Best Tent Camping near Central Point, OR
Tent campsites in the forests surrounding Central Point, Oregon range from established campgrounds to more primitive walk-in locations. Mount Ashland Campground offers tent camping with picnic tables and fire pits at an elevation providing views of Mount Shasta, while Squaw Lakes provides accessible tent sites with nearby hiking trails. These tent-focused options sit within reasonable driving distance of Central Point, offering varying levels of development and natural seclusion.
Most primitive tent campgrounds in this region feature basic amenities with vault toilets but limited or no drinking water. Campers should pack in their own water supplies, especially at locations like Mount Ashland where no water sources are available. The terrain at tent sites varies, with some offering relatively flat spots while others may require some searching to find level ground for tent placement. Walk-in tent sites are common at several campgrounds, with Squaw Lakes requiring campers to carry gear to their sites. A review mentioned that at Squaw Lakes, "you'll have to walk in" but there is "the option to hire the camp host and his four-wheeler to drop your gear off at your site."
The higher-elevation tent campgrounds like Mount Ashland provide spectacular views and cooler temperatures during summer months. In early fall, many sites offer crisp air and fewer crowds. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "the sunsets are GORGEOUS and stargazing is amazing but it is WINDY and I mean, drops 20 degrees windy." Tent campers should come prepared for changing weather conditions, especially at these higher elevations where winds can be strong and temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. Forest Service campgrounds typically allow stays up to 14 days within a 30-day period. Primitive tent camping areas are generally quieter during weekdays, with weekend use increasing significantly during summer months. Most tent sites in the region provide good access to hiking trails, with several near the Pacific Crest Trail offering opportunities for day hikes.
