The O'Brien area sits in the Illinois Valley of southwestern Oregon at approximately 1,300 feet elevation. Campers find relatively mild temperatures compared to higher mountain regions, with summer highs typically reaching the 80s-90s F and winter lows rarely dropping below freezing for extended periods. The area serves as a convenient base for exploring both the Oregon Caves National Monument to the east and the redwood forests along the California border to the south.
What to do
River access for swimming: Lake Selmac County Park offers shoreline swimming opportunities about 12 miles north of O'Brien. According to one visitor, it's "a popular place for locals in the summer and popular for birthday parties and events. Lake is large and fishing, canoeing are some fun things to do here." Camping spots include lakefront options with views across the water.
Smith River exploration: Panther Flat Campground in nearby California provides access to the Smith River, which one camper describes as "amazing land CLEAN. Please respect it and keep it that way." Another visitor notes that "Smith River is amazing land CLEAN. Please respect it and keep it that way. Sunscreens contaminate the rivers."
Visit Redwoods National Park: Just 45 miles southwest of O'Brien, Jedidiah Smith Campground offers camping among ancient redwoods. As one camper notes, "This is a surreal place. Stayed 2 nights. Tent camping spots were great everything was nicely maintained... To stand amongst this beautiful trees it is very breathtaking."
What campers like
Riverside sites: Several camping spots near O'Brien provide water access. At Laughing Alpaca Campground, one visitor mentioned, "Our spot on the river was cool. We saw river otters!" Another camper at the same location noted that "our site had a view of the water. Sites are close but in grass, not concrete. Lots of trees and shade."
Amenities: Cedar Bloom campground provides unexpected comforts in a rustic setting. According to one camper: "The communal kitchen was perfect for prepping breakfast, lunch, and dinner - and the staff was sanitizing all the commonly touched areas." Another visitor mentioned, "You can start your morning with a shower over looking the river or enjoy the zen sauna."
Privacy between sites: Grayback Campground provides secluded campsites despite being only 12 miles from Cave Junction. A visitor noted, "We stayed in site 37 next to the River. You will not be disappointed here." Another camper mentioned, "Most campsites were shaded majority of the day," providing natural separation and comfort.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the O'Brien area remain open year-round due to the region's mild climate. At Lake Selmac, one camper mentioned, "We love coming to lake selmac to use the yurts for winter camping. They're heated and cozy." However, summer brings higher visitation and some facilities like Grayback Campground operate only from May to September.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is spotty throughout the Illinois Valley. A visitor to Town and Country RV Park noted, "WiFi works but a bit spotty at times." At Panther Flat Campground, visitors mentioned "only extended cell service which doesn't work well," advising campers to prepare for limited communication options.
Weather variability: Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s F, making water access important. One visitor to Panther Flat campground warned that "it can get HOT in the Summer." During spring and fall, temperatures fluctuate significantly between day and night, requiring campers to pack layers.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: The Illinois River provides cooling recreation during summer months. At Town and Country RV Park, one family reported, "Our kids enjoyed the river and used the park's kayaks and paddle boards (for free!)." Another family mentioned, "I love the customer service! They greeted us right when we arrived... they let us use their paddle board."
Kid-friendly hiking: Grayback Campground offers accessible trails suitable for younger hikers. As one visitor described, it has "a small hiking trail that is kid and wheelchair friendly." Another visitor mentioned the campground provides "a walking trail that crosses the creek about 1/2 mile" from the campsite.
Off-season family options: For winter family camping, Lake Selmac provides heated accommodations: "We love coming to lake selmac to use the yurts for winter camping. They're heated and cozy. The kids enjoy the fishing and I love the view across the lake."
Tips from RVers
Site sizes and access: Lone Mountain RV Resort in O'Brien accommodates various RV sizes with level sites. The campground offers "clean pay showers" according to one RVer, though visitors should "bring quarters" for shower use. Full hookup sites are available for extended stays.
River view sites: RVers at Town and Country RV Park appreciate the riverside locations. One visitor mentioned, "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." Another noted that "some sites back up to the Illinois River with a filtered view through the trees."
Road access considerations: When traveling to camping spots near O'Brien, Oregon, RVers should note that some access roads may require high-clearance vehicles during wet weather. While many established campgrounds maintain paved roads, forest service sites often have gravel or dirt access roads that can become rutted after rain.
