Harris Beach State Park

Harris Beach State Park (1655 U.S. 101, 541/469-2021 or 800/452-5687, $17–21), two miles north of Brookings, is open all year, but reservations are definitely necessary from Memorial Day–Labor Day. With a total of 155 spaces, there are 149 paved sites (50 electricity only, 36 full), some with shade; six yurts; and a special camping area for hikers and bicyclists.

Picnic tables and fire grills are provided. Flush toilets, electricity, piped-in water, sewer hookups, sanitary service, showers, firewood, laundry, and a playground are available. Whale-watching is particularly good here in January and May, and the birding is good year-round.

Loeb State Park

The 320-acre Loeb State Park (541/469-2021, sites $12–16 depending on season, cabins $35 year-round) is nine miles northeast of Brookings on North Bank Chetco River Road. There are 53 sites with electrical hookups for trailers/motor homes (50 feet maximum), a special campground for bicyclists and hikers, and some cabins. Electricity, piped water, and picnic tables are provided; flush toilets and firewood are available.

The campground is located in a fragrant secluded myrtlewood grove on the east bank of the Chetco River. From here, the Riverview Trail takes hikers to the Siskiyou National Forest’s Redwood Nature Trail, where nature lovers will marvel at 800-year-old redwood beauties.

Little Redwood Campground

Beyond Loeb State Park is the more primitive Little Redwood Campground (mid-May–Sept., $10). To get there, go 0.5 miles south of Brookings on U.S. 101 to County Road 784, then go northeast for seven miles. At Forest Service Road 376, turn northeast and drive six miles to the campground. Contact Chetco Ranger District (539 Chetco Ave., 541/412-6000, www.fs.fed.us/r6/rogue-siskiyou) for information.

Little Redwood is located on the main access route to the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, 20 miles away, and is a good spot for fishing during the winter steelhead run.

The Forest Service rents several cabins and fire lookouts. Contact the Chetco Ranger District for information about renting Packer’s Cabin, Ludlum House, or the Quail Prairie lookout.