• Carberry Swim Area is a serene swimming hole on the edge of the Applegate Reservoir
• The surrounding area has camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking opportunities
A serene swimming hole on the edge of the artificial 988-acre Applegate Lake, Carberry Swim Area sits in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest 27 miles south of the historic city of Jacksonville.
This spot is fantastic for many water activities including swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing. At the same time, the surrounding area is a paradise for camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, and just getting away from your daily routine.
Carberry is a sandy beach with big rocks and boulders rising from the ground. Here, you can see forested hills, beautiful rocky formations, and a bridge. Carberry Creek cascades into the lake, creating a small waterfall.
Swimming and Other Water Activities
The water warms up very well during summer. The temperature in the swimming area is around 80° F (27° C) in August. This is a swimming-only area, but floating devices are okay.
Water depth drops rapidly here, so watch out for children and individuals who can't swim well.
If you swim across from the beach, there is a large rock submerged in the water you can sit on. Some swimmers use the cliff to jump from.
Fishing
Applegate Lake is a fantastic location for bank and boat fishing, with an average depth of 83 feet and a maximum depth of 225 feet. The reservoir is heavily stocked with rainbow trout and and landlocked chinook. The best time for trout fishing is during winter and spring.
Carberry Swim Area has no boat ramp, so you are limited to bank fishing. You can catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and crappie in shallow areas. Summer is the best time to fish for those species.
Camping and Lodging
Carberry Swim Area has Carberry Creek Campground nearby, with 10 tent sites, vault toilets, and drinking water. Watkins Campground also sits close to the swimming hole and has 14 campsites, vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Hart-tish Park campground is a bit farther and has 7 tent sites and 8 RV spots right by the lake. It also provides other amenities, including paddleboard and kayak rentals.
Additional campgrounds around the Applegate Lake are French Gulch with 2 sites, Harr Point with 5 sites, and Tipsu Tyee with 5 sites.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Jacksonville
Carberry Swim Area | Facts
Open: Year-round
Managed by: Forest Service
Amenities: None
Activities: Fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and nature viewing
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 1,900 ft (579 m)
Applegate Lake is located:
- 32 miles southwest of Medford
- 44 miles southwest of Ashland
- 115 miles southeast of Roseburg.
Body of water: Artificial lake
Surface area: 988 acres
Shoreline: 18.5 miles (29.8 km)
Maximum depth: 225 ft (69 m)
Water Characteristics
Depth: Deep and shallow
Beach: Varies
Water T° (summer): Warm
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Carberry Swim Area
From Medford,
- Take OR-238 West
- Turn right onto OR-238 West/E California Street and follow it for 7.8 miles
- Turn left onto Upper Applegate Road and follow it for 18.8 miles
- Turn right onto Carberry Creek Rd/Jackson County Road 777/NF-10 and follow it for 0.2 miles.