Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area
Guide
Introduction
Located in the green hills of southwestern Oregon, Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area is an RV camper’s and aquatic lover's perfect destination. Set on the shores of Lost Creek Reserve, the park has some of the best trout and bass fishing around. There is a marina where you can dock your boat, as well as a wide boat launch and fish cleaning station. The park is also open to motorized boats, in case you’re interested in water or jet skiing.
Once you’ve stepped back onto trails, there’s an 11-mile network of hiking trails to keep you busy. These trails lead through the dense pine and maple forests, home to dozens of bird species and a wide range of mammals. The park also has a guided nature trail that explains the park’s ecosystem. Many of the trails are open to biking, making for challenging rides across the hilly terrain.
The RV campground within the park has over 150 sites for your campervan or trailer, all of which have electrical hookups. You’ll be just minutes from the water, as well as the park’s network of trails, day use area, and marina.
RV Rentals in Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area
Transportation
Driving
Located in southwestern Oregon, Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area is within driving distance of the state’s major cities. The park’s campground is easy to reach from the main entrance, although there are some narrow roads in other areas of the park that may pose problems for large RVs.
If you are coming from Portland, take I-5 south and you will get to the park in around four and a half hours. Driving from Eugene, take I-5 south out of the city and you’ll get to the park in a little under three hours.
The park does have a number of roads with tight turns, so larger RVs may not be able to reach all areas of the park. Fortunately, the road leading to the campground is straight, so large rigs should be able to get to it without any problems.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area
Campsites in Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area
Reservations camping
Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area Campground
The park has a large campground with 151 sites to choose from. All of the sites have electrical hookups. Each site has a paved driveway, as well as a picnic table and fire ring. There are flush toilets within the campground, as well as hot showers. The campground is pet-friendly, but all dogs must be kept on a leash.
The hiking and biking trails are just outside of the campground, and connect you to the day use area. Here, you’ll find the boat launch and marina, as well as the volleyball court, playground, and picnic area. The off-leash pet area is located just outside the campground.
All of the sites at the campground can be reserved in advance, and the campground is open year round. You’ll need to book a day before you arrive, and can reserve a spot up to nine months in advance. The park is a popular summertime destination, with sites filling up quickly. If you plan on visiting during peak season, get to the park as early as possible if you want to find a site.
Seasonal activities in Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area
In-Season
Hiking
RV campers will find an 11-mile trail network leading through the park. The trails will take you through the beautiful pine forests and over the hills that surround the lake. There are year-round streams that wind through the forests, where you can spot a number of mammals as you hike.
The trails are open year round, and each season offers its own unique natural sights. The trails tend to be busiest in summer and fall, although they get plenty of activity throughout the year. The trail network can be accessed directly from the RV campground, as well as from the park’s day use area.
Joining Summer Programs
If you visit the park during the summer, you can enjoy the interpretive programs hosted on Friday and Saturday evenings. These programs highlight the local history of the park, as well as provide information on the park’s ecosystem. The program area is located in the heart of the RV campground, so you just have to open your camper door and you’ll be there. Times and programs vary throughout the summer, so check with the park office to get a schedule.
Water Activities
The park has a wide boat launch as well as a marina. Popular activities include tubing, jet skiing, boating, and fishing. The water is packed in the summer to prepare to deal with some traffic and people. Fishing, in particular, is quite popular. Both bass and trout are plentiful in the waters. There is even a fish cleaning station available for lucky anglers that landed a tasty catch. It is open year round for fishing.
Off-Season
Biking
The park’s trail system is also open to mountain biking. The winding trails offer a wide variety of terrain, with some of the trails featuring difficult elevation changes. You can also connect to the Upper Rogue River trail, which leads you to Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.
The park does not rent bike gear, so you’ll have to bring everything you need along with your rig. Do take caution on the trails, as they have tight turns and many blind spots, and are shared with hikers.
Fishing
Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area has some of the best fishing in the region, making it a great spot for anglers. The waters are teeming with trout and bass year round, and there are over ten miles of lake for you to fish. The trout tend to be most populous in late spring, when they spawn and enter the lake from surrounding rivers.
The park has a boat launch for day use, making it easy to get out onto the lake, as well as a fish cleaning station. There is also a marina where you can store your boat if you are staying for longer periods. The marina also offers boat rentals, and has a cafe near the water.
Playing Sports at the Recreation Area
If you’re tired of hiking, head over to the park’s recreation area. You’ll find a full volleyball court, perfect for long summer days. There is a picnic area located nearby, where you can relax and enjoy a snack. There are also horseshoe pits nearby, as well as a playground to keep the kids busy. If you have a dog, you can take them to the fenced recreation area and let them blow off some steam without a leash. The park’s day use area is just a quick walk from the RV campground.
