Oregon · Camping

Bessie Shelter

May–Sep
best months

Is Bessie Shelter open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in High Cascades Ranger District. It doesn't name Bessie Shelter, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · High Cascades Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

  • At 4,964 ft
  • High Cascades Ranger DistrictRogue River-Siskiyou National Forests

Bessie Shelter is a Forest Service campground in the High Cascades Ranger District of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forests in southern Oregon. No fees are required to use the site, which makes it an easy stop for anyone exploring the area. Summer is the most comfortable time to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Chiloquin show July highs around 85°F with lows near 42°F and only about three wet days in the month. That station sits roughly 780 feet lower than the shelter, so temperatures at the site run a little cooler. The Tom and Jerry hike starts just 0.1 mile away, and the Mudjekeewis Trail and Middle Fork are both within about 2.5 miles. Paddlers can reach the Middle Fork Rogue River about 3 miles off.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Bessie Shelter

    Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      39° / 19°

      13 wet · 6 snow

    2. Feb

      44° / 22°

      11 wet · 5 snow

    3. Mar

      50° / 25°

      11 wet · 4 snow

    4. Apr

      57° / 28°

      10 wet · 2 snow

    5. May

      66° / 33°

      8 wet

    6. Jun

      75° / 37°

      4 wet

    7. Jul

      85° / 42°

      3 wet

    8. Aug

      84° / 41°

      2 wet

    9. Sep

      77° / 34°

      4 wet

    10. Oct

      64° / 27°

      7 wet

    11. Nov

      48° / 24°

      12 wet · 3 snow

    12. Dec

      39° / 19°

      14 wet · 7 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Chiloquin 12 Nw (Fort Klamath), OR, 15.6 mi away at 4,180 ft. The station sits about 800 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

    Closures we've recorded since August 2026

    • Stage 2 Public Use Fire Restrictions (Forest-wide)

      Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forests · Order dated September 4, 2026; seen Sep 3, 2026 → lifted Oct 28, 2026 · Forest Service

    • Stage 3 Public Use Fire Restrictions (Forest-wide)

      Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forests · Order dated July 17, 2026; seen Aug 23, 2026 → lifted Sep 3, 2026 · Forest Service