Watkins Campground

Star4.25
10 reviews

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open from early May ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest site

Official Website
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Watkins Campground
$0.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season fees are $20 per night for campsites, with an additional $5 for extra vehicles. Off-season camping is free.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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

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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 10 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

"User reviews highlight the rustic nature of the campground, including its lack of running water and limited privacy between sites. Proximity to outdoor activities and a scenic landscape are appreciated."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Watkins Campground

42.0238, -123.1587

Driving directionsFrom Applegate, OR, take State Rt. 238 east 7.4 miles to Upper Applegate Star Ranger Station sign. Turn right at sign onto Applegate Rd. and go 18.4 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
The site is accessed through paved roads; no indications of seasonal closures or challenging terrain were mentioned.
Nearby places
Applegate, Oregon (approx. 18.4 miles)
Nearby supplies
During the off-season and peak season, visitors need to bring all essentials as there are no supplies or drinking water available on-site. The nearest store location is not mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Watkins Campground

Experience the dynamic personality of the Siskiyou wilderness as seasons paint the landscape in ever-changing hues. From May through September, gentle breezes and warm sunshine create perfect conditions for lakeside adventures and evening campfires. As autumn arrives, crisp air and golden light transform the forest into a photographer's paradise. Winter adventurers seeking solitude will find a quieter campground, though they should pack layers and prepare for possible snow dustings that turn the hillside into a pristine wonderland.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (May–Sept) with warm weather and full access to trails, lake and boat ramps.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open until mid-September so early fall OK; largely closes by mid/late fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from early May; shoulder-season offers good trail and lake access with milder crowds.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Off-season is walk-in only with reduced services; limited winter amenities or activities noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Early May through mid-September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from early May through mid-September; free and open during the off-season as a walk-in site.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts provided.

About Watkins Campground

Perched on a scenic hillside overlooking the shimmering waters of Applegate Lake, Watkins Campground offers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience. This intimate retreat features 14 thoughtfully spaced tent sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire pit where memories are made under starlit skies. For larger gatherings, a spacious group site welcomes parties of 20-50 adventurers. While amenities remain refreshingly simple with vault toilets and a bring-your-own-water approach, this rustic charm allows nature to take center stage in your outdoor escape.
Watkins Campground caters to a range of camping styles with its tent sites and a group site. There are no RV or cabin accommodations, making it suitable primarily for tent campers.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24 hours during the operating season.
Check-out
Open 24 hours during the operating season.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Watkins Campground provides several recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and access to Applegate Lake for boating and swimming. The campground is ideally located for exploring nearby trails and water-related activities.
HikingSeveral trails are accessible near the campground. The Da-ku-be-te-de Trail (#940) spans 4.5 miles and accommodates hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The Collins Mountain Trail (#943) is 7 miles long and similarly open to multiple uses.
FishingFishing at Applegate Lake offers opportunities to catch smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as rainbow and steelhead trout.
SwimmingSwimming is permitted in Applegate Lake. A swim beach is available at the nearby Hart-tish Boat Ramp.
BikingThe campground provides access to multi-use trails suitable for mountain biking, such as the Da-ku-be-te-de and Collins Mountain Trails.
BoatingBoating is allowed on Applegate Lake. Both powered and non-powered boats are permitted, though powerboats are limited to 10 mph. A boat ramp is available at Hart-tish Boat Ramp.
Beach activitiesBeach options are available at the Hart-tish Boat Ramp, where visitors can enjoy sunbathing and water activities.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include lack of drinking water, uneven and sloping terrain for tent setups, and proximity to wildlife.
Active AlertsNo active alerts provided.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Watkins Campground

Reviews

4.3
10 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Watkins Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the rustic nature of the campground, including its lack of running water and limited privacy between sites. Proximity to outdoor activities and a scenic landscape are appreciated.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the proximity to hiking trails and outdoor areas such as the Pacific Crest Trail. The group site is noted as accommodating, and the natural surroundings are frequently praised.
Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of running water and modern facilities, as well as limited privacy between campsites. One user remarked, "No running water and outhouse toilets make this camping...
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Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing ample water due to its unavailability on-site. Another tip is to stock up on groceries and supplies before arrival, as options nearby are expensive.
Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the off-season, the campground operates as a walk-in site, which some visitors enjoy for its tranquility but others find inconvenient. In peak season, the location is more populated and...
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Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Jason the host is an amazing person!!! Best host I have ever had at any campground!!!!" - Christina Noland. "The sites are pretty close together so there isn't a lot of privacy." - Brendon Siefert.
Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites near the top of the hill offer limited views of Applegate Lake. Privacy is noted as an issue across most sites.
Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

The vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but the hilly terrain can be challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
Based on 10 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times. No further details on pet-related facilities are provided.
Based on 10 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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