Best Tent Camping near Etna, CA

The Klamath National Forest surrounding Etna, California offers several tent-only camping options, including Etna City Park within town limits and more remote backcountry sites in the surrounding mountains. Etna City Park provides walk-in tent sites with basic amenities for Pacific Crest Trail hikers and visitors, operating on a $5 donation system. For more primitive tent camping experiences, Lovers Camp Trailhead and Mule Bridge Campground offer tent-specific sites with vault toilets and picnic tables. These established tent campgrounds serve as gateways to wilderness areas and hiking trails throughout the Marble Mountain Wilderness, approximately 10-15 miles from Etna's town center.

Most tent campsites in the Etna region feature natural, ungraded surfaces with minimal site preparation. Etna City Park offers grassy tent pads with nearby restrooms and showers (tokens available at Ray's Market), while forest service tent campgrounds typically provide only basic vault toilets and fire rings. According to camper reviews, many backcountry tent sites require high-clearance vehicles to access, with rough forest service roads leading to more remote primitive tent camping areas. Forest Service regulations typically allow 14-day stays at dispersed tent camping locations. Water availability varies significantly by location, with most primitive tent sites requiring campers to bring their own water or filter from nearby creeks.

Walk-in tent sites at Etna City Park provide convenient access to town amenities. One PCT hiker noted that "the camping area is in the left back corner of the park" with "a large shelter with picnic tables and electric plug-ins to charge your phone." For those seeking more secluded tent camping, the surrounding national forest offers greater solitude. Tent campers frequently use these areas as base camps for backpacking trips into the Marble Mountain Wilderness. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F in lower elevations, making higher elevation tent campgrounds more comfortable during peak season. Wildlife sightings are common at forest tent sites, with deer frequently wandering through campsites at dawn and dusk.

Best Tent Sites Near Etna, California (56)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 56 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Etna, CA

397 Reviews of 56 Etna Campgrounds



Guide to Etna

Nestled in the scenic beauty of Northern California, Etna offers a variety of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Etna City Park, campers can enjoy well-maintained facilities, including restrooms and a picnic shelter, making it a convenient stop for hikers.
  • Toad Lake Campground provides a pristine environment with no trash services, encouraging visitors to leave no trace and maintain the area's natural beauty.
  • Mule Bridge Campground allows campfires, giving campers the chance to enjoy cozy evenings under the stars.

Tent campers should check out Lovers Camp

  • The Lovers Camp Trailhead is a gateway to stunning backpacking routes, with beautiful scenery just a short hike away.
  • Lovers Camp Campground offers a peaceful setting for tent camping, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Nearby, Hidden Horse Campground provides access to horse camping, making it a unique option for equestrian enthusiasts.

Local activities for tent campers

  • Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is a must for visitors, with easy access from Etna City Park for those looking to explore the stunning landscapes.
  • Fishing and kayaking at Toad Lake Campground offer a tranquil experience surrounded by nature's beauty.
  • The charming town of Etna features local restaurants and cafes, all within walking distance from Etna City Park, providing a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and community atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Etna, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Etna, CA is Etna City Park with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Etna, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 56 tent camping locations near Etna, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.