Best Tent Camping near Selma, OR
The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest surrounding Selma, Oregon offers several tent-only and primitive tent camping options. Sixmile Campground provides tent-specific sites in a forested setting, while Josephine Campground offers free walk-in tent sites with basic amenities. Spalding Pond Campground, open May through October, features five tent campsites with picnic tables and fire rings near a stocked fishing pond. Little Falls Campground and Cedar Bloom provide additional tent camping options, with Cedar Bloom offering both drive-in and walk-in tent sites along a river.
Most tent campgrounds in the Selma area feature natural, ungraded surfaces that work well for tent setups but may become muddy during rainy periods. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during summer months. Vault toilets are available at most established sites, though maintenance can be inconsistent. Campers should bring their own drinking water, as few locations offer potable water sources. The Forest Service typically enforces a 14-day stay limit at dispersed camping areas. Cave Creek Campground near Oregon Caves National Monument provides tent-only sites with water stations nearby, though the narrow access road makes it unsuitable for larger vehicles.
In early fall, tent campers often find more solitude at backcountry tent sites throughout the region. According to reviews, Cave Creek Campground rarely hosts more than one or two campers at a time, making it ideal for those seeking quiet primitive tent camping. One visitor noted that Spalding Pond offers "five camping spots each with their own private picnic table and fire pit with metal grate," plus recently added toilet facilities. The pond is stocked with trout and contains native catfish and crawfish, providing fishing opportunities directly from camp. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer frequently spotted near tent sites at dusk. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most primitive tent camping locations, allowing for a true disconnect from technology.
