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Best Campgrounds near Merlin, OR

654 Reviews

Camping areas near Merlin, Oregon span from established campgrounds along the Rogue River to dispersed sites on nearby public lands. Indian Mary Park offers year-round camping with RV hookups and tent sites just minutes from Merlin, while Riverpark RV Resort provides cabin accommodations and full hookups for recreational vehicles. The region includes several county and state parks within a 30-minute drive, including Griffin Park with yurt options and Valley of the Rogue State Park with multiple camping loops.

Road access varies throughout the region, with most established campgrounds accessible via paved roads while dispersed options may require high-clearance vehicles. "This park has a beautiful view and access to the Rogue River in Oregon. Not much by way of privacy, but the park is clean and welcoming," noted one camper about Riverpark RV Resort. Summer temperatures typically range from 80-95°F during peak season, with occasional fire restrictions during drought conditions. Most developed campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Cell service can be spotty in canyon areas, particularly at sites farther from Interstate 5.

Riverside camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Merlin area, with several campgrounds offering direct water access. The Rogue River provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating near many camping areas. Campers frequently mention the convenience of sites near Grants Pass for supply runs while still enjoying natural settings. A review highlighted that "Indian Mary Park is one of the best spots with a fan hobbit hole at the back, nice and level parking, fairly secluded looking forest area and centrally located near the restrooms and other facilities." Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with those closer to Interstate 5 experiencing more traffic sounds than more remote options. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, river otters, and various bird species throughout the camping areas.

Map showing campgrounds near Merlin, OregonExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Merlin, Oregon (231)

    1. Valley of the Rogue State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    Rogue River, OR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 582-3128

    $31 - $77 / night

    "Great RV sites that are close to the River with FHU’s. Hiking paths border the river and connect the many camping loops. Stayed in loop B which has back-in’s and drive throughs."

    "Do Not let the close proximity to I-5 keep you from staying here. We are on B loop and while outside the traffic noise is audible, it gets lost in the wind through the trees."

    2. Sunny Valley Campground

    10 Reviews
    Wolf Creek, OR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 479-0209

    $40 - $105 / night

    "It's close to I-5 bit the road noise was not bad and a chorus of frogs throughout the evening distracts from it. We were in spot 67 which was spacious and offered a great deal of privacy."

    "Camp is close to the interstate but still quiet. Bathrooms are nice and clean, spot to wash your dishes, wifi is pretty good! Evey site has water and power access. Also has a pool."

    3. Riverpark RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Grants Pass, OR
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 479-0046

    "This park has a beautiful view and access to the Rogue River in Oregon. Not much by way of privacy, but the park is clean and welcoming."

    "Campground directly situated on the banks of the Rogue River. Owner/host was very friendly and customer minded. Campground was almost full. Sites are guite close to each other."

    4. Schroeder Park

    11 Reviews
    Grants Pass, OR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 474-5285

    $20 - $55 / night

    "Easy access to the rogue river for floating. Staff were really helpful."

    "Close to the town of Grants Pass for shopping or whatever yet quiet. The stars shine and you can even see the Milky Way at night."

    5. Indian Mary Park

    9 Reviews
    Merlin, OR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 474-5285

    $25 - $55 / night

    "The campground was quiet and relatively empty making it tranquil and scenic and perfect with its proximity to the boat ramp onto the Rogue."

    "I like the set up of each individual shower with a locking door opening to the outside.

    Garbage dumpsters available throughout, and there are no recycling bins."

    6. Grants Pass KOA

    5 Reviews
    Merlin, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 479-7974

    "Close to the highway, without the highway noise.

    Very well maintained, clean and professional

    Several off leash dog areas.

    Wifi only available in a few locations."

    7. Griffin Park

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

    $30 - $55 / night

    "Easy to get to off the 5 so even though you feel like you're out there, it's actually extremely close to a cute little downtown with everything you might need."

    8. Wolf Creek Park

    10 Reviews
    Wolf Creek, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 474-5285

    $15 - $25 / night

    "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"

    "It is located close to I-5, so it is easy to get to. There are some really nice sites by the creek. It is quiet, has beautiful scenery. There are some sites with full hook ups."

    9. Burma Pond BLM

    10 Reviews
    Wolf Creek, OR
    15 miles
    +1 (541) 471-6500

    "We parked right by the lake, there was another spot in the middle of the loop, and a few others.

    It looks like there’s a trail that goes around the lake."

    "All of the spots are right on the edge of the water. Spots are small but room for a single vehicle or van at each. We had the place to ourselves on a random Wednesday in August."

    10. Rogue Valley Overniters

    5 Reviews
    Grants Pass, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 479-2208
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Showing results 1-10 of 231 campgrounds

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Recent Camping Photos near Merlin, OR

118 Photos of 231 Merlin Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Merlin, OR

654 Reviews of 231 Merlin Campgrounds

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping

    Redwood Camping

    I’m not sure why everyone is so pressed about the maps leading them elsewhere, the signs are there! There are actually 3 river access roads that will lead you to dispersed camping. The Nook, Miller and Redwood and they all have signs displayed. We were there for 3 nights and to be honest every night from Mon-Wed. was quite but busy. Everyone was respectful of the others space however it was just too busy of a site for how we like to camp. It is good for a sleep and the river was was nice but not really my flavor. We drove up farther to another site and enjoyed that much more.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    South Fork Chetco

    Secluded river spot

    This is one of my favorite spots so far! It’s a little farther up than we anticipated going BUT so worth it...maybe a mile or so past the Redwood river access. You’ll pass through a cute little neighborhood and it’s right before the bridge on your left hand side. The spot that we were staying at before just got way too busy and that’s not the kind of camping that we prefer to do. We were able to get our rig and our Casita down fairly easy. We’re right on the river with very beautiful views and the whole area to ourselves!! We’re visiting early September so no fires are allowed at this time and the yellow jackets are still definitely out, so try and make sure you have a trap for them…they can get aggressive! Would most definitely come back to this spot!!

  • L
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Alfred A. Loeb State Park Campground

    happy campground right on the chetco

    Wow! I had heard some mixed reviews of Loeb; lack of privacy, loud partying. That wasn't my experience. Maybe I got lucky but I had super chill neighbors and it was dead quiet once the sun went down. There are options up the river for more private dispersed camping I checked out the next day, but solo camping as a woman I prefer to have some lowkey families or older couples camping nearby, which is what I got. Gigantic trees swallowed my site which was a 3 minute walk to the riverbank. Chetco is the most gorgeous river I have ever been lucky enough to swim in. Honestly the campground could have been a dump and I might not have even noticed due to how dazzled I was by the river, which flowed gently behind my site. I swam for hours, walked into camp for a hot shower & dinner, stared up at the stars before bed. I heard barred owls at night. So hard to leave this special place. I will be back as soon as I can.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful creek camping

    This little spot is such a gem. The reviews are correct in the fact that it can be a tight fit. My husband and I were the only camper here when we stayed so we didn’t experience that as a problem. It is a bit steep coming down but since we were the only ones we had plenty of room to back the camper where we wanted. The creek is absolutely clear, a bit chilly but stunning. I would definitely recommend this spot and would absolutely come back for another stay. If you miss this spot or it’s too full there are plenty of other dispersed campsites farther up. Might not be as much room for campers or splashing around in the river but you’ll still access to the river. We came late August.

  • Ashley A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Laughing Alpaca Campground

    Quirky and cute

    This place is definitely charming. It has its own alpaca pasture and management is very nice! Everyone here was nice and our spot on the river was cool. We saw river otters! Only thing I didn’t love about this place is there was no change machine for laundry and there were no locks on the stalls in the bathroom which was a little weird to me.

  • Noel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Elk River "Stony Beach" Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful camping & swimming on the Elk River

    Camped one night, so peaceful. Quiet and dark. Took several divine swims. The water is crystal clear and cool, comfortable to stay in for minutes. Had a wild and beautiful romp up the State creek canyon across the bar. Just one other camper was there overnight. Plenty of room for both of us. Couldn’t even see them most of the time. 3 other parties came and went during the day, all focused on swimming and low key family time in nature. The only negative is a pile of the grossest trash, human waste in plastic bags, and some other random defunct camping items. I collected them and piled them up at the side of the road. People clearly struggle with how to manage the absence of toilet. I dug a little hole in the thimbleberries across the road and used their wide and soft leaves to clean myself up. No biggie.

  • Ashley A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping

    Peaceful

    Very peaceful and secluded. Would definitely stay again! Only thing is the people before us did not practice leave no trace and there were some paper towels in a bush and dog toys left behind.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Huntley Park Campground

    Great site for a night or two

    The view is beautiful and has easy access to the river. Camp hosts were very friendly and everyone was very respectful.

  • Rachel A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Wolf Creek Park

    Wolf creek

    We had a nice time at this campground. There was a playground our toddler enjoyed, and we were very grateful it was about 20 degrees cooler than grants pass which was 100 degrees at 6pm.

    The sites by the river and backed up to the woods are nice.

    It was pretty empty when we stayed there

Guide to Merlin

Camping near Merlin, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore the Rogue River: Many campgrounds, like Indian Mary Park, are right by the river, making it perfect for fishing and boating. One visitor mentioned, "The campground was quiet and relatively empty making it tranquil and scenic and perfect with its proximity to the boat ramp onto the Rogue."
  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Campers can enjoy trails around the area. A review from Lake Selmac County Park highlights, "Clean bathrooms and good hiking," which is great for those who love to explore nature.
  • Family Activities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds and activities for kids. One family at Sunny Valley Campground said, "The staff was friendly and helpful and we had a great experience."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Charles V. Stanton County Park noted, "Clean bathrooms, free showers, river access, horseshoes, playground and swings!"
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. One reviewer at Seven Feathers RV Resort mentioned, "The staff was extremely helpful and kind."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough room between sites. A guest at Valley of the Rogue State Park Campground remarked, "There was a ton of space between our site and the sites on either side of us."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A camper at Medford-Gold Hill KOA mentioned, "It is close to Hwy 5 so a lot of road noise."
  • Reservation Policies: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Valley of the Rogue State Park Campground shared, "This is a reservation only state park but you can make the reservations day of before getting there."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A review from Schroeder Park stated, "There is minimal privacy between sites, but it felt ok due to the trees and the layout of the sites."

Tips for camping with families

  • Look for Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Choose places with playgrounds and activities. One family at Sunny Valley Campground enjoyed the "bouncy house playground and horseshoes."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy, so consider visiting during off-peak times. A camper at Lake Selmac County Park mentioned, "Quiet on a summer weeknight."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Indian Mary Park appreciated the "basketballs, disc golf discs, horseshoes, etc available for checkout for free!"

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A reviewer at Medford-Gold Hill KOA noted, "Pull thru sites are short my 35 footer and car just fit."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Southern Oregon RV Park mentioned, "Sites have concrete pad, fire pit and table with FHU."
  • Be Prepared for Traffic Noise: If you're near the highway, expect some noise. A visitor at Charles V. Stanton County Park said, "Everything else was great! Clean, bathrooms, free showers, river access, horseshoes, playground and swings!"

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Merlin, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Merlin, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 231 campgrounds and RV parks near Merlin, OR and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Merlin, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Merlin, OR is Valley of the Rogue State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 50 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Merlin, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Merlin, OR.

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