Klamath National Forest

Recreational Activities

• Accessibility - Forest Sites with Handicapped Accessible Facilities/Features
• Camping
• Fishing
• Geologic Special Interest Areas
• Points of Special Interest
• Off Highway Vehicle (OHV)
• Rivers & Whitewater Rafting
  • Klamath River Interactive Rafting Map
  • Rafting Trip Documentation Card
• Recreational Opportunity Guides
  • Goosenest Ranger District
  • Happy Camp/Oak Knoll Ranger District
  • Salmon River Ranger District
  • Klamath National Forest Campgrounds
• Snowmobile and Winter Recreation
• Wilderness

SO MUCH TO DO & SEE

Want to kick back and relax under shady pines by a sparkling lake? Looking for a "base camp" for a day of hiking, rock climbing, boating, fishing, or swimming? Want to just get out of the house for the day for a nice picnic in the great outdoors? If so, the Klamath National Forest can offer you that and more!

Offering nearly one million acres for your enjoyment, relaxation, and exploration, you can experience the solitude of the wilderness or enjoy camping near others in developed campgrounds. Camp in densely forested woodlands or open meadows, discover secluded flats along river banks and enjoy panoramic views of majestic mountains.

A continuing goal of the Klamath National Forest is to make these recreational opportunities accessible to persons with disabilities.

FOREST RULES FOR VISITORS

As a visitor to the National Forests, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forests and the natural environment, to ensure the health and safety of visitors, and to promote pleasant and rewarding outdoor recreation experiences for all visitors.

Dogs – Forest visitors are welcome to bring their dogs to the Klamath but must be prepared to attend their dogs at all times.  Dogs must be on a leash (no longer than 6 feet) in all developed areas including but not limited to campgrounds, picnic areas, river access areas, parking lots, roadways, restrooms, offices and trailheads.  Dogs may not be left unattended in vehicles, campgrounds or parking lots at any time.  Dogs under immediate voice control may be off leash on back country trails but must never be allowed to dig, chase or harass wildlife, or bother livestock or other visitors.

Dispersed Camping – Camping in undeveloped areas of the forest is permitted for no longer than 14 days in one location and no more than 30 days on the forest.  A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, a charcoal barbecue or have a campfire.   Contact the local District Office for possible restrictions in areas you may visit.  Practice minimal impact camping and abide by the principles of Leave No Trace.

Campfire Permits – California campfire permits are valid Jan 1 through Dec 31 of the year issued.  Permits are required on all Forest Service and BLM lands in California when using a camp stove, charcoal barbecue or having a campfire on the ground or in a container.  During times of high fire danger, the forest supervisor may close the forest to campfires and barbecues.  During times of extreme fire danger severe restrictions may be imposed regarding smoking, internal combustion engines and entry into some areas of the forest.  Local restrictions supersede the campfire permit and it is your responsibility to know and abide by local restrictions.  Permits are free and can be obtained at any Forest Service or CDF office.  Always call ahead to the nearest District Office for possible restrictions in the areas you may visit.

Safety – The forest, even in developed areas, can be full of danger for pets and small children.  Learn to recognize and avoid poison oak and rattlesnakes and check your body frequently for ticks.  Never drink from streams, springs or lakes without treating the water first.  Keep a clean camp, secure all food and garbage and Be Bear Aware.  

HELP US PROTECT YOUR FORESTS

Please preserve and protect your National Forests. To do this, try to leave natural areas the way you find them, by practicing "Leave No Trace" conservation ethics. Do not carve, chop, cut and damage any live trees. They have done nothing to deserve this treatment, and damaged trees cheapen the natural experience for others. Try to leave your camp or picnic site a little cleaner than you found it; the next visitor will thank you.

There are campgrounds on the Klamath National Forest that use the Pack it In, Pack it Out program for dealing with waste. This means that garbage cans are not provided. Campers are asked to bring their own garbage bags and take their garbage with them when leaving the campsite. While this seems like an inconvenience, the funds saved are used to provide additional recreational facilities. Do not bury litter; forest animals can smell it and will dig it up.