Best Tent Camping near Talent, OR

Several tent campgrounds surround Talent, Oregon, offering varied camping experiences in the Cascade foothills and nearby mountains. Mount Ashland Campground, situated at higher elevation, provides free tent camping with scenic views of Mount Shasta and surrounding forest lands. Squaw Lakes and Applegate Lake offer additional tent camping options within driving distance, each with their own unique settings. These areas provide accessible backcountry tent camping experiences for those seeking outdoor recreation without venturing too far from town.

Tent sites throughout the region feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Most tent campgrounds include picnic tables and fire pits, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Mount Ashland Campground has vault toilets but no drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. According to one visitor, "The sunsets are gorgeous and stargazing is amazing but it is windy and I mean, drops 20 degrees windy." Many tent sites in the area have limited or no cell service, and several require campers to pack out all trash. Sites are generally accessible by vehicle during summer months, though some higher elevation locations close during winter due to snow.

The tent camping experience near Talent offers opportunities for solitude and nature immersion. Areas around Mount Ashland provide hiking access to the Pacific Crest Trail and surrounding forest lands. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The views are stunning with Mt Shasta in the distance and forest land extending as far as the eye can see." Tent campers should be prepared for variable mountain weather, particularly at higher elevations where strong winds and temperature fluctuations are common. Wildlife sightings, including deer and smaller mammals, add to the camping experience. Sites are typically most accessible from late spring through early fall, when snowmelt allows for easier access and warmer overnight temperatures make for more comfortable tent camping conditions.

Best Tent Sites Near Talent, Oregon (56)

    1. Mount Ashland Campground

    16 Reviews
    Ashland, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 899-1812

    "Shasta in the distance and mountains for days! It’s pretty high up therefore there’s usually really cold wind, keep that in mind for sleeping and fires."

    "I was told by the park ranger they shutting down the upper campground opposite the restrooms and refurbishing the whole campground."

    2. Squaw Lakes

    4 Reviews
    Williams, OR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 899-9220

    $25 - $75 / night

    "This is truly an Oregon gem. Swimming, non-motorized boating, fishing, hiking, trail cycling, you name it, this place has it."

    "not alot 0f people come here and I like it. very mellow. lots of wildlife."

    3. Beaver Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Yreka, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 468-5351

    "It’s free to stay here, but there is no water or camp host. Plenty of firewood laying around if you need it. Bring an ax or a chainsaw, I’m sure the forest service won’t mind the help."

    "Nice river running right next to the camp to cool off in and a wading pool has been made. Close to the road but little or no traffic."

    4. Applegate Lake

    3 Reviews
    Seiad Valley, CA
    23 miles

    "Weather was perfect and the lake water level was great. It’s got a great beach area for kids to swim and play. Full of huge trout"

    "The campsites are actually great with lots of trees and privacy. It's nice only having seven sites. They were very well kept and the people who run it are awesome. The lake, however, is kind of meh."

    5. Willow-Witt Ranch

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    Ashland, OR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 890-1998

    $100 - $210 / night

    6. Sanctuary on the River

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    Jacksonville, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 899-1565

    $40 / night

    7. Bull Gap Sno-Park

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    Ashland, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 618-2200

    8. Camp Ashland

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    Ashland, OR
    13 miles

    $41 / night

    9. Wrangle Campground

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    Ashland, OR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 899-1812

    10. Watkins

    1 Review
    Seiad Valley, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 899-1812

    "Awesome lake access with a few different trails leading down to the water, or where it would be if the lake was full. Beautiful area and great areas for kids."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Talent, OR

563 Reviews of 56 Talent Campgrounds


  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2025

    Aspen Point (lake of The Woods, Or)

    Okay for a day or two

    There are no hookups - no electricity, no water , no dump station at sites. There appears to be a water pipe? I’m not sure… but no faucet near the site. Beautiful surroundings, we even saw several mule deer.

  • DuBois The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Wolf Creek Park

    Nice established spot but pricy

    Nice flat sites would be good for small rigs, you can put your tent behind or next to the rv spot/table because the tent stakes aren’t gonna go in on the main part of the pad where everyone has been putting their campers (found out the hard way, lots of rocks and roots lol). Picnic table, fire ring, pit toilet with tissue. No running water. Was $25 a night for a tent spot in July which is pretty high for this area considering no water. Close to freeway but was quiet.

  • A
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Ochoco NF-Ochoco West - Prineville Area

    Great Place

    This is a great place.  The cabin is vintage and takes you back in time.  It was clean and comfortable.  The out house was very clean.  There is no water so you need to bring your own.  The Fridge and stove worked really well, we did have issues trying to get the lights to work.  But we had lanterns so it was not a problem.  We were visited by some cattle that were grazing near by.  Bring your own cleaning supplies and bedding.  The beds are full size with trundles under neath, there are two of them.  There is a small table with chairs in the kitchen.  There  is a picnic table and fire ring outside as well.

  • Johnny G.
    Aug. 17, 2020

    Bolan Lake Campground

    Good place to camp by the lake.

    Tent camped at Bolan Lake on Saturday, not a lot of people here which was nice. Sites have fire pit and tables, clean space to pitch tents or use rooftop tent. No WiFi or cell reception. This weekend was hot, close to 110 and being at lake was perfect. If you want peace and quiet, water access and blooming flowers with trees, this is a good spot.

    It’s a pretty long dirt road to get to the campground, make sure you have good tires that can handed rocks/dirt terrain.

  • Natasha H.
    Sep. 10, 2016

    Willow lake

    Wilderness Camping with the basics - A hidden Gem

    What a fantastic lake! Secluded in the mountain back country of the Southern Oregon area - not far from Medford / Grants Pass / Siskiyou National Forest / Crater Lake

    Great boating lake for water sports, good fishing, excellent hiking and great campsites and in nearby campgrounds not listed on The Dyrt yet, you can get some really secluded sites that are just beautiful... but do not expect more than an outhouse and a spigot, a picnic table (maybe a bear box?) and fire-ring- which to me is PHENOMENAL camping. Fresh water, a bathroom and nature. Works!

    The Willow Lake County Park offers more amenities though and great wilderness. Its a beautiful little gem and gets amazing weather- from warm and sunny to random rainy thunderstorms that do not last long. Truly God-sent sunsets and sunrises.

    Great place to make some wonderful memories with streams, creeks, the lake, the forested areas, trails, canyons, fishing, hiking, canoeing and more.

  • N
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Fish Lake Campground - Rogue River

    Overall, pretty good!

    Large campsites with provided fire rings and picnic tables. Water spigot near the sites but no electrical hookups available, so this is dry camping. The flush toilet bathrooms in the campground are clean, but old, which makes them appear, at first glance, to be worse than they are. The bathrooms in the day use area on the outer edge of the campground are clean. I’m sure fish Lake is nice for swimming although when we went there water was 20% lower than normal and upon wading in you get stuck in the mud bottom before you can make it out to deeper water. The fishing was good! Our friends went fishing and had a great time. Firewood is available for sale from the camp host for 9 dollars a bundle. We brought firewood we purchased at the grocery store. The campsites are large and widely spaced enough that you can’t overhear people’s conversions around you but you can see them, so privacy is a little less here. The campsites are standard soft dirt floor. Its so fine that it gets everywhere though; especially if you have dogs with you. we had to sweep out the camper a few times. Fish Lake resort is within 5 minutes walking distance and has a little restaurant that serves breakfast during the morning and burgers, fries and local (some bottled, some on tap) microbrews for lunch and dinner. The restaurant is a bit spendy though. Attached to it is a small grocery store with food and camp supplies, which came in handy as we forgot D batteries; so $6 and 3 D cell batteries later and our indoor lantern worked great. The camp hosts are great! Very little to no bugs which surprised me being near a lake! All around a great 2 nights. On the last morning before we packed up the toilets had to closed because they couldn’t flush and the sink didn’t have running water. The water spigots also stopped working and we were told that the well the campground gets its water from just went dry. The nearby campground of doe point also had their well run dry. Bring extra water just in case. I would recommend this camp ground to people.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2021

    Ashland's Creekside Campground & RV Park

    Undergoing Improvements

    At highway 66 near Ashland this park has both RV and tent sites. The RV sites are full/partial hook up (30 amp only) and dry camping. Note though that even if you pay for partial or dry you will still need to pay $10/dump your tanks. We opted for just full hook ups here. The tent sites are near the creek.

    There was some work being done that appear to be some upgrades. There is a nice pool area, a pond and the creek. The sites are level with picnic tables and fire pits. There are bathrooms, free hot showers, laundry, dog run, playground and store. Also available is propane ($3.50/gallon) book exchange and ice. Wifi was fast and free.

    The road noise is noticeable but not too bad. Some of the spots can be close but for a night it wasn't bad. Pets are allowed on leash only but there were a couple of loose dogs running around so be aware. 

    NOTE: Google tells you to turn on the street (Neil Creek Rd) just after the park so if you have a big rig then turning around could be difficult. Keep an eye out for the campground and turn into it directly from the main road instead.

    All the office and maintenance staff were friendly and helpful and neighbors were friendly and quiet.  We didn't get the tweaker vibe mentioned in some previous reviews. This place is cute - maybe there are new owners (who changed the name from Glenyan to Ashland Creekside, maybe?) who are trying to turn things around.

    Good cell service ATT, Verizon and TMobile.

  • Kelli B.
    Jul. 27, 2018

    Siskiyou National Forest Chinquapin Group Campground

    Group campground near the caves

    Primitive Group campground located just minutes from the Oregon Caves National Monument.

    You must call a head and reserve as gates are locked.

    The road to this campground is winding and very narrow, RV trailers not advised.

    Campground has vault toilets, picnic table, and fire pits/bbq stand. Well water on site. Swimming and hiking nearby.

    Quiet place to stay for family get together and trip to the caves.

  • Deacon J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Rogue River National Forest North Fork Campground

    One of Oregon's Delights

    Fantastic little site close to fish lake. Only about 9 sites total and most of them tent spaces (gravel) that calls for a sleeping pad. There is easy access to Fish Lake trail and just a ways up the road is Sky Lakes with abundant hiking and adventure options. Lots of fly fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels around and friendly fishing related conversations are easy to get into. You'll dig this little spot. clean, quiet, and incredible views.


Guide to Talent

Tent camping opportunities near Talent, Oregon range from secluded forest settings to lakeside retreats. Most sites are accessible from late spring through early fall when forest roads are clear of snow. Winter camping is limited to lower elevations where occasional snowfall may still affect access to remote sites.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Applegate Lake offers excellent trout fishing during the summer months. According to one visitor at Applegate Lake, the lake is "full of huge trout" and features "a great beach area for kids to swim and play."

Swimming and cooling off: Several campgrounds feature water access for summer recreation. At Beaver Creek Campground, campers appreciate the natural features: "Nice river running right next to the camp to cool off in and a wading pool has been made," notes a reviewer who found this area perfect for hot days.

Hiking access: Squaw Lakes provides multiple recreational options beyond just camping. One camper describes it as "truly an Oregon gem. Swimming, non-motorized boating, fishing, hiking, trail cycling, you name it, this place has it."

What campers like

Free camping options: Several campgrounds near Talent require no fee. A visitor at Beaver Creek Campground noted, "This is a nice campground if you don't want to pay a fee for one somewhat close to i5. The campground is about 4 miles up beaver Creek after you turn off of Klamath river hwy."

Wildlife viewing: The forests around Talent support diverse wildlife. At Squaw Lakes, a camper mentioned, "not alot of people come here and I like it. very mellow. lots of wildlife."

Privacy between sites: Mount Ashland Campground offers more secluded camping than developed sites. A camper reported, "The sites are tucked away and for some you'll need to park and walk."

What you should know

Water availability: Most primitive campgrounds lack potable water. At Mount Ashland Campground, a visitor advises: "The camp ground itself is fairly primitive but very reasonable for being FREE. There pit toilets with toilet paper and picnic benches + fire pits at each spot. Bring your own water!!"

Vehicle accessibility: Many forest campsites have limitations for larger vehicles. One camper at Mount Ashland shared: "This campground is really only set up for tent campers. The place to park for vehicles is far from level. Even with camper jacks I was sleeping at an angle."

Campsite availability: During peak summer months, popular free sites fill quickly. A visitor observed: "Saturday night was packed full, the rest of the nights it was me and maybe 1 other camper."

Tips for camping with families

Pack-in logistics: Sanctuary on the River offers walk-in tent camping that requires hauling gear from parking areas. Similarly at Squaw Lakes, one visitor mentioned, "Pack-in/Pack-out, with the option to hire the camp host and his four-wheeler to drop your gear off at your site. You'll have to walk in."

Weather preparedness: Mountain elevations experience significant temperature fluctuations. For Squaw Lakes, a camper recommends: "Pack warm clothes for night and be sure to have good bug spray, even for when you're unloading."

Campground amenities: When camping with children, sites with basic facilities are preferred. At Beaver Creek, a camper notes: "This campground is nestled in the forest in a remote area about 30 minutes or so west of I-5. It's free to stay here, but there is no water or camp host."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Several of the best tent camping areas near Talent present difficulties for RVs. One visitor to Mount Ashland Campground advised: "If you have a van or camper I would recommend parking at one of the more level pull offs before the campground then just walking up for the view."

Limited turn-around space: Forest roads often lack adequate space for larger vehicles to maneuver. A reviewer noted about Watkins: "Awesome lake access with a few different trails leading down to the water," but the narrow access roads make it difficult for larger rigs.

Self-contained requirements: Most primitive sites lack hookups and dump facilities. At Beaver Creek Campground, a camper advised: "There's no store nearby that I know of, so make sure you've got everything before you get there."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Talent, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Talent, OR is Mount Ashland Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Talent, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 56 tent camping locations near Talent, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.