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.

Views along the Scott River

Sites along the route ~ The Scott River Road northwest from Fort Jones on Hwy 3.

Return to home index.

Scott River near Indian Scotty Campground in early Spring:

Along the Scott River Road in early Spring:

Scott River in April after good rains:

Bridge Flat Campground (NFS)

Name of Campground: Bridge Flat

This small, but nice campground is located right on the Scott River near river access with good fishing, rafting in spring, swimming in summer.  We are sorry to report:  At last visit it appears that the Forest Service has eliminated this campground for "official" camping.  The area is still accessible right off of the road, but the signs have been removed as well as the tables and other amenities.  It is believed the area is still available for day use and camping as a "dispersed area".  Please contact the Forest Headquarters for up to date information.

Elevation: Approximately 2,200 ft.

Number of Campsites: 4 family sites. Sites are flat and is handicap accessible.

Day use: Available

Affiliation: National Forest Campground Klamath National Forest ~ Scott River Ranger District.

Hiking: Across the road from the Kelsey Creek Trail. Nice day hikes and longer trips into the Marble Mountain Wilderness.

Open Dates: Most sites within the Klamath National Forest are open from mid-May through mid-October. Some sites may be available with reduced services.

Campsites are on first come basis.

Price: Free! 

Amenities:

• Picnic
• River Access nearby
• Floating the river ~ summer
• Rafting the river ~ spring
• Swimming the river ~ summer
• Hiking
• Seasonal Fishing
• Water View
• Immediate access from road
• Handicapped accessible

Please note: Drinking water is not available. Pack garbage out.  The Forest Service says if you use river water to drink or cook with, be sure and boil properly or have an adequate filtration system.

General Description:

Campground is in forested area adjacent to Scott River Road and at water's edge, however, located above on a cliff. Shaded area in trees. Undergrowth dry in mid to late summer. Wildlife may include black bears, deer, mountain lions, birds of prey. Poison oak may be in the area.

Services: Store and services 17 miles at Fort Jones. Major supplies in Yreka on Interstate 5. Automobile fuel services available in Fort Jones. Nearest Hospital and full service emergency room: Yreka, however, emergency medical services may be available in Fort Jones.

Directions from Yreka: Take the first exit (heading north) from Yreka on Interstate 5 for Highway 3. Turn south from the first stop light after exit at intersection towards Fort Jones. Travel past WalMart and drive to Fort Jones, about 15 miles. Note: If towing a trailer, parts of the road is steep in some areas, but passable. Drive through the town of Fort Jones and continue on Hwy 3 until the Scott River Road which will on the right just at the end of town. The road will be at the corner where the Scott River Ranger District Station is located. Follow the Scott River Road for approximately 17 miles. Just prior to the campground a small bridge will be crossed.

Location/address: Located on Scott River Road about 17 miles from Fort Jones.

Map link: Bridge Flat Campground

Contacts:

Klamath National Forest Headquarters
1711 South Main Street
Yreka, CA 96097
(530) 842-6131

Scott River Ranger District
11263 N. Highway 3
Fort Jones, CA 96032
(530) 468-5351