Tent camping near Klamath Falls, Oregon features campsites ranging from 3,800 feet elevation at Upper Klamath Lake to over 7,000 feet at Mount Ashland. The region experiences dramatic seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows often below freezing. Camping accessibility changes significantly throughout the year, with many higher-elevation sites closed by snow from late fall through spring.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Scott Creek campers can access several hiking paths directly from their sites. According to a visitor, "There is a neat little creek right by the campsites. It's a little ways off the main road and feels a bit secluded."
Fishing opportunities: Anglers frequently visit Eagle Ridge Park for its lake access. One camper noted it has "good fishing, beautiful lake and mountain views" and is "busy during duck season and early spring trout season."
Mountain exploration: Visit volcanic features near A.H Hogue Campground, which provides access to nearby geological sites. A visitor mentioned, "The campground is close to many awesome volcanic sites such as glass mountain and Mt Hoffman. It is not that far from Lava Beds National Monument which is another great thing to check out."
Stargazing: Clear mountain nights offer exceptional celestial viewing opportunities. As one camper at Lost Creek Campground described, "At night you can see so many stars and meteors. Excellent for watching meteor showers."
What campers like
Seclusion and privacy: Mount Ashland Campground offers sites scattered throughout the forest. A visitor reported, "Spots are scattered and hard to find at night. Had dear running around while I was setting up the tent."
Budget-friendly options: Free camping exists at several locations in national forests. One Mount Ashland camper stated, "It is a marked campground that is FREE. Simply follow the road past the ski area and you will find it."
Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain their facilities despite remote locations. A camper at Martins Dairy Campground was impressed with the "immaculate" restroom, noting it was the "Cleanest public bathroom I have ever encountered."
Water proximity: Several campgrounds feature creeks or lakes. A Parker Meadows visitor appreciated the "Primitive camping, needs maintenance, but wild and close to wilderness trails."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires traveling unpaved roads. A Scott Creek Forest Camp visitor advised, "Google will take you down some crazy roads. Look at the map before getting on the dirt road and choose the roads that are the straightest; those will get you there easiest. Panhandle rd on the north side of the creek will take you most of the way."
Weather changes: Mountain sites experience significant temperature fluctuations. A Lost Creek Campground visitor warned, "Very hot in the summer with not a lot of shade."
Seasonal closures: Verify operating dates before travel. A Lost Creek visitor stated, "This campground is closed to the public and has been for a couple years. Only fire crews working in the park are allowed to stay here. You will receive a ticket for illegal camping."
Site limitations: Many campgrounds lack modern amenities. Scott Creek campers should "make sure to bring enough water, wipes, the whole 9 yards" as there is only "a vault toilet there, but no other facilities."
Tips for camping with families
Check site accessibility: Some camping areas have challenging access roads that may not suit families with young children. A Scott Creek visitor noted they "had a great time camping at this free campground! Its secluded but pretty close to HWY 97, which is nice!"
Prepare for insects: Bug protection is essential, particularly near water. An Eagle Ridge Park camper warned, "I was feasted upon by blood thirsty winged things! But there's trash cans. A bathroom. Tables and pits. But damn the mosquitoes."
Temperature management: Higher elevation sites require additional warmth considerations. A visitor to A.H. Hogue Campground advised, "While everything was well maintained and clean I must warn that it was pretty cold for late summer/early fall camping with lows well in the 20s. I definitely recommend bringing appropriate gear and checking the weather before heading out."
Check crowding patterns: Some sites experience high weekend occupancy. Lost Creek Campground was described as "Super packed" during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Most tent camping areas near Klamath Falls have limited RV accommodation. A Mount Ashland camper noted, "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."
Turnaround limitations: Check campground layouts before attempting access with larger vehicles. According to one visitor, "RVs or trailers would have a hard time finding a spot that would fit them, though we saw one or two that a small rig could squeeze into. There did not appear to be a good turn around so it is advisable to walk up the road to assess to see if your rig has a space or will even fit."
Alternative parking options: Some areas offer workarounds for RVers. A Mount Ashland visitor suggested, "If you have a van or camper I would recommend parking at one of the more level pull offs before the campground then just walking up for the view."
