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Josephine Campground

2 ReviewsAdd Review

This free Forest Service campground requires walk-in access, with parking available in a central lot before carrying gear to individual tent sites. Located along the Eight Dollar Mountain Road in Siskiyou National Forest, Josephine Campground provides pit toilets and allows campfires and pets. The area experienced fire damage years ago, creating open spaces throughout the woodland setting. One reviewer noted intermittent cell service with Verizon, while another mentioned maintenance issues including accumulated trash near facilities. The road continues beyond the campground for several miles, offering access to dispersed [campsites near Siskiyou National Forest] for those preferring more primitive options.

Reservation Info

Quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Campfires in developed fire pits only Fireworks are prohibited Dogs must be on leash OHV/ATV use prohibited in the campground Maximum length of stay: 14 days

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Location

Public Campground

Josephine Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

42.24146689 N
123.687157 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 21 users
    Last on 4/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 28 users
    Last on 4/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 21 users
    Last on 4/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 28 users
    Last on 4/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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3.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Bill T.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 30, 2023

8$ road campgrounds

This is one of the first of about three campsites on the 8$ road after the bridge crossing the Illinois River.  On the near side, is a picnic spot with a pit toilet.  Across the bridge, there is a campsite downriver with a pit toilet.  There are several dispersed camp sites there, but on my visit (May 2023) it was closed.  You could drive down a park at the different sites if the gate was open.  

Opposite the forest service site is a dispersed site on upstream side of the bridge.  It is steep, requires 4X4 with high clearance and is not level.

The Josephine Campground it about half a mile further up the road from the bridge.  I did not stop, but it appeared to have 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.

I believe there was one more similar forest service site on up the road with a pit toilet and walkin sites.  However, the rest of the road has many dispersed sites off the road.  Most of the eastern side of the road (uphill side) is restricted from any vehicular traffic due to special botanical interests.  The road goes for about nine miles from highway 199 and ends at a river crossing with further progress blocked with a large fallen tree.

I had intermittent one bar service with Verizon.  This is an absolutely beautiful area, was large open areas due a long ago fire.

SiteDispersed
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Josephine Campground by Bill T., May 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Josephine Campground by Bill T., May 30, 2023
  • Driving down the road, about midway point
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Clara B.
Reviewed Jul. 20, 2020

Pretty site but felt unsafe

The campground is pretty, small and secluded. However, when we tried to stay there (we left after 10min), it was dirty (there is no trash pickup, so people had left their trash near the toilets), and felt unsafe and weird. There was an empty car with smashed windows and filled with trash. There was also an old and dirty RV with all blinds shut. It could simply be bad luck but it did not seem like a nice and safe place to stay the night, especially with no host. We then tried to go to Store Gulch, a few miles away, but left for similar reasons. We saw someone shooting up on the side of the road. Overall I personally would avoid this whole area if I’m ever back in south Oregon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Josephine Campground located in Oregon?

Josephine Campground is located along the Illinois River near Cave Junction in southwestern Oregon. It's situated on the 8 Dollar Road, right after crossing the bridge over the Illinois River. The campground is small and secluded, tucked into a picturesque forest setting that offers a natural retreat. Its proximity to the river makes it a good option for visitors exploring the Illinois River area in Josephine County.

What amenities are available at Josephine Campground?

Josephine Campground offers basic amenities including pit toilets and dispersed camping sites. The campground features picnic areas, with one located on the near side of the bridge and camping sites positioned downriver after crossing the bridge. There's no trash pickup service at this primitive campground, so visitors must pack out all waste. The natural setting along the Illinois River provides opportunities for swimming and outdoor recreation, but expect minimal facilities overall.

Are reservations required for Josephine Campground?

Reservations are not required for Josephine Campground as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This small, primitive campground has limited sites available, so arriving early during peak seasons is recommended to secure a spot. Since it's a more rustic camping area with dispersed sites, the campground doesn't have a formal reservation system in place. For the most current information about availability and any potential changes to the reservation policy, contact the local Forest Service office before your trip.

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