Iron Gate Reservoir Camping

Brief description:  Iron Gate Reservoir is located about 10 miles east of Interstate 5 and continues upstream to Copco Reservoir.  The road to Iron Gate Reservoir is about 15 miles north of Yreka, CA off of Interstate 5.  Popular for boating, water skiing, and fishing.

Open Dates:  Campgrounds at Iron Gate Reservoir are being closed to the public as of May 12, 2023.  The Dam that created the lake is going to be demolished.  

Number of Campsites:  Camp Creek:  22 sites; Juniper Point Camp:   9 sites; Mirror Cove Camp:  10 sites.  Sometimes camping may be available in other day use areas.

Length of Stay:  14 days maximum

Fees:  FREE!  No charge for camping, boat launching, etc.  No reservations first come first served.

Affiliation:  Pacific Power (PacifiCorp) campgrounds and Bureau of Land Management.

Location/Address:  From the Hornbrook/Henley Interstate 5 exit (#789) go in an easterly direction.  There are small road signs near the exit.  Travel approximately 10 to 11 miles on county roads until you reach the sign that shows the general reservoir and camping areas.  It is located along the Klamath River.  Once at the entrance near the fish hatchery, depending on the campground selected you may travel another 4 or 5 miles, perhaps more.  Many of the sites are located along the lake’s west side and the lake is 7 miles long.  The roads are paved up to the turn offs into the camping areas (gravel) but are often in need of some repair.  Suggest one drives slowly due to open range and deer, cattle or horses could be on the road. 

Wildlife:  Squirrels, pelicans, sea gulls, numerous types of birds of prey, possible deer or raccoon's.  In the warm days and months be  aware there are snakes in the area.  Both rattlesnakes and others.

Camp Creek Boat Launch

Elevation:  Approximately 2,350 feet above sea level. 

Contact Information:  For boating information contact:

U. S. Bureau of Land Management

Klamath Falls Office

(541-883-6916

Amenities:

·              Camp sites with fire rings, pit toilets, tables

·               Boat ramps and docks at Mirror Cove, and Camp Creek

·               RV Dump station at Camp Creek

·              Water only available at Camp Creek Campground

·              RV’s and Tents welcomed.  Some sites will accommodate up to 30 ft. trailers or RV’s

·              Fishing

·              Swimming

·             Boating

 

Mirror Cove Campground

General Description:  Rolling type hills with small oaks and brush.  Reservoir.  Can be windy but often the water is good for water skiing; generally the wind comes up in the afternoon for 2 or 3 hours and then subsides during the summer months.  Can be very warm during the days in the summer, but evenings usually cool down somewhat.  Spring is the nicest time in the area, with nice days and cool nights.  In the spring the hills are generally still green and lush, in the summer the area becomes very dry on the surrounding hills.  During warm months be aware of rattlesnakes in the area, especially when hiking.  Minimal cell phone reception in the area.  Only one camp area has potable water.

 

Camp Creek Campground

Nearby Services:  (groceries, medical, etc.)  Nearest fuel is at the exit at Hornbrook along Interstate 5.  Nearest hospital and medical services in Yreka, California approximately 15 miles from Hornbrook and 25+ miles from camp grounds.  Some food or restaurants available in Hornbrook, but nearest full service area would be Yreka.  Yreka would have supplies, equipment, auto repair, fuel, groceries and medical care.  A small restaurant is located near a commercial campground (The Fish Hook Restaurant) about 5 miles from the entrance to the reservoir area.

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.

Juanita Lake Campground

Photo of Juanita Lake
Copyright:  Hal Dill (used with permission)

Juanita Lake Campground

Along Hwy 97, near Macdoel

Brief description:  Campground set among fir trees with lake and mountain views.  Juanita Lake is a man made 55 acre lake regularly stocked with trout.  Bass and catfish are also caught at the lake.  There is a barrier free trail that circles the lake.

Open Dates:  May through October

Number of Campsites:  23 campsites with one double site  ~ 1  Large (50 person) group campsite.  Maximum spur 30 feet.    Group site is by reservation only. 

Length of Stay:  14 Days

Fees:  $15 per night, $20 per night for double site (#14) and $50 per night for Group Camping site.  Extra charges may occur for additional vehicles

Affiliation:  Klamath National Forest

Website:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/klamath/null/recarea/?recid=13165&actid=42

Restrictions:  No motorized boats on the lake (no gas or electric motors).  Dogs must be on leash.  No ATV use.  No bicycles on the trails.

Location/Address:  Approximately 10 miles from Macdoel, California off of Hwy 97.  About 4 miles south of Macdoel look for Ball Mountain Road and go west approximately 3 miles to Forest Route 46N04, travel approximately 4 miles on Route 46N04 to campground.

Elevation:  Approx. 5100 feet.

           

Contact Information: 

           

Klamath National Forest Headquarters

1711 South Main Street

Yreka, CA  96097

(530) 842-6131

Amenities:

• Fishing
• Cleaning station for fish
• Interpretive Site
• Fishing jetties
• Vault toilets
• Tables and fire pit at each site
• Drinking water
• Large parking area

General Description:  A man made mountain lake, popular for fishing.  Nice camping area adjacent to the lake (not on the lake).  Mild days, medium usage.  Prepare for possible ticks and mosquitoes.  Deer and bobcats in area.   The lake remains at a fairly constant level, and the water in the lake is very cold year round.

Nearby Services:  Fuel, and groceries (minimal) about 8 miles in Mt. Hebron or 10 miles in Macdoel both very small towns.  Nearest medical facility would be in Klamath Falls, Oregon approximately 59 miles north on Hwy 97 or Mercy Medical Center in Mt. Shasta, CA south on Hwy 97 at 62 miles away.

Hat Creek Campground

Hat Creek Campground







Brief description:  Nice campground at approximately the 4,400 ft level.  The campground follows the inviting Hat Creek, a haven for trout fly fisherpersons.

Open Dates:  April – October weather permitting.

Number of Campsites:  Over 70 single sites and 3 group sites.  Maximum spur about 20 feet.

Length of Stay:  14 days

Fees:  $16 per site.  Golden Age passport gives a 50% discount.

Affiliation:  National Forest Campground

Location/Address:  Located 26 miles from Burney, California one mile from Old Station along Hwy 89 near the intersection of State Route 44 and 89.

Elevation:  4,400 ft.

Contact Information:

Lassen National Forest

2550 Riverside Drive

Susanville, CA  96130

(530) 257-2151

Amenities:

• World class trout fly fishing
• Hiking
• Near Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Picnic tables
• Drinking water
• Flush and vault toilets
• *Due to swift current in Hat Creek swimming is discouraged
• One mile from Subway Cave, a volcanic lava flow tunnel

 General Description:  Large campground in and among Ponderosa and Jeffery pines along the bank of Hat Creek.  The area is renowned for fly fishing in the swift, cold waters of Hat Creek.  Busy during the summer.  Accessible fishing access.  Near Lassen National Park.  

Nearby Services:  (groceries, medical, etc.)  Old Station Visitor’s Center is nearby.  Full service market at Burney, CA approximately 19 miles.  Nearest medical services at:

Mayers Memorial Hospital

43563 Highway 299 East

Fall River Mills, CA  96028

Kangaroo Lake & Campground

Kangaroo Lake & Campground
Siskiyou County, California


*This is a hidden gem... and well worth the drive!

Affiliation:  National Forest Service Campground and Day Use Area


Number of Campsites:  15 sites that will accommodate both RV's and tents, 5 sites that will accommodate walk in tent sites.  Many sites can accommodate handicapped access.  Maximum length for RV 45 feet.  No hookups for RV's.

Typical campsite

Maximum Stay:  14 Days.  Open May to October, weather permitting.

Price for camping:  $15 a night, Golden Age Passport accepted for 50% discount.

Reservation Information:  No reservation policy.  First come first served.  Checkout time is 2:00 p.m.  It is a local favorite, but if sites are full when you arrive, wait in the day use area and speak to the Camp Host to see if a spot may open up that afternoon.

Contact and information:  U. S. Forest Service, Klamath National Forest, Scott River Ranger District, 11263 North Highway 3, Ft. Jones, CA  96032.  Scott River Range District (530) 468-5351

Campfire permits:  Be sure and inquire via Forest Service Station regarding campfire permits.  They may be needed for many areas even for a small barbecue.  Campfire permits are free.

Elevation:  Approximately 6,500 ft.

General description:  A lovely camping area at a high mountain lake that is accessible by automobile.  The campground was refurbished in the last few years and at this writing is in very nice conditions.  There is disabled access to both camping sites and the lake.

The lake is approximately 25 acres in size and at the 100 feet deep at the deepest level.  In the summer months the lake is regularly stocked with fish.  There are brook and brown trout native to the lake, and rainbow trout can also be caught.

Wildlife in the area may include:  deer, bears, birds, chipmunks, as well as an occasional bobcat or mountain lion.

Sign at main road, 8 miles to camp from here

Directions to Lake and Camp:  Traveling south along Interstate 5:  Take the Highway 3 exit at Yreka, California and travel to Callahan, approximately 45+ miles.  A short distance past Callahan take the Callahan-Gazelle Road (watch for well marked road sign) for about 10 miles to Rail Creek Road (The Kangaroo Lake Turnoff).  The road into the lake from this point is about 8 miles and most of the road is single lane and winds around the mountain.  There are numerous pullouts to access to allow a vehicle traveling the other direction to pass.  If one has a large RV or long rig use caution.  The road is paved and in good shape.  Traveling north along Interstate 5:  Take the Edgewood/Gazelle exit just past the town of Weed, California.  In the very small town of Gazelle (no services) turn west at the road to Callahan.  Travel along this road approximately 25 miles to the Kangaroo Lake turnoff at Rail Creek Road.  There is signage marking the turnoff to the lake.  The road into the lake from this point is about 8 miles and most of the road is a single lane and winds around the mountain.  There are numerous pullouts to access to allow a vehicle traveling in the other direction to pass.  If one has a large RV or long rig use caution and keep an eye out for oncoming traffic.  The road is paved and in good shape.

Amenities:

Handicapped access goes right to water 's edge

• Bathrooms (Pit toilets, but newer type and clean at last visit)
• Potable water at spigots located at about every other campsite
• Bear proof garbage bins
• Handicapped access both for many campsites and day use area, a nice trail for wheel chair access to the lake at the water's edge.
• Swimming
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Kayaking, canoeing, etc. on lake ~ no motors on lake
• Things to see/do:
• Beautiful (moderate difficulty) level trail through Kangaroo Lake Botanical Area where one can view rare and interesting plants and flowers.
• The Red Tag Trail will give one a first hand look at high elevation old growth forest with an unusually abundant variety of conifer species
• Trails from the lake area intersect with the Pacific Crest Trail
• Wonderful birder area, observe Osprey's, Bald Eagles and others

Supplies:  Supplies are available in Yreka, Etna, Fort Jones, Weed, and Mt. Shasta City for full service.  Small store located in Callahan.  Fuel available in Yreka, Etna, Ft. Jones, Weed, and Mt. Shasta City.  Nearest supplies would be in Callahan or Etna.

Emergency:  Full service Emergency Room in Yreka at Fairchild Medical Center also a ER available at Mt. Shasta City.

Beaver Creek Campground (NFS)

Affiliation: National Forest Service Campground
Number of campsites: Approximately 6 – 8
Open Dates: June - October
Location/address: Klamath National Forest
Elevation: approx. 2300 feet.
Fee: None! 14-day limit. Max Spur: 30 feet.

Location/address: Located on Beaver Creek Road approximately 4 miles North from Highway 96 (State of Jefferson Highway).

Directions from Yreka: Accessible off of Interstate 5 at Yreka, Ca. From Yreka take Main Street going north. Main Street is Historic Hwy 99, currently known as Hwy 263 or Hwy 3. Travel about 7 miles to intersect Hwy 96 (State of Jefferson Highway). Take a hard left and travel 15 miles West, turn right (north) on Beaver Creek Road go approx 4 miles. If the pavement ends you have gone a little too far. Beaver Creek Campground will be a right turn off the road.

Klamath National Forest Alerts

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

Amenities: Primitive
· Pit Toilets
· Tables
· Grills/fire rings
· Wood gathering permissible
· Check for needing fire permit (available free from KNF)
· No potable water
· No trash service (pack it out)


General description: Nicely secluded alongside Beaver Creek. Good trout fishing. Dirt/Gravel parking, but several nice flat spaces. Pit toilet, but at last visit, clean and new within last 2 years.

Nearby Services: Groceries 4 miles at Quigley’s Store (Hwy 96) or going East, Yreka, going West, Happy Camp. Full Service Hospital in Yreka.

Indian Scotty Campground (NFS)

Camping in Siskiyou CountyAlong the Scott River

Name of Campground:

Indian Scotty

Elevation: Approx. 2400 ft.
Number of campsites: 28 family sites. Group site available.
Affiliation: National Forest Campground – Klamath National Forest – Scott River Ranger District.
Open Dates: May thru October: Maximum Stay, 14 days.

Notes: This is one of those great campgrounds loved by locals. Quiet and beautiful. Right on the lovely Scott River. Great for tent campers, trailers, RV's, etc.

Location/address: Located off of Scott River Road approximately 14 miles from the town of Ft. Jones.

From Interstate 5: Exit at Yreka, exit # 773 (most southern exit) go west to intersection of S. Main St. and Ft. Jones Road (Hwy 3). Turn and go southwest on Hwy 3 about 17 miles to Ft. Jones. Some steep hills to note if pulling a trailer. At Ft. Jones continue through town until you reach the intersection of Scott River Road. Turn west on Scott River Road (County Rd. 7F01) about 18 miles. The road will eventually narrow, but is passable. Watch for Forest Route 44N45 on left across bridge. Indian Scotty Campground will be ½ mile on right.

Services: Groceries and supplies available in Yreka and Ft. Jones. Hospital in Ft. Jones and Yreka.

NFS link: Indian Scotty Campground

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

Scott River Ranger District
11263 N. Hiway 3
Ft. Jones, CA 96032
(530) 468-1298

Reservation information: Reservations required for group site.

Klamath National Forest website

Price for camping: $10 family site. $30 group site.
Amenities:
· Vault toilets
· Wheel Chair Access
· Picnic
· River Access
· Drinking Water
· Rafting
· Fishing
· Horseshoes
· Swimming -- River
· Hiking


General description: Campground is located in forested area adjacent to Scott River. Campground usually has campsites available. Shaded area in trees and mountains alongside river. Can be hot during summer days. Fishing in river alongside campground includes trout and steelhead. Tubing and swimming along with rafting and kayaking. Trails near the campground. Bears and other wildlife in area, but not often seen. Poison oak possible in the area. Campsites offer picnic tables and grills. Water is potable, but has high iron content. Currently new pipes and filtering system is being installed.

Trailer/RV suitability: Dirt/gravel roads in campground, a little bumpy. Max spur 65 feet. Lots of trees and some lower branches.

Tree of Heaven Campground (NFS)

Camping in Siskiyou County, California

Click here for more photos of Tree of Heaven Campsite.

Open: May through October

Along California State Hwy 96 (in the State of Jefferson)

Name of Campground: Tree of HeavenElevation: Approx. 2100 ft.
Number of campsites: 20 family sites. 1 Handicapped accessible site.
Affiliation: National Forest Campground – Klamath National Forest – Scott River Ranger District.
Open Dates: Open Year Round: Maximum Stay, 14 days.

Location/address: Located on Hwy 96 approximately 4 miles East from Historic Hwy 99 (aka Hwy 263 and State Hwy 3) intersection a few miles north of Yreka, California.

Directions from Yreka: Accessible off of Interstate 5 at Yreka, Ca. From Yreka take Main Street going north. Main Street is Historic Hwy 99, currently known as Hwy 263 or Hwy 3. Travel about 7 miles to intersect Hwy 96 (State of Jefferson Highway). Take a hard left and travel 4 miles East. Campground will be on left down a hill.

Notes: This is a nice campground for RV's, tents, trailers, bikers and all others. Large motor homes (Class C) may find it unsuitable. Maximum spur is 34 feet. A easy choice for I-5 travelers wanting a "get away" spot for the evening while transiting the area. Great for fishing, relaxing, lots of shade. Right on the river.

Tree of Heaven Birding Nature Trail: There is a 1/4 mile trail that begins at the campground area and winds along the riparian habitat of the Klamath River. There are interpretive signs that cover bird identification, adaptations, habitat selection and fire ecology.

Services nearby: Groceries, fuel, fishing supplies, hospital in nearby Yreka.

Klamath National Forest Alerts

Campground Information

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

Scott River Ranger District
11263 N. Hiway 3
Ft. Jones, CA 96032
(530) 468-1298

Reservation information: Reservations required for group site. Contact regarding reservations for individual campsites.


Price for camping: $15 family site.
Amenities:

Wheel chair access

Vault toilets
· Picnic/Hiking
· River Access
· Drinking Water
· Boating -- launch
· Rafting
· Fishing
· Birding/nature trail
· Horseshoes & volleyball
General description: Campground is located on the banks of the Klamath River. Shaded and open areas available. Year round trout fishing, seasonal salmon and steelhead fishing. Boat launch. Volleyball and horseshoe pits. Good river access. Birding/nature trail in the campground. Prepare for mosquitoes in the summer.

Trailer/RV suitability: Many areas easily accessible for trailers. Road into campground is somewhat steep, however.