Discover the best forest campgrounds in Lake Siskiyou with climbing

Formed by Box Canyon Dam on the Sacramento River, Lake Siskiyou is a radiant reservoir resting at the foot of Mount Shasta. The Lake Siskiyou Trail along the shore features epic views of Mt. Shasta and Mt. Eddy with popular spots for biking, fishing, and swimming. Nearby, Shasta-Trinity National Forest invites intrepid hikers to summit Mt. Shasta at 14,179 feet. To the north, Klamath National Forest’s multiple wilderness regions and backpacking trails offer a glimpse of California biodiversity. Sitting south, Lassen Volcanic National Park continues to boast unique features including hydrothermal areas, jagged peaks, and volcanoes. Or head to the Pacific Ocean to see towering trees and iconic landscapes in Redwood State and National Park. Year-round campsites, glampsites, RV parks with 50-amp hookups, and unique camping accommodations make Lake Siskiyou a Northern California hotspot, though winter campers in town for skiing and snowboarding may encounter temperatures below freezing.

Where to go

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Hike, bike, paddle, and ski at California’s largest national forest, just under 20 minutes from Lake Siskiyou. Stretching over two-million acres, Shasta-Trinity National Forest is home to Lake Shasta, California’s largest man-made lake, and Mt. Shasta, one of the state’s highest peaks. A range of scenic trails wind through the park, including the famous Pacific Crest Trail connecting Mexico to Canada. The forest also hosts over 50 developed campgrounds with full hookups, firepits, picnic tables, and restrooms, as well as cabin rentals and dispersed campsites unless otherwise posted. Grab a campfire permit for a warmer night at dispersed sites.

Klamath National Forest

Nestled north of Lake Siskiyou, Klamath National Forest sits on the border of California and Oregon. Its numerous botanic, geologic, and wilderness areas also host 34 developed campgrounds with full hookups and 10 picnic areas. Klamath also offers on-site cabin rentals and some equestrian campsites, as well. No matter where campers wake up, they can trek along old growth redwoods and Douglas firs, get an adrenaline boost on a white-water rafting excursion, or kayak on the Klamath, Scott, and Salmon Rivers.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Venture through volcanoes at Lassen Volcanic National Park on its 150 miles of trails. Less than two hours south of Lake Siskiyou, Lassen is known for its bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and hot springs. For an easier hike, check out Bumpass Hell Trail for a 3-mile loop to the park’s largest geothermal features. Or cruise Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway for some of the park’s most scenic viewpoints and entries to trailheads. Several on-site campgrounds offer tent, RV, and horse campsites with access to restrooms and showers. But, despite Manzanita Lake’s dump station, there are no hookups in the park.

Redwood National and State Parks

The Redwood National and State Parks system consists of Redwood National Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Each park shares a similar ecosystem made up of prairies, rivers, coastline, and massive redwood forests. Campers can spot northern spotted owls and Chinook salmon on a scenic drive along Coastal Drive Loop. Or park the RV and go biking along Ossagon Trail toward Gold Beach. Bring furry friends to Cal Barrel Road where leashed dogs are allowed to sniff the redwoods. Then stay at four developed campgrounds that provide tent and RV campsites as well as potable water and dump stations. Or camp under the trees at free backcountry campsites with a permit.