Idlewild Campground

Star4.63
18 reviews
Idlewild Campground, Etna, CA
Great Hiking

Quick Facts

2,500 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Klamath National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Idlewild Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$10/night for single campsites. Family campsites are also $10. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 18 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadelocationhikingsites

"User reviews highlight Idlewild Campground as an ideal spot for exploring remote wilderness areas in California. The campground is described as basic but comfortable, catering to those who appreciate minimalism and proximity to nature."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Idlewild Campground, Etna, CA

Idlewild Campground

Idlewild Campground, Etna, CA

Driving directionsFrom Etna, take Main St. south for 19.5 miles to the campground on the right.
The campground is accessible via Sawyers Bar Road and Main Street from Etna. Roads are dirt with no mention of paved or unpaved specifics. Seasonal closures might require checking with the ranger district.
Nearby places
Etna, CA (19.5 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies likely in Etna, CA 19.5 miles away but specifics are not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Idlewild Campground

Idlewild's climate tells the story of California's diverse mountain weather, where crisp morning air gives way to warm afternoons and cool, star-filled evenings. Late spring through early summer unveils the campground at its finest—wildflowers paint the meadows, streams run full with snowmelt, and temperatures hover in that perfect sweet spot for both daytime adventures and comfortable sleeping. As autumn approaches, the landscape transforms into a golden tapestry, offering spectacular photography opportunities and peaceful solitude for those who venture here after the summer crowds have departed.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer favored: potable water and garbage service available; campground in peak season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into mid-October; crisp afternoons and quieter trails likely but services may decline.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open starting in May; late spring brings wildflowers but early spring may be snowbound.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside May–mid Oct; winter camping faces service and access challenges.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open from May 1 to October 15, weather permitting.

About Idlewild Campground

Tucked away in the heart of the Klamath National Forest, Idlewild Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This intimate retreat features 11 thoughtfully spaced campsites along the melodious North Fork of the Salmon River, where the gentle rush of water creates nature's perfect soundtrack. Open from May through mid-October, this hidden gem serves as your gateway to endless exploration—from dawn fishing expeditions to sunset hikes through ancient forests. While the amenities remain refreshingly simple, the campground delivers exactly what wilderness enthusiasts crave: a genuine connection with the untamed beauty of Northern California's backcountry.
Idlewild Campground offers a mix of tent and combined-use sites for camping. While primarily basic, it includes unique amenities like wood-burning ovens in some sites.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14 days

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Idlewild Campground provides opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can engage in hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The campground is conveniently located near the trailheads for Russian and Marble Mountain Wildernesses and offers access to the North Fork of the Salmon River.
HikingHiking is one of the key activities at Idlewild Campground. Nearby trailheads lead to the Russian and Marble Mountain Wilderness areas as well as the Pacific Crest Trail. These trails offer options for both day hikes and backpacking.
FishingFishing is permitted and supported, with opportunities to catch rainbow trout in the North Fork of the Salmon River. User reviews also mention the potential for gold panning and mining in the area.
SwimmingWhile specific designated swimming areas or safety measures are not mentioned, the proximity to the North Fork of the Salmon River implies opportunities for river swimming.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is described as a 'bird-friendly area' due to its shaded environment created by oak, Douglas fir, and Ponderosa pine.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is in bear country; safe food storage practices are advised.

Weather at Idlewild Campground

Reviews

4.6
18 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Idlewild Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Idlewild Campground as an ideal spot for exploring remote wilderness areas in California. The campground is described as basic but comfortable, catering to those who appreciate minimalism and proximity to nature.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the campground's remote location, shaded environment, and proximity to hiking trails and wilderness areas. Specific praise is given to unique features like wood-burning ovens at...
Show more
Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints are highlighted in the reviews.
Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend exploring the nearby Russian and Marble Mountain Wilderness areas and the Pacific Crest Trail. Bringing cash or checks for payment is advised, as credit cards are not accepted.
Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The summer season is favored due to the availability of potable water and garbage service. Winter camping presents challenges as these services are unavailable.
Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Good campground to put you right in the middle of endless exploration possibilities." - B-Town. "This campground has 11 sites 2 vaulted toilet bathrooms. Picnic table and a fire ring are there." -...
Show more
Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are identified as best or worst, but some sites feature wood-burning stoves, which are highly praised.
Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are mentioned as wheelchair-friendly; no additional accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground's remote nature is noted as a positive for bringing animals.
Based on 18 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Idlewild Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Klamath National Forest
Idlewild Campground