Canyon Gulch by Eight Dollar Moutain

Along Eight Dollar Mountain Road in the Siskiyou National Forest, Canyon Gulch sits near the Illinois River, where a handful of roadside pullouts and a pit toilet mark the extent of formal infrastructure. The road has rough patches, though at least one camper made it through in a minivan without trouble. River access is close. The beach by the campground itself is rocky, while a sandier stretch sits on the other side of the Eight Dollar Bridge near the bathrooms.

Noise is a consistent theme in reviews. Campers report cars and trucks moving fast along the road at all hours, and at least one visitor was woken by distant gunfire in the middle of the night. The area also draws a transient population, and reviewers caution against heading farther up the road, where theft has been reported. Staying near the designated sites and pit toilet is the safer choice. T-Mobile users have found reliable signal during multi-night stays.

The draw, for most, is the river. As Bobby J. put it, "only positive was the river was right there," though others found the night sky and company worth the tradeoffs. Established fire rings are in place, and the site is free. Dispersed camping off $8 mountain Rd and Josephine Campground are both nearby for those weighing alternatives. Campers exploring the region can also browse places to camp around Siskiyou National Forest for more structured options. Pack out what you bring in, and arrive with enough water for the stay.