Josephine Campground

Star4.16
47 reviews
null

Quick Facts

1,332 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Campground is open f...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Josephine Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
nullnull
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 47 reviews

40 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

"Reviews of Josephine Campground vary widely. While some users praise its serenity and access to natural beauty, others criticize the lack of maintenance, trash issues, and potential safety concerns."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

null

Josephine Campground

null

Driving directionsFrom Grants Pass, OR, travel south for 23.4 miles on US Highway 199 (Redwood Highway). Turn right (west) onto 8 Dollar Road (Forest Road 4201). Continue on Forest Road 4201 for approximately 3.2 miles (where pavement ends) to site, located on left side of road.
The road leading to the campground transitions from paved to unpaved approximately 3.2 miles along Forest Road 4201. This may pose challenges for low-clearance vehicles or in inclement weather.
Nearby places
Grants Pass, OR: 23.4 miles
Nearby supplies
null

Best Time to Camp at Josephine Campground

From late March through September, Josephine Campground welcomes visitors with a diverse tapestry of Pacific Northwest weather. Spring arrives with refreshing rains and the occasional dramatic storm, awakening the forest floor with vibrant wildflowers. As summer unfolds, warm, sun-drenched days invite endless outdoor exploration, while crystal-clear nights reveal stunning starscapes above the tree canopy. Early fall brings crisp mornings wrapped in mist, golden afternoon light, and the possibility of nature's theatrical thunderstorms rolling through the river valley.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer with swimming, hiking and pleasant weather per reviews; seasonal access supported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Sep 30; fall scenery likely good though fewer explicit reviews noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from late March; spring has rains and dramatic storms but reviewers find it pleasant.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Mar 27–Sep 30; winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Campground is open from March 27 to September 30.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Josephine Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Josephine Campground invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature. Perched above the convergence of Josephine Creek and the Illinois River, this peaceful retreat offers a genuine backcountry experience beneath a canopy of regenerating forest and mature hardwoods. Here, the gentle sounds of flowing water blend with rustling leaves to create nature's perfect soundtrack for your camping adventure.
Josephine Campground is a rustic campground featuring tent camping and minimal facilities. It is not suited for RVs or luxury camping.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers access to swimming and fishing areas on the Illinois River and hiking trails. Wildlife observation is also a highlight. However, reviews indicate mixed experiences with some activities.
HikingHiking trails are available, but specific details about difficulty levels or trail lengths are not mentioned. A user review noted, 'Great place to hike and camp with various trails all over.'
FishingFishing is permitted on the Illinois River, but no specific details about the types of fish or fishing quality are provided.
SwimmingSwimming areas are accessible, but one user review mentioned encountering small leeches in some parts of the river: 'There are small leeches...so maybe not the best.'
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in local wildlife. One user noted, 'Tons of local wildlife around here too so keep your food locked up tight.' However, no bear boxes are provided.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife is prevalent in the area, making proper food storage essential to avoid animal encounters. Broken glass has been reported on-site, and small leeches are present near homemade dams in the river.
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Josephine Campground

Reviews

4.2
47 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Josephine Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Josephine Campground vary widely. While some users praise its serenity and access to natural beauty, others criticize the lack of maintenance, trash issues, and potential safety concerns.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews

What Campers Love

- Serene and rustic setting - Access to hiking trails and the Illinois River for swimming and fishing - Abundance of local wildlife - Free camping
Based on 47 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of maintenance (trash and broken glass reported) - Vault toilet cleanliness issues - Campsites close to the road - Reports of theft and safety concerns
Based on 47 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend keeping food tightly secured due to wildlife presence. Campers are encouraged to clean up after themselves and report littering.
Based on 47 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground may be more pleasant during spring and summer months when weather is warmer. Criticisms about trash and maintenance appear consistent regardless of season.
Based on 47 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'My favorite free camping spot EVER!' - 'Great place to hike and camp with various trails all over.' - 'Vaulted restroom was nasty.' - 'Very few spots and right on the road. Little signage or...
Show more
Based on 47 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site numbers are not mentioned in reviews.
Based on 47 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not addressed in reviews.
Based on 47 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One user with dogs noted, 'Although my dogs are very loving their size and stature can make some people uneasy, so I like quiet less populated areas.'
Based on 47 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Josephine Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Oregon

Campgrounds
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
Josephine Campground