The Best Kid-Friendly Swim Spots in Southern Oregon
Southern Oregon has so many beautiful lakes and rivers to swim in but many aren’t very kid-friendly. I don’t know about you, but when I am looking for kid-friendly spots there are a few things that I like to have to make it a truly good spot for kids. First, calm waters are of course very important so that I feel safe letting them play without me hovering over them constantly. Second, restrooms need to be nearby. Everything else I can supply myself. I pack a hefty lunch and snacks and we always bring a canopy or umbrella so we have some protection from the sun.
Throughout the years we have visited most of our lakes, rivers so we wanted to share our favorite spots..
JACKSONVILLE AND THE APPLEGATE
Cantrall Buckley County Park
Along the shore of the Applegate River there are multiple spots to play in the water. The best spot is by area D where the water is very shallow and calm. There are also flushing restrooms, a playground, picnic tables and a short trail to hike. They have a Life Jacket Loaner Stations.
16 miles from Medford | 26 miles from Grants Pass | 27 miles from Ashland - 2024 Day use fee $4
Applegate Lake at Hart-Tish Park
At Applegate Lane there's an actual "beach" area that is marked out for swimming. They also have flushing toilets, a snack bar and you can rent kayaks and paddle boards during the summer.
29 miles from Medford | 42 miles from Grants Pass | 41 miles from Ashland - 2024 Day use fee $7 or 50% off with an interagency annual pass
CENTRAL POINT
TouVelle State Recreation Site
Swim in the Rogue River at Touvelle State Park. A popular spot is right by the boat ramp on the west side of the highway. If you go to the other side you can find little spots to jump in wherever you’d like and there are lots of picnic tables and restrooms. They do have a Life Jacket Loaner Stations. Dogs on leash AT ALL TIMES allowed.
8.3 miles from Medford | 22 miles from Ashland | 28 miles from Grants Pass - $5 day use fee
More information
GRANTS PASS / ILLINOIS VALLEY
Schroeder Park
Schroeder Park has a great day use area with a playground, volleyball courts and more.. There is a nice swimming area with a boat ramp. Restrooms are available.
4 2 miles from downtown Grants Pass | 33 miles from Medford | 45 miles from Ashland - $5 day use fee
Illinois River Forks State Park in Cave Junction
If you have been to the Southern Oregon Coast you have passed this beautiful river spot. There are picnic tables and hiking trail and a vault toilet. They do have a Life Jacket Loaner Stations.
60 miles from Medford | 72 miles from Ashland | 31 miles from Grants Pass - no day use fee
ASHLAND
Emigrant Lake
There are multiple spots to play in the water at Emigrant. There is an actual beach and swimming area that has restrooms close by. The map online still shows the waterslides but they are no longer there. There's also a campground and RV spots.
6.8 miles from Ashland | 19.6 miles from Medford | 48 miles from Grants Pass - 2024 Day use fee $4
Ashland Creek at Lithia Park
Located right by the playground in Lithia Park this is probably one of the best spots for your tiny human. Very toddler friendly the wading area isn’t slippery nor rocky. Plus the bathrooms are located nearby. NO DOGS ALLOWED
Please note that at times the water may not be suitable for swimming so Rogue Riverkeeper website for updates.
Located in downtown Ashland | 14 miles from Medford | 42 miles from Grants Pass - no day use fee
The Reservoir at Lithia park
If you continue driving up the road past the playground and Japanese gardens you will find the reservoir at the end of the road. There’s a nice area for you to swim. Be forewarned that the water does get a bit mucky. There is a bathroom in the area. NO DOGS ALLOWED
Located 1/4 mile up from Lithia Park entrance | 14.25 miles from Medford | 42.25 miles from Grants Pass - no day use fee
UPPER ROGUE
Willow Lake in Butte Falls
Willow Lake is a great spot to camp or you can enjoy the day use. There's a large beach area with a spot for swimming. We love to bring our paddleboard because the waters are pretty calm. Restrooms are close by. Our teenagers love this spot.
43 miles from Medford | 46 miles from Ashland | 59 miles from Grants Pass - 2024 day use fee $4
Joseph Stewart State Recreation Site in Trail
The Lake has a marina that includes rentals if you would like to try some watercraft. There’s a large swim beach with a huge lawn. They also have a store in the summer and there are restrooms.
34 miles from Medford | 46 miles from Ashland | 51 miles from Grants Pass
KLAMATH COUNTY
Lake of the Woods
Many people like to go to Lake of the Woods Lodge to play. There's a boat launch, beach area, store and restaurant. You can rent basically any watercraft you desire. We prefer to go to Aspen Point or Rainbow Bay because it's not as busy and the water is a bit calmer because there aren't as many boats launching.
45 miles from Medford | 68 miles from Grants Pass | 39 miles from Ashland - 2024 day use fee $10. No passes accepted.
NORTH UMPQUA
Cooper Creek Reservoir in Sutherlin
The reservoir is lined with picnic tables and lots of grass for you to plant yourself so you can watch your kids. Restrooms are on site.
3.2 miles from the center of Sutherlin | 17 miles from Roseburg - No day use fee
SOUTHERN OREGON COAST
Sunset Bay State Park in Charleston
Sunset Bay maybe one of my favorite spots of all time to play with our kids. The sand is perfect for castle building and the water is warmer than our lakes and rivers. We feel confident that our kids are safe while paddle boarding or simply swimming in the water. There are restrooms.
12 miles from Coos Bay | 24 miles from Bandon
If you are planning your outings to our lakes and rivers there are some rules that you need to remember.
If you have a watercraft 10 feet or longer you must have a Waterway Access Permit. One per boat. This includes kayaks and paddle boards.
All children 12 and under must wear a properly fitted flotation device on a boat that is underway.
If you are on a watercraft you must have a life jacket with you even if you aren’t wearing it.
Alcohol is NEVER allowed while on a watercraft. You will get fined if a Sherriff sees you paddling under the influence.
Please leave no trace. We’ve noticed our beaches, riverfronts and lake shores getting more littered with trash. Please cleanup after yourself and even take more than you came with. Bottle caps, soda can tabs, apple cores, banana and orange peels are considered trash too!
If you would like to know the water quality of your favorite swim spots check out the Rogue Riverkeeper swim guide.
If you plan on enjoying Jackson County Parks throughout the year it’s a good idea to get an annual pass. It’s good for Emigrant Lake | Howard Prairie | Willow Lake “ Cantrall Buckley | Dodge Bridge | Takelma | Upper Rogue Regional | Rogue Elk | Joseph Stewart Resort and Southern Oregon RV Park. It’s also useable at Touvelle State Park because of an agreement with State Parks to honor use at access points on the Upper Rogue River. You will also get $2 off camping at any of the county parks.
