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Sarah Totten Campground
Hamburg was named in 1851 by Sigmond Simon, a German miner who prospered in the mercantile business at Scott Bar. Hamburg boasted a population of 5000 around 1880. Hamburg Postmaster Dan Caldwell built the old store west of the campground along the highway in 1859. Caldwell's sister-in-law, Sarah Totten, operated the store/hotel until she died and it closed in 1930. Sarah owned property where the campground is located. She donated the land to the Forest Service on the condition they use it as a recreation area. It was named in her honor. Crumpled structures and rock foundations are all that remain of the Johnston's Store, Bailey Post Office, and Bucket Of Blood Saloon. In Hamburg's prime, these establishments catered to wealthy fly fishermen and sportsmen, including Zane Grey.
*As of August 15th, 2023 this campground is closed due to wildfire activity*
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 9/11/23 Closed due to fires in the area. |
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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: | Family Camp $10 per night, Group Camps $50 per night by reservation only at www.recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777 |
| Permit Info: | The 2 Group Camps are by reservation only at www.recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777 |
| Usage: | Medium |
| Busiest Season: | July-September |
| Restrictions: | Dogs on leash only. Please clean up after your dog. Camping limit 14 days. |
| Closest Towns: | Hamburg (limited services) 1 mile, Seiad 11 miles |
| Water: | Drinking Water |
| Restroom: | Vault |
| Passes: | America the Beautiful Senior Pass and Access Pass are honored at Curly Jack Campground. Information posted at the bulletin board at the entrance. |
| Operated By: | US Forest Service |
General Information
Directions:From I-5 west on Hwy 96 approx 32 miles to the campground on the right. One mile before the town of Hamburg.
Parking:
Two vehicles allowed per campsite including trailers. Additional vehicles should park in the Day Use parking area.
Parking:
Watch overhead for low-hanging branches
Activities
Campground Camping
Camping on the Klamath River in Hamburg.
| No. of Sites | 8 |
| 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 | Some |
| Fees: | $10 per night, $50 per group site by reservation only |
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RV Camping
Camping on the Klamath River in Hamburg.General Info:
ParkingWatch overhead for low-hanging branches
| No. of Sites | 8 |
| Reservation Info | No reservations |
| Pavement Type for Parking | Gravel |
| Hookup - Water | Water available, no hook-ups |
| Hookup - Sewer | No |
| Size Restrictions | 28' limit on most sites. Two sites up to 45' |
| Dump Stations | No |
| Hookups - Electric | No |
| Fire Information | Campfires in fire rings provided, subject to local restrictions. |
| No. of Accessible sites | Some |
Group Camping
Two group camps for 30 persons each on the Klamath River near Hamburg.
| No. of Sites | 2 |
| Reservation Info | By reservation only at www.recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777. |
| Group Shelter | None |
| Group Cooking Facilities | None |
| Hookups - Electric | None |
| Fire Information | Campfires in fire rings provided, subject to local restrictions. |
| No. of Accessible sites | Some |
| Sleeping Shelter | None |
River and Stream Fishing
| Special Designations | Regulations for the Salmon, Scott and Klamath Rivers are published in May each year in "Freshwater & Ocean Sport Fishing Supplement" |
| Fish Species | Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead and Trout |
| 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. For realtime flow data please click on the following link: waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Viewing Wildlife
A good area for riparian wildlife, small animals and deer.Picnicking
Hamburg was named in 1851 by Sigmond Simon, a German miner who prospered in the mercantile business at Scott Bar. Hamburg boasted a population of 5000 around 1880. Hamburg Postmaster Dan Caldwell built the old store west of the campground along the highway in 1859. Caldwell's sister-in-law, Sarah Totten, of Shasta Indian descent, operated the store/hotel until she died and it closed in 1930. The deteriorating gray structure still stands to this day. Sarah owned property where the campground is located. She donated the land to the Forest Service on the condition they use it as a recreation area. It was named in her honor. There is one picnic site for day use.| No. of Sites | 1 |
| No. of Accessible sites | None |
Scenic Driving
On the State of Jefferson Scenic Byway, the Sarah Totten Campground can accommodate trailers, RVs and tent campers. It's also a popular launching point for floating the Klamath River.
| Pavement Type for Parking | Paved and gravel parking spurs for campsites. |
| Size Restrictions | No size restrictions. Limited number of large spaces. |
Boating - Non-Motorized
This is a popular area for river rafters. Boats may be launched from the graded, gravel ramp to the water's edge.
| Launch Ramps | None |
| Trailer Parking | Good Parking |
| Class of rapids | Water level, flow and class of rapids can change seasonally. Contact the District Office in advance for information on rapids. |
| Type of Craft | All portable boats capable of being carried. |
| Water/Flow Level | For realtime flow data please click on the following link: waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
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Swimming
Swimming, wading and water play off the gravel bar in the Klamath River.| 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. |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
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Tubing
Tubing, wading and water play off the gravel bar on the Klamath River. BEWARE: Currents can carry tubes downstream very quickly!| Water/Flow Level | Water flow in creeks and rivers fluctuate with seasons, rainfall and snow pack. |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
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