species extinction. Several of the only known localities for endemic harvestman, spiders, land snails, and other invertebrates have been heavily altered or lost through logging within the last decade, and the current status of these species is unknown (Olson 1991). Unfortunately, many invertebrate species with distribution patterns and habitat preferences that make them prone to extinction, such as old growth specialist species, are rarely recognized or listed as federal endangered species. Indeed, 83 species of Pacific Northwest freshwater mussels and land snails with extensive documentation of their endangerment were denied federal listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1994 (J. Belsky, pers. comm. 1994).Rivers and streams of the Klamath-Siskiyou region support a distinctive fish fauna, including nine species of native salmonids (salmon and trout), and several endemic or near-endemic species such as the tui chub (Gila bicolor), the Klamath small-scale sucker (Catostomus rimiculus), and the coastrange sculpin (Cottus aleuticus). Many unusual aquatic invertebrates are also occur in the region.”

Stories from the community

Justin

2 weeks ago

21 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Forested creekside campsite

It was conveniently located just off I5 as stated by others. We had a quiet & peaceful night and morning. There is a nice little walking path that my dog appreciated. The bridge lights weren't on which kinda bummed me out as I would have liked to see it lit up, but I was glad they were off as soon as we settled in. Shower was disconnected for winter, but I love the idea and want to borrow it on my own property! I didn't use the firepit, but it would be nice for a group. The campsite isn't totally level and is down a steepish hill. If there was a lot of snow I might be concerned about getting out. All in all we had a great 1 night stay and it was exactly what we hoped for when booking.

Richard

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Forested creekside campsite

I loved the sound of the creek and ran into a doe and two of her fawns in the morning. This will be even more beautiful during the summer. I went in the late autumn.

C

Cathy

2 weeks ago

16 ft car

4 nights at Soda Spring

This place was amazing! Hands Down the best HipCamp spot I’ve been to. The Host were super cool and the events on the farm were awesome. Soda Creek was close to town yet far enough away there was zero light pollution, the stars were shining bright! I’d come back here again and again!

A

Ashley

November 2025

24 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at Soda Spring

I loved staying on Sarah’s land in our RV. It was our first time using Hipcamp and it was a great experience. Good directions, beautiful farm and views. My daughter loved waking up to the sheep and us too! We walked around the property a little bit too. Such a great spot. We will be back!

Dayna

November 2025

27 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Forested creekside campsite

Marcus’s property is absolutely beautiful. Easy to access down a gravel road, nice flat and wide site for our 26 foot Class C with a slide, stunning surroundings, super private and quiet. We loved everything about it and can’t wait to come back.

Leah

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Owl Creek Cabin Mountain Getaway

What a beautiful and cozy spot!! Kit was very accommodating and friendly. The cabin was warm, the fire pit was perfect. I was just bummed the outside bathtub wasn't functional at that time, but all in all a great spot and I highly recommend.

K

Kirk

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Sunnybrook Ranch

A beautiful cabin on a stunning property. Quiet, comfortable, and very private. The adorable goats made it even better... :)

B

Brian

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Firebird Ridge

Absolutely beautiful location! Ben was a kind host and we enjoyed chatting for him for a bit about the area. Definitely the perfect spot to camp on our way back to Portland from San Francisco. A true gem!

A

Adrian

November 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Two Horses Ranch

Lovely area, love the smell of juniper trees, if youre planning to camp this time of year note that it can get into the freezing temperatures, view of shasta is amazing. Theres a local dollar general 15 minutes away should you ever forget and need anything.

J

Jorge

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Forested creekside campsite

Close to the main road but very quiet. Nice ambience with the string lights and sounds of the creek. Saw a few deer during my stay. Happened to be rainy during my stay but the big trees offered some cover and the covered bridge was another nice place to stay dry. Bathroom was clean.

K

Krizzia

October 2025

30 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Crater Lake Private Space

Beautiful property! My little family and I had such an amazing and peaceful time on Joy’s land. Joy is super great with communication and is truly helpful and kind. Wish we could’ve stayed longer! Such a great property to explore with our babies and dog. My family and I recommend and would come back again 😊

K

Kristi

October 2025

43 ft fifth wheel

With pets

Weekend Trip to Willowdale Ranch

Amazing camping Experience! A must see location! Kevin took his time to make sure we were informed and settled in the best location on the property. we will be returning.

M

Mike

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Owl Creek Cabin Mountain Getaway

Nice location and Kit is a good host. The cabin has everything you need to enjoy your visit.

B

Benjamin

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Willowdale Ranch

Loved tent camping out here. Great area on a quiet piece of land with great views.

A

Amber

October 2025

4 nights at Rogue River Glamping

Let me start off by saying we loved our stay! It was peaceful and quiet, warm and cozy, and we had everything we needed. Our hosts had thought of so many details that made our stay such a pleasant experience and what we were hoping for. Fire pit with some wood, hotwater for awesome outdoor shower,coffee and basic kitchen needs, but also wonderful little details like robes for the shower, a simple map of the two trails we could walk and ice in the ice chest. Great hosts. Power went out once and they promptly got it fixed. Our only struggle was that it rained while we were there and we didn't get to spend as much time outside as we were hoping. The kitchen table didn't have a cover over it and so we couldn't use it while raining, (bringing a canopy for the rain would have been nice.) But we still had a nice dry and warm time in the cabin area. Excellent stay, will stay here again!

S

Sheryl

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Crater Lake Private Woodlands

Such an amazingly gorgeous spot! We felt like we were in a movie. So glad we went in the fall. So many beautiful colors. Russel, the ranch manager was very accommodating and professional. I can’t wait to go back. We did have some rain while we were there and since you have to remove your shoes before entering the cabin, it would be nice to put a shoe tray on the floor for our shoes because the awning on the front door is too small to protect our shoes from rain if left outside. My daughter also thinks some battery or solar string lights inside the cabin would be a nice touch. But all in all it was fabulous. We slept so good. We did a 6 mile hike to the gorge and It was just so incredibly peaceful and beautiful. Thank you.

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Beth

October 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Forested creekside campsite

I loved this site! The covered bridge provides so much atmosphere, and it was so quiet, despite being such a short drive off the interstate.

D

Dylan

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Two Horses Ranch

Very peaceful and quiet. Beautiful views of Mt Shasta right from my campsite

J

James

October 2025

18 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Two Horses Ranch

Beautiful site in a nice location. It is a work in progress. No bathroom or showers yet, but the host is working on them. I enjoyed staying there and it will get nothing but better. Pat is a delightful host.

R

Robert

October 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Firebird Ridge

We had the pleasure of camping at Firebird Ridge for six nights. The property is off the beaten path and very private. It’s beautiful country with hiking trails a small pond and a great host (Ben) .we really enjoyed our stay - you should check it out.