Surrounded by the lush forests and vast nature reserves of southwestern Oregon, the city of Medford is a great base for groups of friends and families planning to go on exciting adventures and discover the natural wonders of the area. Whether you are thinking of a weekend escape or a longer trip, these are some excellent camping destinations you can reach in less than two hours by car from downtown Medford, OR.
1. Umpqua National Forest
Nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains and covering a total area of almost one million acres, Umpqua National Forest is one of the largest and most beautiful nature reserves in the region. Established in 1907 and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this place welcomes over 800,000 visitors each year and is a perfect destination for wildlife watching, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, boating, and other outdoor sports and activities.
Getting from downtown Medford to the entrance of Umpqua National Forest takes about an hour and 20 minutes by car, driving north along Fork Evans Creek Road. Once you make your way here, head to one of the 40 different campsites spread all over the area. These places feature different amenities and facilities, including picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets, and potable water. Those looking for extra comfort can also check out the fully equipped cabins.
2. Crater Lake National Park
Featuring two campgrounds with fire rings, picnic tables, food lockers, electric hookups, and other amenities, Crater Lake National Park is another great camping destination for residents of Medford and other nearby towns and cities in the region. Covering almost 185,000 acres of territory in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon, this nature reserve is managed by the National Park Service and welcomes over 700,000 visitors each year.
Crater Lake National Park is located about 75 miles northeast of downtown Medford, making it possible to reach it in about an hour and 40 minutes by car, driving along route OR-62. Once you make your way here, make sure to check out at least one of the panoramic viewpoints of the park, which offer incredible panoramas of the caldera of Crater Lake. Considered the deepest lake in the United States, this body of water is the park’s main attraction.
3. Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
Located about 30 miles southeast of the Medford city center, Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument is another great destination for campers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Covering an area of almost 115,000 acres, this national monument is crisscrossed by some of the longest hiking and biking trails in the region. Fully equipped campgrounds are located along the shores of Hyatt Reservoir, an artificial body of water offering excellent opportunities for recreational activities including swimming, fishing, and boating.
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