Camping spots near Grants Pass, Oregon range from developed parks with full hookups to more secluded riverfront sites. The Rogue River Valley sits at around 1,000 feet elevation with a Mediterranean climate featuring hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Road noise can be noticeable at several campgrounds due to their proximity to Interstate 5 and major highways.
What to do
Swimming access: Several Grants Pass camping areas offer swimming holes for cooling off during hot days. Grants Pass KOA features "a waterfall swimming hole" that campers can access directly behind some cabins. According to one camper, "we hiked down to creek with deep pools and swam."
Disc golf play: Indian Mary Park offers disc golf for recreational players. As one visitor notes, it's a "Sweet place on the Rogue River to camp and play disc golf." The park also provides equipment: "They do also provide basketballs, disc golf discs, horseshoes, etc available for checkout for free!"
Trail exploration: Multiple connected pathways provide biking and hiking opportunities near camp. At Valley of the Rogue State Park, "Each day we either hiked or biked the local trails. The bike trail goes on for many miles and is quite enjoyable. You can bike into the nearby towns while staying on a safe trail."
What campers like
Dog-friendly features: Many camping spots accommodate four-legged family members. Sunny Valley Campground offers "several off leash dog areas," and some parks have fenced spaces for pets to run. One camper noted that Valley of the Rogue State Park has a "Fenced off leash dog park" which allows pets to exercise while following leash regulations.
River frontage: Direct water access ranks high among camper priorities. Riverpark RV Resort offers premium riverside locations where "25 sites are right on the Rogue River." Another reviewer confirms: "If you can get a site right on the river, it feels like you have much more room."
Maintenance standards: Clean facilities matter greatly to visitors. While some campgrounds show signs of wear, most maintain consistent standards. One camper at Griffin Park described it as "Quiet, secluded, easy access, host was amazing, large lawn for the kids to play, river access, could not have been better." Others consistently mention clean bathrooms and hot showers at various parks.
What you should know
Highway proximity: Many camping spots near Grants Pass have ambient highway noise. A Valley of the Rogue State Park visitor noted: "This park is right off the freeway, so yeah definitely noise but everyone we met was really nice." The convenience of highway access comes with this tradeoff.
Pricing varies: County parks have adjusted their rates over time. One camper reported, "prices have gone up by $5 since we were here last year. $25 for no hookups, $30 for PHU and $35 for FHU." Some parks require cash payment only.
Reservation systems: Different parks have various booking protocols. Schroeder Park allows "Walkup sites available for that night only, or you can make online reservations 3 days in advance." Planning ahead becomes essential during peak summer season.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple parks offer play structures for children. One camper mentioned Schroeder Park has a "kid park adjacent to camping area" while another noted Indian Mary Park features a "playground for kids" plus a "large grassy area with volleyball court."
Kid-friendly programming: Some parks organize activities specifically for young campers. At Valley of the Rogue, "it also has a kids program, campfire nights and the camp hosts are very helpful." These structured events can fill time between other outdoor activities.
Space considerations: Look for parks with room for children to move around. A Griffin Park visitor appreciated their "large lawn for the kids to play," making it easier for families to spread out without disturbing neighbors.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Choose placement carefully based on needs. At Indian Mary Park, one RVer advised, "I'd recommend making sure you were out the outside of the ring, if you get in the middle it's just campsites right next to each other with no trees for privacy."
Hookup considerations: Check amperage options before booking. Some parks only offer limited electrical service. At Whitehorse County Park, a visitor noted, "It's $35 for a 'FHU' site, but there is only 20amp power available," which might not meet larger RV needs.
Leveling requirements: Terrain varies significantly between parks. Some campers reported that sites at certain parks "are so unlevel that I don't think our leveling blocks would have made a dent," so bring adequate leveling equipment or research sites carefully.
