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Established Camping

Matthews Creek Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Matthews Creek Campground is located near Forks of Salmon in the Klamath National Forest. The area features rugged terrain with dense forest and flowing creeks. Campers can explore nearby attractions such as the Salmon River and Marble Mountain Wilderness, with temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer.

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Location

Matthews Creek Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Etna, CA, take State Rt. 3 south 11.5 miles to Cecilville sign. Turn right at sign, crossing a bridge, and go 37.7 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

Coordinates

41.18800096 N
123.21300054 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2024

Great campground

This is an awesome campground with a single-lane road. I love visit it and join adventures in geometry dash lite. We managed to navigate it in an SUV with a teardrop trailer, but I wouldn't recommend towing anything longer. During our visit in May, the river flowed swiftly and cold, making it unsuitable for swimming or fishing. There is a well-maintained vault toilet on site, along with bear-proof recycling and trash receptacles. Limited to no service available for most of the journey. Remember, fire permits are mandatory.

Reviewed Sep. 29, 2018

Great site, but long drive back

This is a great Nat Forest campground with a beautiful view of the great creek below. The water is crystal clear (and cold) with a nice pebble beach. Access to the beach is a short walk down fairly steep hill. The outhouse was clean as were all of the sites, with a good firepit and table. There is water available, but a sign warns to boil water before drinking. It is a pretty long drive down basically single lane roads to get to the campground, and you should make sure you have all supplies and no stores/supplies close by.

Site6
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Matthews Creek Campground by Thomas  Y., September 29, 2018
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2016

Matthew's Creek

It may be way out in the middle of nowhere but it is worth the drive. Amazing place to swim. The stars at night are so bright. My favorite camping place ever!

  • Review photo of Matthews Creek Campground by JoJo H., September 5, 2016
  • Review photo of Matthews Creek Campground by JoJo H., September 5, 2016
  • Review photo of Matthews Creek Campground by JoJo H., September 5, 2016
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Matthews Creek Campground located?

Matthews Creek Campground is situated in a remote area within National Forest land. It features a beautiful setting alongside a crystal-clear creek with a pebble beach. Access requires navigating a single-lane road that may be challenging for larger vehicles. The campground is positioned above the creek, with the beach area accessible via a short but fairly steep path down to the water. The isolated location contributes to exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution.

What recreational activities can I do near Matthews Creek Campground?

Swimming is a prime activity at Matthews Creek Campground, with the crystal-clear (though cold) creek offering a refreshing experience during warm weather. A pleasant pebble beach provides an excellent spot to relax by the water. The area's remote setting creates exceptional stargazing opportunities at night. Hiking trails are accessible from the campground, offering opportunities to explore the surrounding natural beauty. The creek may also support fishing depending on seasonal conditions, though flow rates can vary significantly throughout the year. Nature photography, birdwatching, and simply enjoying the peaceful forest environment are other popular activities.

What amenities are available at Matthews Creek Campground?

Matthews Creek Campground offers basic amenities including designated sites with picnic tables and fire pits. Clean outhouses provide restroom facilities. There is no running water, electricity, or shower facilities available, so campers should bring all necessary water supplies. The campground's rustic nature is part of its appeal, allowing for a more natural camping experience. The sites are well-maintained and offer enough space for standard camping setups, though the access road limits the size of RVs or trailers that can safely navigate to the campground.

Do I need reservations for Matthews Creek Campground?

Matthews Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. This National Forest campground has limited sites, so arriving early, especially on summer weekends, is recommended to secure a spot. The remote location means it's less crowded than many other campgrounds, but popularity can vary seasonally. For the most up-to-date information on availability and potential policy changes, contact the managing Forest Service office before your trip.