Sam Brown Campground
Campground · 25 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
- 25
- Bookable sites
Overview
Sam Brown Campground is centered around a large meadow that has a colorful history of the earlier miner and homesteader to the area. Trails are located throughout the area, as well, with options for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and motorcycles, including Elkhorn Mine Jeep Road.
The size of this campground, and nature of the landscape, lends itself to large group camping, with 2 picnic shelters, and amphitheater. The meadow is great for group activities and is also a great place to wildlife watch: deer, elk, and a plethora of bird species frequent the area. Briggs Creek flows through the area before passing on to the Illinois River.
Campsites are suitable for tents, small trailers, or campers. This campground is close to Sam Brown Horse Camp.
Recreation
Hiking, mountain bike riding, splashing in the creek and wildlife viewing all draw campers to the area.
Facilities
19 campsites with picnic tables, and fire pits
No water available. Please bring your own water.
3 vault toilets
No trash service available, pack out what you pack in.
Natural Features
A large meadow for wildlife viewing.
Briggs Creek flows next to the Campground.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (541) 592-4000.Nearby Attractions
Nearby trail opportunities include:
Briggs Creek Trail #1132 (the trailhead located in campground)
Taylor Creek Trail #1142
Onion Way Trail #1157
Secret Way Trail #1282
Dutchy Creek Trail #1154
The facts
- 25 bookable sites
- 26 sites in total, including non-bookable
- Loops: Extra Vehicle Fee, SamBrown
Site types
- 25 Standard Nonelectric
- 1 Management
26 campsites at Sam Brown Campground
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Vehicle Fee | Extra Vehicle Fee | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 01 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 02 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 03 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 04 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 05 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 06 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 07 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 08 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 09 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 10 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 11 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 12 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 13 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 14 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 15 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 16 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 17 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 18 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 19 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 20 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 21 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 22 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 23 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 24 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | |
| 25 | SamBrown | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — |
Getting there
From Interstate 5, take the Merlin Exit to Merlin / Galice Road approximately 12 miles to the Briggs Valley Road (Forest Road 2500). Follow Forest Road 2500 approximately 15 miles to Forest Road 2512, turn right and the campground will be on your left about 0.5 mile up the road.
Access to the area restricts vehicle size, due to the narrow winding steep road to the Briggs Valley area.
Fees and stay limits
Overnight Camping: $10 per site per night; Additional Vehicle Fee: $5 per vehicle per day NOTE: 50% discount for Interagency Senior and Access Pass holders on a single campsite. This discount does not apply to extra vehicle fees.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Sam Brown Campground
- Can you reserve a site at Sam Brown Campground?
- Yes, Sam Brown Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Sam Brown Campground have?
- 26 sites in total, of which 25 can be booked.
Contact
- Phone (541) 592-4000
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-23.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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