Idlewild Campground

Very brief description:  Campground is located along the North Fork of the Salmon River in medium to dense forest setting.  Nearby to Marble Mountain wilderness and Russian wilderness.

Open Dates:  May to October

Number of Campsites:  11 family campsites in tent camping area.  15 campsites in RV area.  Max spur 24’.  Watch for overhanging branches.  No hook-ups for power, water, or sewer.

Length of Stay:  14 days

Fees:  $10 per day at last report

Affiliation:  National Forest Service

Pets:  Dogs on leash only.

A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire outside the developed campground. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire.

Location/Address:  Idlewild Campground is located approximately 6 miles east of the small town Sawyers Bar on county route 1C01.  From Yreka, California (from Interstate 5) take the exit to Highway 3 going west towards Ft. Jones.  Travel through Ft. Jones to Etna, California.  At Etna divert from Highway 3 to Collier Lane to center of town.  Turn west on (Main St) Sawyers Bar Road.  Travel approximately 20 miles to Forest Route 41N37 the campground will be 1/10^th of a mile.

Elevation:  2,500 ft.

Contact Information:

Klamath National Forest ~ Supervisor’s Office

1711 South Main Street

Yreka, CA  96097

(530) 842-6131

Amenities:

• Drinking water in summer months
• Vault toilets
• Garbage service in summer
• Campfire rings (be sure to check local ordinances for fire safety)
• Gravel parking
• River and stream fishing
• Hiking ~ intermediate to difficult, Mulebridge trailhead is within 2 miles.
• Backpacking ~ North Fork Trail to Marble Mountain Wilderness
• Gold Panning on the Salmon River is regulated by the California Dept. of Fish and Game
• Swimming and wading along the gravel bar of the North Fork of the Salmon River, water flow and temperature fluctuate with the seasons.

General Description:  In medium to dense forest area setting.  Near the North Fork of the Salmon River.  Supplies in Etna or possibly Sawyers Bar.  Campers may be allowed to gather firewood, inquire at nearest ranger station.  Deer, Bears, and birds are common to the area.

Nearby Services:  (groceries, medical, etc.)  Groceries in Etna approximately 20 miles; Callahan Emporium approximately 15 miles (minimum supplies); Ft. Jones approximately 25 miles; Yreka approximately 50 miles.  Full service in Yreka.   Nearest emergency medical services:  Scott Valley Rural Health Center, Etna (530) 467-5393; full service ER at Yreka, Fairchild Hospital.  (530) 841-6211. 

Red Bank Public Camp

Red Bank Public Campground

Near Forks of the Salmon and situated in a dense area of pine, Madrone and fir trees.  Campground sits adjacent to the North Fork of the Salmon River.

This campground is currently closed (June 2021)

Open Dates:  May - October

Number of Campsites:  5 campsites

Length of Stay:  14 days

Fees:  Free!

Affiliation:  National Forest Service

Location/Address:  Approximately 7 miles north east of Forks of Salmon on county route 1C01.  From Yreka, California drive on Hwy 3 to Fort Jones, California.  Continue on Hwy 3 to Etna, California. (*Part of this route is on a very narrow winding road with steep cliffs.) From Etna take Sawyers Bar Road and drive approximately 32 miles.  Campground will be on the left if traveling in west direction.  This campground can also be accessed from Happy Camp, California on Hwy 96.  From Happy Camp drive approximately 38 miles to Salmon River Road, continue for 17 miles to Sawyers Bar Road and drive 7 miles to campground.

Elevation: 2200 feet

Contact Information:

Klamath National Forest (Supervisor’s Office)

1711 South Main Street

Yreka, CA  96097

(530) 842-6131

Amenities:

• River fishing, trout can be caught from the banks
• Vault toilets at last visit were available

General Description:  Dispersed type camping.  No drinking water, no hookups, no showers.  Pack out garbage.  Beautiful scenery.  Deer, bears, and birds can be seen in this area.  No designated trails in area.  Out of the way camping.  Be sure to obtain a campfire permit before using a barbecue, campfire, or outside cooking device.

Nearby Services:  (groceries, medical, etc.)  Some groceries and fuel may be obtained at Forks of Salmon approximately 7 miles away.  Nearest full service fuel and groceries in Etna, Fort Jones, Yreka or Orleans, California.  Nearest full service medical and emergency services:  Scott Valley Rural Health Services, Etna, CA 26 miles; Curry General Hospital, Orick, CA 38 miles; Fairchild Hospital, Yreka, CA approximately 75 miles.

Etna ~ Mountain Village RV Park

The Mountain Village RV Park is a commercial venture and is located just at the edge of town. If one is driving in on Hwy. 3 from Fort Jones and Yreka it will be just to your left as you enter town. You will come to an intersection that will head into town, continue on Hwy 3. Look for a Shell Gas Station within 1/4 mile or so and you will also see the sign for Mountain Village RV Park. It is easy to find.

Mountain Village RV Park
30 Commercial Way
Etna, CA 96027 (530) 467-5678


This RV Park was built about 10 years ago and has nice pull through spots and grassy areas. The trees aren't full grown yet, but it is a pleasant spot with a nice view of the mountains and the valley. They have full amenities including wi-fi, laundry, cable, 50 foot length sites, ADA accessible bathrooms and a children's play area. They can accommodate electrical needs at 20, 30, and 50 Amps.

If you are looking for a nice spot to camp and to see sites off the beaten path, this just might be the ticket! Etna is a charming little town that has its roots in the area Gold Rush in during the 1850's and 1860's. They have a small, but nice museum, a micro-brewery that not only has beer, but great root beer, the Etna Brewery, and the Scott Valley Drug Store (see photo at right) in Etna is a place not to be missed ~ great ice cream, soda fountain, working pharmacy, souvenirs from the area including gold jewelry from the area and a wonderful building! There are wonderful old Victorian homes and buildings and stunning scenery in the area.

Thanks for visiting my Camping Blog! We hope you drop in and visit Siskiyou County ~ it is a fascinating and beautiful place! Rich in history, fun, adventure, and friendly folks!

RV Sanitation Stations

Available with a $fee: RV Sanitation Stations in Siskiyou County:

• Yreka

1. Waiiaka Trailer Haven, 240 Sharps Road, Yreka, CA 96097 Phone: (530) 842-3069. The Trailer Haven will allow you to use the sanitation station with a small fee.
2. Yreka RV Park, 767 Montague Road, Yreka, CA 96097 Phone: (530) 841-0100. It is believed that they will allow you to use the sanitation station with a fee, phone ahead to double-check.

• Etna

1. Mountain Village RV Park, 30 Commercial Way, Etna, California 96027 Phone: Toll free ~ 1-877-386-2787