Camping options near Kerby, Oregon include several developed campgrounds along rivers and lakes, with a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins. The Laughing Alpaca Campground offers riverfront camping with full hookups and amenities for RVs, while Cedar Bloom provides a more naturalistic setting with tent camping and unique accommodations like mini A-frames. Canyon Gulch near Eight Dollar Mountain offers dispersed camping options for those seeking a more primitive experience, though sites are limited to pullouts along the road.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with some developed campgrounds like Laughing Alpaca and Lake Selmac Resort remaining open year-round. Reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, especially during summer months. The Illinois River provides water access at several locations, though visitors should note that some primitive sites lack facilities. One camper observed, "Rough dirt road. Very bumpy. Got in fine with Tacoma. No amenities at all. Pack in pack out. Wouldn't take a RV on road."
The Illinois River serves as a focal point for many camping areas, with swimming holes and river access among the most appreciated amenities. Cedar Bloom receives particularly positive reviews for its natural setting and river features, with one visitor noting that "there are 2 areas with river access, a shallow area and a deep swimming hole, with the option to float down some mild rapids." Some dispersed areas like those along Eight Dollar Mountain Road have reported increased traffic and occasional nighttime disturbances. Developed campgrounds in the region typically provide drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, with several offering shower facilities. Many campgrounds in this area maintain a rustic feel despite offering amenities, with sites often set among trees providing shade and some privacy.
"Level with gravel drive and grass."
"We will def be back when we are around the area."
$20 - $35 / night
"We were down in Southern Oregon for the Caves. We stayed in the Heron loop which was the smallest and most primitive, It was wonderful and we had the whole south of the lake to ourselves."
"we love coming to lake selmac to use the yurts for winter camping. theyre heated and cozy. weve probably camped here a half dozen times or so over the past couple years, including standard tent sites."
$60 - $95 / night
"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."
"Experience the great outdoors in style with a the amenities in short distance"
"Can have camp fires within the metal fire pits (even though your between two fires happen close by). Grounds of hwy 46 that head to the Oregon Caves National Monument between mile post 11 and 12."
"We stayed in site 37 next to the River. You will not be disappointed here. Drive 12 miles up on Hwy 46 from Cave Junction to the Oregon Caves."
"Some sites here are very private feeling because you park the car up top and walk down (not far at all) to the tent that sits close to the lake. Toilets but no showers."
"There are plenty of things to do from fishing, swimming, and even renting a "peddle" boat for a leg workout while taking your trip around the lake."
"It’s got great views and near the river, but homeless camps sometimes set up around here."
"Drove around a bit, found a nice flat site, there are several. Road is rough in a couple spots however I did fine in minivan for what I needed to camp. No amenities. There are rabbits hopping around."
$10 / night
"As described, 4 drive-ins & 2 walk-ins. Stays in closer walk-in #5. Later learned some girls had used a drive-in spot just for parking 😡. One vault toilet in fair condition, trash."
$31 - $87 / night
"Just outside of Brookings,Oregon on Rt. 101, this well kept campground was a welcome two day layover during the rainy weather that’s typical of the PNW during mid-November."
"This is one of the prettiest State Park campgrounds along Oregons Southern Coast! Just off Hwy 101 and less than a mile north of Brookings, OR."
"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. We have a 5x8ft CcT so we fit amazingly in the double site."
"Situated on the Illinois River in Cave junction Oregon, this rare and friendly park is perfect. It has a big park area with river access and hammocks and a deck and fire pit."
TravelerVery close to trails and the redwoods. Mostly Quiet (we only had one of the residents racing a Motorcycle up and down the road every day for a few hours - not that bad). A lot of the spots have trees so Starlink was intermittent but there were some sites with good sky view. The diner across the street is mildly famous for a few movies. Food was good.
TravelerStayed here a few days while working a job in Crescent City. It was quiet and we had a nice view of the bay / marina. The facilities were clean. A few places close enough to walk to for dinner. I recommend taking a tour of their lighthouse.
ScoutSuch a perfect spot. Dirt road with potholes on forest road 1108 brings you to at least 3 roomy campsites with fire pit on the river. One car drove by all night, total seclusion with no service. Beautiful creek in the trees. 10/10
ScoutTried to stay here this weekend, but the host was super creepy and demanded cash (we were going to drop a check in the payment envelope as one does at literally every other campground). We decided to leave. Turns out the Applegate National Forest sites are all closed right now - not sure if that will change or if it's a government thing. Ended up getting a site on HipCamp.
TravelerWe needed a place to stop for the night and park the RV for a few hours. This was perfect and the price was right (free). You do have to go inside the casino with an ID and register for their players club card and then register with security. We ate at the restaurant and the food was actually good. They had a salad bar and a pretty full menu. Also, the tribal gas station is quite a bit cheaper than all of the other ones in the area. Overnight there was one loud “discussion” but you are basically in a parking lot so it was to be expected. We felt safe the whole time. Bonus is they actually have an elk herd on site so it was cool to see them. This is a place to stay the night not to set up your outdoor kitchen and cook a meal.
GuideCampsites are quite spacious. Host on duty. The river itself was very nice. Weather was nice enough to take a dip! Though there were a handful of folks around, everybody was respectful of their noise. Quiet and peaceful. Cowboy camped that night! Big redwood cover the site but enough so you can see the stars. A hidden gem for sure.
GuideRoad to the campsite had some sketchy spots with partially cleared rockfalls and landslides. Definitely not a 4x4 requirement but go slow! Only one other camper when I got there and I was right by the river. Beautiful site. I believe there was also a vault toilet nearby.
ScoutVery quite with occasional wildlife passing through. Such as deer and wild turkey. Lots of old growth forest that feels mystical and magical. The camp hosts are friendly and informative. Bathrooms are clean. Creek with the swimming hole looks so inviting for hot summer days. Just stopped in for future references but plan to return!
GuideNice campground in remote location 4 miles north of Hwy 96. Limited amenities: campground has one vault toilet, with a picnic table, and fire ring at most of the campsites. No fee to camp here.
My campsite was located at the far end of the campground, quite a ways from the others and offered a lot of privacy, right along the creek. It was a beautiful setting for a relaxing visit.
There is a small RV park with a general store less than a mile to the west of where Beaver Creek Road intersects with Hwy 96. They have a great deli with made to order sandwiches, and fresh baked goods.
Camping options near Kerby, Oregon range from riverside retreats to lake-oriented campgrounds within the Illinois River Valley. Located in Josephine County at approximately 1,500 feet elevation, Kerby sits in an area known for hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and mild, wet winters. Access to many dispersed sites requires high-clearance vehicles due to rough forest roads that become rutted after winter rainfall.
River swimming access: At Cedar Bloom, visitors can enjoy multiple water features along the Illinois River. "There are 2 areas with river access, a shallow area and a deep swimming hole, with the option to float down some mild (and fun!) rapids," notes Nenah B., who appreciated the refreshing river experience.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Selmac provides good fishing conditions year-round. "Lake is large and fishing, canoeing are some fun things to do here," explains Kassidy D. The lake is stocked regularly and popular with local anglers for bass, trout, and crappie.
Visit Oregon Caves: Grayback Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring Oregon Caves National Monument. Located about 12 miles from Cave Junction, it allows easy access to this natural attraction. Roger W. confirms, "Drive 12 miles up on Hwy 46 from Cave Junction to the Oregon Caves."
Private riverfront sites: At Store Gulch Campground, campers appreciate the natural setting directly on the Illinois River. "Beautiful stretch of river with swimming hole & great rocks to jump from. Beautiful sand beach," notes Greg B., highlighting the unique natural features.
Family-oriented atmosphere: Lake Selmac County Park receives positive feedback for its family-friendly environment. "We love coming to lake selmac to use the yurts for winter camping. They're heated and cozy," shares Paul H., who returns regularly with his family.
Unique accommodations: Several campgrounds offer alternatives to standard tent sites. At Cedar Bloom, reviewers mention distinct lodging options. "The mini A-frames and dome look very cool, even from a distance," notes Corey O., referring to the non-traditional structures available.
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to Canyon Gulch by Eight Dollar Mountain and other dispersed sites can be challenging. "I only saw two sites with fire rings on the side of the road and the road was busy with cars going by all hours for the night," reports Paige P.
Seasonal availability: Some locations close during winter months. Grayback Campground operates from May to September, while others remain open year-round. One reviewer noted, "We didn't stay at the campground as it was closed for their season."
Site differences: Campsite quality and size vary considerably between and within campgrounds. "Each site feels more private than the usual can of sardines campground which I appreciate," writes Joe M. about Harris Beach State Park, while locations like Canyon Gulch offer minimal amenities.
Look for river activities: Lake Selmac Resort provides water recreation options ideal for families. "We spent a weekend at Lake Selmac camping in our RV with our four kiddos... Boat rentals are cheap and very easy to access," mentions susanna R., highlighting affordable activities.
Consider heated accommodations in cooler months: Yurts and cabins provide comfort for families during spring and fall. "The campsites were all so beautiful with all the amenities one may want. You really felt removed from the world while there BUT not too far from a grocery store," notes susanna R.
Select campgrounds with amenities: Sites with playgrounds and organized activities work best for children. Harris Beach State Park offers "a fantastic playground and the Rangers hold Junior Ranger activities twice a day," according to one visitor.
Check size limitations: Many campgrounds near Kerby have restrictions on RV length. At Laughing Alpaca Campground + RV Park, sites accommodate larger rigs. "All RV sites are FHU and level, and the road and camper pads are a dirt/gravel mix," reports Lee D., providing specific site details.
Consider proximity to attractions: Location relative to local points of interest matters for RVers. "This RV Park is conveniently located between Grants Pass and the Oregon Caves National Monument, which is why we chose it," explains Lee D.
Look for river views: Several RV parks offer premium riverside locations. "Great host, they upgraded us to a river front space. Trees and shade on most spaces. Full hook ups and Wifi. Level with gravel drive and grass," shares Richard H. about his experience at Laughing Alpaca.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Kerby, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Kerby, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 280 campgrounds and RV parks near Kerby, OR and 29 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Kerby, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kerby, OR is Laughing Alpaca Campground + RV Park with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kerby, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 free dispersed camping spots near Kerby, OR.
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