Primitive tent camping sites dot the landscape near Cave Junction, Oregon, situated within Siskiyou National Forest boundaries and along several river corridors. The area receives approximately 30-50 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions at elevations ranging from 1,300 feet in town to over 4,000 feet at higher elevation campgrounds. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F, while nights cool to 45-55°F, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature swings.
What to do
Swimming holes access: Cedar Bloom offers direct river access with designated swimming areas. Katie G. notes, "Super pretty scenery, hosts were super kind. Great for kids with a river on site nearby. One part of the river is designated as a nudist-friendly beach but is well-marked."
Hiking to caves: From Cave Creek Campground, take the 2.5-mile trail directly to Oregon Caves National Monument. Kevin R. mentions, "This place was closed for the longest time and I think people forgot it was there when it re-opened. Every time I have went it's just me or one other camper."
Fishing opportunities: Spalding Pond Campground stocks legal trout annually and contains native catfish and crawfish. Zak H. describes it as "a great place to go if you like fishing, swimming, hiking, or shooting! They have 5 camping spots each with their own private picnic table and fire pit with metal grate."
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: North Fork Campground provides peaceful river camping with natural sound barriers. A reviewer explains, "Right on a beautiful swimming hole. Has pit toilets. Even if you find other campers there (rare) you can't hear anything due to the river."
Community amenities: Cedar Bloom offers unique communal facilities not typically found at primitive sites. Shawn A. describes it as "a hippie loving oasis. Start your morning with a shower over looking the river or enjoy the zen sauna. The commune kitchen has everything you need to make a great meal."
Night sky viewing: Higher elevation sites provide exceptional stargazing conditions. At Onion Mountain Lookout, Kevin T. shares, "You are at 4000 feet and you can see the milky way clearly. I did not camp here but simply visited. The campsites are really expensive, 40 dollars but I think it would be worth it if you camped here."
Natural swimming: Several campgrounds feature direct water access with swimming holes. At Little Falls Campground, Liliána S. notes the campground requires navigating "through a gate where you have to be careful because the road not so good, but worth it!"
What you should know
Road conditions: Many of the best tent camping near Cave Junction requires navigating rough roads. For Bolan Lake Campground, Johnny G. advises, "It's a pretty long dirt road to get to the campground, make sure you have good tires that can handed rocks/dirt terrain."
Limited facilities: Most sites have minimal amenities. Zak H. mentions that at Spalding Pond Campground "there is no drinking water available, so you will need to bring your own or plan on filtering/boiling."
Bear safety requirements: Cave Creek Campground requires proper food storage. Kevin R. warns, "Love it, but its bear country so be careful with your food."
Site availability: Many campgrounds have limited spaces. At Little Falls Campground, Imerie T. explains, "This campground is a paid campground, 10.00 a night without National park access pass. There is only 4 spots here."
Tips for camping with families
River safety planning: When camping with children near water, supervise constantly. About Sixmile Campground, Lisa N. cautions, "Not really a great place for such young children since the river is quite big and swift, but in a few years, I would love to return here."
Facilities for children: Cedar Bloom provides family-friendly amenities. Nenah B. observed, "The children running around were so happy here - it feels like a safe place to be, tucked away in a private area of Cave Junction."
Security considerations: Some campgrounds have regular ranger patrols. Liliána S. at Little Falls Campground felt "extremely safe as the park ranger checked on us in the morning."
Weather preparation: Summer heat can be intense, requiring shade and water access. Johnny G. notes about Bolan Lake Campground: "This weekend was hot, close to 110 and being at lake was perfect. If you want peace and quiet, water access and blooming flowers with trees, this is a good spot."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most campsites near Cave Junction restrict RV size. About Cave Creek Campground, Kelli B. warns, "Despite its close location to the Caves, it is extremely hard to take any type of RV there. The road is paved, but Extremely Narrow with limited visibility."
Alternative parking arrangements: At Little Falls Campground, Imerie T. explains site options: "Two you have to park in overflow and walk to your site. One is a small back in, camper van, suV, truck. The other is a double site, good for small 10ft less RV."
Campsite selection: For larger vehicles, choose carefully. As Imerie T. notes, "We have a 5x8ft CcT so we fit amazingly in the double site. It's quiet and clean."
