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BLM Camping

Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside

BLM sites are areas of unincorporated land administered by the Bureau of Land Management, a federal agency. These public lands let visitors explore an area in a way that's more private and allows a true connection to nature. Many of these sites offer features such as hiking trails, petroglyph viewing, rock collecting, or Bureau of Land Management free camping. BLM RV camping is also often available. To find out what sites offer camping amenities, search for "BLM camping near me."

The Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside, located on the Rough and Ready Flat near the creek of the same name, is a protected area that's home to a wide range of wildflowers. The area is incredibly special because of its frequent occurrences of hybrid and new evolution plant species. The area is one of 200 biologically outstanding ecoregions recognized in the world. It's open for day use, and there is a short trail where visitors can hike.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Raine Falls Trail

Located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, this out-and-back trail, open all year, is perfect for hiking or fishing along the banks of the river.

Length: 3.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Limpy Botanical Interpretive Loop Trail

A trail surrounded by gorgeous scenery, this is the perfect place to view native plants and animals.

Length: 0.9 mile

Intensity: Easy

Skycrest Trail

This loop trail, located in Cathedral Hills Park, offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Length: 1.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Dollar Mountain Trail

This out-and-back trail in Grants Pass offers beautiful views, and although there are some uphill areas, it's a relatively easy hike.

Length: 1.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Bolt Mountain Trail

Best for experienced hikers, this out-and-back trail is also a good challenge for mountain biking.

Length: 6.8 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing and Boating

The Applegate River, especially the section near Grants Pass, is excellent for both trout and steelhead fishing. Dutch Herman and Burma Ponds are located near local BLM sites, and they are both good options for quiet, secluded fishing. Anglers can often catch bluegill, rainbow trout, and largemouth bass.

Climbing

Located less than half an hour from Grants Pass and the Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside, Rattlesnake Crags is one of the most popular climbing spots in the area. Climbing enthusiasts can enjoy at least five different routes at the crags, all with varying challenges.

Wildlife Viewing

Thanks to how quiet and secluded it is, the Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside is itself a perfect place to view wildlife. Visitors can often spot beavers, elk, Pacific shrews, quail, and rabbits. Occasionally, visitors might be able to see a mountain lion or black bear, and in the early morning or at dusk, bats can sometimes be spotted. The area is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including painted turtles, rattlesnakes, and coastal tailed frogs.

Picnicking

For a quiet, out-of-the-way picnic experience, the Fish Lake Picnic Site in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is an excellent choice. The spot offers two tables, drinking water, and flush toilets. There is also a picnic shelter with three tables and a barbecue grill, which can be rented. The Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside also has a covered picnic table at the start of the trail and another at the end.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There are several RV camping opportunities near the Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside. Rogue Valley Overnighters offers clean bathrooms, a laundry room, and free showers. Riverpark RV Resort has paved RV sites with full hookups. There are also picnic tables at each site, and the local river is perfect for swimming or fishing.

Free Camping

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is often the most popular area for free camping near the Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside. The forest has several designated dispersed camping areas, including some along the Rogue River.

RV Rentals Near Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside BLM trip

The Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside is one of the best places to explore the flora and fauna of the area. Visitors can often enjoy the area all year, as winters and summers are both relatively mild. July and August are the hottest months, and they also see the least rain. During the rest of the year, rain is relatively common. Daytime temperatures during the winter are usually in the 40s or 50s, but the temperature can drop to near freezing at night, so pack for cold weather if you plan to camp overnight.

There are few amenities at the Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside, and no drinking water is available, so remember to pack everything you need and carry plenty of water. It's also a good idea to remember that this is a wild area where rattlesnakes are native. Be careful where you step, and if you spot a snake, observe it from a distance without disturbing it.

In general, Bureau of Land Management camping areas allow for a stay of up to 14 days within a 28-day period, and two tents or eight people are allowed per site. However, it's always a good idea to check ahead in order to ensure that the policies are the same at each site. As most areas don't take reservations, this is also a good opportunity to ensure that there is still room available at the campsite of your choice. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Protecting and preserving nature should always be a priority when visiting a BLM site or any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, and this is particularly true in an area as ecologically important as the Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside. When you're visiting the area, you must stay on the trail. Leaving the trail can cause erosion or damage to sensitive plant species. Either dispose of trash properly or take all of it with you when you leave. Build a fire only in a designated area when the fire danger is low.

Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside Location

From Grants Pass, head south on Highway 199 and drive past Cave Junction. Continue for about 4.5 miles after passing Cave Junction, and turn right into the Rough and Ready Wayside Parking Area.

Ready to visit Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.