How much does camping cost at Shadow Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Shadow Creek Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Shadow Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Shadow Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Decommissioned; walk-up availability not applicable.

What is the best time to visit Shadow Creek Campground?

Shadow Creek Campground is open Currently decommissioned and not open for reservations.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Shadow Creek Campground?

Shadow Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Shadow Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Shadow Creek Campground: Not noted. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Shadow Creek Campground have?

Shadow Creek Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Shadow Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Shadow Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Shadow Creek Campground?

Shadow Creek Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Shadow Creek Campground

3.57

7 reviews

Featured in:Tent Camping California

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Currently decommissi...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

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Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Currently decommissi...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Shadow Creek Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees specified as the site is decommissioned.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Shadow Creek Campground

41.2025, -123.0689

Weather at Shadow Creek Campground

Current alert: "Decommissioned." Current status

Best Time to Camp at Shadow Creek Campground

The area experiences a dry climate with clear skies for much of the year. Spring offers particularly good conditions, with week 17 seeing clear weather 72% of the time and week 19 bringing warm temperatures. Off-season months bring cold weather and varied precipitation, making the prime camping months the better choice for comfortable conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Campground currently decommissioned and unavailable year-round.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Currently decommissioned and not open for reservations.

About Shadow Creek Campground

Shadow Creek Campground sits at 3,000 feet along the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River in Klamath National Forest. The campground is currently decommissioned and unavailable for camping. When it was operational, it offered six sites (tent and RV-compatible) accessed via paved Callahan-Cecilville Road. One reviewer camped here for 41 years, calling it "the best campground around."

Shadow Creek Campground features six campsites, some of which were previously accessible to RVs. The site does not provide potable water or flush toilets, and it is currently closed and decommissioned.

Weather and SeasonsThe area experiences a dry climate with clear skies for much of the year. Spring offers particularly good conditions, with week 17 seeing clear weather 72% of the time and week 19 bringing warm temperatures. Off-season months bring cold weather and varied precipitation, making the prime camping months the better choice for comfortable conditions.

ElevationPerched at a comfortable 3,000 feet above sea level, Shadow Creek Campground occupies a sweet spot in the mountains where the air stays crisp without being thin, and summer temperatures remain pleasant even during the warmest afternoons. This moderate elevation along the South Fork Salmon River creates an ideal microclimate where mountain meadows meet riverside forests, offering campers the best of both high country beauty and accessible, year-round recreation opportunities.

Natural Features and SceneryThe East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River runs through the campground, surrounded by the forested terrain typical of the Klamath region. At this elevation, the landscape features ancient mountain formations and river-carved valleys, with exposed rock formations revealing the geological history of Northern California. The diverse ecosystem includes towering conifers and undergrowth characteristic of the forest.

Geological RegionShadow Creek Campground sits within the remarkable geological tapestry of the Klamath National Forest, where ancient mountain formations meet the life-giving waters of the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River. At 3,000 feet elevation, this landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, with exposed rock formations and river-carved valleys revealing the powerful forces that shaped this corner of Northern California. The forested terrain typical of the Klamath region creates a diverse ecosystem where geological history and vibrant natural life converge, offering visitors a window into one of the West's most ecologically rich and geologically fascinating regions.

Scenic Views"Forest and river views are expected based on the location along the South Fork Salmon River." - inferred from authoritative description

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

The Shadow Creek Campground offers six campsites situated at an elevation of approximately 3,000 feet near the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River. However, as of the latest update, the site is decommissioned and closed to the public. It is important to note that there are no restroom facilities available, and potable water is not provided at the campground. Access to the campground is via the paved County Road 1C02 (Callahan - Cecilville Road).

Vault toilets

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RV details

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Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.6

7 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Shadow Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

From the limited user reviews available, Shadow Creek Campground seems to have been a beloved destination for many years. However, its current decommissioned status renders it unavailable for camping.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

"The best campground around. I have been camping there for 41 years," said a reviewer named Willie Morrison.

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

No negative reviews or complaints are mentioned explicitly in the sources. However, the lack of potable water and restroom facilities may have been potential concerns before the campground's closure.

Based on 7 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Nostalgia research only: one loyal camper logged 41 years here along the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River before closure. Worth knowing the name if the Forest Service ever reopens it.

Skip if

Everyone planning an actual trip. The site is officially decommissioned, you cannot camp here, and there are no services if you show up anyway.

Nearby Campgrounds

East Fork Campground sits at the confluence of the East and South Forks of the Salmon River in Klamath National Forest. The campground has six sites and sits at 2,415 feet elevation. It's primitive: vault toilet and picnic tables, but no potable water, garbage service, or bear boxes. Bring water filtration and pack everything out.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

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Matthews Creek Campground

Matthews Creek Campground, Klamath National Forest, California

Matthews Creek Campground sits on a bluff above the South Fork of the Salmon River in Klamath National Forest, offering 10 primitive tent sites at $10 per night. The campground delivers a stripped-down experience with vault toilets and picnic tables but no potable water or hookups. Moss-covered oaks shade the sites, and the river sits close enough for swimming and fishing.

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Less Visited

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Carter Meadows Horse Group

11263 N. HWY. 3, FORT JONES, CA 96032, USA

Carter Meadows Horse Group sits at 5,800 feet in Klamath National Forest, operated by the Salmon-Scott River Ranger District. This equestrian-focused group campground provides horse pens, trailer parking, and direct access to Trinity Alps trails and the Pacific Crest Trail. Reviewers praise the clean flush toilets, spacious layout, and well-maintained corrals, though trash pickup can be inconsistent despite regular ranger visits.

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

3.0

(7)

Hidden Horse Equestrian Campground

11263 North Highway 3, Fort Jones, California, 96032, United States

Hidden Horse Equestrian Campground sits at 5,800 feet in Klamath National Forest near Fort Jones, California. This U.S. Forest Service facility caters specifically to horseback riders with corrals and direct access to extensive trail systems. The small, secluded camp offers a natural base for multi-day pack trips through mid-elevation forest terrain.

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Idlewild Campground, Etna, CA

Idlewild Campground sits along the North Fork of the Salmon River in Klamath National Forest, offering 11 basic sites at $10 per night. Open May through mid-October, it's a minimal setup with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. The campground puts you close to the Russian and Marble Mountain Wilderness areas and serves campers who prefer remote access over full hookups.

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Red Bank Campground sits at 1,870 feet along the North Fork of the Salmon River in Klamath National Forest, a no-fee primitive spot with five sites for self-sufficient campers. There's no potable water or garbage service. Pack what you need, filter river water, and pack out everything you bring.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

3.2

(6)

Hotelling Campground

Klamath National Forest

Hotelling Campground sits in the foothills of Klamath National Forest along the South Fork Salmon River in Nevada. This very small site offers vault toilets and direct river access for swimming and wildlife viewing. With only a handful of exclusive riverside spots, it attracts visitors seeking a quiet, undeveloped base for fishing and exploring nearby trails during the warm summer months.

Big Flat Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Klamath National Forest, offering primitive tent sites with vault toilets and no potable water. The remote location requires a long, rough access road from Highway 3, which keeps crowds minimal and the sites pristine. Visitors hike to nearby Caribou Lakes, watch for deer and elk, and enjoy shaded sites in a quiet alpine setting.

Nordheimer Main Campground

Nordheimer Group Campground sits in Six Rivers National Forest at low elevation, operated by the U.S. Forest Service for group reservations only. The site provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a forested setting near the Salmon River canyon. Spring brings peak river flows from snowmelt, drawing rafters and boaters to the area's whitewater runs and canyon scenery.

Coffee Creek Road, off State Hwy 3, Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Goldfield Campground sits at 3,028 feet in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, a primitive camping area near Coffee Creek and Weaverville. The campground has vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables but no potable water. Snow conditions can limit access during winter months.

Primitive

26.839 km

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

3.4

(6)

Nordheimer Group Sites

PO BOX 410, ORLEANS, CA 95556

Nordheimer Group Sites sits in the Six Rivers National Forest foothills near Orleans, offering group-only camping along the Salmon River. Operated by Recreation.gov, the campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables across a handful of primitive sites separated from the main campground by streams and gates. Groups come for river access, privacy, and the freedom to gather without disturbing neighboring campers.

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Less Visited

3.4

(11)

Hobo Gulch Campground

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Hobo Gulch Campground sits at 2,900 feet along the North Fork Trinity River in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The 10 primitive tent sites are secluded and rustic, with vault toilets and picnic tables but no potable water. Several sites have river views. Access requires navigating a narrow, challenging road that reviewers consistently call steep and difficult.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

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P.O. BOX 410, ORLEANS, CA 95556, USA

Oak Bottom Campground sits along the Salmon River in Six Rivers National Forest near Orleans, California. This small, budget-friendly campground operated through Recreation.gov offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. Fall brings salmon and steelhead runs, making it a prime time for fishing and wildlife viewing alongside hiking, swimming, and boating access.

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East Fork Campground – Six Rivers Nf (Ca)

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East Fork Campground – Six Rivers Nf (Ca)

Six Rivers National Forest

East Fork Campground sits along the East Fork of the New River in Six Rivers National Forest, near Willow Creek in northern California. This very small Forest Service campground offers creekside tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables under ample shade. Winter brings the best conditions with dramatic creek flows ideal for steelhead and salmon viewing, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds.

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Less Visited

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Dillon Creek Campground

Six Rivers National Forest

Dillon Creek Campground sits in the foothills of Six Rivers National Forest, operated by the U.S. Forest Service with stewardship by the Karuk tribe. This small campground along the Klamath River offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for river fishing during fall salmon runs, hiking nearby trails, and remarkably dark skies ideal for stargazing.

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Pearch Creek Campground

P.O. Box 410, Orleans, CA, 95556, USA

Pearch Creek Campground sits along the Klamath River in Six Rivers National Forest, operated by the Forest Service near Orleans. The small campground offers tent and RV sites under a Douglas fir canopy, with direct river access for swimming, boating, and fishing. Camp hosts maintain the grounds and vault toilets, and the remote location means no cell service.

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Grider Creek Campground

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Grider Creek Campground sits deep in Klamath National Forest near Seiad, offering 10 secluded campsites along Grider Creek at 1,841 feet elevation. The campground accommodates tents and small RVs in a dense forest setting with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. It's close to the Pacific Crest Trail and appeals to campers seeking remote isolation.

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Campgrounds

Klamath National Forest

Shadow Creek Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Shadow Creek Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Shadow Creek Campground is located along the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River at approximately 3,000 ft. elevation.  Access is by paved County Rd. 1C02 (Callahan - Cecilville Rd).  There are six campsites, some with RV access, vault toilets, but no potable water.</p>

Shadow Creek Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Shadow Creek Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Shadow Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Shadow Creek Campground

Planning Tips

About Shadow Creek Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Questions & answers

Tips from campers

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Camper Quotes

Go if

Skip if

From the U.S. Forest Service

Overview

Plan a trip to Shadow Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Shadow Creek Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Questions & answers

Tips from campers

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Camper Quotes