West Branch Campground

Star3.75
6 reviews
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

2,200 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Klamath National Forest site

Official Website
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West Branch Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
There is no charge to use the campground.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

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What Campers Say

3.75

Mixed Reviews

Based on 6 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shade

"Reviews describe the campground as peaceful, secluded, and tranquil with occasional wildlife sightings. It is often empty, providing a quiet retreat for campers."

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Campground Map

West Branch Campground

41.9315, -123.4751

Driving directionsIn Happy Camp, CA, at the intersection of State Rt. 96 and Davis Rd., take Davis Rd. north 11.8 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign onto a single-lane dirt and gravel road and go 0.4 miles to campground.
The campground is accessed via a single-lane dirt and gravel road, which may pose challenges for larger vehicles. The road conditions are not detailed, but the presence of gravel and dirt suggests that care should be taken, particularly during adverse weather.
Nearby places
Happy Camp is approximately 12 miles away, taking around 20 minutes by car.
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies, including potable water and potentially camping gear, can be found in Happy Camp, which is 12 miles away. There is also an RV waste station, with potable water, available in Happy Camp for a fee.

Best Time to Camp at West Branch Campground

From mid-May through mid-October, West Branch Campground awakens from its winter slumber to welcome visitors during the Pacific Northwest's most glorious months. Late spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing creek waters, while summer offers warm days perfect for exploration and cool, star-filled nights that invite lingering around the campfire. Early fall paints the madrones in rich amber hues before the campground closes its gates on October 15th, allowing the forest to reclaim its winter solitude. The seasonal window ensures visitors experience the area at its most accessible and inviting, when mountain roads are clear and nature puts on its finest display.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 15–Oct 15; summer months offer shade, tranquility and peak access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into October; likely pleasant and quieter though no specific fall foliage notes.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens mid-May; late-spring wildflower blooms are noted but season is short initially.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 15–Oct 15; winter stay not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 15 to October 15.
  • Current Alerts: The campground is currently closed due to a road washout, making it inaccessible.

About West Branch Campground

Tucked away in a cathedral of towering Douglas firs and Pacific Madrones, West Branch Campground offers an intimate escape with just 10 family campsites thoughtfully placed along the babbling West Branch of Indian Creek. This hidden gem, carved from the wilderness by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, rewards those who seek it with profound tranquility and the kind of solitude that's increasingly rare in our connected world. Beneath a canopy so dense it filters sunlight into gentle dapples, visitors often find themselves sharing this peaceful retreat with more wildlife than fellow campers—a testament to its reputation as one of the forest's best-kept secrets.
The campground caters to tent and primitive camping. RVs are not supported due to the lack of amenities like hookups and pull-throughs.
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Stay Limit
Camping limit 14 days.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

West Branch Campground provides opportunities for outdoor recreation including wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and informal swimming in the creek.
HikingThere is an informal trail described as a 'beater trail' leading to the creek. It is noted to be rough and less maintained.
SwimmingSwimming activities are possible in the creek, though there are no formally designated swimming areas or safety measures mentioned.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with reports of deer seen near campsites. One reviewer mentioned being 'surrounded by a family of deer,' highlighting the tranquility of the area.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country, and visitors are advised to practice safe food storage techniques. The campground was severely burned in the Slater Fire in September 2020, which may have impacted the area significantly.
Active AlertsThe campground is currently closed due to a road washout, making it inaccessible.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at West Branch Campground

Reviews

3.8
6 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
West Branch Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews describe the campground as peaceful, secluded, and tranquil with occasional wildlife sightings. It is often empty, providing a quiet retreat for campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the tranquility, shade, and natural beauty. Wildlife sightings, such as deer, are common and add to the serene atmosphere.
Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of potable water and garbage facilities is a concern for some visitors. The informal trail to the creek is described as rough and not well-maintained.
Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and extinguishing fires. Proper food storage is essential as the area is bear country. The campground is often empty, making it suitable...
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Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from May 15 to October 15. Reviews suggest that it is quiet during most of the season, with minimal visitor activity.
Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'When I lived in Happy Camp this was my favorite campground nearby. It is about ten miles north of Happy Camp. I used to drive out there to park and write in my journal. It was very peaceful, and...
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Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site reviews for individual campsites were mentioned.
Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility were provided apart from the mention of wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.
Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on a leash. There are no specific reviews highlighting pet-related experiences.
Based on 6 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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