Camp on a beach next to the ocean, along the wild and scenic Rogue River, near a lighthouse, or in the middle of the Siskiyou National Forest.
There are State Parks, Forest Service facilities and privately run campgrounds to spend your vacation. Choose from those with all the amenities, or rough it. If you prefer, you can backpack into the Siskiyou National Forest and the Kalmiopsis Wilderness.
All of the public campground that are located close to the coast are located near Port Orford.
US Forest Service and State Park Camping
There are nine campsites operated in the Gold Beach / Port Orford area. Many offer river access, tent and trailer sites. Three (Lobster Creek, Foster Bar, and Quosatana Campground) are located along the Rogue River. Others are in the Siskiyou forest or up the Illinois River (Oak Flat). Most are free and none havemore than a nominal fee … more
Cape Blanco Lighthouse and State Park
Cape Blanco State Park is located 4 miles north of Port Orford west of US Route 101. Turn west on Cape Blanco Road and drive 2 miles to the park entrance. All campsites are first-come, first-served. 53 electrical (maximum site 65 feet) for RV’s. To reserve cabins, horse campsites or the group camp, call 800-452-5687.
The Cape Blanco Lighthouse is a favorite location for whale watching and offers spectacular views. The operating lighthouse has the highest focal plane above the sea, (256 feet), of any of the Oregon Lighthouses and is open for tours from April through October. From this vantage point and from the cliff, there is ample opportunity for bird and whale watching.
There is fishing access to Sixes River from the State Park.
The Cape Blanco State Park has over 8 miles of hiking trails, beach walks, and 7 miles of horse trails.
Humbug Mountain State Park
Humbug Mountain State Park has 94 campsites, 32 with electrical connections. The campsites are located on the east side of Route 101 and are ususally shielded from the sometimes chilly ocean winds. There is a convenient trail under Route 101 out to the beaches and the Pacific Ocean.
For more information, contact (541) 332-6774 or (800) 551- 6949.
Humbug Mountain rises up from the ocean to a height of 1756 feet and invites with a moderately difficult three-mile hike.
The last grove of uncut old-growth rain forest on the southern Oregon coast is found on the slopes of Humbug Mountain, which slides right into the Pacific Ocean.
There is also a 2.6-mile trail (part of the Oregon Coast Trail) that starts from the east end of the campbround. Walk past the campground toll booth, cross a small creek and go uphill. You will soon be treated to views of the ocean. Continue to follow the trail to Rocky Point, a favorite of clammers.
Floras Lake – Boice-Cope County Campground
Located near Flora Lake is Boice-Cope County Campground with 34 campsites, 22 of which are paved. There is water but there are not any hookups. Restrooms and showers are available. Reservations are not accepted. For additional information call 541-247-3385 or write to Curry County Parks – PO Box 746 – Gold Beach, Oregon 97444.
Flora Lake is located south of Bandon and just south of Langlois and north of Port Orford and Denmark. Look for the signs for Floras Lake/Boice-Cope County Park and turn west onto Floras Lake Loop, west on Floras Lake Road, left on County Road 136 and then immediately right onto Boice-Cope Road to the parking lot.
Flora Lake is ideal for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Kayaking is also a favorite on the lake.
The lake is shallow, which means that it warms quickly in the summer, yet it is located along the coast which means hearty afternoon winds are perfect for windsurfers and kiteboarders. Bring your own boards, or rent at nearby locations.
Yet the lake is not the only attraction, as it is fed by a river that travels through a protected habitat of the brown pelican, the snowy plover, as well as many other species of birds. Kayakers have the opportunity to travel up into the river to view the birds as well as other wildlife. Boating with and without motors is allowed.
Nearby trails make hiking in the area easy. A short walk from the boat launch is the beach, which is frequently deserted. Travel south to see the cliffs as they rise up north of Cape Blanco, or take a turn into the woods for the Blacklock Point Trail.
Arizona Beach State Park
Arizona Beach is a relative new state park. It has direct access to the beach. There is a lake at the park which is stocked. Only youth fishing is allowed.
Group camping is available. There is a maximum 10 RVs under 30 feet in length OR maximum 20 vehicles for tent camping. Water is available nearby as are vault toilets. Showers are available nearby at Humbug Mountain State Park.
More information and reservations.
Snow Camp
Snow Camp Lookout, located at the peak of a 4,223-foot mountain, is a rustic paradise in the heart of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest 35 miles northeast of Brookings.
The fire lookout, a 15-foot-square structure, has windows on all sides, offering a panoramic view in every direction. On a clear day a spectator can see the ocean waves crashing along Kellogg Beach, Point St. George and Castle Rock near Crescent City, Calif.
The lookout, which campers can rent from the U.S. Forest Service. The camp usually opens at the end of May or early June, then closes early in the fall, depending on snow depth.