Public Campgrounds • Rustic Camping
Camping remains one of America's favorite outdoor hobbies - a longstanding family tradition. Klamath, Lake, Modoc and Siskiyou Country offer a rich variety of settings for weekend outings or extended vacations. From the world-famous Crater Lake National Park to the secret spots known only to local residents, we've got the kind of campsite you like best.
Here you'll find a guide to the most popular developed public campgrounds in Klamath, Lake, Modoc and Siskiyou Country. Most have drinking water, toilets, garbage service, and a table and fire pit at each campsite. A few have camping luxuries such as flush toilets and showers. Some have fees that vary, depending on the amenities provided.
A few campgrounds are open year-round, but most are open from Memorial Day weekend to some time after Labor Day weekend. Heavy snow may keep some campgrounds closed well into the summer. Information numbers are provided for each campground listed.
Most campgrounds in Klamath, Lake, Modoc and Siskiyou Country are located near scenic areas or natural attractions, such as lakes, streams, geologic formations or waterfalls. Hope you have the time to relax and explore the country!
From Hwy. 97 in northern Klamath County, OR, take Hwy. 58 for 17 mi. to Crescent Lake turnoff, 19 mi. to Odell Lake.
Nearly 250 campsites surround these two large lakes. Boating, skiing, swimming and fishing are popular at both lakes. Resorts with cabins and stores at each lake. Snow-covered Diamond peak looms nearby. Elev. 4,800'.Group sites, with premiere facilities, at Crescent Lake by reservation.
Information: Crescent Ranger District, (541) 433-2234.
From Hwy. 97 at Chemult, OR, W 12 mi. on Forest Service Rd. 9772.
Large brown trout and easy limits of kokanee make this lake popular with anglers. Uncrowded Digit Point campground overlooks lake, offers easy access to Mt. Thielsen Wilderness. Boat launch and swimming area. Gravel road leads to 64 campsites. Elev. 5,600'.
Information: Chemult Ranger District, (541) 365-7001.
60 mi. N. of Klamath Falls, OR on Hwys. 97 and 62.
This jewel of the Cascade Mountain Range is the deepest lake in the U.S., renowned for its clear water. Concessionaire at Mazama Village offers 200 units, showers, store, laundry. Park Service interpretive programs presented at amphitheater. Guided walks. Park Service interpretive program at Steel Visitor Center. Elev. 6,200'.
Information: Crater Lake National Park, (541) 594-2211.
From Silver Lake, OR, 1/2 mi. W on Hwy. 31, S 14 mi. on Forest Service Rd. 28, W 1 mi. on Forest Service Rd. 014 to East Bay CG.
Recently renovated campground beneath canopy of ponderosa pine trees. Paved roads lead to remote, tranquil setting. RV parking. 18 sites, including one accessible site. Elev. 5,000'.
Information: Silver Lake Ranger District,
(541) 576-2107.
30 mi. N of Klamath Falls, OR on Hwy. 97.
Located at confluence of Spring Creek and Williamson River. Large picnic area. Outdoor logging museum offers view of life in turn-ofcentury logging camps. 50 RV sites, 18 tent sites. Renowned trout fishery. Forest Service campground, scenic overlook nearby.
Information:
For reservations call: Oregon Parks Dept. (800) 452-5687 in Oregon. (503) 238-7488 in Portland and out of state.
Collier State Park (541) 783-2471.
From Klamath Falls, OR, W. 33 mi. on Hwy 140, S 1 mi. on Forest Service Rd. 3704 to Aspen Point CG, 2 mi. to Sunset CG.
Favorite among local residents for fishing, boating, skiing, swimming. 128 campsites, 92 picnic sites. Marina, store, restaurant, cabins. Reservations recommended.
Additional camping at nearby Fourmile and Fish lakes. Elev. 5,000.
Information: Klamath Ranger District, (541) 885-3400.
From Bly, OR, 13 mi. E on Hwy 140, 7 mi. S on Forest Service Rd. 3715, 1.5 mi. E on Rd. 3715-013.
Boating (electric motors only) and fishing available at this spacious campground. Paved access to long sites for trailers, pullthroughs for RVs. Resort nearby. Excellent wildlife viewing. Elev. 6,100.
Information: Bly Ranger District, (541) 353-2427.
From Klamath Falls, OR, E 19 mi. on Hwy 140 to Dairy, E 7 mi. on Hwy. 70 to Bonanza, E 10 mi. on Langell Valley Rd., NE 11 mi. on Gerber Rd.
Little-known campground on lake favored for warmwater fishing. Fish cleaning stations and barrier-free facilities provided. Great spot to see raptors, pelicans, big game. 50 units. RV Dump site at Campground. Elev. 4,800'.
Information: Bureau of Land Management, Klamath Resource Area, (503) 883-6916.
From Klamath Falls, OR, W 12 mi. on Hwy 66 past Keno.
Campground maintained by Pacific Power offers fully accessible flush toilets, showers. BLM campground farther west sits at upper end of rugged Klamath River Canyon. Boat launches at both areas. Blue-ribbon wild trout fishery in Klamath River. Fully accessible facilities.
Information: Pacific Power, (503) 464-5023.
Bureau of Land Management, Klamath Resource Area,
(541) 883-6916.
From Macdoel, CA, 3 mi. S on Hwy. 97, 3 mi. W on Ball Mtn. Rd., 4 mi. N on Forest Service Rd. #46N04.
Picturesque lake often visited by bald eagles. Barrier-free, paved fishing trail. 23 campsites among old-growth pines overlook the lake. Group campsite, boat launch (no motors allowed). Elev. 5,100'.
Information: Goosenest Ranger District, (530) 398-4391.
Watch for signs on Hwy 139 5 mi. S of Tulelake, CA, or 26 mi. N of Canby, CA.
Evidence of volcanic activity is visible throughout the monument. Nearly 346 caves have been discovered. Many caves have trails and interpretive signs. Visitor center provides information on monument's geology and Native American history. Campground adjacent to visitor center has 40 sites suitable for tents, campers and small RVs. No hookups, RV dump site in Tulelake. Elev. 4,770'.
Information: Lava Beds National Monument, (530) 667-8101.
From Tulelake, CA, 25 mi. S on Hwy. 139, 20 mi. W on Forest Service Rd. 97, 2 mi. N on Rd. 49.
Located in caldera of Medicine Lake shield volcano. Nearby geologic attractions include Glass Mtn., Burnt Lava Flow and Little Mt. Hoffman. Paved access to 74 units in four campgrounds. Boat launch, picnic area, swimming area. Barrier free restrooms at boat ramp and swim beach. Elev. 6,700'.
Information: Doublehead Ranger District, (530) 667-2246.
From Hwy. 395 at Likely, CA, E 10 mi. on Forest Service Rd. 64 to Jess Valley. From Jess Valley, 2 mi. NE on Rd. 5 to Mill Creek Falls CG, or 6 mi. SE on Rd. 64 to Blue Lake CG.
Start at Mill Creek Falls campground on 1/8 mi. hike to fall or, longer hikes into nearby South Warner Wilderness. Elev. 5,700'. Blue Lake popular for swimming, boating, fishing. Elev. 6,000'. Paved access to both campgrounds. Barrier free restrooms at Mill Creek Campground and Blue Lake boat ramp.
Information: Warner Mtn. Ranger District, (530) 279-6116.
From Fall River Mills, CA, 4.5 mi. W on Hwy 299, S on road to Pit River Powerhouse, follow signs to Pit River CG.
Situated in transition zone between pine forests and oak savannahs. Small no-fee campground with 10 sites popular for hiking, birding, rafting and fishing. Nearby attractions include Pit River Falls, Burney Falls and Fall River Mills Museum. Dump site at Fall River Mills.
Information: Bureau of Land Management, Alturas Resource Area, (530) 233-4666.
1 mi. W of US 395 at New Pine Creek, OR.
Park provides: 48 electric hookups, large grassy areas for tents, hot showers, dump station, area information and group picnic reservations.
Information: Goose Lake State Park, (541) 947-3111.
Looking for something more adventurous than a simple campout? Perhaps you're seeking a little more solitude? Here are a few ideas to make your weekend or vacation more memorable:
Public Campgrounds • Rustic Camping
Ever notice how some of America's most popular campgrounds look like miniature cities during the peak of tourist season? How the tents and trailers are stacked door-to-door, and the narrow roads seem nearly as busy as a metropolitan freeway?
Don't despair! In Klamath, Lake, Modoc and Siskiyou Country, there are still plenty of beautiful spots to pitch camp and enjoy the peace and quiet of a natural setting.
A group of land managers and their staffs have compiled a list of rustic campgrounds that are well suited for public use. If none of the spots we've listed are to your liking, simply befriend one of the locals and you can bet they will draw you a map to their own favorite secluded spot.
These little-known scenic spots offer plenty of room to hike, fish, watch wildlife or just relax without having to compete with the crowd. Facilities are limited - usually just a campfire ring, a rustic toilet and a picnic table. No RV hookups, no garbage service, no coin laundry. But hey, there's no fee, either.
Rustic campgrounds listed here are all located near some attraction, such as one of several wildlife refuges in the area, a geologic site, a museum or a scenic viewpoint. Fishing, canoeing or swimming are often available.
Since these sites receive a minimum of attention from maintenance workers, you're on your own to follow the strictest camping ethics: pack out your trash and leave a clean camp for the next user. Remember to Tread Lightly. Please check with the information number provided for each site regarding access, season of use, fire restrictions, firewood supplies and water availability.
From Paisley, OR, W and S 20 mi. on Forest Service Rd. 33, R 11 mi. on Rd. 28, L 5 mi. on Rd. 3411.
Large rock outcroppings and lodgepole pine tower over this campground. The North Fork Sprague River, designated a Federal scenic river, runs through camp. Nearby are trails leading into Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Area. Water available. Suitable for trailers.
Information: Paisley Ranger District, 541-943-3114.
From Bly, OR, 1.5 mi. E on Hwy. 140 to first County Rd. on L, N 1/2 mi. to Forest Service Rd. 34, E 15 mi. to Rd. 012, L 1.5 mi.
Good gravel roads lead to this secluded campground. A two-mile hike into Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Area leads to Palisade Rocks, a popular spot with kids and photographers. Picnic tables, accessible toilet, turn-around for trailers. No firewood or water.
Information: Bly Ranger District, 541-353-2427.
From Paisley, OR, S and W 20 mi. on Forest Service Rd. 33, straight on Rd. 28 2 mi., R 2.4 mi. on Rd. 047. Access from Bly also.
Historic buildings constructed by CCC surround this campground with history. Dairy Creek offers fishing. Campsites shaded by aspen and old growth ponderosa pine. Water, turn around for trailers available. Swimming, horseshoe pits.
Information: Paisley Ranger District, 541-943-3114.
From Fall River Mills, CA, S 4 mi. on Cassel Rd., L 7 mi. on Cinder Cone Rd.
Extensive lava flows and numerous caves offer plenty of room for exploration. Pacific Crest National Trail passes nearby, offering great scenic vistas. Few people visit this campground among the pines. No water, trailers not recommended.
Information: Bureau of Land Management, Alturas Resource Area, 530-233-4666.
From Likely, CA, S 6 mi. on Hwy. 395, 1 mi. S of Likely Mtn. Rd., turn R on old highway (gravel road).
Access is easy, but campers are relatively rare at this campground surrounded by juniper and scattered pines. Creek flows through mid-summer. Great bird watching. Fishing nearby at West Valley Reservoir.
Information: Bureau of Land Management, Alturas Resource Area, 530-233-4666.
From Klamath Falls, OR, E 19 mi. on Hwy. 140 to Dairy, E 7 mi. on Hwy. 70 to Bonanza, E 10 mi. on Langell Valley Rd., NE 9 mi. on Gerber Rd., R 1.5 mi. on Round Valley Rd.
Drive just past Miller Creek to find this small campground that is typical of primitive camps near Gerber Reservoir. As an option, continue on Gerber Road two miles to Stan H. Spring. Both sites located among pines in high desert environment. Pit toilet, no water, picnic tables.
Information: Bureau of Land Management, Klamath Falls Resource Area, 541-883-6916.
From Alturas, CA, W 3.5 mi. on Hwy. 299, N 6 mi. on Forest Service Rd. 73, E 4 mi. on Rd. 44N03.
This large reservoir is a popular fishing hole among the local residents, but there's plenty of room to find your own camping spot. Boat ramps available. Good spot for mountain biking or wildlife viewing.
Information: Devil's Garden Ranger District, 530-233-5811.
From Alturas, CA, W 3.5 mi. on Hwy. 299, N 10 mi. on Forest Service Rd. 73, W and N 6 mi. on Rd. 43N18, N 1 mi. on Rd. 44N32.
Don't let the unimaginative name fool you. This reservoir is a hot spot for fishing. Rainbow trout and largemouth bass. Good for boating, hiking and mountain biking.
Information: Devil's Garden Ranger District, 530-233-5811.
From Klamath Falls, OR, N 33 mi. on Hwy. 97, W 3.5 mi. on Forest Service Rd. 9732.
Camp near the site where the creek springs from the ground and forms a popular trout stream. Nearby attractions: Oux Kanee overlook, Collier State Park and Museum, (RV Dump and good fishing here!) Look for - but don't touch - rare mare's egg algae in the stream. Trailers not recommended.
Information: Chiloquin Ranger District, 541-783-4001.
From Klamath Falls, OR, 47 mi. N on Hwy. 97, W 2.5 mi. on Forest Service Rd. 66, N 1/2 mi. on Rd. 2300, W 2.5 mi. on Rd. 2310.
Select a shady spot along this creek that flows out of Crater Lake National Park. Elev. 4,700'.
Information: Chemult Ranger District, 541-365-7001.
From Klamath Falls, OR, N 20 mi. on Hwy. 97, 10 mi. N on Hwy. 62, 3 mi. NE of Fort Klamath.
The head waters of the Wood River. Eight campsites, ten picnic sites, and pit toilets. Springs come out of the hillside to form a clear
blue pool.
Information: Collier State Park, 541-783-2471.
Great trout fishing downstream! Call park on status of opening date. Check out nearby Wood River Day Use Area.
Information: Chiloquin Ranger District, 541-783-4001.
Looking for a campsite that's truly extraordinary? Here are a few ideas, although they may be harder to locate or access. Facilities may be virtually non-existent.
This website provided by the Klamath-Lake-Modoc-Siskiyou Outdoor Recreation Working Group with support from these partners:
