Camping areas around Chiloquin, Oregon sit at elevations between 4,000-4,500 feet, creating a high desert climate with cool nights even during summer months. The region connects three major ecosystems—the Cascade Mountains, the Great Basin, and the Klamath Basin wetlands—making it a biodiversity hotspot. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
River fishing access: The Williamson River offers excellent trout fishing opportunities at Williamson River Campground. "We did a short hike following the river which was great. On our hike we saw some incredible purple flowers. There hiking, fishing, and possibly climbing here although i couldn't find any info," notes Daniel S.
Historic logging museum: A short distance from Collier Memorial State Park Campground you'll find the free outdoor logging museum. "Down the easy 1mi. trail along the spring creek, they have a super cool old pioneer village and lumber museum. It's full of olde tyme cabins and era timber industry tools and equipment," shares one visitor who adds they "even offer a wagon ride pulled by an old Cat-30."
Paddling opportunities: The slow-moving Williamson River and nearby Spring Creek provide calm waters ideal for beginners. "We stayed in the primative cabin for an evening with the spouse and our dog. The little store was great for last minute supplies and gifts, the resort offered free canoe rentals, but we had brought our own kayaks and used them in the slow moving creek," shares Katy D. at Crater Lake Resort.
What campers like
Natural springs: The crystal-clear waters at Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site are a highlight for many visitors. "This campground is one of my favorites and is home to a beautiful crystal clear natural spring. We went kayaking and it was a nice calm gorgeous spot. Perfect spot for a campground," writes Brittney G.
Campground spacing: Williamson River Campground offers sites set far apart from each other. "Campgrounds are dispersed and it was not crowded when I was there," notes Brittney G., while another camper, Heather E., appreciates how the sites make you feel like "You're the Only One There" with "well spaced and flat sites."
Well-maintained facilities: Restroom cleanliness is frequently mentioned by campers at multiple sites. A camper at Annie Creek Sno-Park noted, "Vault toilets were super-cleaned and well stocked." The park offers free camping with basic amenities just outside Crater Lake National Park.
What you should know
Mosquito presence: Nearly every campground in the region reports mosquito activity, particularly in summer months. "I was feasted upon by blood thirsty winged things!" warns Kristina B. about Eagle Ridge Park, while a visitor at Jackson F. Kimball warned of "TONS of mosquitos. Absolutely swarmed. Bring bug spray like crazy."
Seasonal variations: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Collier Memorial is typically open "May 16 to October 1," while Williamson River Campground runs from "Memorial Day to Labor Day." Off-season camping may be available at some locations but with reduced services.
Wildlife encounters: Beyond insects, larger wildlife interactions are possible. One camper at Jackson F. Kimball reported, "We decided to stick it until said bear showed up at dinner time and had ZERO fear of us. He was willing to get way too close after several attempts to chase him off."
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Look for campgrounds with designated play areas. At Rocky Point Resort, "Whether you come by yourself, spouse, pet or kids, this place has it all! Basketball area, exercise, ping pong, canoe, pontoon, trampoline and more! Word has it, they're making an area for a BATTING CAGE!" according to C.W.
Water access: Shallow, calm water entry points make swimming safer for children. "The kids loved playing in the water and the playground," notes Christopher O. about one campground, while another reviewer mentioned "a nice dock and boat ramp" where families could easily access the water.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger programs during peak season. "Collier also offers many programs to keep the youngens and young at heart busy, very family friendly," notes a reviewer, mentioning interpretive activities that help children learn about local ecology and history.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: When choosing an RV site, corner locations typically offer more privacy. "In my opinion, Site 11 is the best site as it is a corner site with the most privacy," advises Lee D. about sites at Waterwheel RV Park, adding that "the full hookup sites are in the center and have no privacy between them."
Low-cost overnight options: For those just passing through, Kla-Mo-Ya Casino and Travel Center offers budget-friendly overnight parking. "Now $10/night. Check in with Security inside the casino. Parking spaces weren't totally level but good enough," reports Peggy L., while William J. adds there's a "5 night max. No hookups as it is a dry camping spot."
Camp host assistance: Many pet-friendly camping areas near Chiloquin, Oregon have attentive hosts who can help with local information. "The camp host was very helpful and nice. He explained to us where good spots to put our kayaks in," shares a Williamson River Campground visitor, highlighting the value of local knowledge.
