Dispersed camping and glamping close to Sawyers Bar, California offers outdoor experiences in the Klamath National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,169 to over 4,500 feet. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and cold winters with occasional snow. Most camping sites remain open from May through October, with limited access during winter months due to snow and road conditions.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: Access Toad Lake via a challenging 1.5-hour drive on rough roads requiring 4x4 vehicles, followed by a 15-minute hike. "Toad Lake is a pristine mountain lake accessible only via a long, rough, and rocky single lane dirt road. Take this road only if you have a 4x4 or AWD vehicle with suitable clearance and are comfortable driving on such mountain roads," advises a visitor to Toad Lake Campground.
River swimming: Cool off in Rock Creek near East Fork Campground during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. "Nice little campground right next to a pretty river. When I stayed I was the only one at the campground. The sites are near the road but it seemed to have light usage and I never heard cars in the night," reports a camper at East Fork Campground.
Backpacking trailheads: Start multi-day backpacking trips from Lovers Camp Trailhead into surrounding wilderness areas. "We just finished a backpacking trip in marble valley and sky high lakes area, both accessible about 5+ miles from the Lovers Camp Trailhead. It was absolutely beautiful! So much to do in that area and such great views."
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: East Fork Campground offers quieter sites away from main tourist areas. "This campground is a great place to stay before heading into the Trinity Alps. A 20 minute drive on a dirt road leads to the China Gultch Trailhead, a popular trail leading to Grizzly Lake."
River access: Boise Creek Campground provides direct creek access within walking distance. "Creek is absolutely beautiful. Not great for swimming but good for a quick dip in the pools. It's about a 1/4 mile hike down there," notes a visitor to Boise Creek.
Wildlife viewing: Campers frequently report deer sightings, with occasional bear encounters requiring proper food storage. "Be prepared to utilize bear box," advises a camper at East Fork, while another visitor to Lake Siskiyou mentions, "My cousins and I used to fish in the evenings after a day of playing in the water or hiking. Have seen deer and bears here."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have minimal or no cellular coverage. At Minersville Campground, experience varies by carrier: "Since last night when we setup in site #1, we have maintained 3 bars of Verizon service. So, either a new tower, or perhaps just a different provider," notes one camper at Minersville Campground.
Seasonal water levels: Trinity Lake water levels fluctuate significantly by season. "Right now the lake is so low you really can't get to it. But it's great just to hang out in peace and quiet," reports a Minersville visitor.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds near highways experience traffic noise, particularly from trucks. "This is a precise point where due to the grade of the road, every. Single. Passing. Semi. Downshifts, and there are plenty that go by all night," warns a Boise Creek camper.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly water activities: Tree of Heaven Campground offers river access for floating trips. "A number of groups drove upstream a couple miles and floated back down to the campground. You can also float downstream a couple of miles to a haul out point and get a ride back," shares a camper at Tree Of Heaven Campground.
Off-peak camping: Avoid summer crowds by visiting during shoulder seasons. "We love it here. However, it's super popular and we only go in the off season due to too many people booking in advance," advises a Lake Siskiyou visitor.
Safety considerations: Watch for wildlife including rattlesnakes. "There is some poison oak in the area, and we spotted a rattlesnake, so keep your eye out with pets or kids," cautions a Tree of Heaven camper.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most sites near Sawyers Bar offer minimal or no hookups. At Mount Shasta City KOA Holiday, visitors find more amenities: "Nice place if there are no fires," notes one RVer, while others mention the site limitations and amenities.
Accessibility challenges: Many forest roads require vehicles with adequate clearance. "The road is very rough, so expect to bounce around for about 1.5 hours while traveling at an average speed of 5mph," warns a Toad Lake visitor.
Campsite spacing: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. "Nice, small campground near the edge of Trinity Lake. Approximately 8 campsites can be reserved and 8 are available on a first come, first serve basis," reports a Minersville camper, providing perspective on the layout.
