204 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Somes Bar, California sits at the confluence of several distinct camping ecosystems within the Klamath National Forest and Six Rivers National Forest. Campgrounds like Pearch Creek and Dillon Creek operate seasonally from May through October, offering both tent and RV accommodations with basic amenities including drinking water and vault toilets. The Nordheimer Group Sites in Six Rivers National Forest provide options for larger gatherings, while Klamath Riverside RV Park caters to those seeking full hookups. Most established campgrounds in the area are situated along rivers, particularly the Klamath and Trinity Rivers, providing opportunities for fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing within a landscape dominated by dense forests and mountainous terrain.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds accessible only via narrow, winding forest roads that may challenge larger vehicles. As one camper noted, "It is a pretty long drive down basically single lane roads to get to the campground, and you should make sure you have all supplies as no stores or supplies are close by." Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most sites, particularly those deeper in the forests. The camping season typically runs from late May through mid-October, with some facilities closing earlier depending on weather conditions. Bear activity is common throughout the area, requiring proper food storage in all camping locations.
Riverside campsites receive consistently positive reviews, with the Smith River and Klamath River locations being particularly popular. "The campground was nice and clean, we were situated on the river side with the Smith River in our backyard," reported one visitor. Many campgrounds feature coin-operated showers, with rates typically around $1.50 for 6 minutes. Campers frequently mention the helpful nature of camp hosts, with one noting that hosts were "so amazingly nice, even gave me wood for a fire to keep the mosquitos at bay." Privacy between sites varies considerably, with some campgrounds offering well-separated sites while others place campers in closer proximity. Wildlife sightings, particularly elk and deer, are commonly reported throughout the region's campgrounds.
"This was my favorite campground in our northern california tour. Campimg among the redwoods, so quiet and shady we slept in late each morning."
"There are also INCREDIBLE day trips into California’s interior, Indian history, little known parks and trails everywhere."
from $35 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Nice site that are a little too close together, but that seems the norm in California. The camp hosts were so amazingly nice. Even gave me wood for a fire to keep the mosquitos at bay."
"The creek runs next to the campground which provides wonderful water sounds all night. Swimming in the nearby Salmon River is a great way to spend a hot July day."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"The lakeside sites are off the road and a short walk from the parking area. Be sure to get a cart from the camp host or you'll have to hand carry everything in. Cell coverage was excellent here."
"Whiskytown Lake is a great recreation lake, from boating, swimming to fishing. Oak Bottom is shores are surrounded by pines and manzanita. It has a pretty large campground with tent and dry RV sites."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"The park had a little bit of everything… river views, wooded trails, huge fire pits, full hookups, etc."
"One of the best campsites in California. You should start at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center and hike out to this campground."
"Redwoods State Park is beautiful with campgrounds that are basically next to the trails, secluded and surrounded by trees. There is nothing not to like about this place. Worth the drive."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Once set up, the camp side was very close to our neighbors. Expect no privacy. Perhaps they should put up a patrician of lattice or something between the sites. The utilities are somewhat confusing."
"Location, location, location. "
from $40 - $70 / night
Check Availability"It's free, it has the Klamath nearby, it's got a sunny location, it's away from the coastal climate. It get cool - cold. A nice combination of weather."
"But it still has camp sites and a little further in there is dispersed very close to the river. It was secluded and great."
ScoutNice parking lot with a limited ocean view and it’s only $20 for up to 3 days stay. On top of that the casino gives you a $10 free play, for us, times 2 people. Then you get another $10 the next day for a total of $20 free play each. We won $16.25 making our stay less than $4 lol. Oh and bonus, they have a few water spigots.
GuideThis is by far my most favorite campground and state park. Sites are spacious and most are very private, easy to walk down to the gorgeous Smith River and numerous hiking trails through the park and to nearby Hiouchi (you can walk to breakfast or lunch and a great little cafe there!). Just magical here.
GuideWe spent two weeks at E-Ne-Nuck at site 10 which was the best option for our solar and star-link which was extremely limited at the campground from all the trees. No cell service at all. Pit toilets, trash & recycling offered. No water. Local dogs would roam and come say hi frequently which was the majority of the traffic for our visit. We saw three other campers our whole stay the end of May & early June. The fireplace was a different experience than a campfire but a few sites have actual fire rings.
GuideThere are some easy to navigate for big rigs up by office. While others may be a little difficult further back. Cabins and tent areas ok. Ck in with friendly staff. Showers restrooms clean and hot water. WiFi was pretty much not there at site 503 (small 30 amp w/water hookup). Nice division in our site. But it's the smallest site for 24 or under feet. Cell phone service for our Att and Verizon was a one to two bar(not great).
GuideThe owner is up and above friendly. Very scenic area that offers one of the most beautiful views of the red woods and the scenic drive down the Newton B Drury Scenic PKWY that is just a few miles south of the park. There is a casino a few miles away. The park has WIFI that has been reported as spotty. We were on site 13 and had a WiFi repeater about three feet from camper. So we had good enough signal.
TravelerI can not tell you what a blessing this place is! I am a single woman tent camper. I pulled into this place without reservations. I walked in the office and was greeted by the most pleasant man. I said “I know, I should book online, but do you have any availability for a tent camper?” Patrick immediately said yes. Of course. I told him I had pulled into a few places and they looked scary. I just wanted to feel safe and comfortable. Patrick and Maya have gone above and beyond! This family clearly love their property and take great pride in making this an enjoyable environment. The bathrooms are so clean. The tent sites are amazing, and the dog run is perfect! My Belgian Malinois and I have been traveling for 32 days now. This dog run was one of the first areas I felt comfortable taking her leash off and just let her go. I will definitely be back and I recommend this camp site for RV’rs and tent campers. So glad I downloaded this app, it’s the only way I could find out about this spot!
TravelerDef come here if you are trying to camp around the Redwoods. Some rangers gave us a backcountry pass to camp in the park, but then later ticketed us. Just pay the $30 to say here. It has its own beach, plus there’s water and bathrooms
GuideWe’ve stayed at this campground a few times now. The front office staff is very friendly and accommodating, always helpful. Easy in and easy out. Bathrooms are in decent shape for an older campground. Showers are 50 cents for 5 minutes. Also very dog friendly. We will be back again when heading up or down the coast.
TravelerStop by this place you boondocker (and fisherman too). Alkens Recreation Area is a GEM! It's free, it has the Klamath nearby, it's got a sunny location, it's away from the coastal climate. It get cool - cold. A nice combination of weather. There are individual campsites with nice concrete tables. Great for meals with the kids or grilling a steak on the Barbie. A short drive or walk grants you access to the River or Alkans Creek for an opportunity to have that pan fried fish. Be warned, there is no water (except in the river), no dump., no toilets, etc. but has been real pleasant for a couple of old fogies in a camp trailer with a 4X.
Campgrounds near Somes Bar, California range from riverfront locations to forested retreats with elevations varying from 450 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September, while winter brings significant rainfall. Most sites don't offer cell service, requiring campers to prepare for digital disconnection during their stay.
Hike through redwood forests: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park offers trails directly accessible from Elk Prairie Campground. As one camper noted, "We were able to hike a bunch on the campground (very accessible), drive to Fern Canyon, and visit Jedediah Smith all in 3 days."
Wildlife viewing: The region hosts diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly at dawn and dusk. "We saw so many animals: elk, a bear, scrub jays, chipmunks, tadpoles, rabbits, deer, etc." reported a visitor at Elk Prairie Campground.
River swimming: Pearch Creek Campground provides excellent swimming options during summer months. "Swimming in the nearby Salmon River is a great way to spend a hot July day," one camper mentioned. Another added, "Great place to cool off with the river near the sites and plenty of pools to splash in."
Riverside camping: The confluence of rivers creates prime waterfront camping. At Klamath River RV Park, "Spring for a river view site and you'll have the most gorgeous view of the river and mountains," one visitor advised. Another mentioned you can "Fish from the bluff."
Secluded settings: Most campgrounds offer a sense of isolation despite varying site spacing. At Kamp Klamath, "Really loved how quiet it was here, lots of foliage creates a very secluded feel. Easy walk to where the Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean."
Cooling water features: Cold, clear creeks provide relief during hot summer days. At Pearch Creek, campers appreciate that "the creek runs next to the campground which provides wonderful water sounds all night." Another visitor described the water as "very clear and cold, its amazing feeling when its hot out."
Remote location challenges: Campgrounds require preparation due to isolation. At Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, visitors warned, "Hellish road to get there but worth the trip... It is a pretty long drive down basically single lane roads to get to the campground, and you should make sure you have all supplies as no stores or supplies are close by."
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary by season and location. At Dillon Creek Campground, while fires may be permitted during certain periods, summer fire restrictions often apply due to high wildfire risk.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially near water sources at dusk. One Pearch Creek visitor mentioned camp hosts "gave me wood for a fire to keep the mosquitos at bay." Another camper at Dillon Creek noted, "The mosquitoes are abundant in the early evening."
Kid-friendly water play: Several campsites offer safe water access for children. At Dillon Creek Campground, "There is access to the stream which has a nice swimming hole, if you don't mind the cold." The creek provides shallow areas appropriate for supervised children.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play equipment. Klamath River RV Park offers "a small play structure with swings for the kiddos. Which my daughter enjoyed."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy animal sightings common throughout the area. At Elk Prairie Campground, "We saw so many animals... We were able to hike a bunch on the campground (very accessible)," making it suitable for families with varying hiking abilities.
Site access considerations: RV sites vary significantly in accessibility and size. At Elk Prairie Campground, one RVer cautioned, "Well shaded campground, but with tight turns and smallish sites relatively close together. Even with a small (16') camper, we had to unhitch to fit."
Service limitations: Limited hookups require self-sufficiency. One visitor to Klamath River RV Park appreciated that despite limitations, the park offers "Full hookup, riverfront sites available, clean bathrooms/showers, camp store, camp cafe open on weekends for breakfast."
Weather preparation: The region's climate demands proper equipment. An RVer at Kamp Klamath warned, "Beware this is considered a rain forest so your rig will really get a water test at the right times of the year."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Somes Bar, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Somes Bar, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 204 campgrounds and RV parks near Somes Bar, CA and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Somes Bar, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Somes Bar, CA is Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 75 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Somes Bar, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Somes Bar, CA.
What parks are near Somes Bar, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Somes Bar, CA that allow camping, notably Six Rivers National Forest and Redwood National Park.
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