The Klamath River region offers several camping options within a short drive of Happy Camp, California at an elevation of 1,080 feet. Located in Siskiyou County along Highway 96, this area experiences warm summers with temperatures typically reaching 90°F and cold winters with occasional snow. Riverside camping spots fill quickly during summer fishing season when salmon and steelhead runs attract anglers from across the region.
What to do
Explore the Smith River: Several campgrounds provide easy access to Smith River recreation areas where visitors can swim, fish, and kayak. "There is direct river access but in mid-October, the weather no longer cooperated for water activities. There are some nearby wineries," noted a visitor at Laughing Alpaca Campground + RV Park.
Visit the Trees of Mystery: Located just minutes from some camping areas, this attraction features unique forest formations and trails. "Our site was large, quiet/secluded, and near the access to the .5 mile hike path within the park. The park is nearby all the access points for the different Redwood must-see sights," according to a camper at Mystic Forest RV Park.
Explore local beaches: The nearby coastal areas offer excellent beachcombing and wildlife viewing. "The ocean is about 1 mile away right at the mouth of the Klamath river with an awesome beach. Good fishing, beach combing, kite flying etc. There is not a lot of parking and you do have to walk a ways to the water," explained a camper at Kamp Klamath.
What campers like
Family-friendly amenities: Many parks in the area cater specifically to families with children. "We have stayed at Kamp Klamath a couple times. We go over for the Salmon run in August/September. Saturday nights in the summer are the best as they do a salmon cook out with live music," reported one visitor at Kamp Klamath RV Park and Campground.
River views: Camping along the Klamath and Smith Rivers provides scenic views and fishing access. "Our site had a view of the water. Sites are close but in grass, not concrete. Lots of trees and shade," shared a camper at Laughing Alpaca Campground + RV Park.
Proximity to redwoods: The location between several redwood parks makes for convenient exploration. "We stayed at Redwood Meadows RV to explore the redwoods. It's a great location and close to parks/trails. Full hookup, riverfront sites available, clean bathrooms/showers, camp store, camp cafe open on weekends for breakfast," noted a visitor at Klamath River RV Park.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the area have spotty coverage. "Cell service for Verizon was spotty in the park but worked at the mini Mart. The wifi does work but not when everyone is in there campsites using it," explained a visitor at Redwood Meadows RV Resort.
Seasonal facilities: Some amenities are only available during peak months. "In warmer weather, we would have enjoyed interacting with the alpacas and getting out on the river," noted a visitor at Laughing Alpaca Campground.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some sites. "There are quiet hours but the campground hosts aren't very intent on holding campers to them. Given the fact that this site is so family friendly, noise is less of a concern for those who camp here," mentioned a reviewer at Kamp Klamath.
Tips for camping with families
Free water activities: Some parks offer complimentary equipment for river recreation. "Our kids enjoyed the river and used the park's kayaks and paddle boards (for free!). We will def be back when we are around the area," shared a visitor to Laughing Alpaca Campground.
Mini golf options: Recreation facilities at certain parks provide additional entertainment. "They have hiking trails, horseshoes and an adorable little 18 hole mini golf course to boot! Just a mile down the road is Trees of Mystery," noted a visitor to Mystic Forest RV Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and open spaces. "Lovely bathrooms, tetherball pole with playground, and even a coffee shop. Loved our stay here," mentioned a camper at Klamath River RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When RV camping near Happy Camp, California, careful site selection matters. "We chose Site 19 because it had trees on one side, providing us with partial privacy. As is typical of RV parks, sites are close together with little to no separation between them," explained a visitor at Lighthouse Cove RV Park.
Road navigation challenges: Consider your RV size when planning routes. "The spots can be a little tricky to get into and those with larger rigs should contact the management office to ensure they can fit and maneuver properly but we saw plenty of huge Class As and triple axle 5th wheels," advised a reviewer at Redwood Meadows RV Resort.
Hookup configurations: Some sites require adaptability with connections. "Sites 15-21 are a little wonky in that the hookups are on the left side; we were able to thread our electric cord underneath our van to reach them," noted a visitor at Mystic Forest RV Park.
