The best camping in Klamath National Forest, CA

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91% (28)

Camper favorites near Klamath National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Stay at a public campground in Klamath National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds

Osprey’s Perch

93%
(21)
12mi from Klamath National Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Hoopa, CA
The Salmon River watershed is among the cleanest in the world. There are plenty of hiking trails and beautiful places to experience. Osprey’s Perch is set up well for serving as a base camp for local activities like hunting, fishing, kayaking, rafting, day hiking, or just spending time on the river at one of the few private access points in existence. Camp is set up in a way that enables you to roast some brussel sprouts, or bake a pie if you so desire. I mean, how many camps offer that! The commercial gas range also serves as a great backup when fire restrictions are in effect! I hope you enjoy your stay and if you have any questions please reach out! Learn more about this land: Osprey’s perch is a small campsite perched above the Salmon River. The pit toilet is just downhill from the camp at the end of a trail winding down through the meadow and to the right. There is private access to secluded swimming and fishing holes on the lower Salmon River down the meadow trail and to the left. A bridge provides shelter from rain if needed. The area is known for its world class steelhead fishing and is unparalleled in its natural beauty. The elk even stop by occasionally on a late winter/early spring morning if you are lucky enough to get the timing right… I hope you enjoy our most recently additions, tent pads on a nice deep bed of chips, and a dog run for your best friend!
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$36
 / night

Klamath River Village

97%
(15)
19mi from Klamath National Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Orleans, CA
Located in a small valley in historic Humboldt County, Klamath River Village is a ten-acre family homestead that is now open to Hip-Campers! The natural beauty of the land, tucked between the legendary Klamath river and six rivers national forest, ensures a memorable experience for anyone seeking adventure in the great outdoors, or just a relaxing weekend with the family! Our camp sites have been carefully selected with an eye towards accentuating the natural features and beauty of the landscape, as well as preserving privacy. All sites are within view of the river, with some being located directly on the bank. These sites are cleaned and maintained by the property's live-in, full time caretaker who tidies up after every group leaves and ensures visitors receive the best experience possible. Have a question, concern? Did something break? He’s always available to come fix whatever problem you’ve encountered. You’ll never experience a dirty, or dysfunctional site at the Klamath River Village, leaving you in peace to contemplate the natural beauty of this historic region, with its misty mountains, verdant forests, and rushing river. If jaw dropping scenery and quiet isolation appeal to you, Klamath River Village is the perfect location for your next camping trip.
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$40
 / night

The Swimming Hole On Red Cap Creek

98%
(28)
21mi from Klamath National Forest · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Orleans, CA
The Angel Ranch est. 1918 The Swimming Hole on Red Cap Creek and the Angel Ranch Horse Camp Totally Private and secluded camping and RV sites surrounded by wilderness on pristine Red Cap Creek ( major salmon spawning stream) that flows out of the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Short trail to Private on property swimming hole with beautiful clean creek water flowing out of the wilderness. Private beach for sunbathing or just hanging out and staying cooled off. Delicious cool Spring water and power at each campsite, 3 flush toilets and 2 hot showers onsite. Fire pit and picnic tables. 3 RV sites and 3 tent sites including one group site. Large tent rental available. Pets allowed off leash. 3 RV sites with power and spring water.
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$40
 / night

Rock Farm Ranch

92%
(31)
27mi from Klamath National Forest · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Callahan, CA
IMPORTANT: I DON'T CHECK TEXTS; USE PHONE CALL: 541-301-3331 Beautiful Scott Valley, a hidden destination loved by stargazers. campers, hikers, bikers, hunters, fishers, nature lovers, rock climbers, and prospectors. Property straddles Hwy. 3 between Etna and Callahan. Hwy. 3 is not busy during the day and evening traffic drops off to almost nothing. Very rural farming/ranching area. No agricultural, ranching or spraying nearby, though. Lots of blue-green Serpentine stone here, hence the name "Rock Farm." We are an organic farm so we take care to use nontoxic agriculture. Fresh spring water provided, primitive camping and some more luxurious sites. We always make improvements. Bathroom available, haul water to flush toilet. Dark nights with no light pollution gives great sky watching. Mountain views in daytime. Very quiet at night,. Near beautiful Kangaroo Lake and Mount Shasta. Peaceful, pristine .Property for sale, all or part. Ask Nina for details. Private wooded area for primitive camping or RV. Improved sites with bathroom tables; chairs, firepit. 35 acres so you can choose the site you like. when you arrive. Mountain Views are amazing.  Swimming hole nearby.  Right off Hwy 3 between Etna and Callahan, California.  Or, camp across the street by the old wooden mill building for company. Small wetland nearby brings lots of birds to sing you awake in the morning. Open, level space great for nighttime stargazing. Property has a gate you can close at night.  One hour drive to Mt. Shasta or Ashland, Oregon. Groceries, massage, hardware store, laundry, bakery, showers, restaurants in Etna 8 miles away.  Farmer's market in Etna  Saturday morning. Not far from PCT trailhead outside of Callahan CA. If you need a ride from there, call and we'll pick you up if possible for $20. Firewood available, $1. a stick.  Near Kangaroo lake for fishing, swimming, hiking, boating. Bicycle groups and motorcycle groups going by every summer. We're at 3000 feet, so nights are cool even in summer.  Bright stars, Air fresh and clean.  Minimal mosquitos due to dry climate. We call it "RockFarm" because there's Serpentine rock here and you're welcome to collect some.  Even pan for gold and swim in Scott River nearby.
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$16
 / night

Redwoods Bend Retreat

95%
(153)
30mi from Klamath National Forest · 14 sites · Tents, Lodging · Hoopa, CA
The Redwoods Bend Retreat is a place to get away from it all. Located on the Yurok reservation right on the Klamath River just outside Orick, CA, we are "off the grid", through a Redwood forest and over a mountain down into the Klamath River valley. We have a 5 acre meadow, and orchard with 50 trees, peaches pears, apples, cherries, plums, pluots, apricots and grapes. We are right on the Klamath river. It's a great place to come and recharge your internal batteries. There is no cellphone service and none of our sites have internet service. Our Main House was built in 1952 and retains the flavor of the 50’s. It houses a kitchen, dining hall, a living room, two bedrooms and a bathroom with a bathtub and shower. Our log-built Lodge overlooks the Klamath River with 3 bedrooms, a full kitchen, bathroom and wrap-around covered porch. Our Pumpkin and Blue Cottages. They are close to the double Yellow Shower house and toilets, and they have hot and cold running water, a propane cooktop, and a wood stove for heat. We do NOT have refrigeration, and our solar batteries or generator provides us lights at night. Campers who use our Cottages may use their own sleeping bags, but we have beds with mattresses and pillows and clean bedding. We also have an Upper Barn bedroom and half-bath rental. Our two-story Riverview Yurt appeals to folks who want a full kitchen, a private shower and flush toilet overlooking the Klamath river from our 50 x 50 foot upper deck. Luscious to sit outside and watch the river flow by during the day, and to let the water lull you to sleep at night. For families (up to 8), folks who like to fish, or old friends who just want a very special get-away. Each of our six campsites have a picnic table and a fire pit. Our Maple River, Grotto River and Pepperwood River sites overlook the gorgeous Klamath River. Our Morning Meadow, Orchard Meadow, and Deer Meadow sites are close to our 5 acre meadow where blacktail deer graze in the evenings. We have a Yellow double Shower House with two separate sides, each with a toilet, sink and shower and on demand hot water, so folks don't have to wait. There's also a new Camp Shower at the corner of the orchard for our campers, along with two outhouses for camper use, one at the bottom of the road down to the meadow, and another in the woods just past Deer Meadow Camp. We see lots of wildlife; silver foxes, a bald eagle and a family of river otters downstream, vultures, blue heron, occasionally an osprey will fly overhead clutching a freshly caught salmon and call to each other to brag about it! There are rare sightings of timid black bears who run from humans, but sometimes can be seen grazing in the meadow with the black-tail deer. We're surrounded by old logging trails made by the lumber companies 80 years ago when they clear cut the old growth redwood on our side of the mountain, and now it's completely reforested with 200 ft tall Doug Fir, Madrone, Cedar, Oak, other pine species and Pepper wood trees, and we have written permission from the Green Diamond company to allow guest to hike on their adjacent properties.
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$110
 / night

Klamath’s Best Kept Secret

94%
(471)
34mi from Klamath National Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Klamath, CA
Tucked away at the edge of the Klamath Glen neighborhood, our family-owned campground has been welcoming guests for over 40 years. Surrounded by towering trees in the heart of Redwood National Forest and just a few minutes from the Pacific Ocean, this is a true hidden gem on California’s North Coast. We offer a rustic, old-fashioned camping experience. It’s a mix of open field and scattered trees, with both RVs and tent campers on site. Neighbors will be nearby, but the vibe is quiet and relaxed—especially in the off-season, when you might have the place nearly to yourself. The Klamath River is just over the levee—a short walk from your site—with great access for fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water. The river is world-famous for salmon and steelhead fishing (license required). August and September are peak fishing months, so expect a few early morning engines from folks heading out. We’re only 4 miles off Highway 101, far enough to enjoy peace and quiet without traffic noise. Wildlife is part of the experience here, so please stash your food at night to keep critters out of camp. Outdoor lovers will find plenty to explore nearby—hiking and biking trails, the Trees of Mystery, Jet Boat Tours, and, of course, miles of redwood forest to get lost in. A few things to note: Firewood available Cell service can be spotty, depending on your carrier. Free Wi-Fi is available and reaches most of the campground. Electric car charging is $10 per charge. Please arrange ahead of time—50 amp service is limited, and you’ll need your own adapters. Well-behaved pets are welcome. Kids and laughter are always welcome. Dry camping, 30 Amp and 50 Amp pull-through sites available if you are going to be coming in after 10pm , just shoot me a text and let me know and I will give you instructions as long as you send me the text before 9:00 PM
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$26
 / night

Camp Jade River

96%
(284)
37mi from Klamath National Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV · Crescent City, CA
The rugged terrain of far northern California is one of the few mostly untouched places left to retreat to. Come dwarf yourself under the magnificent giant redwoods and be struck with awe by the mesmerizing jade colored Smith River. The property is a mere 20 minutes from some of the world's tallest trees. Come check out Stout Grove, a rarely crowded gem of the Redwood National and State Parks. The grove is a part of Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park which is the least developed and most impressive park of the four. From your campsite you will have a lovely view of a large bend of the Smith River. It boasts impressive runs of chinook and steelhead, and is host to many other native species. Keep an eye out for bear, mink, and otters! And secure any food or attractants at night. Our property gives you the chance to disconnect from daily life and recalibrate. Use our site as an extended getaway for some peace and quiet, or a launch point to the variety of local attractions. 
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$45
 / night

Free Your Mind Camping

90%
(101)
41mi from Klamath National Forest · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Gasquet, CA
Welcome to the Wild West Coast! Where the mountains meet the sea. The campground is remotely located on private property and perfectly located for excursions to the Pacific Ocean, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the Smith River National Recreation Area, and the Pacific Coast Ranges and mountain lakes such as the Devil's Punchbowl, Buck Lake, and Raspberry Lake. Relax and free you mind while camping on 120+ acres of private property under starry skies with almost no light or noise pollution. You are not alone on the mountain as other people live here in the wild. You only have access to the campground and a nearby pond. A locked gate with code access. The road to get there is two and a half miles up the mountain, the first mile is paved and the other mile and a half is gravel. The road is maintained by the county and used daily by others that live and work here. In the surrounding area you can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, birdwatching, and countless other outdoor activities. French Hill Trail is a few more miles up the mountain road. The campsites have picnic tables and fire rings, and campers are provided with 5 gallons of potable water. An outdoor, COLD-water Artesian shower, out in the open mountain air with the wild things and an outhouse with a compost toilet are also provided. Bundles of firewood are available for an extra charge when you book your campsite. The campsites are set within a deciduous and pine forest at about 1913 feet in elevation. There is a pond on the property, but its purpose is for wildlife habitat ONLY, so water activities are NOT allowed. NO swimming, NO fishing, NO boating, NO trapping, etc. The wild things live here! The property owner has a dog, three cats, and a menagerie of yard birds such as turkeys, peacocks, guinea hens, chickens, ducks, geese, etc. They do make noise! Kirk has lived off-grid for over twenty years and holds a wealth of information about the Gasquet/Del Norte County area. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the property is that it has had documented Sasquatch encounters over the past twenty years that have been published in "Tribal Bigfoot" (D. Paulides 2009). Kirk can tell you about his experiences with this and other phenomena on the property.
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$41
 / night

The best camping in Klamath National Forest, CA guide

Overview

About

Escape humanity in a national forest that has it all. Rugged mountains, rolling hills, whitewater rivers, and tranquil lakes await you in the Klamath Mountains. Summertime treks range from easy to arduous.

Take long walks among towering Ponderosa pines and iconic Douglas firs. Keep an eye out for majestic birds, chittering squirrels, howling coyotes (at night) and black bears. There's no shortage of guides to take you kayaking, fishing or horseback riding.

The town of Happy Camp offers a great central location for your backwoods adventure. Catch gold fever by panning for gold the way prospectors used to. Scenic drives get you close to trailheads for day hikes.

If you love the white powdery stuff, Happy Camp serves as a home base for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

The 34 campgrounds in this area stay open from mid-May to late October. Camping within the park is on a first-come, first-served basis as managed by the Forest Service in Siskiyou County.

Nearby attractions

Immerse yourself in the Pacific Northwest's beauty by camping near the Klamath River. From thrilling white water rafting to tranquil fishing moments, your Klamath River camping journey promises a wonderful balance of relaxation and adventure.

91%
28 ratings · 4 reviews