Renting a campervan is a convenient way of getting around the area, and you’ll find a range of affordable RV rentals in Josephine County. Not too far from where the caves are located are the cities of Grants-Pass and Central-Point that you could include visiting during your RV rental vacation. While you’re at Oregon Caves National Monument, there is plenty to immerse yourself in. Apart from the cave tours where you get to explore the caves in-depth, outdoor recreation at the park includes hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, and some great photo opportunities. 

Getting Outdoors

Camping at Oregon Caves National Monument is ideal when you want to explore the many different cave tours. Four different tours let you discover the caves. Wander through a labyrinth of marble passageways on the Discovery Cave Tour with a ranger guide. Check out the massive room that’s located 220 feet below the surface and get all the info on the geology of the caves. The Candlelight Cave Tour is for the strong-hearted; explore the caves with a flickering light of a flame, just like it was done years ago. 

If you’re traveling with kids, sign up for the Kids and Family Tour; this tour is ranger-led too and lasts 90 minutes. For the more daring, try the Off-Trail Caving Tour. It doesn’t get more real than this; the tour takes you into unchartered territory with lots of dark, wild areas that go off-trail.  

Put on your hiking boots and set out to explore the many hiking trails around Oregon Caves National Monument. There are a total of six hiking trails that offer stunning views of the preserve and the Siskiyou Mountains. Trails vary in length and difficulty levels. 

During your hikes, keep a lookout for wildlife. With varying ecological zones, the flora and fauna differ, offering you lots of opportunities to view different animals and plants, including the Siskiyou chipmunk, American black bear, cougar, bobcat, and beaver. Viewing wildlife from a distance is encouraged. 

Camping at Oregon Caves National Monument

Park your RV rental at Oregon Caves National Monument to enjoy easy access to the park’s many recreational opportunities. The Cave Creek Campground within the park is basic and is located about four miles from the cave entrance. The campground offers 17 campsites that are ideal for tent camping or small RVs (maximum length of 20 feet). There are fire rings, vault toilets, and water. Bring your furry friends along to this pet-friendly campground, but remember to keep them on a leash at all times. 

When you’re looking for a place to camp in an RV near Oregon Caves National Monument, drive to Cave Junction to Mountain Man RV Park. The RV park has 50 campsites and offers amenities like pull-thru sites, big rig access, tent camping, full hookups, 20, 30, and 50 amp electric service, water, sewer, central water spigot, dump station, WiFi, and cell phone coverage. Campers have access to restrooms, shower stalls, and several recreational trails to explore. Bring your four-legged friends along with you. 

Exploring the Area

Jump into your Josephine County camper rental and make your way to the city of Grants Pass, about 48 miles from Oregon Caves National Monument. This little city is the county seat of Josephine County and is known for its scenic Rogue River that serves as a hub for rafting. 

The wild and scenic Rogue River offers terrific rafting opportunities. Sign up for a guided rafting trip down the river, or you could even go jet skiing or kayaking. Salmon and steelhead fishing are popular here. If you feel like a hike, check out the Rainie Falls that follows the south side of Rogue River. 

Josephine County campers will love driving through the Applegate Valley Wine Trail. Located within the Rogue Valley in southern Oregon, there are 19 wineries along the trail that produce a diverse range of wines. 

Catch a glassblowing demonstration at the Glass Forge; the studio specializes in Venetian style art, and you can watch, first hand, how glassblowing masters create their art. 

Feel like a jog in the city? Head to Reinhart Park, located along the Rogue River, it has softball fields, baseball fields, volleyball courts, jogging trails, wildlife viewing areas, fishing ponds, and more. It’s the perfect place to spend an entire day. 

There is a variety of dining options when it comes to eating out in Grants Pass. While the wine trail is a hit, the city is home to several breweries, pubs, local restaurants, and family-owned eateries churning out great local food.