Come for the hiking and mountain scenery, but stay for the Shakespeare and the four-season adventure.
For outdoor enthusiasts, it doesn’t get much better than Ashland, Oregon. The Siskiyou and Cascade mountains rise above downtown, putting the wilderness at your fingertips. With four distinct seasons and mild weather, this Southern Oregon spot offers year-round adventure.
Any time of year, head to Emigrant Lake—the Point RV park offers full hookups and lake views. From March through October, sleep under the trees at Oak Slope’s peaceful tent sites. Around the lake, you’ll find gentle hiking trails, swimming, boating. Be sure to bring your fishing gear; the lake is stocked regularly.
For mountain camping near Ashland, the nearby national forests are your best bet. At Mt. Ashland campground, sleep just steps from the stunning Pacific Crest Trail. A few miles away, Wrangle Campground offers five tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings. If you’re looking to go off-grid, most of the forest is open for backcountry camping.
Bringing a boat? Drive 24 miles from Ashland to Howard Prairie Lake, where you’ll find a full-service marina. With two campgrounds, cabin rentals, and great fishing, the park makes a comfortable home base. In the winter, the nearby Pederson Trailhead / Sno-Park is a popular snowshoeing spot.
No matter when you arrive in Ashland, you'll find plenty to do. In the summer, book seats to the world-renowned Shakespeare Festival. Raft on the Rogue River’s spring rapids, and hike through the colorful leaves in the autumn. In the winter, go cross-country skiing in the snowy mountains or ice skate on an outdoor rink.