Best Campgrounds near Happy Camp, CA

Campgrounds around Happy Camp, California dot the Klamath National Forest landscape along the Klamath River corridor. Several established sites like Curly Jack Campground, Dillon Creek, and O'Neil Creek accommodate both tent and RV campers, with a mix of primitive and developed facilities. The area features multiple river-access campgrounds with varying amenities, from basic vault toilets to sites with electric hookups and showers. Most campgrounds in the region maintain picnic tables and fire rings, though amenities vary considerably between Forest Service and privately operated locations.

The camping season generally runs from May through October, with most facilities closing during winter months due to weather conditions and limited maintenance. Roads to several campgrounds include narrow, winding sections that may challenge larger vehicles. "Cute little free place to camp. RVs and group camp areas are available, as well as toilets, and water faucets next to each campsite," noted one visitor about Curly Jack Campground. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, particularly in deeper valleys and remote campgrounds like Dillon Creek. Fire restrictions commonly affect camping during late summer and early fall, with complete bans possible during high fire danger periods.

Riverside camping represents a key attraction in the Happy Camp area, with multiple campgrounds providing direct water access. Creek and river sites tend to fill first during peak season, particularly those with swimming holes and fishing access. A visitor to Dillon Creek Campground commented that "the creek is so clear and cold, its amazing feeling when its hot out." Many campgrounds balance riverside locations with ample shade from mature trees, providing relief during summer heat. Mosquitoes can be prevalent near water in early evening hours, particularly in June and July. While some campgrounds offer reservations, others operate on first-come, first-served availability, making weekday arrivals advantageous during summer months. Most camping areas maintain clean restroom facilities, though shower availability remains limited to a few developed campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Happy Camp, California (244)

    1. Curly Jack Campground

    1 Review
    Happy Camp, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 493-2243

    $15 - $50 / night

    "RVs and group camp areas are available, as well as toilets, and water faucets next to each campsite. There is a “beach”, a small opening to a river."

    2. Grider Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Seiad Valley, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 493-2243

    "i really want to camp here this summer. the campground is directly on the pacific crest trail. we wanted to stay last summer but the campground was closed due to storm damage. we explored for a while,"

    3. Jedidiah Smith Campground — Redwood National Park

    56 Reviews
    Hiouchi, CA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 444-7275

    "We felt like we were a million miles away from everyone, even our camp neighbors!"

    "California doesn’t offer any decent senior discounts. The campground is awesome."

    4. ONeil Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Seiad Valley, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 493-2243

    "Great bike trails. Plenty of showers and restrooms. Flat concrete for tent setup and bbq pit in each site with fresh water close to all sites."

    5. Oak Bottom Campground

    2 Reviews
    Seiad Valley, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 627-3291

    "One was right on the shoreline and the second and third were above the shoreline site which worked perfectly for us and the restroom was just a short walk up the path."

    "This campground was hit last summer with a horrible fire burnt around the lake but is All ready growing back and is still pretty its a clean campground"

    6. Panther Flat Campground

    19 Reviews
    Gasquet, CA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 457-3131

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Close to the Redwood Forest 🌳 we stopped here for a night 🌃on our road trip through California. The sites were nicely sized, though the showers are coin 👛operated."

    "Very quiet (it's a little remote) but pretty accessible to California Redwoods. I would recommend it for a place to stop in between the Oregon and California coastline."

    7. Grayback Campground

    8 Reviews
    Cave Junction, OR
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 618-2200

    "Can have camp fires within the metal fire pits (even though your between two fires happen close by). Grounds of hwy 46 that head to the Oregon Caves National Monument between mile post 11 and 12."

    "The creek runs right next to about half of the campsites. We didn't show up until about 4pm, and there were plenty of spots left to chose from."

    8. Bolan Lake Campground

    1 Review
    O'Brien, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 618-2200

    "Tent camped at Bolan Lake on Saturday, not a lot of people here which was nice. Sites have fire pit and tables, clean space to pitch tents or use rooftop tent. No WiFi or cell reception."

    9. Mill Creek Campground — Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

    43 Reviews
    Hiouchi, CA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 444-7275

    $35 / night

    "Next. To us. Some other sites that aren't adjoined like this would be amazing I think. However, the bathrooms were decent."

    "Drive from the highway to the campground is captivating. Campground staff were both pleasant & informative."

    10. Dillon Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Somes Bar, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 629-4136

    $10 / night

    "There is access to the stream which has a nice swimming hole, if you don’t mind the cold. The campground is quite with absolutely no cell service, which is great if that’s what you are looking for."

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Recent Reviews near Happy Camp, CA

975 Reviews of 244 Happy Camp Campgrounds


  • Suzanne B.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Valley of the Rogue State Park Campground

    Great campground

    Easy to access off of the 5 freeway. Many sites to choose from, including day use. Campground was clean. Sites are big enough for our 25 ft travel trailer and Ford F-150 extended bed 4 door. Bathroom were clean but showers are good but warm water lasts 3-4 minutes max. Sites were close to others with no privacy, but wide open spaces and amazing views. A little noisy due to proximity to the freeway.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    middle fork smith river

    Spot to Sleep

    There is nothing great about this spot; just a spot if you are tired. Easy to get to. It is a circular turn around that has space to set up a camp. Very large spot but luckily we were the only there; offers no privacy otherwise. The plus to this spot was the sound of water and night sky.

    Very easy drive in; any vehicle can handle it.

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Waiiaka RV Park

    Good Enough For An Overnight

    FYI- this location does NOT offer any kind of discount, they are not a part of Good Sam nor do they give any discount for being a Dyrt Pro member, regardless of what the app says! We stayed here overnight while passing through town. We were lucky enough to get the last open spot, and it was small, thank goodness we only had our little pop-up camper! The park is decent, but nothing spectacular. The sites are small and very close together. It appears to be a lot of long term/full timers here. The park is close to the highway, so you hear a lot of road noise. The office is open 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, and they do sell little items you may need. There is a 24/7 laundromat with 2 small washers and dryers, both cost $2.00 a load (30 min wash & 60 min dry) Propane is available, we paid $3.69 a gallon. The bathrooms are fairly well kept, but they say they’re only open from 7:00 AM-10:00 PM, and they do charge for showers at 25 cents for 3 minutes. I had a terrible time with the women’s showers, it was about 7:30 PM, and not even 2 minutes into my shower and completely shampooed up, the water turned freezing cold and only a trickle of water coming out, I thought the time was up, so I added another quarter… I was wrong, that did nothing, so I toweled up and moved all of my stuff to the next shower stall and tried that shower… but, it was the same thing, only freezing water and a trickle. I called my husband and he walked me into the men’s bathroom and stayed with me so I could get rinsed off🤦‍♀️ oh, well, not the worst thing to ever happen… I will say, the woman working in the office the next morning was wonderful! We were able to stay a bit later than the 11:00 checkout… which was great since we had to run into town for some errands, and she even printed out some needed paperwork for us!

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Trail Creek Campground

    Quiet Campground In the Klamath National Forest

    This is our second time camping in this campground. It’s out of the way and pretty remote, but quiet and peaceful. There are no hookups, but there is drinking water provided as well as vault toilets (which were pretty darn clean), and a bear proof trash can. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Generator use is allowed from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Last year in July when we visited there were maybe 3 other people here. This time in October (late in the season), we were the only ones here. The fee is $10.00 a night, or $5.00 with the pass/senior discount. There is ZERO cell service with T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon. We did have Starlink with us and we were able to get signal, but it was spotty due to all the tree coverage. Trail Creek runs through the back of the campground and is beautiful!

  • William J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Point RV Park at Emigrant Lake

    Quiet camping in Ashland.

    Paved level pads and quiet. Clean bathrooms and showers. In mid-October, the lake is a little more than a big puddle but still fishable if you desire. Short hop to Ashland and many wineries in the area.

  • Imerie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Panther Flat Campground

    Wonderful campground

    It was such a beautiful campground. Not loud at all. It stayed dark at night because of the trees which we love. And the weather was amazing. Will def stay here again

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Redwood Meadows RV Resort

    Right next to the Redwoods

    Nice staff, full hook ups, the sites were reasonable. All the tiny houses are cool to see. The location is great, just minutes away from the national park


Guide to Happy Camp

Camping near Happy Camp, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature, with stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the campgrounds. Many campers enjoy the short nature walk through the ancient redwoods. One reviewer mentioned, "There is a short nature walk (about 1.5 miles) that leads through a breathtaking stand of redwoods that are enormous and 1,000s of years old" at Jedidiah Smith Campground.
  • River Activities: Enjoy swimming or fishing in the nearby rivers. A camper at Mill Creek Campground said, "The park area is right on a really pretty blue river. The camp sites are all really close to the river as well so you can walk there in no time."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One family at Panther Flat Campground noted, "As for wildlife: Lots of blue jays, chipmunks and we saw deer."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning scenery. A visitor at Cedar Bloom shared, "Cedar Bloom is such an amazing place. I was lucky enough to spend a full weekend here and was renewed and rejuvenated."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are praised for their cleanliness. A reviewer at Mill Creek Campground said, "Bathrooms were very nice. And all the staff was very friendly and helpful."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds often have a welcoming vibe for families. One camper at Jackson Campground mentioned, "We stayed here for the 4th, it was beautiful, quiet, and relaxing."

What you should know:

  • Theft Concerns: Some campers have reported issues with theft. A visitor at Jedidiah Smith Campground warned, "Beware of thieves! The park rangers did not warn us that the reason they had a space open was because for days there has been things being stolen DAILY."
  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds lack certain amenities. A camper at Patrick Creek Campground noted, "No cell service. The campground is small and the camp host isn’t far."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Grayback Campground is open from May to September.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly options like Lake Selmac County Park, which has activities for kids. One family said, "We love coming to Lake Selmac to use the yurts for winter camping. They’re heated and cozy."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Mill Creek Campground mentioned, "The site has ranger talks and plays movies occasionally which is nice for families."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A reviewer at Panther Flat Campground suggested, "The sites are flat and all of them have great tree coverage."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Redwood Meadows RV Resort said, "Sites are not right on top of each other also."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds don’t offer full hookups. A visitor at Jackson Campground noted, "The campground is small and the camp host isn’t far."
  • Look for Amenities: Some RV parks have better facilities. A camper at Laughing Alpaca Campground + RV Park mentioned, "Great host, they upgraded us to a river front space."

Camping near Happy Camp, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, connect with family, and make lasting memories. Just be sure to plan ahead and choose the right spot for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Happy Camp Campground?

In the Happy Camp area, Curly Jack Campground offers basic but convenient facilities including toilet facilities, water faucets adjacent to each campsite, and dedicated areas for RVs and group camping. This free campground also features a small river access point. For additional options nearby, ONeil Creek Campground provides reservable sites with water and toilets, accessible by vehicle or on foot.

Are there good photo opportunities at Happy Camp Campground?

The Happy Camp region offers excellent photography opportunities. Jedidiah Smith Campground provides stunning backdrops with towering redwoods creating a sense of seclusion and wilderness perfect for nature photography. For water-focused shots, Panther Flat Campground sits beside a picturesque river that makes for beautiful compositions, especially with the surrounding forest. The entire Klamath River corridor near Happy Camp offers scenic vistas combining mountain, forest, and river elements.

What camping is available near Happy Camp, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Happy Camp, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 244 campgrounds and RV parks near Happy Camp, CA and 19 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Happy Camp, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Happy Camp, CA is Curly Jack Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Happy Camp, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Happy Camp, CA.

What parks are near Happy Camp, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Happy Camp, CA that allow camping, notably Redwood National Park and Klamath National Forest.