Starting September 5, a significant change is coming to the Valley of the Rogue State Park day-use area, located at milepost 45 on Interstate 5 between Gold Hill and Rogue River in southern Oregon. The park, managed by Oregon State Parks and Recreation (OPRD), will no longer include an interstate rest area.
The decision to discontinue the rest area component was motivated by the park’s high visitation volume. The combined rest area and day-use area attracted over 2 million visitors annually, which strained park resources, facilities, and staff. In response, OPRD is reimagining the park to provide a more enriching experience for visitors.
As part of this transition, the Valley of the Rogue day-use area will maintain its status as a campground and day-use facility, operating between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. (seasonal variations may apply). However, overnight parking will no longer be permitted within the day-use area, and restroom facilities will only be available during operational hours.
The campground itself will remain operational, boasting 175 campsites that include options such as full hook-up sites, tent sites, group sites, and yurts. OPRD is eager to redirect the time and resources that were previously allocated to managing the rest area toward expanding recreational opportunities within the park.
District Manager Dani Padilla expressed enthusiasm for the transformation: “We look forward to exploring future projects and opportunities that will enrich the visitor experience, which could include upgraded facilities, increased access to the river, new landscaping, and additional interpretive panels and trails. We are excited to welcome visitors to this area as a destination to recreate and enjoy the park.”
The day-use area itself will feature a range of amenities, including two restrooms, a dedicated off-leash area for dogs, access to the Rogue River Greenway Trail, a boat launch for the Rogue River, picnic tables, an Applegate Trail interpretive kiosk, as well as interpretive and wood carving displays.
In conjunction with these changes, the blue “Rest Area” signs along Interstate 5 will be removed by the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Travelers seeking rest facilities will still find options nearby, with the Manzanita Rest Area located 18 miles to the north. Additionally, facilities for northbound and southbound travelers are available at various mileposts, including the Ashland Welcome Center and the Ashland Port of Entry.
Source: OPRD
