7 Scenic Josephine County Campgrounds
Now that summer has finally arrived, plan an outdoor lovers getaway to Southern Oregon. Whether it’s a romantic escape, a family vacation, or a roadtrip with friends, you’ll find plenty of camping options around Grants Pass. Best of all, all of the campgrounds offer access to the water where guests can cool off along the banks of the river, lake, or creek. Here, you’ll find county parks that cater to both remote workers and those that just want to escape the city life and unplug. Grab your hammock, swimsuit, and a good book, and head to Grants Pass for an epic summer getaway.
1. Whitehorse Park
Conveniently located just 7 miles west of Grants Pass, Whitehorse Park offers campers a quiet reprieve from the city without straying too far from town. With 42 RV, tent, and yurt sites, campers can spread out under the towering shady trees that encompass the park. For those who enjoy wildlife you’ve come to the right place. The park has one of the area’s most treasured bird sanctuaries, with more than 170 species recorded, and some great trails that will lead you down to the river for a better view. Enjoy the day use area for a picnic or even a large family event. If you are hoping to get some work done while on your camping trip, you’re in luck. Remote workers will find good cell reception at camp.
Activities
-Go birdwatching along their nature trails
-Try the “World’s Best Cheese” at Rogue Creamery, where you can tour the facilities and order an artisanal grilled cheese at the farmstand
-Grab your swimsuit and beach chairs and plan an afternoon along the sandy shore
2. Wolf Creek Park
For a park that’s quiet and tucked away, head North from Grants Pass to the Wolf Creek exit and plan a stay at Wolf Creek Park. Nestled in the mountains of Southern Oregon, this park offers a year round creek with a large day use area for picnicking, swimming and hiking trails—-including the London Peak Trail that overlooks town. Perhaps the best place to escape the summer heat, most of the park is shaded with many sites located along the creek. Looking for a last minute camping spot? Wolf Creek Park is your best bet to find a campsite on the fly as it sees less traffic than the other county parks.
Activities:
-Follow the trail to London Peak which overlooks Wolf Creek and offers 360 views of the surrounding mountains
-Visit the Historic Wolf Creek Inn, an original stage coach stop along the Applegate Trail that has hosted notable characters like Orson Wells, Clarke Gable, and John Wayne.
-Explore Golden Ghost Town, one of the last original ghost towns in Oregon. What was once a thriving mining camp and later a bustling town, was abandoned by the 1950s. Today you can walk around the grounds and the remaining church, school, general store, barns, and Coyote Creek Wetlands.
3. Almeda Park
For outdoor adventurists, Almeda Park is the gateway to the Lower Rogue. From camp, put in your raft (permit required) and plan a multi-day trip through the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River. The campground itself is surrounded by beautiful mountains and offers campsites right along the river. While at camp, set up chairs on the sand bar and enjoy the scenery.
This is a mostly dry-camping location, without RV hookups and limited water. Guests should fill water tanks or jugs before arrival. If you’re looking to unplug- Almeda is your best bet as there is zero cell reception.
Activities:
-Begin your adventure at Almeda Park and raft the Lower Rogue through rugged canyons, exhilarating whitewater, and breathtaking beauty of Southern Oregon’s mountains.
-Get a birdseye view of Hellgate Canyon, the deepest river gorge along the Rogue River. Drop by the overlook or take a short hike to one of the sandy beaches below the canyon.
-Take a backcountry drive to Onion Mountain and catch the sunrise. From Onion Mountain Lookout hikers are rewarded 360 views of the surrounding mountains, including Mt McLoughlin, a towering stratovolcano.
4. Lake Selmac
Situated between Grants Pass and Cave Junction, Lake Selmac offers families scores of fun outdoor activities. At the lake, you can enjoy a variety of things to do, including sailing and boating, fishing for Bass, Bluegill and Trout, exploring nature trails, bird watching, bicycle riding, swimming, horseback riding, and more. Known for its fishing, Lake Selmac is a designated Trophy Bass Lake by ODFW, and the state record bass has been caught here…twice. Muster the troops for a game of volleyball, disc golf, or horseshoes and then settle down for the night around a cozy campfire. Nearby, visit wineries, Oregon Caves, and the Illinois River. For those needing reception, cell service is available in most areas of the campground.
Activities:
-Take a tour at Oregon Caves National Monument
-Go zip-lining or plan a trail ride at Out n About Treesort
-Rent paddle boards or kayaks and explore around the lake.
5. Schroeder Park
Located just 4 miles from downtown Grants Pass Schroeder Park is the closest park to downtown’s Historic District. This 50 site campground offers full hook ups, partial hookups, tent sites, and yurts, with many of them located right along the river. Enjoy a bike ride around the park with the family, take your dogs up to the fully enclosed dog park, and play a game of tennis, volleyball, or basketball.
Activities:
-Go mountain biking at Cathedral Hills -Book an excursion with Hellgate Jetboats
-Stroll around downtown’s Historic District. Take a public art tour, try your hand at glassblowing at the Glass Forge, and check out the latest exhibit at the Grants Pass Museum of Art.
6. Indian Mary Park
No matter what time of year you visit, Indian Mary Park is always a stunner. Situated right along the Rogue River near Galice, the park boasts towering trees and beautiful landscaping. Named after Indian Mary who once ran a miner’s ferry near the campground, the area is steeped in Native American and pioneer history. While at camp, throw your line in the water and score a fresh catch for dinner. The park also offers picnicking, swimming, bicycle riding, disc golf, birdwatching, and a small volleyball area. Here, you’ll find full hook-up sites, as well as partial hookups, yurts, and tent sites with shower facilities.
Activities:
-Check out animals from around the globe at Wildlife Images Rehabilitation Center
-Starting from Hog Creek, float through Hellgate Canyon to Indian Mary Park
-Enjoy a meal at Morrison’s Lodge, located just 1.5miles from the park.
7. Griffin Park
While Griffin Park may feel remote, it’s only 11 miles from I-5 and is conveniently located near several local points of interest. The campground, which accommodates both RVers and tent campers has a mix of dry and full hook up sites as well as shower facilities. From camp, you can enjoy the river by raft, casting a line, or setting up chairs along the spacious river bank. This section of the river is more calm than other spots, so it’s a great place for swimming, just remember to pick up a life vest from the loaner station. From the banks, watch the Cal-Ore River Racers practice in their boats on Wednesdays and Saturday as well as the Hellgate Jetboats as they pass by. While there, play a game of horseshoes or volleyball and explore the Griffin Loop BLM trail system.
Activities:
-Watch the Cal-Ore River Racers 6-8pm Wednesdays and 9-11am Saturdays
-Take a hike at Limpy Creek Botanical Loop
-Plan a picnic along the river bank.
