11 SOUTHERN OREGON CAMPING TRIPS FOR THE FAMILY

Camping in Southern Oregon is one of our favorite past times!  It doesn't matter what time of year it is, we love to be out in nature; most of the time by water, enjoying the natural wonders that surround us.  We have camped a lot in the past and only plan on camping more in the future, so here are the campgrounds that we have really enjoyed staying at, and other campgrounds that are on our wish-list for the future.

SCHROEDER PARK CAMPGROUND | Grants Pass, Oregon

Camping here ended up being a pleasant surprise!  Located right on the Rogue River within the city limits of Grants Pass, we were able to get there quickly from Medford.  We had friends that reserved a yurt close to the river where there was a huge grassy area for the kids to play and we could watch from above.  The kids had a blast riding bikes, playing hide and seek, exploring nearby, and having their own adventures.  There isn't a playground in the campground but there is one right next door at the day use area.  We allhad a great time!  It'sa perfect last minute choice if you get the sudden desire to get out and camp, but don't want to drive too far, if you live in the Rogue Valley or Roseburg area.

For more information and reservations at Schroeder Park Campground

UNION CREEK CAMPGROUND | Prospect, Oregon

This is a really beautiful place to camp, right in the middle of old growth forest. Right within the campground there is Union Creek, which flows from the Rogue River and nearby the choices for exploration are endless.  The Natural Bridge is right up the road, along with Mill Creek Falls, National Falls, the Rogue Gorge and tons of hiking opportunities.  If you want to go beyond that, Crater Lake is only an hour away.  It has been a few years since we have gone here, but in just a few short weeks we will be going.  We are so excited!

For more information and reservations at Union Creek Campground

View of Lost Creek Lake

JOSEPH H. STEWART RECREATION AREA | Trail, Oregon

While there isn't a lot of privacy here, it's a great campground for camping with a group.  There are two play areas and if you pick your campsite strategically, you can choose the perfect spot to watch the kids and enjoy relaxing all at the same time.  What's also nice is the fact that if you want to, you can head over to the Lost Creek Lake Marina where they have everything under the sun to rent if you want to participate in water sports.  Ski boats, Sea Doos, pontoon boats, houseboats, sailboats, kayaks, aluminum boats, SUP paddleboards, tubes, wake boards, skis, knee boards and more!  We also love the hiking trails that are all over the area.

For more information and registration at Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area

View of Mt. Mcloughlin from the shore of Lake of the Woods.

LAKE OF THE WOODS | Klamath Falls, Oregon

Lake of the Woods is a magical place to stay with not only camping, but cabins to rent.  With an amazing view of Mt. Mcloughlin and beautiful clear water to swim in you will be transported away from the rat-race if even for a couple of days.  What's really nice about staying there is the fact that Lake of the Woods Lodge is not far away.  On summer weekends they have live music and movie nights on Saturdays, and if you want to be spoiled they have a general store and even a restaurant. 

For more information and reservations at Lake of the Woods

Waterslide at Emigrant Lake

EMIGRANT LAKE | Ashland, Oregon

The campsites are humongous.  The fact that it's right outside of Ashland is also convenient but it feels like you are camping in the middle of nowhere since you are surrounded by what seems like endless sky and rolling hills.  Of course not only there is the lake to play in, but at the day use area you can rent SUP paddleboards from Liquid Blue or you can have fun for hours on the water slides. 

To read our blog about our weekend at Emigrant Lake go here.

For more information and reservations at Emigrant Lake

BULLARDS BEACH STATE PARK | Bandon, Oregon

Our number one favorite spot to camp in Southern Oregon.  Mostly because its vicinity to Old Town Bandon and to some of the most beautiful beaches on the Pacific Coast.  The campground has shade in the A and B loops and if you don't want to tent camp they do have yurts which are great for middle of winter camping.     If you haven't tried out a yurt before we highly recommend it because it's great for those days you don't want to quite rough it.  It's great for the kids too, you feel like you are away at summer camp.  They do have theJunior Ranger program, which the kids always love to participate in.  They don't have a playground but we have never really needed it because we are always taking the kids to the various beaches around and when you camp at any state park you get in free to any other state park with your campground pass, for the duration.  I'd say that's a pretty great perk.  To read more about What to do in Bandon check out our blog post here.

For more information and reservations at Bullards Beach State Park

HARRIS BEACH STATE PARK | Brookings, Oregon

 A long time tradition for our family, we love Harris Beach.  The campground is up on the bluff above the beach making it perfectly situated for sunset walks and visiting the beautiful tide pools.  The campground has all of the comforts of a great family-friendly campground; the Junior Ranger program, a playground, and walking trails.   And if you don't want to tent camp they do have yurts.  Nearby there are many points of interest to check out and you are so close to town if you need anything you can just hop over to the grocery store.  Watch for our blog post about our latest camping trip in Brookings, coming soon.

For more information and reservations at Harris Beach State Park

View of the ocean from our tent.

GOLD BLUFFS BEACH CAMPGROUND | Orick, California

Based purely off the fact that you are camping right on the beach, our whole family loves this little peace of heaven!  There are no luxuries except for running water and clean bathrooms.  Showers are cold and sometimes the bathrooms run out of toilet paper but the fact that you are camping right on the beach overtakes all of that.  You go to bed to the sound of the surf and wake up to it.  Your days are filled with playing in the sand, hiking, and good old-fashioned camping.  For more details about camping at Gold Bluffs and all of the magical places you get to visit while you are there, check out our blog post here!

For more information and reservations at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

JEDEDIAH SMITH STATE PARK | US-199, Crescent City, California

Situated right in the Redwoods this is on our list for camping next year.  We pass it on our way to Brookings or when we visit the Northern California coast and we drove through it last time we passed.  We immediately fell in love.  There is an amazing beach right on the Smith River and not only do they have tent and RV spots, they also have cabins.  Since, they are open year round you can stay there anytime.  Can't wait to make it there!

For more information and reservations at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

SUSAN CREEK FALLS CAMPGROUND | Roseburg, Oregon

Last time we went to Susan Creek Falls we were not only blown away by its beauty but also how easy a hike it was.  Next time we go we would like to stay at the campground so we can get out and explore some of the other hiking trails and to visit the abundance of waterfalls that are in the area! 

For more information and reservations at Susan Creek Falls Campground

MAZAMA VILLAGE CAMPGROUND |  Crater Lake National Park, Crater Lake, Oregon

Only 7 miles from the Crater Lake rim.  We are adding this camping experience to our to do list.  On our recent visit to Crater Lake we realized how much there is to do (every other trip was rather hurried when we took family to see it).  We are planning in the near future to take the kids back to do more hiking and to visit Plaikni Falls. 

For more information and reservations at Mazama Village Campground

We love camping in southern Oregon and hope you find it as enchanting as we do!

To read What to do in Southern Oregon's blog about hikes in Southern Oregon go here. 

You can also follow What to do in Southern Oregon:  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, and Pinterest