Collier Memorial State Park Campground

For us Oregonians, the call of the wild often leads us to diverse landscapes, from the rugged coastlines to the towering peaks. Tucked away in the high desert region of Southern Oregon, near Chiloquin, lies Collier Memorial State Park Campground. This park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and resilient spirit. While it has faced challenges, particularly from the 2020 wildfire season, it remains a cherished destination for those who understand and appreciate its raw charm and ongoing recovery. As one candid visitor noted, "Just be prepared that this park was nearly destroyed during the 2020 wildfire season and it still looks pretty desolate," yet, the "campground itself was perfectly fine." This honesty speaks to the genuine experience you'll find: a place of natural splendor that's actively healing, offering a different, yet equally rewarding, kind of outdoor adventure.

Collier Memorial State Park is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an Oregon State Park deeply committed to offering a quality outdoor experience amidst a landscape in transition. Its key attractions, such as the confluence of the crystal-clear Spring Creek and the renowned Williamson River, and the fascinating outdoor logging museum, continue to draw visitors. While the fires have impacted the visual privacy between campsites, leading to "essentially no privacy from one another," the quiet demeanor of fellow campers and the diligent work of the park staff ensure a respectful and pleasant environment. The park's continuous improvements, including a planned closure in 2025 for upgrades with an anticipated reopening in 2026, signal a strong commitment to its future. For those of us who embrace the wild and understand the cycles of nature, Collier Memorial State Park offers a profound connection to Oregon’s resilient spirit and enduring beauty.

Collier Memorial State Park Campground is located at 46000 US-97, Chiloquin, OR 97624, USA. This places it conveniently along U.S. Highway 97 in Southern Oregon, approximately 30 miles north of Klamath Falls and roughly 25 miles from the southeast entrance to Crater Lake National Park. For Oregonians traveling from various parts of the state, accessing the park is generally straightforward due to its location on a major highway. Whether you're coming from Bend to the north or Klamath Falls to the south, Highway 97 provides direct and well-maintained road access.

While the park itself has experienced wildfire impacts, the main roads within the park leading to the campground and the logging museum are navigable. Visitors have noted that the "road in is rough and narrow at times," and advise to "Drive slowly and keep track of potential pullout spots for oncoming vehicles." However, they also confirm that the road "can be navigated with about any vehicle with a little attention." This means standard cars, trucks, and even RVs can generally access the campground, though larger RVs might require careful maneuvering. The park's relatively central location in Southern Oregon also makes it a convenient stopover or a basecamp for exploring other regional attractions, including Crater Lake National Park.

• Variety of Campsite Types: Collier Memorial State Park Campground offers a range of camping options to suit different needs. This includes both full-hookup sites (water, sewer, electricity) and non-hookup sites with water nearby. There are also designated tent sites.
• Clean Restrooms and Showers: The campground provides flush toilets and hot showers. While reviewers acknowledge they are "camp showers" (meaning not luxurious), they are generally described as "well-enough maintained" and clean.
• RV Dump Station: A convenient RV dump station is available on-site for waste disposal.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is typically available for purchase within the campground, a welcome amenity for evening campfires (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, facilitating outdoor dining and campfires.
• Universal Access: The park strives for accessibility, with ADA-accessible restrooms and potentially some accessible campsites.
• Horse Camp and Corrals: For equestrian enthusiasts, a dedicated horse camp with four corrals and direct access to trails is available for reservation.
• Reservable Day-Use Areas and Group Kitchen Shelter: The park offers reservable picnic areas and a group kitchen shelter with electricity and sinks, ideal for larger gatherings.
• Playground: A playground is on-site for children.
• Seasonal Operations: The campground is open seasonally, typically from May 15th to September 30th. Please note that the campground is closed for improvements for the 2025 season, with an anticipated reopening in 2026.

• Confluence of Williamson River and Spring Creek: A major highlight is the park's location at the convergence of the Williamson River and the "crystal-clear Spring Creek." Spring Creek is particularly noted for its exquisite clarity and cold water, gushing dramatically from a nearby spring.
• Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: Both the Williamson River and Spring Creek are renowned for their quality trout fishery, with the Williamson River being famous for consistently producing trophy-sized native redband trout, as well as brook and brown trout. Fly fishing is particularly popular here.
• Collier Logging Museum and Pioneer Village: This is one of Oregon's and perhaps the nation's finest collections of antique logging equipment. The outdoor museum features rare machinery, steam engines, and railroad equipment dating back to the 1880s. A Pioneer Village with relocated historic log cabins offers insight into early life in the region. The museum often has living history demonstrations on select days.
• Scenic Trails: The park offers a network of trails, including a 1/2-mile trail from the campground to the logging museum and pioneer village, and trails connecting to Spring Creek and the Williamson River. A 10-mile primitive trail also connects Collier Memorial and Jackson F. Kimball parks, suitable for horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers.
• Resilient Natural Beauty: Despite the 2020 wildfires, the park's natural setting, particularly the pristine creeks and river, remains stunning. The ongoing recovery efforts offer a unique perspective on forest resilience.
• Wildlife Viewing: The confluence of the rivers and the surrounding forest attract diverse wildlife, including various bird species, deer, and evidence of beaver activity.
• Remote and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite the impact of the fires, visitors generally find the campground to be "very quiet" and peaceful, making it ideal for those seeking a less crowded outdoor experience.
• Proximity to Crater Lake: The park's location makes it an excellent base for day trips to Crater Lake National Park, which is about 45 minutes away.

For direct inquiries about Collier Memorial State Park Campground, including its current status, reopening plans, and specific amenities, the primary contact number is (541) 783-2471. You can also use the mobile phone number +1 541-783-2471. This number will connect you to the park office, where staff can provide the most up-to-date information on the park's operations, particularly concerning its improvements and reopening in 2026. For reservations, especially once the campground reopens, you will typically use the Oregon State Parks reservation system, which is accessible online or via phone. It is always highly recommended to check the Oregon State Parks official website for Collier Memorial State Park for the latest alerts, closures, and reservation information, especially given the ongoing recovery and improvement efforts.

Address: 46000 US-97, Chiloquin, OR 97624, USA

For Oregonians, Collier Memorial State Park Campground, even in its current state of recovery, offers a truly authentic and deeply meaningful outdoor experience. What makes it particularly suitable for locals is its representation of Oregon's resilient natural beauty, combined with its unique historical significance and exceptional recreational opportunities.

We, as locals, understand that landscapes evolve, and witnessing the recovery of an area impacted by wildfire can be a powerful experience. While the immediate aftermath might show a "burnt" landscape and "desolate" areas, this offers a unique perspective on forest regeneration and the raw power of nature. The "dust everywhere" and lack of immediate campsite privacy are noted, yet for those who prioritize a quiet, remote setting and understand the context, these are minor trade-offs for the profound peace found here.

The exquisite clarity of Spring Creek and the rich fishing grounds of the Williamson River are huge draws for any Oregonian angler or nature enthusiast. Having such pristine waterways directly accessible from the campground is a rare gem. Furthermore, the Collier Logging Museum and Pioneer Village offer a fascinating delve into Oregon's industrial and cultural past, providing an educational and engaging activity that distinguishes this park from many others. This blend of natural beauty and historical insight resonates strongly with our state’s heritage.

The ongoing improvements, including the planned closure for upgrades and anticipated reopening in 2026, demonstrate a long-term commitment to enhancing the visitor experience. For locals, this means investing our time and visits in a park that is actively being cared for and prepared for future generations. Collier Memorial State Park is not just a place to camp; it's a testament to Oregon's enduring spirit, a place where history meets nature, and where we can truly connect with the wild, resilient heart of our home state.

Collier Memorial State Park Campground

46000 US-97, Chiloquin, OR 97624, USA