Daphne Grove Campground

For Oregon locals seeking a truly peaceful and off-the-beaten-path camping experience, Daphne Grove Campground near Agness is a hidden gem that delivers on tranquility and natural beauty. Tucked away within the sprawling Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, this campground offers a unique opportunity to connect with the South Fork Coquille River, renowned for its crystal-clear and refreshingly cold waters. It's the kind of place where the sounds of the river flowing by and the rustle of the trees create the perfect soundtrack for unwinding, making it an ideal escape from the everyday hustle. As many visitors attest, finding this spot feels like stumbling upon a secret, particularly after the Labor Day weekend when camping becomes even more accessible.

Daphne Grove Campground strikes a wonderful balance between a structured campsite and a dispersed camping experience. While it offers basic amenities, it maintains a charmingly rustic feel that appeals to those who appreciate simplicity in nature. Campers consistently praise the friendly and helpful nature of the camp hosts, like "Billybob," who go out of their way to ensure a pleasant stay and even share local insights, such as where to find "excellent agates." Whether you're looking to launch a kayak directly from the campground, spend a day fishing the river, or simply relax by a campfire under the Oregon sky, Daphne Grove provides a beautiful setting. Despite being "way out of the way," its serene environment, direct water access, and welcoming atmosphere make it a cherished spot for Oregonians year after year.

Daphne Grove Campground is located at NF-33, Agness, OR 97406, USA, within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. This places it along the South Fork of the Coquille River, offering a secluded and immersive natural setting in Southern Oregon.

Accessing Daphne Grove Campground typically involves navigating forest service roads. From the town of Powers, Oregon, the campground is situated approximately 15 miles south on Forest Service Road 33 (NF-33). This road, while part of the National Forest system, is generally maintained to allow vehicle access, including for RVs, though campers should always be prepared for gravel sections and varying conditions depending on recent weather. The drive itself is scenic, winding through forested terrain.

For those coming from the Agness area, NF-33 would lead north towards the campground. The remote location contributes to its peaceful atmosphere, making it feel truly "out of the way" in the best sense. Despite its secluded nature, the campground is often mentioned by kayakers as a convenient put-in point for floating sections of the South Fork Coquille River, underscoring its direct river access. While it might take some time to reach from major population centers in Oregon (e.g., approximately 3 hours from Grants Pass or Medford, and over 3 hours from Eugene), the journey to this hidden gem is part of the adventure.

Daphne Grove Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, provides essential amenities designed to offer a comfortable, rustic camping experience.

• 14 RV Campsites: The campground features 14 designated campsites suitable for RVs (up to 30 ft max length) and tents. These sites typically come with gravel parking aprons.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and a fire pit for campfires (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
• Drinking Water: Potable (drinking) water is available at the campground, often from a hand pump spigot. While some older reviews mentioned poor water condition, official Forest Service information indicates potable water is available.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides basic restroom facilities in the form of clean vault toilets (3 available).
• Garbage Disposal: Trash receptacles are available for waste disposal, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day only. Campers should be prepared to pack out all trash outside of this period.
• Group Shelter: A group shelter is available, accommodating up to 25 people, which can be a great feature for larger gatherings or inclement weather.
• Grey Water Disposal: Grey water disposal sites are scattered throughout the campground, providing a convenient way to dispose of wastewater.
• Camp Host: A dedicated and friendly camp host is usually on-site, offering assistance, maintaining the grounds, and providing local insights.
• No Hookups: It's important to note that Daphne Grove is a rustic campground and does not offer electric, water, or sewer hookups at individual sites.
• No Showers or Laundromats: There are no showers or laundry facilities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient in this regard.
• Free Camping (Off-Season): After Labor Day weekend, camping is often free on a first-come, first-served basis, making it an excellent budget-friendly option during the shoulder season. During peak season, a fee of around $10/night typically applies.

• Direct River Access: Situated directly on the South Fork Coquille River, the campground offers immediate access to the "crystal clear and ice cold" water, perfect for kayaking, swimming, or simply wading. Several sites have direct water access and a pretty little beach area.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: The remote location and forested setting contribute to a genuinely tranquil camping experience, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy nature's sounds.
• Friendly and Helpful Camp Host: Reviewers consistently praise the on-site camp host, often referring to "Billybob" as "awesome" and noting their kindness, helpfulness, and knowledge of the local area, including where to find excellent agates.
• First-Come, First-Serve Availability: The first-come, first-serve policy, especially during the free off-season, adds an element of spontaneity for campers.
• Scenic Beauty: The campground is nestled in a beautiful riparian environment with towering Douglas fir, mixed trees, and a grassy understory. The surrounding forested terrain and river views offer a picturesque setting.
• Recreational Opportunities: Besides kayaking and swimming, the location offers possibilities for fishing, hiking, and exploring the surrounding Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The river is noted for fishing, and there are opportunities for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, biking, and horse riding in the broader forest area.
• Spacious Sites: The sites are described as being able to accommodate various setups, with sufficient space and privacy provided by natural hedges of deciduous trees and shrubs.
• Excellent Base for River Trips: Its location makes it a perfect put-in or take-out point for multi-day kayaking or rafting trips on the South Fork Coquille River.

Address: Daphne Grove Campground, NF-33, Agness, OR 97406, USA

Phone: (541) 439-6200

Mobile Phone: +1 541-439-6200

Daphne Grove Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding campground conditions, opening and closing dates, current fees, fire restrictions, and any alerts, it is best to contact the relevant ranger district.

Powers Ranger District (the administrative unit that manages the area including Daphne Grove):

Address: 42031 Highway 243, Powers, OR 97466

Phone: (541) 439-6200

You can also reach out to the broader Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest main office in Medford for general inquiries or if you cannot reach the Powers District directly.

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Headquarters:

Address: 3040 Biddle Road, Medford, OR 97504

Phone: (541) 618-2200

Always check official Forest Service websites or call ahead before planning your trip, especially for seasonal campgrounds and those in more remote areas.

For Oregon locals, Daphne Grove Campground offers a delightful and authentic camping experience that perfectly embodies the spirit of the state's natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle. Its "way out of the way" location is a major draw for those seeking genuine tranquility and an escape from more crowded destinations, allowing for a true connection with nature. The direct access to the crystal-clear South Fork Coquille River is a huge highlight, providing fantastic opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and fishing – activities that many Oregonians cherish.

The rustic charm of the campground, combined with essential amenities like clean vault toilets, potable water, and the convenience of grey water disposal, ensures a comfortable stay without sacrificing the wilderness feel. The consistently praised friendly and knowledgeable camp hosts, like Billybob, add a unique, personal touch, making visitors feel welcome and even helping them discover local treasures like agates. The option of free camping after Labor Day makes it an incredibly accessible and budget-friendly option for shoulder-season adventurers. For Oregonians who appreciate a quiet, riverside retreat, a chance to explore a less-traveled part of their state, and a genuine, unpretentious outdoor experience, Daphne Grove Campground is a truly suitable and highly recommended destination. It’s a place where memories are made around the campfire, by the river, and under the vast Oregon sky.

Daphne Grove Campground

NF-33, Agness, OR 97406, USA