The best waterside camping in Southern Oregon

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Southern Oregon flies under the radar, but insiders know that this region is packed with hidden gems. From Crater Lake to the Applegate lavender fields, there’s a surprise at every turn. The Rogue River runs through it all, providing world-class rafting.

The magic starts at Oregon’s many state parks. Near Grants Pass, Valley of the Rogue State Park is ideal for families. Here, you can camp year-round in tent sites or an RV park with full hookups. History buffs love Collier Memorial State Park, which is known for its logging museum.

When it comes to water activities, Southern Oregon shines. Enjoy a morning swim from your campsite at Emigrant Lake County Park near Ashland. Or, rent a kayak at Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site and paddle the shockingly clear lagoon. Don’t forget the Rogue River; paddle to wild campsites like the beautiful Flora Dell.

Then, there’s the iconic blue Crater Lake National Park. Explore this collapsed volcano on foot in the summer. In the winter, you can cross-country ski around the rim.

For something totally different, head to the Oregon Coast. A short drive from Brookings and the California border, Harris Beach State Park offers gorgeous ocean views. Hike the rocky cliffs, swim at Sandy beaches, and top it all off with a hot shower. Choose a basic hiker/biker site, or warm up in a heated yurt.

94% (270) 12 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Southern Oregon

Hidden Forest Get-away

1. Hidden Forest Get-away

97%
(358)
Rogue River, OR · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Elk Haven Ranch consists of 40 acres at the base of a mountain range that is BLM federal land. There is an elk herd and of course deer on the property. This property is a haven for them, no hunting is allowed. If you are looking to throw a Frisbee with your dog in a forested and meadow setting, without tons of campers right next to you, then this is your place. Room to roam, fresh water April through September and easy access to a common electricity plug-in where you can charge your cell phones and air mattresses on the electric pole by the entry gate. If you are looking to play games, just ask us for the corn hole or horse shoes, or help yourself to the games already out and available. Let us know what your goals are and we will do our best to accommodate for your stay.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$55
 / night
Rogue-River Siskiyou National Forest

2. Rogue-River Siskiyou National Forest

92%
(31)
National forest in Oregon · 736 sites
The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is made up of 1.8 million acres and spans from the Western Cascades to the Siskiyou Mountains. With somewhere between 60 to 100 inches of rain per year this escape is filled with a diversity of green and a lone Rogue River. Port Orford Cedar and Douglas fir practically litter the mountainous, and meadow landscapes. Lakes and streams (200 miles of them) aren’t too uncommon, and the forest boasts the tallest Pine tree in the World (we’re not kidding folks). The Ponderosa Pine stands at 268.35ft, which is a little bit taller than your average industrial wind turbine.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Southern Oregon flies under the radar, but insiders know that this region is packed with hidden gems. From Crater Lake to the Applegate lavender fields, there’s a surprise at every turn. The Rogue River runs through it all, providing world-class rafting.

The magic starts at Oregon’s many state parks. Near Grants Pass, Valley of the Rogue State Park is ideal for families. Here, you can camp year-round in tent sites or an RV park with full hookups. History buffs love Collier Memorial State Park, which is known for its logging museum.

When it comes to water activities, Southern Oregon shines. Enjoy a morning swim from your campsite at Emigrant Lake County Park near Ashland. Or, rent a kayak at Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site and paddle the shockingly clear lagoon. Don’t forget the Rogue River; paddle to wild campsites like the beautiful Flora Dell.

Then, there’s the iconic blue Crater Lake National Park. Explore this collapsed volcano on foot in the summer. In the winter, you can cross-country ski around the rim.

For something totally different, head to the Oregon Coast. A short drive from Brookings and the California border, Harris Beach State Park offers gorgeous ocean views. Hike the rocky cliffs, swim at Sandy beaches, and top it all off with a hot shower. Choose a basic hiker/biker site, or warm up in a heated yurt.

94% (270) 12 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Southern Oregon

Hidden Forest Get-away

1. Hidden Forest Get-away

97%
(358)
Rogue River, OR · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Elk Haven Ranch consists of 40 acres at the base of a mountain range that is BLM federal land. There is an elk herd and of course deer on the property. This property is a haven for them, no hunting is allowed. If you are looking to throw a Frisbee with your dog in a forested and meadow setting, without tons of campers right next to you, then this is your place. Room to roam, fresh water April through September and easy access to a common electricity plug-in where you can charge your cell phones and air mattresses on the electric pole by the entry gate. If you are looking to play games, just ask us for the corn hole or horse shoes, or help yourself to the games already out and available. Let us know what your goals are and we will do our best to accommodate for your stay.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$55
 / night
Rogue-River Siskiyou National Forest

2. Rogue-River Siskiyou National Forest

92%
(31)
National forest in Oregon · 736 sites
The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is made up of 1.8 million acres and spans from the Western Cascades to the Siskiyou Mountains. With somewhere between 60 to 100 inches of rain per year this escape is filled with a diversity of green and a lone Rogue River. Port Orford Cedar and Douglas fir practically litter the mountainous, and meadow landscapes. Lakes and streams (200 miles of them) aren’t too uncommon, and the forest boasts the tallest Pine tree in the World (we’re not kidding folks). The Ponderosa Pine stands at 268.35ft, which is a little bit taller than your average industrial wind turbine.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

hipcamp.com/discover/california/crater-lake-2'>Crater lake make southern Oregon a must-camp destination.