Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
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Joseph H. Stewart was famous for growing pears and breeding new, stronger pear trees in Oregon. He arrived there from Illinois in 1885, and by 1886 was growing not only pears but also almonds, prunes, and apples. On the site of his home, which is within the boundaries of the recreation area, some of the trees he planted are still there and bearing fruit. The Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation area opened in 1978 after a year's work by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
Spring 57-72 F
Summer 79-90 F
Fall 54-82 F
Winter 28-52 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area
The campground has both electrical and water hookups at each of its 151 RV campsites. All sites are paved and have both picnic tables and fire rings. Other amenities include a dog run for off-leash exercise, horseshoe pits, a volleyball court, a boat ramp, an on-site convenience store, a cafe, restrooms, showers, a fish-cleaning station, and a dump station. There is no limit to RV length at the Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area.
What to Do at
Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area
You can cool off during the heat of the summer with a swim at the sandy beach at Lost Creek Lake. Hike the moderate trails, and drop a line from the shore or off of your boat for some exceptional fishing.
Hiking
Aside from the hiking trails that circle and cut through the campground, there are two main trails in Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area. The longer of the two is the Lost Creek Lake Shoreline trail, which is almost 19 miles long. It's a loop trail that circles the entire lake. The Rogue River Trail is 4.6 miles long, and if you're lucky, then you'll get to see a picturesque waterfall along the way.
Stargazing
The stargazing in Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation area is sensational as it is a Class-2 on the Bortle Scale. You'll need a filter to see the Gegenschein, but the sky is nearly pure black, and the Andromeda Galaxy is clearly visible with the naked eye. Setting up your telescope on the beach is a peaceful place to get some lovely photos of the night sky.
Flora and Fauna
Southern Oregon is home to elk, pronghorn antelope, and even monarch butterflies. The butterflies have been threatened in recent years, but conservation efforts have helped them return somewhat. The local birds include warblers, sparrows, and jays. Herons, grebes, and cranes stop off at the lake on their migrations.
Fishing
The State of Oregon stocks the lake with 10s of thousands of fish each year, and most of these are rainbow trout. The lake is up to 322 feet deep, so there are many opportunities to troll with deep baits as well as to catch fish near the surface. The lake is famous for bass as well as trout and has hosted bass-catching competitions in the past. Make sure that everyone who fishes has a valid license to do so.
Swimming
There aren't any lifeguards at the sandy beach, so you should exercise all necessary caution while swimming. Never swim beyond your ability. The water is warmer than you might expect as even in winter, the water temperature is in the high 40s and low 50s.
Boating
In addition to the boat ramp for your own boats, you can rent boats in either four-hour or eight-hour blocks at the marina. The lake is large enough for motorboats to be allowed.
Biking
Bikes are welcome on the roads within the park and also on the Lost Creek Lake Shoreline Trail.
How to Get to
Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area
Proceed to Medford. From there, drive north on Route 62. When it forks at Route 227, continue east on Route 62, which will take you directly to the park.
Entering Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area
There is a day-use parking lot in Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area.
Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area
The best time of year is just after the park opens in May because the weather is milder than the heat of summer, yet the freshly stocked fish will be biting already.
Sightings of elk or pronghorn sheep are terrific, but they're uncommon. You'll mostly see different species of both songbirds and waterfowl as they roost in or pass through the area.
Yes, there are 151 RV-specific campsites in Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area.
Yes, you need a reservation. It costs $8 to reserve online and $10 to reserve by calling the campground. The price for sites with both electrical and water hookups is $33 per night. There are also 50 tent-only sites with water hookups that cost just $28 per night.
Yes, they're allowed. Aside from any places set apart as off-leash areas, all other areas require your pet to be leashed. The leash must not be longer than 6 feet. Otherwise, when out of your vehicle or their own tent, your pets must be crated.