A Camping Guide
for Klamath Vacations




This camping guide gives an overview of several of the locations to stay as you are exploring this beautiful and scenic region. Each location can accommodate those pulling an RV or 5th wheel or want to put up a tent.

Of course, the best time of the year for being outdoors in this area is from June to October. However, the more adventurous tell me they like to camp up to eight months a year. Our family likes the summer months the best but when the snow starts to fly that brings a sudden end to our camping season.

One of the benefits of this region is the fresh air and cool nights. Even in the summertime night temperatures can get down to the 40’s or 50’s. So come prepared to have a make a fire and bring a light jacket because you never know when you’ll need it.

I’ve categorized this guide into six geographic locations to help you decide which destination is best for you. Each destination gives a list of some of the features and directions for getting there.



In Klamath Falls

Klamath Falls is a central location and can be your home base as you make day trips to Crater Lake or the Lava Beds. The best location in Klamath Falls is the KOA Kampground on Shasta Way. They offer tent and RV sites as well as cabins.

For more information about Klamath Falls sites click on this link.



On Highway 140

Traveling west of Klamath Falls takes you past the Running Y Resort, beautiful views of the mountains and Upper Klamath Lake, and Rocky Point. In the fall this highway provides some of best fall colors especially the Aspen trees just past the Rocky Point turnoff.

Continuing west on Hwy 140 you pass through the Mountain Lakes Wilderness Area. And at around 5000 feet elevation you come to two camping locations – one at Fourmile Lake (with a gorgeous view at the base of Mt. McLoughlin) and at Lake of the Woods (with another fantastic view of the mountain from the south).

For more information about Highway 140 sites click on this link.



On Highway 97

Highway 97 north of Klamath Falls is one of the most beautiful drives in the Pacific Northwest. The road follows the lake shore of Upper Klamath Lake with majestic views of the Cascade Mountains to the west and especially Mt. McLoughlin in the distance.

Farther north you see Mt. Scott and the eastern rim of Crater Lake. Closer to Chiloquin you pass the Kla-mo-ya Casino (open 24 hours a day). And just past Chiloquin is the Collier Memorial State Park.

This state park is located where the Williamson River and Spring Creek converge and is an ideal fishing spot. The Logging Museum and the day-use area are a short distance away. This site is a very popular location for those from Klamath Falls who just want to “get away” from town for the weekend.

For more information about Collier Memorial State Park click on this link.

Traveling on Highway 97 south takes you past the California-Oregon border. The road jogs (and slows down) in Dorris. This road is especially beautiful because snow-covered Mt. Shasta keeps getting larger and larger out your front window.

Shortly after reaching Macdoel take the turnoff to Juanita Lake campground. You will find this to be a quiet and peaceful area with a lake that is good for fishing and canoeing. A paved path encircles the lake. This is a great place for family fun!

For more information about Juanita Lake click on this link.



At Crater Lake National Park

Four options are available for those wanting to stay overnight at Crater Lake – cabins at Mazama Village, the Crater Lake Lodge, or camping at either the Lost Creek or the Mazama campgrounds.

The cabins at Mazama village feature one or two queen beds with a private bathroom. A restaurant and gift shop is also located at Mazama village. Public showers, washers, and dryers are also available.

The historic Crater Lake Lodge is the ultimate stay with rooms overlooking the lake. The lodge features 71 rooms, two large fireplaces, a seating area, and the dining room. The Lodge is an excellent romantic getaway for a night with that special someone!

For more information about the Lost Creek or Mazama campgrounds click here.



At the Lava Beds National Monument

Highway 39 south of Klamath Falls heads past the agricultural district going to Merrill (known for its slow speed limit and police radar). If you’re looking for a place to eat while in Merrill we recommend Pappy Ganders. It has good food and a friendly atmosphere.

Follow the directions past the California-Oregon border as you head towards the Lava Beds National Monument. This park is known for Captain Jack’s Stronghold, for hiking, and especially for cave exploring! Make sure and stop at the visitor’s center to see a brief history of the park and get a layout of all the caves.

For more information about the Lava Beds click on this link.



On Hwy 66

One of the best unknown campsites is located just north of Keno and is only 20 minutes from Klamath Falls. This site borders the Klamath River and has its own boat ramp. The river is used for boating, water skiing, and water inter tubing.

This site is one of our favorites and there are always plenty of sites available. There are hot showers and a day-use area. In the early mornings we like to watch the pelicans glide over the water’s edge. In the evening you can watch the moon rise over the river.



For more information about Hwy 66 sites click on this link.

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