Emigrant Lake County Campground

For those of us in Oregon who appreciate the perfect blend of natural beauty, convenient amenities, and easy access to vibrant local culture, Emigrant Lake County Campground in Ashland offers an exceptional outdoor experience. Situated right on the picturesque Emigrant Lake, this campground provides a serene lakeside retreat while remaining remarkably close to the acclaimed town of Ashland, known for its world-class Oregon Shakespeare Festival and charming downtown. It's an ideal spot for Oregonians looking to enjoy the tranquility of nature without being too far from dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.

Emigrant Lake County Campground is a highly regarded destination, consistently praised by visitors for its clean facilities and beautiful setting. Campers rave about the "clean restrooms with hot showers," a significant comfort that enhances any stay. The campground offers a variety of sites, including "lakefront with both pull-thru and back-in sites," accommodating diverse camping preferences, from RVs to tents. For those with furry friends, it's notably "pet friendly," with one reviewer highlighting that their dog, Wilma, "loved it." Beyond the well-maintained sites, the access to Emigrant Lake for fishing, and the surrounding oak forests with their trails, create a truly comprehensive and enjoyable outdoor experience for locals seeking a convenient and scenic getaway in Southern Oregon.

This article will provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Emigrant Lake County Campground. We will explore its prime location and excellent accessibility, detail the comprehensive services and amenities it offers, highlight its unique features and recreational opportunities, and provide essential contact information. Ultimately, you'll discover why this particular campground is perfectly suited for those of us living in Oregon, offering a harmonious balance of outdoor adventure and nearby cultural enrichment.

Emigrant Lake County Campground is ideally situated at 12 Campground, Ashland, OR 97520, USA. This location places it just minutes southeast of downtown Ashland, Oregon, making it incredibly convenient for both outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to explore the town's famous cultural scene. The campground is directly adjacent to Emigrant Lake, a large reservoir formed on Emigrant Creek, providing stunning lakeside views and immediate access to water-based activities.

For Oregon locals, accessing Emigrant Lake County Campground is exceptionally easy. It's very "convenient to the Hwy," meaning it's just off Oregon Route 66, which connects directly to Interstate 5 at Exit 14 in Ashland. This excellent road access ensures that the campground is readily reachable for all types of vehicles, including large RVs, as evidenced by the presence of pull-through sites.

The close proximity to Ashland is a significant advantage. Within a short drive, campers can access grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, and, of course, the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This means you can spend your days enjoying the lake and hiking trails, and your evenings attending a play or exploring Ashland's vibrant culinary scene. The blend of natural immersion and urban convenience makes Emigrant Lake County Campground a highly attractive option for Oregonians seeking a flexible and diverse vacation experience.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: The campground offers a variety of campsites, including lakefront options. Both pull-thru and back-in sites are available to accommodate different vehicle sizes and preferences.
• RV Park (The Point RV Park): A dedicated RV park section offers full hookups (water, 50-amp electrical service, and sewer) for larger recreational vehicles, with spacious 14' x 50' pads.
• Oak Slope Campground: This section provides basic sites (no hookups) for tent campers and smaller trailers (under 24' is strongly recommended).
• Clean Restrooms: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of the restroom facilities.
• Hot Showers: The presence of hot showers is a significant comfort amenity, highly valued by visitors.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings: Individual fire rings are provided at each site, allowing for campfires (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Pet Friendly: The campground welcomes pets, allowing your furry companions to join your outdoor adventure (standard leash and waste clean-up rules apply).
• RV Dump Station: An on-site RV dump station is available, typically for registered campers.
• Cell Service & Wi-Fi: Good cell phone reception (ATT, Verizon, TMobile) and often good Wi-Fi are available, allowing campers to stay connected if desired.
• Group Campground: A dedicated group campground area is available, featuring several picnic tables, a large campfire ring, a standing barbecue, and a horseshoe pit, ideal for larger gatherings.
• Playground: A large playground is available, offering entertainment for children.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is often available for purchase on-site.

Features / Highlights:

• Lakeside Location with Views: The primary highlight is the campground's stunning lakeside location, offering beautiful views of Emigrant Lake from many sites. The views are particularly impressive when the lake has ample water.
• Access to Emigrant Lake: Direct access to the lake provides opportunities for a wide range of water activities, including fishing (for crappie, bass, bullhead, and stocked trout), boating, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, and swimming. A boat launch is available.
• Hiking Trails: A "hiking trail from camp follows the lake through an oak forest with wildflowers, manzanita, and madrone trees," offering scenic walks with lake views. Other nearby trails provide further exploration opportunities.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is rich in wildlife. Reviewers have noted seeing "several deer hiking around" and "resident osprey" fishing in the morning, making it excellent for nature observation.
• Proximity to Ashland: The campground's location just minutes from downtown Ashland allows for easy access to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, dining, shopping, and other cultural attractions.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: The consistent positive feedback on cleanliness of bathrooms, hot showers, and overall well-kept grounds underscores the high standards of maintenance.
• Variety of Campsite Options: The availability of both full-hookup RV sites and more basic tent sites caters to a wide range of camping preferences and equipment.
• Year-Round Operation: The Point RV Park section is open year-round, offering camping opportunities even in the off-season, though some amenities in other sections may be seasonal.

Contact Information:

Address: 12 Campground, Ashland, OR 97520, USA

Phone: (541) 774-8183 (Parks Office)

Emigrant Lake County Campground is part of the Jackson County Parks system. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding reservations, campsite availability, fees, and specific park rules, it is highly recommended to contact the Jackson County Parks office directly or visit their official website.

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season (typically mid-March to mid-October for Oak Slope Campground, and year-round for The Point RV Park), and can be made online or by phone through the Parks Office. Reservations can often be made up to 9 months in advance, with a minimum of 15 days in advance for online or phone bookings. For stays less than 15 days out, sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Always check current conditions and reservation policies before planning your trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

For Oregon locals, Emigrant Lake County Campground stands out as an exceptionally appealing destination, perfectly blending natural beauty with convenient access to one of our state's cultural jewels, Ashland. What makes this campground particularly suitable for us Oregonians is its ideal location: you can spend your days enjoying the tranquil waters of Emigrant Lake, hiking scenic trails through oak forests, and observing local wildlife like deer and osprey. Then, within a matter of minutes, you can transition to an evening of world-class theater at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival or indulge in the diverse culinary scene of downtown Ashland. This unique combination of outdoor adventure and cultural enrichment is a major draw for locals.

Beyond its location, the campground's well-maintained facilities significantly enhance the camping experience. The availability of clean restrooms with hot showers is a comfort that many Oregon campers highly value, especially after a day of activities under the Southern Oregon sun. The variety of sites, including spacious pull-thru RV sites with full hookups and more traditional tent sites, caters to diverse preferences and equipment, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone, including those with beloved pets.

Furthermore, the sense of peace and quiet, despite being so close to a bustling town, offers a genuine escape. Reviewers consistently highlight the quiet atmosphere and beautiful lake views, reinforcing its status as a serene oasis. Emigrant Lake County Campground isn't just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a gateway to experiencing the best of Southern Oregon, from its stunning natural landscapes to its vibrant arts and culture, making it an undeniable top choice for locals seeking a well-rounded and memorable getaway.

Emigrant Lake County Campground

12 Campground, Ashland, OR 97520, USA