Dispersed Camping
Camping on the Klamath is not limited to developed campgrounds. Most of the forest is open to those who prefer the quiet and solitude of a completely undeveloped setting. This type of camping is called Dispersed Camping.
Please choose a camping spot where you will leave a minimal impact.
- Always plan ahead for accumulation and storage of your garbage and take it with you when you leave. Never burn or bury garbage in the forest.
- Likewise, it is your responsibility to manage human waste. There are many commercial products on the market to deal with human waste. If you must bury it, be sure to dig a hole at least 6 inches or more down into soil and stay at least 100 feet away from any river, lake, stream, spring or trail. Never bury toilet paper or sanitary products. Animals will dig it up and scatter it around the area.
- Never damage trees or vegetation to create a campsite. Do not dig trenches or build tent platforms.
- 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. To learn more about safely using fire in the forest and to get your permit online, go here.
You may camp in any one "dispersed camping" location (i.e., non-campground area) for 14 days and you may stay a total of 30 days per year on the forest. When you go home, leave the forest the way you found it or better for the enjoyment of the next visitor.
Dispersed Camping Areas
- Goosenest Ranger District
- Goosenest Trailhead
- Happy Camp/Oak Knoll Ranger District
- Elbow Springs Trailhead
- Kelly Lake Trailhead
- No Mans Trailhead
- Poker Flat Trailhead
- Klamath National Wild & Scenic River
- C. Skeahan Bar River Access
- D. Gottville River Access
- E. Brown Bear River Access
- F. Blue Heron River Access
- G. Rocky Point River Access
- H. Sluice Box River Access
- I. Portuguese Creek River Access
- J. Savage Rapids River Access
- L. China Point River Access
- M. Gordons Ferry River Access
- P. Wingate Bar River Access
- Q. Ferry Point River Access
- W. Persido Bar River Access
- X. Ti Bar River Access