Tent campsites near Central Point, Oregon sit between 2,000 and 6,000 feet elevation, creating significant temperature variations between sites. Lower elevation campgrounds like Applegate Lake remain accessible most of the year, while higher spots such as Mount Ashland Campground experience seasonal closures due to snow. Many primitive campgrounds in this region require campers to pack out all trash, with dumpsters only available at more developed sites.
What to do
Swimming in natural settings: Squaw Lakes offers excellent swimming opportunities with distinctive water features. As one camper notes, "The water has the most beautiful silver shale sparkles, and almost always feels warm." The lake remains quiet with fewer visitors than more popular destinations.
Fishing opportunities: Applegate Lake provides productive fishing in a family-friendly setting. A camper reports it's "Full of huge trout" and has "a great beach area for kids to swim and play." Mill Creek Campground also attracts anglers, with a reviewer mentioning "they stock the creek with trout and it's good fishing!"
Hiking access: Proximity to the Pacific Crest Trail makes Mount Ashland Campground popular with through-hikers. A visitor explained, "The PCT runs near here so it is a place for thru hikers to stay." Beyond backpacking routes, day hiking options range from shoreline trails at lakes to forest paths with varying difficulty levels.
What campers like
Free camping options: Some campers appreciate cost-free options in the region. At Mount Ashland, a camper noted it's "a marked campground that is FREE. Simply follow the road past the ski area and you will find it." Beaver Creek Campground also offers no-fee camping but "there is no water or camp host."
River access: Cedar Bloom stands out for its river features, with a camper describing "2 areas with river access, a shallow area and a deep swimming hole, with the option to float down some mild (and fun!) rapids." This provides cooling relief during hot summer days.
Wildlife encounters: The natural settings around Central Point create opportunities to observe wildlife. At Mount Ashland Campground, one visitor reported having "dear running around while I was setting up the tent." Squaw Lakes was described as "very mellow. lots of wildlife."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Strong winds affect higher elevation sites like Mount Ashland. A camper warned about "WINDY and I mean, drops 20 degrees windy, rocks the van windy." Always check weather forecasts before departing.
Access challenges: Many tent sites require walk-in access. At Mill Creek Campground, visitors should note it's "quite compact yet feels private. We were pulling a 12' camper and had no problem parking but I wouldn't want to be maneuvering anything larger. Tight corners."
Facility limitations: Most campgrounds have minimal facilities. One camper described Mill Creek as having "a very disgusting vault toilet, no running water, a big dumpster that's usually knocked over and no camp host." Bring necessary supplies, including toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming spots: Families with children should consider Applegate Lake where "the lake water level was great. It's got a great beach area for kids to swim and play." The gradual shoreline provides safer water access.
Kid-friendly terrain: Beaver Creek Campground offers creek access perfect for children. A visitor mentioned "The creek running along the campground was perfect for an afternoon splash when it gets hot and provides a nice ambiance at night."
Consider off-season visits: Camping with kids during off-peak times provides more space and quiet. One camper at Mill Creek noted, "We were the only ones using this site in mid October, it was beautiful being immersed in the forest right along the creek."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most tent campsites near Central Point have limited space for larger vehicles. At Mount Ashland, a visitor cautioned the campground is "not meant for big campers or large RVs. Bumpy 1/4 to the campground and very tight turnaround spots in the pull in areas."
Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain creates difficulties for RVs. One RVer at Mount Ashland advised, "This campground is really only set up for tent campers. The place to park for vehicles is far from level. Even with camper jacks I was sleeping at an angle."
Alternative parking spots: When official sites won't accommodate an RV, look for alternatives. A Mount Ashland visitor suggested, "If you have a van or camper I would recommend parking at one of the more level pull offs before the campground then just walking up for the view."
