A gravel road curving into a high mountain valley at first light, the peaks catching the sun.

Forest Service campground

Bolan Lake Campground

Forest Service campground in Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Josephine County, Oregon. About 5,300 feet. In the Cave Junction area.

Managed by
Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
Elevation
About 5,300 ft As the Forest Service states
Sites
14 14 standard non-electric
Hookups
None listed
Reservations
Recreation.gov

Overview

Bolan Lake Campground sits along the shores of Bolan Lake, a 12-acre lake sitting high above the Illinois Valley. 14 campsites are in a dispersed camping area but are equipped with tables and fire pits. Large conifers provide shade in the heat of summer months, and the wildflowers are not to be missed in this area in the early summer.

Bolan Lake Trail #1245, located within the campground, climbs up to the old fire lookout on Bolan Peak. The lookout is available for rent; reservations must be made at www.recreation.gov

Recreation

Recreation opportunities abound in this area including; hiking, fishing, wildflower viewing and stargazing.

Facilities

Vault Toilets

14 Tent Camping Sites

No Potable Water

Picnic Tables and Fire Rings Available

Natural Features

Bolan Campground is a serene alpine site located on the shores of Bolan Lake. The surrounding area sustained substantial impacts from the 2020 Slater Fire, however the ring of tall conifers surrounding the lake mostly survived the fire. , Bolan Campground is a serene alpine site situated on the shores of 12-acre Bolan Lake. Nestled at roughly 5,300 feet elevation above the Illinois Valley, it features vibrant early summer wildflowers and sweeping panoramic views of the Siskiyou Mountains.

Nearby Attractions

Bolan Mountain Lookout, reservations available on Recreation.gov

Bolan Lake Trail #1245

Kings Saddle Trail #1245A

Red Buttes Wilderness access points including Tanner Lake Trail #1243 and Boundary Trail #1207

The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

  • backpacking
  • boating
  • canoeing
  • day use area
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • kayaking
  • non-motorized boating
  • photography
  • star gazing
  • swimming
  • wilderness
  • wildlife viewing

The federal record has no coordinates for this campground, so it is listed under Cave Junction and left off the map rather than placed by guesswork. Use the directions above.

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated June 23, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.