Best Campgrounds near Kerby, OR

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Kerby, Oregon (275)

    1. Laughing Alpaca Campground + RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Cave Junction, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 592-2656

    "Level with gravel drive and grass."

    "We will def be back when we are around the area."

    2. Lake Selmac County Park

    9 Reviews
    Selma, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 474-5285

    $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."

    3. Cedar Bloom

    7 Reviews
    Cave Junction, OR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (808) 346-3253

    $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"

    4. Grayback Campground

    8 Reviews
    Cave Junction, OR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 618-2200

    "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."

    5. Lake Selmac Resort

    4 Reviews
    Selma, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 597-2277

    "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."

    6. Store Gulch Campground

    5 Reviews
    Selma, OR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 592-4000

    $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."

    7. Harris Beach State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    Brookings, OR
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 469-2021

    $24 - $67 / 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."

    8. Canyon Gulch by Eight Dollar Moutain

    4 Reviews
    Kerby, OR
    3 miles

    "It’s got great views and near the river, but homeless camps sometimes set up around here."

    9. Smoke on the Water

    4 Reviews
    Selma, OR
    5 miles
    Website

    "Now branded as Smoke on the Water, the former Lake Selmac Resort is one of Oregon's first cannabis-friendly campgrounds."

    "They had a great family atmosphere, my kids loved running around here with other kids. They were nice and clean and just a minute walk from the lake."

    10. Little Falls Campground

    2 Reviews
    Kerby, OR
    3 miles
    Website

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Kerby, OR

985 Reviews of 275 Kerby Campgrounds


  • Cable A.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Harris Beach State Park Campground

    Overbearing hosts.

    Went in December. Never stopped raining. There were maybe 4 people camping there and no one near me for a few hundred yards. Camp ranger harassed me non stop because they had nothing to do, even though they didn’t have time to fix the lights in the bathrooms. Bad experience, Oregon state park employees really suck.

  • Suzanne B.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Valley of the Rogue State Park Campground

    Great campground

    Easy to access off of the 5 freeway. Many sites to choose from, including day use. Campground was clean. Sites are big enough for our 25 ft travel trailer and Ford F-150 extended bed 4 door. Bathroom were clean but showers are good but warm water lasts 3-4 minutes max. Sites were close to others with no privacy, but wide open spaces and amazing views. A little noisy due to proximity to the freeway.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    middle fork smith river

    Spot to Sleep

    There is nothing great about this spot; just a spot if you are tired. Easy to get to. It is a circular turn around that has space to set up a camp. Very large spot but luckily we were the only there; offers no privacy otherwise. The plus to this spot was the sound of water and night sky.

    Very easy drive in; any vehicle can handle it.

  • Imerie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Panther Flat Campground

    Wonderful campground

    It was such a beautiful campground. Not loud at all. It stayed dark at night because of the trees which we love. And the weather was amazing. Will def stay here again

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Redwood Meadows RV Resort

    Right next to the Redwoods

    Nice staff, full hook ups, the sites were reasonable. All the tiny houses are cool to see. The location is great, just minutes away from the national park

  • H
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Ruby VanDeventer County Park

    Great Spot

    Great little spot right by the river. The woods do get dark much quicker than the spots on the edge of the river (45min ish) so just be aware.

  • S
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Harris Beach State Park Campground

    Nice and clean campgrond, a bit noisy from 101

    Nice and very beautiful campground, close to the beach. The only downside is that you do get a bit of noise from the 101 highway nearby.


Guide to Kerby

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.

What to do

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."

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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 275 campgrounds and RV parks near Kerby, OR and 28 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 28 free dispersed camping spots near Kerby, OR.