Primitive camping near Forks of Salmon, California offers diverse options within Klamath National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 feet. Most dispersed sites in this region experience hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while spring brings high water levels to nearby creeks and rivers. Road conditions vary significantly with many sites requiring at least 30 minutes of travel on unpaved forest service roads.
What to do
Hiking local trails: Castle Lake Dispersed Camping provides excellent access to trails with views of Mount Shasta. According to a camper, "The lake campsites are still closed midMay. This worked out for a goal to see Mt. Shasta."
Creek exploration: Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp features a small creek perfect for cooling off. One visitor noted, "There is a beautiful little creek right next to the campsite."
Wildlife viewing: BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek offers opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. A camper mentioned, "We even saw wild horses driving up!"
Stargazing: North Trinity Lake provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities. One camper reported, "Beautiful views at night and in the morning! It was wide open with no other campers in site."
Mountain biking: Lacks Creek BLM has developed trails for cyclists. A reviewer stated, "The whole BLM management area is well developed and has signs to guide you."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp, campers enjoy seclusion. One visitor shared, "very private, very pretty. we saw a bald eagle!"
Level camping areas: Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta offers numerous flat spots for tents and vehicles. A camper reported, "Stayed at the 5th site in which is spacious and has a few paths for small hikes."
Natural features: At North Trinity Lake, campers appreciate the landscape variety. A reviewer described it as "a beautiful open field with the woods in the back and Trinity lake in the front."
Fire rings at sites: Many campers value the established fire rings at Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp. According to reviews, "There are 3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring."
Access to water: Aikens Creek Recreation Area provides river proximity. A visitor noted, "But it still has camp sites and a little further in there is dispersed very close to the river. It was secluded and great."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Lacks Creek BLM requires careful driving. A visitor explained, "As of Sept '25, chunks of the gravel road were under construction; some blind, narrow turns, but nothing too intense; and dips, washouts, and big exposed rocks, so drive with care."
GPS reliability: Many campgrounds have inaccurate mapping coordinates. For Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake, one camper advised, "Google will try to get you to the coordinates but doesn't know about the existence of the final dirt road to get you there."
Permit requirements: Some areas require advance planning. For Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp, a reviewer warned, "if you want to camp here, you MUST get a free permit on the website listed on here. if you do not, you will find yourself at a locked gate you cannot enter."
Seasonal closures: Water levels and snow impact accessibility. At Castle Lake Dispersed Camping, a camper reported, "As of May 31st there isn't access to some areas as there is snow blocking the way, some areas are wet from the snow that has already melted."
Insects: Ticks and other bugs can be problematic. A BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek visitor reported, "No creek water in early June but lots of ticks. Very hot too. We left after 30 minutes and 6 ticks."
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated sites: Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp offers defined camping spaces suitable for families. A camper shared, "There are 3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. There is one vault toilet that was stocked with 'the papers'."
Pack extra water: Most primitive camping areas near Forks of Salmon lack potable water. At 44 Backcountry Camp, a hiker advised, "If you do not have enough water for the morning you may want to consider getting some along the way as the nearest source is 3/4 mile downhill from the camp site."
Plan for variable weather: Temperatures fluctuate significantly with elevation changes. A Castle Lake Dispersed Camping visitor noted, "High and dry. Great view of Shasta Mtn. 8 campers here in mid May."
Bring bear protection: Wildlife encounters are possible. At 44 Backcountry Camp, a visitor mentioned, "There are 4 picnic tables between what seem to be 3 sites each with a fire ring. 2 bear lockers are available for the whole site."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta works for smaller rigs only. A camper advised, "I would probably not recommend with a trailer. I made it down with my Tacoma and a 12ft travel trailer but it was a stretch. Super easy to get in, but took a long time to turn around and get back out. Anything bigger than and you're probably stuck."
Scout before committing: Lacks Creek BLM has challenging access for larger vehicles. One RVer cautioned, "Tried to camp here with a 20ft travel trailer and I turned around before I even made it to the gravel road. Road is narrow and steep with low hanging trees."
Low clearance considerations: Some areas are more accessible than others. A visitor to Castle Lake Dispersed noted, "All 2 wheel low clearance accessible. 8 or more still available for higher clearance vehicle."
Consider pull-through options: Finding turn-around space is crucial. At Lacks Creek BLM, a camper with a drop camper reported, "We even pulled up our rear drop camper and had no issues at all."
