Activities
Camping & Cabins SHOW
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 InformationThis 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 & RegulationsWater 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.
Fire Information | Campfires permitted in fire rings provided, subject to local restrictions. |
No. of Sites | 4 |
Reservation Info | Reservations not available. All sites are first come, first served. |
No. of Accessible sites | None |
Fees: | no fee |
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
Hookup - Sewer | No |
Hookups - Electric | No |
Fire Information | Campfires permitted in fire rings provided, subject to local restrictions. |
Dump Stations | No |
Pavement Type for Parking | Gravel |
No. of Sites | 4 |
Reservation Info | Reservations not accepted. All sites are first come, first served. |
No. of Accessible sites | None |
Hookup - Water | No |
Fees: | No fee |
Hiking HIDE
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 & RegulationsPlease 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 InformationSnow may cover or obscure trails at high elevations well into June depending on weather. Safety InformationA 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 & RegulationsPlease 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 InformationSnow may cover or obscure trails at high elevations well into June depending on weather. Safety InformationA 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 Riding & Camping SHOW
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. 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.
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.
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 |
Fire Information | Campfires permitted in fire rings provided, subject to local restrictions. |
Loading Ramp | No |
No. of Sites | 4 |
Reservation Info | Reservations not available. All sites are first come, first served. |
No. of Accessible sites | None |
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. |
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 & RegulationsDogs 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 InformationA good map, compass and trail guide are recommended for safe travel through the wilderness. Seasonal InformationSnow 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 |
Nature Viewing SHOW
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 InformationFeeding wild animals is dangerous to humans and unhealthy for the animals. Always observe animals and birds from a safe distance. Safety InformationThis 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.
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. |
Water Activities SHOW
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.
Water Temperature | Water temperature fluctuates with seasons, flow level and water depth. |
Clothing Requirements | Swimming attire required. |
Water/Flow Level | Water flow in creeks and rivers fluctuate with seasons, rainfall and snow pack. |
Fees: | No fee |
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