Idlewild Campground
Open year-round, first-come, first-served. Water is currently marked non-potable until further notice. Potable water and trash service are typically available only during summer months; winter visitors must bring water and pack out trash.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Fire restrictions in effect on Klamath National Forest
A record-low winter snowpack coupled with hot and dry conditions have prompted the Klamath National Forest to go into fire restrictions, effective June 18, 2026.These restrictions are designed to help minimize the chances of human-caused wildfires. Human-caused fires, which can start from escaped…
About
Idlewild Campground occupies a peaceful setting along the North Fork of the Salmon River in Klamath National Forest. The campground's 11 sites accommodate tents and smaller RVs up to 24 feet. The riverside location offers good riparian wildlife viewing and forest birding, with small mammals frequently visiting the campsites. The campground operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis at $10 per night. During summer months, potable water from faucets and garbage service are provided. Winter visitors should be prepared to bring their own water and pack out trash, as these services are suspended from late October through spring. An 11-mile drive to Etna Summit on Road 1C01 rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Marble Mountains and Russian Wilderness. Gold panning on the Salmon River is permitted but regulated by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Directions
From Etna, take Sawyers Bar Road for approximately 20 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 24ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 841-6131 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Idlewild Campground |
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