Tent camping options near Selma, Oregon concentrate in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest where sites range from 2,000 to 4,500 feet in elevation. The area features a mix of conifer forests, open meadows, and numerous creek and river access points. Most primitive campgrounds remain open from late April through October, with limited winter camping opportunities at lower elevations when snow permits.
What to do
Riverside recreation: At Cedar Bloom, campers can enjoy multiple water activities. "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. The site combines natural swimming spots with nearby hiking trails.
Night sky viewing: High-elevation camping provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. At Onion Mountain Lookout, "You are at 4000 feet and you can see the milky way clearly," according to Kevin T. The elevation helps create unobstructed views of celestial objects with minimal light pollution.
Hiking to attractions: Several campgrounds connect to trail systems leading to notable destinations. The Cave Creek Campground offers "a hiking 2.5 mile trail that takes you to" Oregon Caves National Monument, making it convenient for visitors planning to tour the cave system, as noted by Kelli B.
What campers like
Solitude: Many sites in this region provide peaceful camping experiences away from crowds. Kevin R. mentions that at Cave Creek, "Every time i have went its just me or one other camper," making it ideal for those seeking quiet.
Water features: Little Falls Campground offers proximity to water features that enhance the camping experience. Imerie T. notes it's "quiet and clean. So close to Grants Pass and to Cave Junction," making it convenient while still offering natural surroundings.
Community facilities: Some campgrounds provide shared amenities that create unique experiences. Cedar Bloom features "a community kitchen, sauna and swimming hole," according to Corey O., while another camper mentions "The communal kitchen was perfect for prepping breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
What you should know
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigating challenging access roads. Liliána S. warns about Little Falls: "You have to go through a gate where you have to be careful because the road not so good, but worth it!!" Similar road constraints exist at many forest campgrounds.
Seasonal variations: Weather patterns significantly impact camping conditions. At Tin Can, Shannon W. notes, "We like to camp here especially in the snow!" indicating year-round camping possibilities but requiring appropriate gear.
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites have minimal amenities. Campgrounds typically feature vault toilets and fire rings but lack running water. Bill T. describes Josephine Campground as having "a half dozen tent sites and a pit toilet. You have to park your car in the lot and carry your gear a few yards to the different sites."
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: When camping with children, consider sites with safe swimming areas. Katie G. found Cedar Bloom "Great for kids with a river on site nearby," though parents should note that "One part of the river is designated as a nudist-friendly beach but is well-marked."
Fishing opportunities: Siskiyou National Forest Sixmile Campground offers creek access that appeals to families. Lisa N. shares, "We slept right by a creek and that was the only beautiful sound we could hear," though she cautions that very young children need supervision as "the river is quite big and swift."
Safety considerations: Family campers should consider ranger presence and site security. At Little Falls, Liliána S. reports, "We extremely felt safe as the park ranger checked on us in the morning," providing peace of mind for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most primitive campgrounds near Selma have significant RV restrictions. Kelli B. explains that despite Cave Creek's proximity to Oregon Caves, "it is extremely hard to take any type of RV there. The road is paved, but Extremely Narrow with limited visibility. So this one is really for tent campers only."
Overflow options: When established campgrounds are full, RVers may need alternatives. At Little Falls, according to Imerie T., "There is only 4 spots here. Two you have to park in. 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."
Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. Bill T. reports, "I had intermittent one bar service with Verizon" in the Josephine Campground area, important information for RVers who need to stay connected.
