Doe Creek Campground

For Oregonians seeking a serene escape into nature where the ancient forests meet pristine waters, Doe Point Campground in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is an exceptional destination. Nestled amidst towering old-growth trees and directly adjacent to the beautiful Fish Lake, this campground offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest outdoor experience. It's a place where the sounds of the wind through the pines and the gentle lapping of lake water replace the hustle and bustle of everyday life, inviting you to truly unwind and reconnect with the wild.

Doe Point Campground is renowned for its prime location, offering some of the best fishing opportunities in the area, along with easy access to an extensive network of hiking trails. As one delighted camper shared, "This is one of the best Campgrounds in Oregons mountain lakes." Another highlighted the privacy and spaciousness: "There is privacy between spaces, so you don't notice neighbors. There is a little path to the lake from this space." These sentiments reflect the campground's ability to provide both tranquil solitude and a welcoming environment for families and individuals alike. With a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites, Doe Point Campground offers flexibility for planning your next Oregon adventure, whether it's a spontaneous weekend getaway or a carefully orchestrated family vacation.

Doe Point Campground is located approximately 39 miles east of Medford, Oregon, and near the town of Merlin, OR 97532, USA. It is specifically situated within the High Cascades Ranger District of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, placing it amidst the stunning landscapes of Southern Oregon's mountain lakes region. The campground sits at an elevation of 4,639 feet, ensuring a cooler, refreshing climate during the warmer months and picturesque snowy scenes in winter.

Accessibility to Doe Point Campground is primarily via paved roads, making it relatively easy to reach for a wide range of vehicles, including large RVs and trailers. From Medford, Oregon, visitors can take OR-140 (Lake of the Woods Highway) for approximately 20 miles to reach the vicinity of Fish Lake. From Klamath Falls, take OR-140 (Falls Highway) about 4 miles past Lake of the Woods to the campground. The campground roads themselves are paved, ensuring smooth navigation within the site. While individual sites do not offer pull-through options, they have paved aprons ranging from 25 to 65 feet in length, accommodating various trailer and RV sizes. It's worth noting that while the campground is remote enough to offer a true wilderness feel, it's conveniently located near Fish Lake Campground and Fish Lake Resort, which can provide additional amenities or services. Cell service can vary, with some reports of fair service, so it's always wise to download maps or directions beforehand, especially when venturing into remote forest areas. The journey itself is part of the experience, winding through beautiful old-growth forests and offering glimpses of Mount McLoughlin.

Doe Point Campground offers a range of services designed to enhance comfort while retaining a connection to the natural environment. These amenities make it a popular choice for both short stays and extended camping trips.

• Campsites: The campground features 25 standard campsites and 5 walk-in tent campsites, all equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Many sites are large enough to accommodate RVs and trailers, though without hookups.
• Flush Restrooms: A significant convenience for a forest campground, Doe Point provides three flush restroom facilities, typically with wash basins, offering a more comfortable experience than traditional vault toilets.
• Drinking Water: Potable (drinking) water is available, ensuring campers have access to fresh water during their stay.
• Garbage Disposal: Trash collection services are provided, making it easy for campers to dispose of their waste responsibly and help maintain the cleanliness of the campground.
• Camp Host: A campground host is available on-site, providing assistance, information, and ensuring the smooth operation of the campground. Reviews frequently praise the helpfulness and friendliness of the camp hosts.
• Fish Cleaning Station: Given its prime fishing location on Fish Lake, a dedicated fish cleaning station is provided for anglers.
• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host, making it convenient to enjoy campfires (subject to current fire restrictions).
• Reservable and First-Come, First-Served Sites: The campground offers a mix of sites that can be reserved through Recreation.gov, and others that are available on a first-come, first-served basis, providing flexibility for planning.

Doe Point Campground is rich with features and highlights that make it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Oregon, particularly those drawn to lakeside recreation and forest adventures.

• Direct Access to Fish Lake: The campground's adjacency to Fish Lake is a major draw. This 483-acre reservoir, fed by over 45 underground volcanic streams, offers excellent opportunities for fishing (with varieties of trout and other local species), swimming, paddle boating, kayaking, and canoeing. A boat launch (with a 10 mph speed limit) is available at the adjacent Fish Lake Campground.
• Old-Growth Forest Setting: The campground is nestled in the midst of a beautiful old-growth forest, providing ample shade, a serene atmosphere, and opportunities for nature immersion. The southern shore of Fish Lake also offers stunning views of Mount McLoughlin, bordered by a 2,000-year-old lava flow from Brown Mountain.
• Extensive Hiking Trail Network: Hikers have easy access to numerous trails, including:
  • Fish Lake Trail #1013
  • High Lakes Trail #6200
  • Brown Mountain Trail #1005
  • The famous Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 (with accessible sections)
  • Access to the Sky Lakes Wilderness and Mt. McLoughlin Trail systems within an hour's drive.
• Mountain Biking Opportunities: In addition to hiking, many of these trails are also suitable for mountain biking, offering a diverse range of recreational activities.
• Wildlife Viewing: The remote and natural setting provides excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, with deer, elk, black bear, bald eagles, and ospreys commonly found in the area.
• Privacy Between Sites: Campers frequently commend the privacy offered between individual campsites, allowing for a more secluded and peaceful experience.
• Proximity to Crater Lake National Park: While not directly adjacent, Crater Lake National Park is approximately 53 miles north of the campground, making Doe Point an excellent basecamp for day trips to the iconic national park.
• Nearby Resort Amenities: The close proximity to Fish Lake Resort provides access to additional amenities such as dining, a general store, and various rentals, offering a convenient balance of wilderness and essential services.

Doe Point Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. For reservations and detailed information on specific campsites, it is best to use the national reservation system.

Address: Merlin, OR 97532, USA (Located 39 miles east of Medford, adjacent to Fish Lake).

Reservations: Reservations for some campsites can be made through Recreation.gov.Website: www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/119240

For general inquiries about the campground, current conditions, or specific questions that aren't covered by the online reservation system, you can contact the managing Ranger District.

High Cascades Ranger District (manages the area including Doe Point Campground)Address: 47201 Highway 62, Prospect, OR 97536Phone: (541) 560-3900

Alternatively, for broader information about the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, you can contact their main office:

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Supervisor's OfficeAddress: 3040 Biddle Road, Medford, OR 97504Phone: (541) 618-2200

It is always recommended to check current conditions, especially concerning fire restrictions, road access, and lake conditions, by contacting the Ranger District before your visit, particularly during shoulder seasons or periods of extreme weather.

For Oregon locals, Doe Point Campground truly stands out as an ideal and highly suitable destination for embracing the state's diverse outdoor offerings. Its unique combination of a picturesque lakeside setting, lush old-growth forest, and an abundance of recreational activities makes it a multifaceted gem right in our backyard. The ability to reserve sites through Recreation.gov provides a level of planning convenience that many Oregon families and groups appreciate, while the availability of first-come, first-served sites still allows for spontaneous adventures.

The presence of flush toilets and potable water elevates the comfort level beyond typical primitive camping, making it more accessible for families with children or those preferring a few more amenities without sacrificing the natural experience. Its prime location on Fish Lake ensures endless water-based fun, from quiet fishing to refreshing swims, while the extensive network of hiking and biking trails, including direct access to the Pacific Crest Trail, caters to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Furthermore, its strategic proximity to Crater Lake National Park offers an incredible opportunity to combine a relaxing lakeside camping trip with a visit to one of Oregon's most iconic natural wonders. Doe Point Campground truly embodies the spirit of Oregon outdoor living, providing a beautiful, well-equipped, and adventure-filled retreat that local residents will cherish for generations.

Doe Creek Campground

Merlin, OR 97532, USA