Hart-Tish Recreation Complex

Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens May 2, 2026. Reservations available via Recreation.gov.

About

Hart-Tish Park at Applegate Lake is a popular Forest Service campground located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in southwest Oregon. The campground features seven walk-in tent sites (approximately 75-yard walk with carts provided) and eight lakeside RV dry camping spots. The RV sites are located in a sectioned-off portion of the day-use parking area and back directly to the lake shoreline, offering beautiful views though with proximity to boat launch traffic. Each RV site includes two parking spots to accommodate slide-outs and gear. The recreation complex includes several acres of groomed lawn sloping to the water's edge, with views south across the lake to the peaks of the Red Buttes Wilderness. An on-site general store offers camping supplies, snacks, fishing gear, and ice cream. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available. The campground provides flush toilets, drinking water, and a fish cleaning station. Generator use is restricted to 10 AM-noon and 4 PM-6 PM daily. Recreation opportunities include swimming at the beach area, boating (10 mph speed limit), fishing, and hiking. The Collins Mountain Trail begins at the day-use area and climbs to panoramic views of the lake and Siskiyou Crest, passing an inactive Bigfoot trap built in 1974. The 18.5-mile trail around Applegate Lake offers additional hiking and mountain biking options. Note that there is no cell service at the lake, though Wi-Fi can be purchased for $30 per 12 hours.

Directions

From Jacksonville, Oregon, travel south 6.5 miles on Highway 238 to Ruch, then turn left onto Upper Applegate Road (County Road 859). Continue 16 miles to Hart-Tish, about 0.5 mile past Applegate Dam. Check-in is at the general store at the bottom of the hill.

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