Dispersed camping near Somes Bar offers opportunities to explore the Klamath and Salmon River confluence in Northern California's Klamath National Forest. The area sits at elevations ranging from 450 to 1,200 feet with mixed conifer forests and oak woodlands. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during day and cool to 50-60°F at night, with frequent morning fog in river valleys during spring and fall.
What to do
Fishing access: Gold Bluffs Beach Campground provides proximity to fishing spots along the Klamath River and nearby beaches. "Great beach camping, Roosevelt elk wandering around. Giant redwoods," notes one camper, highlighting the diverse ecosystem for outdoor activities.
Beach exploration: Klamath River RV Park offers riverside camping with easy water access. "We stayed at Klamath River RV to explore the redwoods. It's a great location and close to parks/trails. Full hookup, riverfront sites available," reports a visitor who enjoyed combining water activities with forest exploration.
Creek swimming: Matthews Creek Campground provides a natural swimming area in warmer months. "Amazing place to swim. The stars at night are so bright," shares a camper, though others note seasonal water conditions can vary: "During our visit in May, the river flowed swiftly and cold, making it unsuitable for swimming or fishing."
Mountain biking: The trail system at Lacks Creek BLM dispersed camping area includes routes suitable for different skill levels. A visitor noted the area is "well developed and has signs to guide you. There are spots all along pine ridge road. Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings."
What campers like
Secluded locations: Lacks Creek BLM offers private camping spots away from crowds. "Wildly peaceful. Read the description in the bio, follow the directions, and you'll find yourself able to choose from a handful of campsites," explains one visitor who appreciated the tranquility.
Wildlife viewing: Elk Country RV Resort & Campground lives up to its name with resident elk herds. "Rosevelt Elk roam through the campground. They were obviously used to people. We stayed on the 'meadow' side where the elk roam through your campsite," shares a camper who enjoyed the unique wildlife experience.
Night sky viewing: The limited light pollution around Fish Lake Campground creates ideal star-gazing conditions. "No cell or wifi, so 3 days & 2 nights of glorious peace. On Sunday, most campers left, making this place even quieter," notes a visitor who appreciated the remote setting.
Riverside relaxation: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Somes Bar feature water access points. One visitor to Klamath River RV Park observed, "They have Adirondack chairs set up to enjoy the views," making it easy to relax with pets along the water.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to remote campgrounds can be challenging. For Matthews Creek Campground, a camper advises: "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 and no stores/supplies close by."
Weather preparedness: Coastal campgrounds experience significant temperature fluctuations. At Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, a visitor noted: "In January, the sun doesn't reach the campground until 10:30am," indicating the importance of warm clothing for morning activities.
Limited connectivity: Most pet-friendly camping areas around Somes Bar have minimal cell service. At Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, a camper found unexpected convenience: "There was free wifi that actually worked. The camp host was very nice and helpful."
Seasonal variations: Mosquitoes can be prevalent in summer months. A Fish Lake visitor warned: "Mosquitoes can be a bit thick...don't forget the OFF!" This applies to most river and lake campgrounds in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds near Somes Bar accommodate children with dedicated spaces. At Kamp Klamath RV Park and Campground, "The staff here is always friendly and accommodating. We typically stay in the meadow, however their are more improved RV campsites near the road. There are walking trails nearby and a lot of wild blackberry bushes to snack on."
Play areas: Some dog friendly campgrounds include recreational facilities for children. Elk Country RV Resort features "a cute little lake" and natural spaces for exploration, according to visitors who bring families.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing creates learning experiences. A visitor to Klamath River RV Park reported: "We even saw a bear across the Klamath river!" while another camper noted the interesting pond ecosystem: "They have a small pond with a ton of polliwogs in it (end of June). No fish in the pond as a couple of otters came in and ate the all the fish."
Accessibility concerns: Family-friendly trails vary in difficulty. At Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, a visitor observed that "Fern canyon offers amazing hiking. It's 1 of a kind. There's lot of redwoods and miles and miles of trails to explore," though families should research trail difficulty before embarking with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers should consider terrain and access limitations. For Lacks Creek BLM, one camper warns: "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."
Hookup availability: Full-service options exist but are limited. At Klamath River RV Park, a visitor confirms: "Full hookup, riverfront sites available, clean bathrooms/showers, camp store, camp cafe open on weekends for breakfast, group fire pits."
Size restrictions: Many dog-friendly camping areas have vehicle limitations. A Lacks Creek visitor noted: "We even pulled up our rear drop camper and had no issues at all," while another cautioned about larger rigs: "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."
Site spacing: Proximity to neighboring campers varies by location. At Klamath River RV Park, a camper observed: "The only downside is how close the sites are. The pullout of the camper next to us was over our picnic table."
