The best camping in Lake Siskiyou

Nestled north of Lake Siskiyou, Klamath National Forest sits on the border of California and Oregon. Its numerous botanic, geologic, and wilderness areas also host 34 developed campgrounds with full hookups and 10 picnic areas. Klamath also offers on-site cabin rentals and some equestrian campsites, as well. No matter where campers wake up, they can trek along old growth redwoods and Douglas firs, get an adrenaline boost on a white-water rafting excursion, or kayak on the Klamath, Scott, and Salmon Rivers.

Venture through volcanoes at Lassen Volcanic National Park on its 150 miles of trails. Less than two hours south of Lake Siskiyou, Lassen is known for its bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and hot springs. For an easier hike, check out Bumpass Hell Trail for a 3-mile loop to the park’s largest geothermal features. Or cruise Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway for some of the park’s most scenic viewpoints and entries to trailheads. Several on-site campgrounds offer tent, RV, and horse campsites with access to restrooms and showers. But, despite Manzanita Lake’s dump station, there are no hookups in the park.

The Redwood National and State Parks system consists of Redwood National Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Each park shares a similar ecosystem made up of prairies, rivers, coastline, and massive redwood forests. Campers can spot northern spotted owls and Chinook salmon on a scenic drive along Coastal Drive Loop. Or park the RV and go biking along Ossagon Trail toward Gold Beach. Bring furry friends to Cal Barrel Road where leashed dogs are allowed to sniff the redwoods. Then stay at four developed campgrounds that provide tent and RV campsites as well as potable water and dump stations. Or camp under the trees at free backcountry campsites with a permit.