Camping sites near Somes Bar, California cluster along the Klamath River basin at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet. The area experiences mild winters with periodic rain and warm, dry summers with temperatures typically reaching 85-95°F from July through September. River access varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering direct riverfront sites while others require short drives to water recreation areas.
What to do
Salmon fishing season: August-September. The Klamath River mouth attracts anglers during the annual salmon run. At Kamp Klamath RV Park and Campground, visitors can participate in seasonal community events. "Saturday nights in the summer are the best as they do a salmon cook out with live music," notes one camper who appreciates the fishing opportunities at the river mouth just a mile away.
Ocean wildlife viewing: Year-round. The nearby coastline provides opportunities to observe marine mammals. Kamp Klamath offers "easy walk to where the Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean and plenty to see around there," according to one reviewer who spent a week exploring the area. The beach near the river mouth allows visitors to "sit on the beach to watch the perfect sunset" and observe "seals feed," according to another camper.
Redwood hiking: Best April-October. Several trails run through old-growth forests within 15-30 minutes of most campgrounds. Mystic Forest RV Park features its own hiking path. "There is a hiking trail around the RV Site through the woods which is fantastic," reports one visitor. Another mentions the park is "nearby all the access points for the different Redwood must-see sights."
What campers like
Riverside relaxation: Morning fog, afternoon sun. The Klamath River frontage offers peaceful settings and wildlife viewing. Chinook RV Resort provides "a fire pit set up on a little cozy deck on the water" and is "very peaceful and fairly quiet," according to visitors. One reviewer specifically noted the resort is "right on the Klamath River and is very peaceful."
Clean facilities: Updated regularly. Most campgrounds maintain well-serviced bathroom and shower buildings. At Klamath River RV Park, campers appreciate the "clean bathrooms/showers, camp store, camp cafe open on weekends for breakfast." Another visitor noted the "lovely bathrooms, tetherball pole with playground, and even a coffee shop."
Community atmosphere: Seasonal activities. Several parks organize social events during peak season. Klamath River RV Park offers "group fire pits" and friendly staff who "brought us to our site and came out of the office to wish us safe travels on the way out." Many visitors report meeting long-term campers who return annually, creating a welcoming environment.
What you should know
Cell service and internet: Very limited. Connectivity varies dramatically between campgrounds, with most offering limited or no cellular coverage. Lighthouse Cove RV Park is an exception, with one camper reporting "cell service and Wi-Fi were good, which is what kept us here for the week, since we were working remotely."
Highway noise: Consider site location. Several campgrounds sit adjacent to Highway 101, creating noise issues for light sleepers. A Lighthouse Cove visitor mentioned "the site is also near a lighthouse jetty that produces a tone every 7 seconds or so, non-stop," while another campground was described as "right by the highway, unbelievably loud."
Weather considerations: Coastal influence. The region experiences significant rainfall and fog, particularly in winter months. Campers at Kamp Klamath advise: "Beware this is considered a rain forest so your rig will really get a water test at the right times of the year."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Limited access. Few campgrounds offer swimming facilities, though some provide river access. Redwood Meadows RV Resort is located "half a mile away from Jedediah State Park and the Smith River," providing nearby swimming opportunities.
Playground availability: Varies by park. Some campgrounds include basic play equipment. Klamath River RV Park includes "a playground" and recreational options while Redwood Meadows has a "basketball court" and recreational areas for children.
Kid-friendly attractions: 5-20 miles. Notable family destinations include Trees of Mystery (educational forest attraction) and various beaches. A Mystic Forest RV Park visitor noted the owners "took the time to speak re the different areas we should explore specifically for our kids," helping them hit all the key sights during their stay.
Tips from RVers
Site configurations: Mostly pull-throughs. Many parks offer grassy sites with varying degrees of privacy. Golden Bear RV Park provides "large spaces and beautiful water frond view" while some report "paved spots are tight" but "level spots with full hookups."
Hookup placement: Check before arrival. Some sites require running utilities under your rig. At Mystic Forest RV Park, "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."
Seasonal considerations: April-October prime time. Several RV parks in the area operate with limited services outside the main season. One visitor at Cher-ere Bridge Camp Site noted "the owner recently acquired the plot and has been putting work into it since then" and found it "a great spot to stop, close to the national park, river access as well and reasonably priced."
