Mckee Bridge Community Kitchen

Star5.00
8 reviews
Mckee Bridge Community Kitchen

Quick Facts

1,600 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest site

Get Directions
Mckee Bridge Community Kitchen
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Reservation is for the McKee Bridge Community Kitchen shelter (covered group site). The reservation does not include exclusive use of the covered...
Show more
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
Total Campsite Fees$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

167,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider

What Campers Say

5.00

Top-Rated

Based on 8 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwater

"Reviewers describe McKee Bridge Community Kitchen as a beautiful, quiet riverside spot ideal for day use, picnics, and family gatherings. They highlight the pleasant scenery, clean river, and well-equipped covered kitchen area, with generally very positive experiences and friendly hosting mentioned."

Read all reviews


Best Time to Camp at Mckee Bridge Community Kitchen

Perched at a comfortable 1,600 feet elevation, this riverside haven welcomes visitors year-round, each season painting the landscape in different hues. Spring transforms nearby trails like Mule Mountain into a wildflower wonderland, while summer, fall, and winter each offer their own distinctive character for hiking, picnicking, and exploring the surrounding forest.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips

    About Mckee Bridge Community Kitchen

    Step back in time at McKee Bridge Community Kitchen, where history meets natural beauty along the rushing waters of the Applegate River. This registered National Historic Site showcases the masterful craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps, featuring hand-laid stone masonry and a grand fireplace sheltered beneath a rustic pine timber pavilion—a perfect riverside retreat for your day-use adventures in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
    A designated day‑use covered group shelter (Community Kitchen) and registered historic site; the facility is intended for day use and group reservations of the shelter structure.
    Historical SignificanceThe shelter stands as a proud testament to the ingenuity and skill of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose Depression-era craftsmen shaped massive pine timbers and river stones into this enduring gathering place. The centerpiece stone fireplace and intricate CCC masonry work earned the site recognition on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving not just a structure, but a story of American resilience and craftsmanship that continues to shelter visitors nearly a century later.
    Weather and SeasonsPerched at a comfortable 1,600 feet elevation, this riverside haven welcomes visitors year-round, each season painting the landscape in different hues. Spring transforms nearby trails like Mule Mountain into a wildflower wonderland, while summer, fall, and winter each offer their own distinctive character for hiking, picnicking, and exploring the surrounding forest.
    ElevationThis historic day-use area sits at 1,600 feet elevation, offering a mild climate and comfortable temperatures for year-round outdoor recreation along the Applegate River.
    Natural Features and SceneryThe Applegate River tumbles over rocky banks just steps from the shelter, its clear waters providing a soothing soundtrack to your visit. This remarkable location sits where ancient volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range meet the botanically rich Siskiyou Mountains, creating a tapestry of old-growth forests and diverse ecosystems. Keep your eyes open for Roosevelt elk grazing in meadows, listen for the call of the elusive spotted owl, and in spring, follow nearby trails through spectacular wildflower displays that blanket the mountainsides in color.
    Geological RegionYou're standing at one of nature's most fascinating crossroads—where the volcanic Cascade Range collides with the ancient, complex Siskiyou Mountains within the vast Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. This unique junction of two distinct geological provinces creates an extraordinary diversity of plant communities and ecosystems, making the area a botanist's dream and a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking something truly special.
    Advertisement

    Campsite details

    Total Campsitesnull campsites
    Recommended CampsitesReservation covers the shelter only; it does not include the covered bridge or day-use/swimming area. Expect shared public access even when shelter is reserved.

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Groups
    • Covered group site (Community Kitchen). Reservations apply to the shelter only
    • reservations do not grant exclusive use or restrict public access to the covered bridge or adjacent day‑use/swimming areas.
    Tents
    Tents are not allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are allowed

    Site layoutCovered group shelter (Community Kitchen) with large pine timber construction and a stone fireplace; facility is a day-use picnic shelter rather than individual campsites.

    Accomodation available

    GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

    Activities you can enjoy

    Day‑use area with a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities in the surrounding landscape, including trail access, river and lake recreation, seasonal wildlife viewing, and winter activities. Nearby Applegate Lake and the Mule Mountain Trail extend the range of activities available.
    Hiking
    Hiking opportunities include local trails and longer routes such as the Mule Mountain Trail, which accesses hillsides above the Applegate Valley and traverses arid ridges of the Siskiyou Mountains with notable spring wildflower displays.
    Fishing
    Fishing is available year‑round at nearby Applegate Lake and other local lakes referenced in the area description.
    Swimming
    Swimming is available at the nearby Applegate Lake and at the day‑use/swimming area adjacent to the community kitchen (the reservation covers the shelter only, not exclusive use of swimming areas).
    Biking
    Cycling is noted as a popular activity around nearby Applegate Lake and in the surrounding recreation areas.
    Boating
    Boating and canoeing are popular on Applegate Lake, which has boat ramps and developed recreation facilities.
    Wildlife viewing
    The Rogue River–Siskiyou landscape supports diverse wildlife (examples cited include spotted owls, bull elk, salamanders and sandhill cranes) and the Mule Mountain Trail offers seasonal wildlife‑viewing opportunities.
    Water Sports
    Boating, canoeing, swimming
    Advertisement

    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed

    Hazards


    Weather at Mckee Bridge Community Kitchen

    48
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Clear sky
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 65%
    Wind: 2.2 mph
    Clear sky

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

    Detailed 7-Day Forecast
    Powered by AI weather analysis
    Reveal forecast

    Good to know

    Proximity to water featuresLocated along the rocky banks of the Applegate River; nearby Applegate Lake is also a regional recreational water feature.

    Campground Map

    Mckee Bridge Community Kitchen
    Driving directionsFrom Jacksonville, OR, travel 8 miles south on Highway 238 to the community of Ruch, OR. From Ruch, OR, turn left on to Upper Applegate Road (County Road 859). Continue south approximately 8 miles to McKee Bridge Day Use Area, entrance is on the left.
    Accessible from Highway 238 (south from Jacksonville) and Upper Applegate Road (County Road 859).
    Nearby places
    Jacksonville, OR — travel 8 miles south on Highway 238 to Ruch, then continue approximately 8 miles on Upper Applegate Road (County Road 859) to McKee Bridge
    Ruch, OR — 8 miles from Jacksonville on Highway 238 (serves as the turnoff to Upper Applegate Road).

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    5.0
    8 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Mckee Bridge Community Kitchen is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers describe McKee Bridge Community Kitchen as a beautiful, quiet riverside spot ideal for day use, picnics, and family gatherings. They highlight the pleasant scenery, clean river, and well-equipped covered kitchen area, with generally very positive experiences and friendly hosting mentioned.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 8 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Campers love the incredibly beautiful river setting with super clean water and easy access for swimming. They also appreciate the affordable covered kitchen with amenities like a barrel BBQ, fire...
    Show more
    Based on 8 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    This spot works well for lunch stops, stretching your legs on a short hike, or letting kids and dogs run around. Consider renting the covered kitchen for family gatherings, as it’s affordable and...
    Show more
    Based on 8 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    One reviewer specifically mentions enjoying this location on a 100° summer day, suggesting it’s particularly appealing in hot weather due to the river access and shade.
    Based on 8 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Incredibly beautiful spot to spend 100° summer day, there are only one or two other people there." "Geeat outdoors for lunch or a quick little hike to stretch your legs and or let the dogs out to...
    Show more
    Based on 8 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    The covered community kitchen is highlighted as a key feature: it is very affordable to rent and includes a barrel BBQ, fire pit, two horseshoe pits, and easy river access for swimming, making it...
    Show more
    Based on 8 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    One reviewer notes it’s a good place to "let the dogs out to run around," indicating the area is pet-friendly with space for dogs to move around off-leash or on long leads.
    Based on 8 reviews

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

    0
    0 review
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

    Magnifying Glass
    No reviews availableLeave a review to get started

    Last updated December 10, 2025
    Advertisement

    Nearby Campgrounds

    Campgrounds you may also like

    Popular campgrounds in Oregon

    Campgrounds
    Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
    Mckee Bridge Community Kitchen