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Nature
Camper submitted image from Applegate Lake - 3
Activities

Established Camping

Applegate Lake

Applegate Lake offers camping near a body of water surrounded by forested hills. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Nearby attractions include hiking trails and the historic town of Jacksonville.

Description

USDA Forest Service

The picturesque 988-acre Applegate Lake is nestled in the heart of the RRSNF in the Applegate Valley, and north of the Red Buttes Wilderness Area. The lake was formed in 1980 when the Army Corps of Engineers completed construction of the 242-foot tall Applegate Dam as part of a flood-control project. The lake has a multitude of opportunities available for visitors to explore, including mountain biking, road biking, motorized boating, stand up paddleboarding, canoeing, fishing and hiking the various trails near the lake. Applegate Lake is home to numerous birds and other wildlife species, amazing fisheries, and a plethora of diverse plant life for those seeking spring and early-summer wildflower viewing! There is a trail that travels around the entirety of the 17.5-mile long shoreline, as well as offshoots in the area to keep hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians going! Picnic and day-use areas can be found around the lake, as are swimming areas and campgrounds, including Hart-Tish Park. For boaters, there are conventional boat launching areas--please note that the speed limit on this no-wake lake is 10 mph! Applegate Lake has large populations of trout, landlocked Chinook salmon, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and crappie. It is stocked each year with approximately 120,000 rainbow trout and 50,000 young Chinook. This lake is a reservoir and lake levels will often be lower at the end of the summer. Speed limit on the lake is 10 miles per hour.

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Location

Applegate Lake is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Jacksonville, OR, travel west on Highway 238. Travel 7 miles, and turn left in Ruch, OR, onto Road 859. Continue 14 miles; the lake is located above Applegate Dam.  

Coordinates

42.03954666 N
123.14259497 W

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The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires


Reviews

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 5, 2020

Nice campground, ok lake

The campsites are actually great with lots of trees and privacy. It's nice only having seven sites. They were very well kept and the people who run it are awesome. The lake, however, is kind of meh. I'd definitely go back but this time I'd plan some other day trips to other bodies of water.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed May. 5, 2019

Beautiful

Weather was perfect and the lake water level was great. It’s got a great beach area for kids to swim and play. Full of huge trout

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Applegate Lake by Diana D., May 5, 2019
  • Review photo of Applegate Lake by Diana D., May 5, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Applegate Lake?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Applegate Lake, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.