OPRD Transfers Park to Jackson Co. Care, Feb. 26

Medford, OR—The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Jackson County Parks have agreed that the management of Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area will be transferred to Jackson County Parks April 1, 2021. The county will manage the day-use area, campground and Lost Lake Reservoir marina operations for the next two years, with an option to renew the agreement for an additional three years. Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area joins 21 other developed parks currently managed by Jackson County, including more than 900 campsites. Joseph Stewart park is located on Oregon Highway 62 near Prospect and is approximately 35 miles northeast of Medford and 30 miles southwest of Crater Lake National Park. State park staff will focus their energy to provide service at Valley of the Rogue State Park, TouVelle State Recreation Site, and other state parks in the area. “The Jackson County Parks team is excited for this new opportunity to connect with our guests at a new location and serve the needs of new park users,” says Steve Lambert, Jackson County Parks program manager. “We expect Joseph Stewart park to be extremely busy this season and we will be ready to provide a high-quality experience.” In addition to day-use, the campground has 151 sites with electricity and water and 50 tent sites with water only, as well as two group camping areas. A boat ramp and moorage are available to day-use and overnight visitors. Jackson County expects to begin accepting camping, boat slips and boat rental reservations on March 15. More information about the park, including reservation availability, is available at www.jacksoncountyparks.com, or call (541) 774-8183. “We welcome this new partnership with the county, especially since we know they are as passionate about helping people enjoy the outdoors as we are,” says J.R. Collier, OPRD region manager. “We’ll be working together to see if this improves efficiency and improves service to park visitors.”