Situated on the western edge of the Cascade Mountains, the Lone Pine Group Campground is in a beautiful, mountainous region covered in forests including fir, cedar and hemlock trees. The site was once a sawmill between the 1930s and 50s, and you can still see remnants of its former purpose.
The region is beautiful, with its glacier-cut mountain slopes, peaks, forested canyons, and crystal clear alpine lakes. Explore the woodlands and collect wood for your campfire, have a cool swim in the creek in the summer and spot plentiful wildlife in the region. The Lone Pine Campground is adjacent to Rock Creek and just a short drive away from the Umpqua National Forest. Here you can discover the 9,182 feet tall Mount Thielson as well as thundering waterfalls like the 293 ft. Watson Falls just near the North Umpqua Highway.
The Lone Pine campground is open from May to September, and you will need to make a reservation in advance. With a large group fire ring area for a cozy night by the campfire, a BBQ grill and a timber-framed pavilion, this 11-site campground is the perfect choice for your group camping adventure. There is also a variety of day time activities at the site, such as a volleyball court, horseshoes and a baseball field which can be reserved the day.
The best way to get to Lone Pine Campground in Oregon is by car. The site is situated on Birch Creek and the North Fork John Day River in Grant County in Oregon. From Roseberg, take Highway 130, and travel east for 22 miles. When you reach Rock Creek Road, turn right and follow this stretch for just over five miles. The campsite is just on the left, opposite the Millpond Recreation site ballfield.
It is important to note that there is a 45-minute drive to the nearest store, so it is advised that you pick up any supplies that you may need before arriving at the campground. Furthermore, Oregon’s weather can change quickly, and you must check the forecast and driving conditions before you go. In winter, you will need to use chains or traction tires, and all roads are subject to closure in particularly bad weather.
There is space to park your vehicle at your campsite itself and there is also a paved parking lot at the entrance to the Lone Pine Group Campground. Moreover, there are parking lots close to most of the main attractions in the surrounding area.
The Lone Pine Group Campground Oregon is open from May to September, and reservations should be made in advance; with bookings released on a twelve-month rolling basis. The campground consists of 11 sites, with space for 120 people and the ability to book all of the 11 sites. This makes it the ideal location for a wedding, family reunion or any other group celebration.
The facilities are basic, but there are vault toilets, potable water sources and a host on-site for assistance. There is also a large BBQ grill which is ideal for a camp cookout, as well as horseshoes, a children’s play area and a volleyball court.
There are 50 developed campgrounds across the Umpqua National Forest, with a wide choice of varying facilities and amenities. The Susan Creek Campground is BLM-maintained and it is open from May till September. There are 29 campsites, of which 13 can be reserved and the remaining 16 are available first come-first served. With hot showers, drinking water, restrooms and a wealth of recreational activities, this could be the ideal spot for your RV family vacation.
Situated just opposite the Lone Pine Group Campground, this is another BLM-managed campground. Campsites start from just $13 a night and they are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Pets are permitted on-site but must be kept under control and on a leash that is six feet or shorter.
This is a pretty basic campsite, but there are vault toilets and water spigots. Furthermore, 11 out of the 12 sites and all of the facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Created as a result of the Mount Mazama volcano erupting, a visit to the nearby Crater Lake National Park is a must when you are staying at the Lone Pine Campground. There is so much to see and do across this 183, 224- acre park, including over ninety miles of trails, as well as interpretative activities and ranger programs.
The park surrounds one of the deepest lakes in the world, and this natural lake has a sleeping volcano at the bottom of its crystal clear waters. First established in 1903, this is America’s fifth oldest national park and the only one in Oregon.
There are miles upon miles of hiking and mountain bike trails in the area. Stroll through the beautiful woodland and enjoy quality hiking in the Oregon wilderness. The Sawmill Trail is a popular choice; it is a gentle one-mile interpretive trail that will take you through the old mill site. There is also a nature trail to the west of the campsite.
If you prefer, the mountain biking trails in the area are predominantly dirt with some granite. There are trails here to suit all levels and abilities, but the big one is the 90-mile long North Umpqua Trail to the north of the site.
Umpqua loosely translates as thundering waters, and it is certainly an apt name when you consider that some of the sections of the rivers here are ideal for some adrenaline-boosting white water rafting fun. In fact, the Umpqua River has more rapids per mile than any other river in the State.
From gentle class 1 to white-knuckle class IV rapids, there is something to suit all abilities surrounding this campground. The best time of year for rafting is May, June, and early July, but this is weather dependent.
Due to the remote location of the Lone Pine Group campground, there is no public transport in the area.
To protect the local species and ensure sustainability, fishing is not permitted at Rock Creek, which is the nearest tributary to the Lone Pine Group Campground. However, there is a chance to enjoy world-class angling during your stay at the North Umpqua River, which just a short drive away. Here you can catch steelhead, sturgeon, rockfish, trout, and bass.
As always, check state regulations regarding fishing permits and licenses and make sure you are aware of the current catch limit for each species.
Whether you are an amateur with a camera or a seasoned pro, you may just capture the shot of a lifetime around the Lone Pine Group Campground. With alpine lakes, dramatic mountain range, and dense forest and woodland, nature photographers travel from all over to capture the pristine beauty of the Oregon wilderness.
Alternatively, if you are looking to take pictures of a variety of wildlife, this could be a perfect choice. Your Instagram will soon be full of snapshots of your Pine Group adventure!
With so many options for winter sports in the area, this could be an ideal choice for your winter vacation. The nearby Umpqua national forest is a popular spot for cross country skiing in the winter.
The forest contains skiing and snowboarding trails, including the Cottage Grove Ranger District, the Diamond Lake District, the North Umpqua Ranger District, and the Tiller Ranger District. Snowshoes are also popular as well as snowmobiles, which are a great way to appreciate the scenery in the winter months. It is important to remember that all winter activities are weather dependent, so you should check the forecast and plan carefully.
