The Klamath National Forest area features diverse camping options ranging from primitive sites to fully-equipped RV parks. Kangaroo Lake Campground provides tent and RV sites in a scenic mountain setting, while Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort offers cabin camping and glamping opportunities. Several small, rustic Forest Service campgrounds like Trail Creek and Scott Mountain accommodate tent and small trailer camping with minimal amenities. Mount Shasta City KOA Holiday provides year-round access to cabin accommodations with full hookups for those seeking more developed facilities.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with several campgrounds requiring travel on rough forest roads. Access to Kangaroo Lake involves "a 7-mile-long winding access road that is narrow with a sharp drop-off on one side," according to one visitor. Most Forest Service campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with higher elevation sites like Scott Mountain and Kangaroo Lake closing during winter months due to snow. Cell phone coverage is limited or nonexistent at many remote campgrounds, particularly in the Trinity Alps area. Visitors should note that drinking water is unavailable at several primitive sites including Horse Flat and Scott Mountain campgrounds, requiring campers to bring their own water supplies.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the Klamath National Forest region. Trail Creek Campground features a creek running through the back of the property, described by one camper as "beautiful, serene, and peaceful." Several reviews mention the pristine nature of mountain lakes like Toad Lake, which requires a challenging drive and short hike to access. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with one visitor to Kangaroo Lake reporting sharing the lake with bald eagles. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, and many areas have bear activity requiring proper food storage. Campers note that toilet facilities at most Forest Service sites are vault toilets that are generally well-maintained, while showers are only available at more developed campgrounds like Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort and Mount Shasta KOA.
"Most of the campsites have nice views of the mountains that surround the lake. Some walk-in campsites are located close to the lake. "
"There is a paved path way from the campground/parking lot to the lake. The path leads to a fishing ramp that has a short wall that is right next to the lake. There is also a small "beach.""
"The beach is sectioned off for social distancing. The camp sites are in the tall pine trees just steps away from the lake. I come back every year! Swimming in the lake is great!"
"I have been to many lakes in northern California but nothing as perfect as this place. I accidentally booked a spot here at Siskiyou but meant to go to lake Shasta and boy was luck on my side!!!"
$30 - $60 / night
"The tent only section is nicely tucked away from the RV sites. Nice for a campervan, but no hookups. Great views of Shasta and the cheapest option in Weed, it seems."
"First of all, a quaint little park tucked into a wooded valley in Weed, CA.(just north of Mt. Shasta)."
"Shower tokens can be purchased at Ray's Market, located a few blocks away. Restrooms are open to the public. There is a charging station and hiker's box that was full of good stuff."
"it was hot and smokey from the carr fire when we visited but it was pretty nice. we wanted to spread a little trail magic on the pct while we were there and hopefully helped out a few people."
"Trail Creek runs through the back of the campground and is beautiful!"
$66 - $149 / night
"For once a KOA not next to a freeway. Off the beaten path for a change. Nice grounds. I'm in a basic cabin. It's basic. No ac just a ceiling fan. Nice small queen bed with linens."
"Nothing fancy schmancy, but roomy and woodsy, and convenient for our drive down California. :) highly recommend!"
"Idlewild is next to road, so went up 2 miles of gravel road to Mule Bridge. No clear ‘camping’ area, but 3 fire rings. About 9 cabins, on uphill side that are family-owned."
ScoutFantastic view, great weather this time of year. Unfortunately, since it’s public, you may encounter families with children crying constantly, if you go, just be aware that you might need to move.
TravelerJust a pull out off the road. Cliff to the right and Shasta at the front. Although there a trees the view is still lovely. Fire ring present but only use once check burn danger of course.
TravelerThe road to get here is quite an adventure the same year. There’s quite a bit of snow left between patches of dirt, which made the going a little more adventurous. Ultimately, we were not able to get past the snow, but the view is going up to the campsite are spectacular there for I’m giving it to five stars. It was a risk to come this time of year knowing that snow could still be present, will definitely come back.
ScoutWe car camped here and it was a beautiful area but it is right underneath a train bridge over the water which did wake up up a few times but was not too loud just be aware. We were here in March so the gates were closed but there were a few others sleeping in their car in the lot outside of the gate. Beautiful area, safe camping spot
ScoutIm so sad n low key mad they sold the property and terminated the manager!! Why terminated the manager?? Can't she just continue what shes doin with the new owners ? Idk but im mad n sad my escape place is go to when the world is becoming to much to handle, GONE!
Mad and sad my favorite manager of this place wont be here??!! I bring my family here every yr for the last 3 or 4 yrs.for a family n Everytime we had the best time. We love rashell, the terminated manger. She made my fsmily feel so welcomed and we can get super loud just having fun, ahe never complained actually seemed like she loved watching all the families coming n going. So today is my last trip to this place I wont stay somewhere where the best manager of a campground got terminated and sold property ugh gotta find a new place for my huge family reunion!!
ScoutYou aren't allowed to camp anywhere on Cline Gulch road as of 2026.
TravelerThis site is primarily a trailhead for backpackers and hunters heading into the Marble Mountain wilderness. You lose all cell service a couple miles before arriving at the campground. The upper area is primarily for backpackers and the lower area is for mule packers. Clients of the mule packers should park in the upper trailhead area. Meet your guides or packers in the lower lot in the morning.
I've hiked into the Marble Mountains from this trailhead maybe 20 times. Its a five mile hike to the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. From there you have numerous trip options. The trailhead / campground has a pit toilet and a few shady camping spots. Many people sleep in their cars as they are just there to hike up into the backcountry.
Be sure you have a wilderness permit, and a campfire permit. The Forest Service does check, as this has become a popular and busy route to the PCT.
TravelerVery peaceful and clean, didn’t see a soul all night
TravelerIt’s under maintenance right now, so the water isn’t working, you can also hear the freeway from the campsites, but other than that, it was very peaceful and quiet. 25$ a night and self register.
Klamath National Forest encompasses over 1.7 million acres across northern California and southern Oregon, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 8,900 feet. The forest contains five wilderness areas and hundreds of miles of rivers and streams. Most primitive campgrounds in this region don't have electricity, and many require self-sufficiency with water supplies during peak summer months.
Fishing opportunities: Trail Creek Campground provides access to creek fishing just steps from your campsite. One visitor noted, "Trail Creek runs through the back of the campground and is beautiful!" The $10 nightly fee ($5 with senior discount) makes it an affordable option for anglers.
Water activities: Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort offers comprehensive water recreation with kayak rentals and pontoon boats. A camper shared, "We rented kayaks one day and the next we rented a pontoon boat and our friends joined us. We found a rope swing hanging on a tree and tied up and did some rope swing fun into the lake."
Mountain hiking: Scott Mountain Campground serves as a great base for Pacific Crest Trail access at 5,400 feet elevation. "We wanted to spread a little trail magic on the PCT while we were there and hopefully helped out a few people," mentioned one visitor who camped during wildfire season.
Wildlife viewing: Mulebridge Campground provides secluded riverside camping with minimal crowds. As one camper observed, "Beautiful North Fork of Salmon, bubbling right next to camp. VERY little traffic & people. Pit toilet clean!! NO trash service seen."
Natural water features: Many campers specifically mention creeks and streams as highlights. At Trail Creek Campground, visitors appreciate the accessibility of water from camp, with one noting the campground is "quiet and peaceful" with "drinking water provided as well as vault toilets."
Remote locations: Kangaroo Lake Campground receives praise for its seclusion despite challenging access. A visitor described, "The RV/tent sites are all well designed with good separation. Most of the campsites have nice views of the mountains that surround the lake."
Family-friendly beaches: Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort features sandy beaches that families consistently rate highly. One camper shared, "Short walk with our water toys to the nice sandy beach and lake." Another mentioned the "nice beach, boat ramp, party boat rentals, general store, restaurant, bar, arcade, laundry."
Small town connections: Etna City Park offers tent camping with easy access to town amenities. A visitor noted, "The town is small. Enjoyed the restaurants and coffee shop. Good food. Good coffee. We didn't use it but heard there is a community pool for free public use. Town is very friendly towards hikers."
Road access challenges: Several campgrounds require navigation on difficult forest roads. For Kangaroo Lake, a camper warned, "Drive up isn't for the faint of heart though. But well worth the trek up."
Limited facilities: Horse Flat Campground and many remote sites have minimal maintenance. A recent visitor reported, "The campground proper has not been maintained. Very little evidence of recent campers. Many of the sites have been degraded by debris carried by flooding."
No cell service: Most primitive sites lack connectivity. At Trail Creek Campground, a camper confirmed, "There is ZERO cell service with T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon. We did have Starlink with us and we were able to get signal, but it was spotty due to all the tree coverage."
Bear activity: Proper food storage is essential throughout the forest. Campers at Lake Siskiyou noted recent changes: "The trashcans were changed to dumpsters (probably due to bears), but the dumpsters were locked during times that people needed them."
Accessible facilities: Mount Shasta City KOA Holiday offers family-oriented amenities. A visitor listed, "Pool, game room, shuffle board, basketball court and off leash dog park. Lots of trees in the sites great for hammocking."
Swimming options: Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort has designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. One family camper noted, "We took 2 small children in a rented camper and went to this lake... short walk with our water toys to the nice sandy beach and lake."
Budget-friendly options: Etna City Park provides basic tent camping with playground access. A visitor explained, "There's a large shelter with picnic tables and electric plug-ins to charge your phone. Another plug set was on a post near other entrance of the park."
Noise considerations: Trailer Lane Campground in Weed offers views of Mount Shasta but with a caveat. One family noted, "Keep in mind that it's close to the highway and yes, road noise is quite loud. We turned on our fan and that blocked most of it."
Site selection: For larger rigs, Mount Shasta KOA Holiday offers appropriate spaces. A camper with a large motorhome noted, "We've been at KOAs much tighter than this one. The pull-through sites were priced at approximately $55 per night."
Water and dump stations: Trailer Lane Campground provides full hookup sites with level spaces. One RVer mentioned, "Our site was level and that is a big plus!! We could hear some traffic noise but not a problem for us."
Seasonal access: Most Klamath National Forest campgrounds at higher elevations close during winter months. Road conditions can be challenging for larger vehicles, with many campgrounds only accommodating smaller trailers or tent camping.
Shade availability: Several RVers note the importance of shade during summer months. At Mount Shasta KOA, one camper appreciated "lots of shade offered by the many trees" and the "woodsy feel and the convenience offered."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Klamath National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, Klamath National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 241 campgrounds and RV parks near Klamath National Forest and 21 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Klamath National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Klamath National Forest is Kangaroo Lake Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Klamath National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Klamath National Forest.
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