Sam Brown Campground
04 reviewsSam Brown Campground, Wild Rivers Ranger District, Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon
Sam Brown Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single campsite fee is $10 per night; additional vehicle fee is $5 per night. Payment accepted via cash or check. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder.
About this campground
Nestled in a sprawling meadow where early miners and homesteaders once carved out their dreams, Sam Brown Campground offers a gateway to adventure and tranquility. Towering fir and pine trees provide natural canopies over generously spaced campsites, creating the perfect basecamp for your outdoor pursuits. Whether you're drawn to explore the extensive trail network on foot, mountain bike, horseback, or motorcycle, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where deer graze at dawn, elk bugle in the distance, and birdsong fills the air throughout the day.
Sam Brown Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations suitable for tents, small trailers, and campers. It's particularly popular for group camping due to its large meadow and picnic shelters.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time on the historic grounds of the former Ferrin Ranch, where stories of the Old West still whisper through the pines. Near the picnic area stands a weathered headstone bearing the name 'Sam Brown'—a mysterious monument that has sparked countless campfire tales and theories. While the true story behind this solitary marker remains lost to time, it serves as a poignant reminder of the pioneers who once called these meadows home.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Pacific Northwest beauty as the seasons paint Sam Brown Campground in ever-changing hues. Summer brings gentle warmth perfect for long days on the trails, while winter transforms the landscape into a crisp wonderland where rain and occasional snow create a peaceful retreat. Spring awakens the meadow with wildflowers and refreshing temperatures ideal for hiking, and autumn delivers a spectacular show of colors accompanied by cool, invigorating air that makes every outdoor adventure memorable.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 2,000 feet elevation, the campground offers the perfect balance of mountain ambiance without the challenges of high-altitude camping, making it accessible for adventurers of all ages and experience levels.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking to misty mornings in an enchanting meadow where majestic fir and pine trees frame views of endless green. This natural amphitheater serves as a stage for nature's daily performances—watch as deer emerge from the forest edge, listen to the melodic babble of Briggs Creek as it winds its way toward the Illinois River, and lose yourself in the ever-changing play of light through the forest canopy.
Geological RegionDiscover the wild heart of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, where ancient forests meet pristine waterways in a landscape sculpted by time. Here, verdant meadows open like natural windows among stands of fir and pine, while Briggs Creek carves its patient path through the terrain before joining the legendary Illinois River. This unique convergence of forest, meadow, and water creates a diverse ecosystem that showcases the remarkable geology and natural beauty of southwestern Oregon.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities is provided.
Sites SizeThe campsites are spacious but offer minimal privacy due to a limited understory.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer minimal privacy due to the limited understory vegetation.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent sites are walk-in only, offering a higher likelihood of privacy and tranquility.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite numbers are indicated as the best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number of guests per site not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle loop layout that meanders down a hillside and through fir and pine forest.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are walk-up, first-come-first-served. Tent sites are walk-in only.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules not outlined; advance reservations not available.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing in the surrounding natural landscape. "Trails are located throughout the area, as well, with options for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and motorcycles, including Elkhorn Mine Jeep Road."
Hiking
The campground offers access to several trails, including the Briggs Creek Trail #1132 (9.5 miles), Taylor Creek Trail #1142 (10.25 miles), Onion Way Trail #1157, Secret Way Trail #1282, and Dutchy Creek Trail #1154. These trails accommodate multi-use activities and vary in length and difficulty.Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on several trails in the area, which provide diverse terrain options.Wildlife viewing
The large meadow and surrounding area are popular for wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of deer, elk, and various bird species.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned for this campground.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in developed fire pits.
- Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include bear activity requiring safe food storage practices and narrow, steep road conditions limiting vehicle size.
Active alertsCurrently, no active alerts.
Weather forecast
96
°F
Aug 24
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in Merlin, approximately 22 miles away. Facilities include hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak pricing applies from Memorial Day through June 8th; no charge after June 9th until campground closure.
Trash and recyclingNo trash removal services are available at this campground. Campers must pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresBriggs Creek runs through the area, but there are no lakes or large water bodies.
Common complaintsUser reviews are mixed, with some citing maintenance needs and tree service requirements.
HostNo information provided about campground hosts.
Campground Map
Sam Brown Campground, Wild Rivers Ranger District, Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon
Driving directionsFrom Merlin, OR, at intersection of Merlin, Galice, and Pleasant Valley Roads, take Galice Rd. 8.5 miles to Forest Rt. 25 sign. Turn left at sign onto Route 25 (Briggs Valley Rd.) and go 13.4 miles to Sam Brown campground sign. Turn right after sign onto Forest Rt. 2512 and go 0.2 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
Access to the area restricts vehicle size, due to the narrow winding steep road to the Briggs Valley area.Nearby places
Merlin (approx. 22 miles, 45-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Merlin, approximately 22 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Sam Brown Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives positive feedback for its natural beauty, spacious campsites, and shaded areas. However, some reviews highlight the need for maintenance and tree service.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
"Awesome place to camp 😀😀" "Awesome campground!" "Awesome camp ground. Well maintained!!"
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
One reviewer noted: "NEEDS SOME MAINTAINING AND TREE SERVICE!"
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available. Additionally, pack out all trash due to the lack of trash removal services.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend to mid-October, making it ideal for summer and early fall visits. Weather-dependent closures limit access during colder months.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Awesome place to camp 😀😀" "Awesome campground!" "Awesome camp ground. Well maintained!!" "NEEDS SOME MAINTAINING AND TREE SERVICE!"
Based on 4 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers or details about the best or worst sites are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No details or reviews about accessibility features are available.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences with pets are available.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025