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Rogue River recreation

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the largest provider of water-based outdoor recreation in the nation. Portland District's recreation sites allow visitors of all ages to enjoy biking, hiking, boating, fishing, camping, hunting, windsurfing and more. Whatever your favorite outdoor activity, one thing is certain: recreation can enrich your life. Visit one of our recreation areas to connect with nature and create unforgettable memories. With more than 90 percent of our recreation areas located within 50 miles of a city or town, there is likely to be a Corps site near you. We invite you to visit us!

Rules, policies & related

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Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How to check availability and make reservations*

National Recreation Reservation Service logoThe National Recreation Reservation Service lets users seek available campsites and make reservations.*
Campsites can be reserved up to 240 days in advance and group facilities up to 360 days in advance.  Call 1-877-444-6777 or go to http://www.recreation.gov.

*(Note: not all recreation sites take reservations)

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Anchor safely

These five steps will help you to anchor safely:

  1. Use anchor lines that are 5-7 times the depth of the water.

    1. Use a float for the anchor line to serve as a buffer and to reduce the risk of getting the anchor line tangled in the propeller.

    2. Lower, do not throw, the anchor to avoid tangles in the line.

    3. Anchor only off the point of the bow. Anchoring off the stern or the side will capsize your boat.

  2. Power upstream of anchor before retrieving it. Maintain position in line with the flow of the current while retrieving anchor. Turning cross-wise to the current increases the risk of capsizing.

  3. Rivers can become turbulent with little or no warning. You are advised to wear a Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device at all times. Also, take precautions against hypothermia. River temperatures can range from 70 degrees in the summer to near freezing during the winter.

  4. River users are reminded that although it is legal to anchor in the channel, it is illegal to block the right-of-way of a vessel that is restricted to using the channel.

  5. Five blasts of the horn signify danger, and you must take action to avoid that danger.

For more tips, visit the Corps of Engineers National Water Safety site: http://watersafety.usace.army.mil

Click here for a print version of this information.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Fee collection and comparison

Day-use fees, including boat ramp and dump station fees, will be collected while parks are available for camping. No fees are collected during park closure dates. Some boat ramps outside fee campgrounds will charge a $3 launch fee per day, which is valid at any Corps-managed recreation site for day it was purchased.

Some designated swim beaches outside fee campgrounds may charge a use fee of $1 per person over the age of 12 or in a vehicle up to $4. However, if a vehicle has more than 8 passengers over the age of 12, there will be a fee of $1 for each additional individual over the age of 12.

All fees have been set to maintain comparable fee schedules with other federal, state, county and private campgrounds. All fees meet the requirements set in Engineering Publication 1130-2-550. Fee comparability within the same state and district is outlined in Paragraph 9 of EP 1130-2-550.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Seaplanes on Corps lakes
Seaplanes may be operated seven days a week between sunrise and sunset at all Portland District lakes with the exception of Big Cliff, Applegate and Willow Creek lakes. Once on the water seaplanes shall be considered powerboats and must be operated in accordance with marine rules of the road. Seaplanes in the water may taxi to any area of the lake subject to the powerboating restrictions for those lakes. For more information, see: Seaplane operations at Corps of Engineers lakes.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Volunteering opportunities

If you're enthusiastic, enjoy new people and want to protect parks, then you might want to be a volunteer!

Volunteer park hosts inform visitors, register campers, assist at entrance stations, conduct customer comment surveys, open and close parks, pick up litter, perform minor maintenance and support interpretive programs. Hosts live in the parks and inform Park Rangers about emergencies or visitor complaints. Volunteer hosts must work at least 20 hours per week, and stay in the park during certain hours to assist visitors as needed. In return, RV sites with full hookups are provided. Current Corps of Engineers openings are listed at the Volunteer Clearinghouse.


Natural Resource Volunteers assist the Corps throughout the year with natural resource management activities. Volunteers are often recruited volunteers from the community for special events such as: Earth Day, SOLV Beach and Riverside Clean-Up, Down By the Riverside and National Public Lands Day. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church members, school groups, and other community groups have helped with litter clean-ups, trail work, non-native plant removal, habitat improvement and tree planting.

For more about volunteer opportunities, please contact Rogue River Park Ranger, April Andujar, at 541-878-2255.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Weather and water levels

The Corps of Engineers, National Weather Service and other agencies cooperatively gather and analyze data for current and projected future reservoir and river level information.

NWS: Northwest River Forecast Center

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Recreation rules and regulations

   EP 1165-2-316 outlines Title 36 rules and regulations for recreation at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers locations. (Click here for another format).

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Applegate recreation

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Applegate recreation sites are operated and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. For more, go to the Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District website or call the Star Ranger Station at 541-899-3800.

Reservoir elevation, flow and temperature report: 800-472-2434.

HOT INFO: Drought impacts on recreation and other missions

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Applegate Lake
Applegate Lake extends to the California border and a hiking trail follows the 18-mile shoreline. Motorcycles are permitted only on the trail leading to Stein Butte. Horses are permitted on the Stein Butte, Collings Mountain and Da-Ku-Be-Te-De trails.

Development at most of the recreation sites is minimal and most of the lakeshore is maintained in a natural state. Paved trails and other barrier-free facilities are provided at the day use areas so that they may be enjoyed by all visitors.

Applegate Lake is 988 acres in size. Its average depth is 85 feet, with a maximum depth of 225 feet. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie and rainbow trout can be caught.

To help preserve its rustic nature, a 10-mph speed limit for all boats is in effect. There is one year-round boat ramp at Copper, near Watkins Campground on the southwest shore. A ramp east of the dam near French Gulch Campground is usually used when the water is low.

Directions: Take OR-238 West from Medford for about 10 miles. Turn left at Upper Applegate Rd. and follow it for about 20 miles.

Recreation facilities at Applegate are operated by the U.S. Forest Service. For more information about these locations, contact the Star Ranger Station, 6914 Upper Applegate Rd., Jacksonville, Ore. 97530, (541) 899-3800, or click on the links below.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Carberry Campground
Located along Carberry Creek, the campground features hiking and fishing. Parking for self-contained RVs is available. Facilities include vault toilets, well water and 10 tent sites. Please remember to pack your drinking water in and to pack your garbage out.

Directions: From Jacksonville, go seven miles south on OR 238, then 20 miles south on Upper Applegate Rd.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Collings Mountain Trail

The Collings Mountain Trail features views of the Siskiyou Crest and Applegate Lake. Beginning at the Hart-Tish Park picnic area, the trail crosses Upper Applegate Road and drops down to Grouse Creek. An abandoned miner's cabin and inactive Sasquatch trap are about 3/4 mile up the trail.

Do not enter any of the mine adits along the trail. Leaving Grouse Creek, the trail climbs steeply for one mile to the ridgetop, gaining 1,000 feet in elevation before it begins a long traverse of the western slope of Collings Mountain. After traversing below the ridgeline for two miles, the trail then descends steadily for three miles to Watkins Campground. This last half mile of trail passes through the 62-acre Watkins fire that burned in 1981. Beware of poison oak, ticks and snakes along this trail.

Directions: West of Jacksonville, Oregon, turn off Hwy. 238 onto Upper Applegate Rd. and proceed to Applegate Lake. The trail begins at the Hart-Tish Park picnic area.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Da-Ku-Be-Te-De Trail
This trail is a beautiful, easy day hike that traverses the western shore of Applegate Lake. Beginning at Swayne Viewpoint, the trail passes the Hart-Tish boat ramp in a half-mile. Proceed through the parking lot and rejoin the trail on a paved walkway along the lake, passing an interpretive viewpoint. The paved trail ends at the lawn above the swimming area and resumes directly across the lawn, where pavement is replaced by gravel surfacing. The trail then follows the lakeshore, crossing the Copper Boat Ramp and continues along the high-water line before reaching Watkins Campground. Just before reaching the campground, the trail passes over a footbridge and intersects a quarter mile loop trail that circles the campground. Follow the trail to the right in order to reach the parking area. Be aware of poison oak, ticks and snakes along this trail.

Directions: From Ruch, travel south on County Rd. 859 eight miles past the Star Ranger Station to the Swayne Viewpoint parking area. The trailhead is located at the south end of the parking lot near the restrooms.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  French Gulch Campground and Boat Ramp
French Gulch activities include hiking, mountain biking and boating. The boat ramp is closed until the lake level drops below 1,940 feet (above sea-level) in the fall. Facilities include well water, vault toilets, and nine tent sites.

Directions: From Ruch, travel south on County Rd. 859, Upper Applegate Rd. Continue 15 miles to Applegate Lake and turn left on County Rd. 959 (traveling across the dam). Continue along Rd. 959 about one mile to the campground.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Grouse Loop Trail

The Grouse Loop Trail offers a pleasant hike with good views of the mountains surrounding Applegate Lake. Beginning at Upper Applegate Road across from Hart-Tish Park, the trail travels 300 feet to a loop junction. The left fork of the trail begins a gentle one mile uphill grade, gaining 700 feet in elevation. This gentle climb features a shallow basin of old growth Douglas fir and Sugar and Ponderosa pine. From the ridgeline, there are good views of Elliott Creek Ridge and Red Butte. Leaving the ridgeline, the trail begins a moderate descent back to Hart-Tish Park.

Directions: Travel south from Jacksonville on Hwy 238 to Ruch and turn left on to Upper Applegate Rd. Continue 16 miles to Hart-tish Park; the trail begins across Upper Applegate Rd. from Hart-Tish Park.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Harr Point Campground
The Harr Point Campground is on the east shore of Applegate Lake and accessible by boat and trail only. This is a semi-primitive site with five tent sites and no drinking water or garbage service. Please remember to pack your drinking water in and to pack your garbage out.  The site remains open with reduced maintenance from November through mid-May.

Directions: From Ruch, travel south on County Rd. 859, Upper Applegate Rd., for about 15 miles to Applegate Lake and turn left on County Rd. 959 (traveling across the dam). Continue along Rd. 959 about 3 miles and turn right on to Forest Service Rd. 100. Continue about a half-mile along Rd. 100 to Squaw Arm Parking Area. Hike about a quarter mile west along Payette Trail to the campground.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Hart-Tish Park
Hart-Tish is a well-developed and popular recreation area with an extensive day use area, a boat ramp and a small campground. The camping area has three walk-in tent sites and a parking area for self-contained RVs. Hart-Tish Park is one of the few Forest Service parks with several acres of groomed lawn sloping down to the water's edge. Facilities include piped water, flush toilets, three tent sites, seven RV sites, and three picnic sites. The boat ramp is usable until the lake drops below 1,928 feet (above sea-level) or when the facility is closed for winter.

Directions: From Ruch, travel south on County Rd. 859, Upper Applegate Rd., for 16 miles to the campground.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Latgawa Campground
Located on the east shore of Applegate Lake, the Latgawa Cove Campground is accessible only by boat and trail (about a half-mile hike). Latwaga Cove is a semi-primitive camping area with no drinking water or garbage service. Please remember to pack your drinking water in and to pack your garbage out.

Directions:From Ruch, travel south on County Rd. 859, Upper Applegate Rd., about 15 miles to Applegate Lake. Turn left onto County Rd. 959 and continue two miles to trailhead. It is about a half-mile hike to the campground.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Payette Trail
Payette Trail passes through a mixed conifer and hardwood forest. The trail continues along the shoreline for three-and-a-half miles to the parking area at Squaw Arm. The trail intersects a fire road. Options for following either the road or trail exist for approximately two miles before arriving at the Squaw Arm parking area. This section of trail offers good views of Applegate Lake, and the Kinney and Collings mountains. It's a good section of trail to view autumn colors.

Directions: From Star Ranger Station, drive south on Upper Applegate Rd. eight miles to the Applegate Dam and Squaw Lake turnoff. Turn left, crossing the dam and continue one mile to French Gulch Campground.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Stringtown Trailhead and Campground
Located on a small stream, the Stringtown Campground offers hiking, fishing and a horse camp. Facilities include vault toilets, four tent sites and two RV sites. A hiking and mountain biking trail follows the eastern shoreline of the reservoir, connecting to other trails for several interesting loop hikes. There are horse facilities at the campground and the trailhead.

Directions: From Jacksonville, go about 7 miles south on OR 238, 15 miles south on Upper Applegate Rd., 3 miles east on County Rd. 959, then about a half-mile south on Forest Rd. 100.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Tipsu Tyee Campground
The Tipsu Tyee Campground can be reached only by boat or trail. Facilities include vault toilets and five tent sites. There is no drinking water available.

Directions: From Ruch, travel south on County Rd. 859, Upper Applegate Rd., about 15 miles to Applegate Lake and turn left on County Rd. 959 (traveling across the dam). Continue along Rd. 959 about 3 miles and turn right on to Forest Service Rd. 100. Continue about a half-mile along Rd. 100 to Squaw Arm Parking Area. Hike about 1.25 miles west along Payette Trail #970 to the campground.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Watkins Campground
Located on Applegate Lake, the Watkins Campground features hiking and mountain biking. Facilities include well water, vault toilets, and 14 tent sites. The site is open during the off-season with no fee required, but there will be no drinking water or garbage service. Please remember to pack your drinking water in and to pack your garbage out.

Directions: From Ruch, travel south for 19 miles on County Rd. 859, Upper Applegate Rd., to the campground.

Lost Creek Lake life jacket loaner boards

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Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Joseph H. Stewart State Park boat ramp
Located on Oregon State Hwy. 62, 35 miles northeast of Medford (approximately 12 miles from Trail, Ore.)
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Takelma Park boat ramp
At 3970 Rogue River Dr., Shady Cove, Ore., 19 miles northeast of Medford via Oregon State Hwy. 62. Turn left on Hwy. 234, turn right on Rogue River Dr., and continue for 3 miles north of Dodge Bridge.

Jess Dam / Lost Creek recreation

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Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Joseph H. Stewart State Rec. Area (Oregon Parks & Recreation)

Overlooking Lost Creek Reservoir, this area is surrounded by wildlife, large conifer trees and mountains. Hike or bike the 11-mile trail system through the forest with year-round streams and wildlife viewing. Take a swim in cool mountain water, rent a boat from the marina, or troll the 10-mile lake for trout and bass. If you prefer, bring your own boat and water skis.

Operating hours: Open from March 1 through Oct. 31.

Directions: From Medford, take OR-62 East towards Crater Lake/Klamath Falls for 33 miles. Park will be on the left.

For more information, call the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's general information line at 800-551-6949 or see http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_30.php

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  McGregor Park (operated by Bureau of Land Management)

The park is located on State Highway 62, the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, near Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery. Dedicated in July 1977, McGregor Park was specifically designed for the convenience of visitors with disabilities. The visitor center displays information about local plants, wildlife, geology, and cultural history, with interactive exhibits that provide fun, hands-on exploration for kids and adults. An interpretive trail is a short walk from the visitor center, with information about local river ecology and all the wildlife, insects, birds and plants that rely on the waterway.

Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Directions: From Medford, take OR-62 East for about 30 miles. Turn left on Takelma Drive. Visitor center will be on the right.

For more information, call the Bureau of Land Management at (541) 618-2468 or visit http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/mcgregor/

To reserve a nature walk, call (541) 878-2255 or email dll-cenwp-rogue-rangers@usace.army.mil.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  River's Edge Park (Corps-operated)

River’s Edge Park, just downriver from William L. Jess Dam, is a great place to host a family get-together, summer picnic or birthday party. The park's group pavilion is available by reservation from Memorial Day to Labor Day; each year's reservations are accepted starting Jan. 1. Availability is first-come, first-served; no weddings are allowed.

Directions: From Medford, take Oregon State Hwy. 62 east for about 30 miles. Turn left on Takelma Dr. and follow the signs for the project office. The park will be on the left.

Reserve the group pavilion by calling 541-878-2255 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by emailing: dll-cenwp-rogue-rangers@usace.army.mil

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  William L. Jess Dam powerhouse tours (Corps-operated)

The Rogue River Basin Project offers tours of our working powerhouse at Jess Dam. Feel the Rogue River thunder over your head while standing on a generator creating electricity.

Operating hours: Tours are available by reservation only, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. To reserve a powerhouse tour, call 541-878-2255 during operating hours, or send an email to dll-cenwp-rogue-rangers@usace.army.mil

Directions: From Medford, take Oregon State Hwy. 62 east for approximately 30 miles. Turn left on Takelma Dr. and follow the signs for the project office.
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