Cave Junction, Oregon sits at the convergence of three geographical zones with elevations ranging from 1,450 to 5,700 feet in surrounding areas. The Siskiyou Mountains create distinct microclimates throughout the region, leading to temperature variations that can fluctuate 20 degrees between valley floors and mountain sites. Camping conditions vary dramatically with season, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F in July and August.
What to do
Hiking redwood trails: At Jedidiah Smith Campground, visitors can explore some of the oldest trees in North America. "What an amazing place to stay! It's our favorite place so far. Stunning trails, trees older than the pyramids, friendly people and grand views!" shares Jason L., who visited during August when ocean air kept the forest at comfortable temperatures.
River recreation: Just 8 miles from Brookings on a paved, winding road, Alfred A. Loeb State Park Campground provides direct access to the Chetco River. "The Chetco is the most gorgeous river I have ever been lucky enough to swim in," reports Lainey P., who adds, "I swam for hours, walked into camp for a hot shower & dinner, stared up at the stars before bed."
Tidepooling: At low tide, the beaches near Cave Junction offer rich marine exploration. "We saw hundreds of hermit crabs, anemone, starfish, sculpin, and more," notes Chanel C., describing her experience at Harris Beach, where "the panorama is breathtaking in every direction" thanks to numerous offshore rock formations.
What campers like
Private riverside sites: Glamping close to Cave Junction, Oregon offers seclusion at select locations. At Griffin Park, campers appreciate the peaceful setting. "Loved this place! Found it by accident and ended up staying 3 extra days. Quiet, secluded, easy access, host was amazing, large lawn for the kids to play, river access, could not have been better," writes Greg W.
Authentic cultural experiences: The tipis at Lone Mountain RV Resort provide a unique alternative to traditional glamping domes. Anna G. found them "Really cool" and "A bit more secluded from the RVs and trailers," offering privacy not available at standard campsites.
Year-round accommodations: Winter visitors appreciate the heated structures available for glamping near Cave Junction. "We stayed in a cabin and it was beautiful. The front porch provided a fabulous view to the Chetco River," writes Patricia N. about her experience at Alfred A. Loeb State Park, noting it's "Well worth the price" especially for fishing enthusiasts.
What you should know
Seasonal price variations: Costs increase substantially during peak summer months. As one camper noted about Valley of the Rogue, "This year it was pretty spendy for a tent site $24," reflecting the premium rates during high season.
Reservation requirements: Due to popularity, Harris Beach State Park Campground often fills completely. "We rolled in after dark...and was relatively empty in December," reports Eric, suggesting off-season visits for spontaneous trips without reservations.
Facility limitations: Many glamping sites have limited bathroom facilities. "There is only one bathroom with flush toilets and they could use some serious updates. It can be quite a hike to the facilities from some of the sites," explains Moni R., highlighting practical considerations for certain accommodation types.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Selmac County Park offers numerous family-friendly amenities. "Lots of lake like activities to do, it's a popular place for locals in the summer and popular for birthday parties and events," notes Kassidy D., highlighting the multi-purpose nature of this destination.
Weather preparation: Temperature extremes require planning for family comfort. "During my stay, there were beautiful fresh flowers that decorated all the main areas," shares Nenah B., explaining how the natural environment enhances the camping experience even during hot weather.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening hours offer the best animal sighting chances. "We love watching the water birds. Lots of trees. Even nice in the winter," reports Liesa B., suggesting Lake Selmac remains appealing for families year-round despite seasonal changes.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Florence Keller Regional Park, experienced RVers recommend scouting before settling. "Sites are very clean, fairly level and of varying sizes. We were able to find a spot we fit in with our 26ft RV. I suggest driving around first before picking a spot as some are better than others," advises Laura M.
Hookup positioning: Pay attention to utility placement when parking. "Sewer hole was towards the middle of the site so we had to pull forward in the morning to dump," notes Laura M. about her experience at Griffin Park, highlighting the importance of positioning for convenience.
Shade considerations: Many glamping locations near Cave Junction feature heavy tree cover. "You are surrounded by redwoods with very little sunshine so if you rely on solar this will be a problem," warns Laura M., providing practical advice for RVers with solar power systems.
