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Norcross Campground
Completely destroyed in the Panther Fire in 2008, Norcross Campground and Horse Camp has been rebuilt and reopened late in the season in 2009. The refurbished campground has 4 large horse corrals, plenty of horse trailer parking, new campsites and restrooms. Water is available for horses but not for human consumption. There are two main trails out of Norcross heading into the Marble Mountain Wilderness; the Elk Creek Trail and the Kelsey National Recreation Trail along Bear Creek to Bear Valley and Bear Lake. The Elk Creek Trail can be ridden or hiked as 4 different loops with a variety of destinations and mountain lakes.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | This campground is likely unreachable until spring 2024 due to snow. |
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| Rentals & Guides: | For a list of outfitters and guides permitted by the US Forest Service to operate on the Klamath National Forest click here. |
| Fees: | No fee |
| Usage: | Light |
| Busiest Season: | July-August |
| Restrictions: | Do not tie horses to trees, living or dead. Do not tie horses to corral rails or posts. Keep horses away from the creek. Avoid damage to creek bank. Carry water to horses in corrals. Water and garbage service are not provided. Bring enough water for drinking, cooking and washing as well as extra water to drown campfires each day. Please take all trash, garbage and dog droppings with you when you leave. Dogs on leash only. Camping limit 14 days. |
| Closest Towns: | Happy Camp 14 miles |
| Water: | Horses only, Not for Drinking |
| Restroom: | Vault |
| Operated By: | US Forest Service |
General Information
Directions:From Happy Camp south on Forest Road 16N05 (locally known as Elk Creek Rd) approx 14 miles to the campground. Portions of the road are improved gravel. Brown Forest Service signs direct the way.
Activities
Campground Camping
Reconstructed after the Panther Fire. Great new facilities
General Info:
ParkingDay Use and picnicking are permitted at the Norcross Campground. There is no fee for Day Use. Please use the Day Use parking whenever possible to allow campsites to remain available for campers.
Safety Information
This is Bear Country. All food must be secured overnight and when not attended. Always keep a clean camp and do not feed animals, squirrels and rodents.
Permits & Regulations
Water and garbage service are not provided. Bring enough water for drinking, cooking and washing as well as extra water to drown campfires each day. Please take all trash, garbage and dog droppings with you when you leave. Dogs on leash only. Please clean up after your dog. Camping limit 14 days.
| No. of Sites | 4 |
| Reservation Info | Reservations not available. All sites are first come, first served. |
| Fire Information | Campfires permitted in fire rings provided, subject to local restrictions. |
| No. of Accessible sites | None |
| Fees: | no fee |
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RV Camping
Reconstructed after the Panther Fire. Great new facilities. All 4 campsites can accommodate RVs and trailers. No amenities. No water.
General Info:
ParkingWatch overhead for low-hanging branches
| No. of Sites | 4 |
| Reservation Info | Reservations not accepted. All sites are first come, first served. |
| Pavement Type for Parking | Gravel |
| Hookup - Water | No |
| Hookup - Sewer | No |
| Dump Stations | No |
| Hookups - Electric | No |
| Fire Information | Campfires permitted in fire rings provided, subject to local restrictions. |
| No. of Accessible sites | None |
| Fees: | No fee |
|---|
Day Hiking
Hikers and horsemen head south from Norcross on the Elk Creek Trail or east on the Kelsey National Recreation Trail. Both enter the beautiful country of the Marble Mountain Wilderness. Day hikers and backpackers should always yield to horses and livestock on the trail. Step off the trail on the downhill side and speak to horses in a quiet voice. This will help them stay calm as they pass you.
General Info:
ParkingDay Use and picnicking are permitted at the Norcross Campground. There is no fee for Day Use. Please use the Day Use parking whenever possible to allow campsites to remain available for campers.
Permits & Regulations
Please pack out all trash. Do not burn or bury trash and food waste. Bury human waste in at least 6 inches or more of soil, at least 100 feet away from any lake, stream, water course or trail.
Dogs on leash only. Please clean up after your dog. Do not allow dogs to chase, hunt or kill forest animals and birds.
Seasonal Information
Snow may cover or obscure trails at high elevations well into June depending on weather.
Safety Information
A good map, compass and trail guide are recommended for safe travel through the wilderness.
| Fire Information | A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire outside of developed areas. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire. |
| Fees: | No fee |
|---|
Backpacking
Hikers and horsemen head south from Norcross on the Elk Creek Trail or east on the Kelsey National Recreation Trail. Both enter the beautiful country of the Marble Mountain Wilderness. The Kelsey Trail intersects with the PCT several miles past Bear Lake. Portions of the PCT south and north may require permits in advance. There are dozens of lakes and several hiking loops that can be reached by way of the Norcross Trailhead. Be sure you take an accurate map of the area with you.
General Info:
ParkingWhen parking overnight or for extended periods at trailheads always secure all food, packaging and ice chests in the trunk of your vehicle. Do not park in front of gates or partially obstruct a fire road.
Day Use and picnicking are permitted at the Norcross Campground. There is no fee for Day Use. Please use the Day Use parking whenever possible to allow campsites to remain available for campers.
Permits & Regulations
Please pack out all trash. Do not burn or bury trash and food waste. Bury human waste in at least 6 inches or more of soil, at least 100 feet away from any lake, stream, water course or trail.
A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire outside of developed areas. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire.
Seasonal Information
Snow may cover or obscure trails at high elevations well into June depending on weather.
Safety Information
A good map, compass and trail guide are recommended for safe travel through the wilderness.
This is Bear Country. All food must be secured overnight and when not attended. Always keep a clean camp and do not feed animals, squirrels and rodents.
| Fire Information | A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire outside of developed areas. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire. |
Horse Camping
Norcross is the trailhead for the Elk Creek Trail, the Kelsey National Recreation Trail and connects with the Tickner Hole Trail, the Granite Creek Trail and Rainey Valley Trail. New facilities opened in fall of 2009 including new restrooms, tables and new corrals. The Forest Service requests and recommends bringing certified weed free feed for horses entering the wilderness.
General Info:
ParkingDay Use and picnicking are permitted at the Norcross Campground. There is no fee for Day Use. Please use the Day Use parking whenever possible to allow campsites to remain available for campers.
Parking
Day Use and picnicking are permitted at the Norcross Campground. There is no fee for Day Use. Please use the Day Use parking whenever possible to allow campsites to remain available for campers.
Day Use and picnicking are permitted at the Norcross Campground. There is no fee for Day Use. Please use the Day Use parking whenever possible to allow campsites to remain available for campers.
| No. of Sites | 4 |
| Reservation Info | Reservations not available. All sites are first come, first served. |
| Fire Information | Campfires permitted in fire rings provided, subject to local restrictions. |
| Corrals | Four medium sized corrals could possibly hold 2 horses each for a total of 8. |
| Loading Ramp | No |
| Watering Tank | Horse water is piped to campground. Not for human consumption. Do not water horses directly in the creek or from the creek bank. |
| Hitching Rails | None. Do not tie horses to trees living or dead. Do not tie to corral rails or posts |
| No. of Accessible sites | None |
| Fees: | No fee |
|---|
Horse Riding
Norcross is the trailhead for the Elk Creek Trail, the Kelsey National Recreation Trail and connects with the Tickner Hole Trail, the Granite Creek Trail and Rainey Valley Trail. There is overnight horse camping and day use parking for trailers. The Forest Service requests and recommends bringing certified weed free feed for horses entering the wilderness.
General Info:
ParkingDay Use and picnicking are permitted at the Norcross Campground. There is no fee for Day Use. Please use the Day Use parking whenever possible to allow campsites to remain available for campers.
Permits & Regulations
Dogs on leash only. Please clean up after your dog. Do not allow dogs to chase, hunt or kill forest animals and birds.
Please pack out all trash. Do not burn or bury trash and food waste. Bury human waste in at least 6 inches or more of soil, at least 100 feet away from any lake, stream, water course or trail.
A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire outside of developed areas. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire.
Safety Information
A good map, compass and trail guide are recommended for safe travel through the wilderness.
Seasonal Information
Snow may cover or obscure trails at high elevations well into June depending on weather.
| Corrals | Four medium sized corrals could possibly hold 2 horses each for a total of 8. |
| Hitching Rails | None. Do not tie horses to trees living or dead. Do not tie to corral rails or posts |
| Water Availability | Horse Water |
Viewing Wildlife
Bird watching good for woodpeckers including Pileated woodpeckers
General Info:
Permits & RegulationsDogs on leash only. Please clean up after your dog. Do not allow dogs to chase, hunt or kill forest animals and birds. All hunting in the National Forest is regulated by the CA Dept of Fish and Game.
Safety Information
Feeding wild animals is dangerous to humans and unhealthy for the animals. Always observe animals and birds from a safe distance.
Safety Information
This is Bear Country. All food must be secured overnight and when not attended. Always keep a clean camp and do not feed animals, squirrels and rodents.
| Open Season: | October |
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Viewing Plants
This area was completely destroyed in the Panther fire of late 2008. This is a chance to see the recovery and succession of plants and trees after an intense wildfire.
| Special Feature | View recovery and succession of plants after a destructive wildfire. |
Swimming
Swimming, wading and water play off the gravel bar in the Elk Creek.
General Info:
Safety InformationNever swim alone or allow children to play unsupervised in creeks, rivers or lakes.
| Clothing Requirements | Swimming attire required. |
| Water Temperature | Water temperature fluctuates with seasons, flow level and water depth. |
| Water/Flow Level | Water flow in creeks and rivers fluctuate with seasons, rainfall and snow pack. |
| Fees: | No fee |
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