Camping sites near Yreka, California primarily cluster around the Klamath National Forest, an 1.7 million acre wilderness area with elevations ranging from 500 to 8,900 feet. Located just 15 miles south of the Oregon border, the region experiences distinct seasons, with winter snowfall common at higher elevations while lower elevations remain accessible year-round. Campgrounds vary from primitive tent sites to developed RV parks with proximity to both Interstate 5 and the Klamath River.
What to do
Floating the Klamath River: Several campgrounds offer river access for summer recreation. At Tree of Heaven Campground, visitor Darin D. noted, "The river itself is great to swim, float, or fish in. 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."
Hiking nearby trails: Mount Ashland Campground provides access to hiking and mountain biking trails with views extending into California. A camper mentioned, "The PCT runs near here so it is a place for thru hikers to stay," while another noted, "There is no light pollution nearby so I bet the star gazing would be fantastic."
Wildlife viewing: Watch for local wildlife throughout the area. At Tree Of Heaven Campground, visitors should "keep your eye out with pets or kids" as one camper reported spotting a rattlesnake. At Blue Heron RV Park, guests often see "wild horses... They frequently roam around the campground."
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Proximity to the Klamath River rates highly among campers. One visitor to Tree of Heaven Campground described it as "a sweet little spot. I had tent site right on the river and nearly had the place to myself. Basically it's set up as a loop with a large grassy area and restrooms in the middle, and a put in spot for rafters up near the larger beach."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate no-cost sites. A visitor to Mount Ashland Campground shared, "It is a marked campground that is FREE. Simply follow the road past the ski area and you will find it. All of the spots with fire rings were full when we got there, but there was space to park in the turnoffs or off-road past the campground for more private camping spots."
Mountain views: The region offers excellent vistas, particularly of Mount Shasta. A camper at Friendly RV Park highlighted the "Gorgeous Views Of Mount Shasta. Within Walking Distance To Restaurants And Convenience Store. Clean And Remodeled Restrooms/Showers. New Pet Areas."
What you should know
Site differences between tent and RV spaces: Camping options vary significantly by accommodation type. At Beaver Creek Campground, a visitor described it as a "Minimal secluded campground... nestled in the forest in a remote area about 30 minutes or so west of I-5. It's free to stay here, but there is no water or camp host. Plenty of firewood laying around if you need it."
Weather variability: Temperatures can change dramatically, especially at higher elevations. A Mount Ashland visitor warned about conditions that "drops 20 degrees windy, rocks the van windy" while another noted how their experience went from "absolutely stunning on the first day then it turned to rainy with harsh winds and very cold the second day."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies throughout the region. One camper at Blue Heron RV Park reported "We did not have a Verizon signal in the campground. The free campground WiFi provides 1 Mbps download speed. We paid $12.00 for one week of upgraded WiFi which provides 3 Mbps download."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation access: Families enjoy swimming holes and water activities throughout summer. A visitor to Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort shared: "We rented kayaks One day and the next we rented a pontoon boat and our friends joined us. We found a rope swing hanging on a tree and tied up and did some rope swing fun into the lake."
Amenities for extended stays: Some campgrounds offer facilities that support longer family visits. At Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort, families appreciate that it "has a nice beach, boat ramp, party boat rentals, general store, restaurant, bar, arcade, laundry."
Animal attractions: Kids enjoy campgrounds with resident animals. At Trailer Lane Campground, a camper noted "The fun part is the critters they have on site- chickens, turkeys, goats and quail. There is a fun little kid zone with several activities appropriate for the whole family."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: RV sites vary in levelness throughout the region. At Mount Ashland, a visitor cautioned: "This campground is really only set up for tent campers. The place to park for vehicles is far from level. Even with camper jacks I was sleeping at an angle."
Access limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted access for larger rigs. At Trailer Lane Campground, a visitor in a large rig noted the "campground was delightful! We checked in early so the campground was fairly empty which made getting into our site C-5 a little easier as the turns were just a bit tight in our 43' motorhome with toad."
Transit convenience: Many RVers value quick access to major highways. A guest at Waiiaka RV Park described it as "clean, quiet, close enough to the freeway to be convenient without being loud. Dog park and playground were small, campsite were packed close together. It was generally nice but unremarkable."
