There is a day use area at Caves Creek campground. It is across from the campground host's site.
Sucker Creek, Cave Junction, Oregon
Travel Time: 25 - 30 minutes
Distance: 8 miles from Oregon Caves down Hwy 46
There is a day use area at Grayback campground along with camping facilities. There are also picnic areas from the days of the Civilican Conservation Corp (CCC).
Illinois River, Cave Junction, Kerby, & O'Brien, & Selma, Oregon
Travel Time: about 1 hour
Distance: at least 20 miles from Oregon Caves
The wild section of the Illinois River runs for 29 miles through forests and steep canyons through the Illinois Valley.
Recreational opportunities abound on the Rogue River and surrounding forest, from white water rafting to wilderness camping, from lake and stream fishing to winter snowmobiling.
Smith River, National Recreation Area, California
Travel Time: 1 ½ hours
Distance: approximately 70 miles from Oregon Caves
If you go to Redwood National Park, in California, you will drive through this recreation area that has one of the most beautiful rivers you may ever see. There is excellent swimming in the summer at Smith River National Recreation Area. The scenery is breathtaking as the river flows through the Redwood Forest at Jedediah Smith Campground. Many hiking trails run through the area which makes for great day-hikes.