Dillon Creek Campground

Star3.66
52 reviews
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,780 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Dillon Creek Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for a standard non-electric site during the peak season from May 14 to October 14 is $10. Additional fees may apply for extra...
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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

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Provider
530-629-4136
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What Campers Say

3.66

Mixed Reviews

Based on 52 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiethikingsites

Some mention

mosquitoes

"The campground has mixed reviews. Positive aspects include the natural beauty, quiet environment, and nearby swimming holes. Issues raised include poor maintenance, mosquito infestations, rowdy campers, and lack of water during certain seasons."

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Campground Map

Dillon Creek Campground

41.5733, -123.5431

Driving directionsFrom State Route 299 in Willow Creek, take State Route 96 north for 60.2 miles. The campground will be on the left side. From Interstate 5 in northern California, take State Route 96 southwest, past Happy Camp, for 85.7 miles. The campground will be on the right side.
Easy access from major highways, primarily via State Route 96, though the location is remote. The roads leading to the campground are paved.
Nearby places
Happy Camp (approximately 25-30 miles away), Somes Bar (approximately 15 miles away), Yreka (approximately 90 miles away, about 1.5-2 hours travel time).
Nearby supplies
Closest grocery stores and supplies are available in Happy Camp and Somes Bar. Happy Camp offers general groceries and a deli, while Somes Bar has the Salmon River Outpost, a high-quality organic-oriented grocery store.

Best Time to Camp at Dillon Creek Campground

From the warm embrace of summer sunshine to the crisp bite of winter mornings, Dillon Creek reveals different personalities throughout the year. Summer temperatures can soar during peak season (May 14 through October 14), creating perfect conditions for creek swimming—though savvy campers come prepared with DEET-based repellent to ward off the season's enthusiastic mosquito population. Winter unveils a different magic, with cold temperatures, dramatic rainstorms, and occasional dustings of snow that transform the forest into a serene wonderland.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer offers swimming but heavy mosquitoes and hot/dusty conditions reported.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall/early winter ideal for salmon and steelhead fishing; calmer crowding noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 14; shoulder season with variable water availability.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Closed for reservations Oct 14–May 14; limited access and water issues in colder months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 14 to October 14.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season begins May 14 and closes October 14 for reservations. Sites may be available on a first-come-first-served basis outside this period.
  • Current Alerts: Currently, there is a lack of water available due to low spring flow.

About Dillon Creek Campground

Nestled where the crystalline waters of Dillon Creek meet the mighty Klamath River, Dillon Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This hidden gem in Northern California's backcountry offers a tranquil retreat beneath towering conifers, where the gentle babble of creek water mingles with birdsong. Summer days invite refreshing swims in pristine pools, while autumn and winter transform the area into a premier destination for salmon fishing enthusiasts watching silver-sided giants navigate upstream.
Dillon Creek Campground offers tent camping and accommodates RVs without hookups. Sites vary in privacy and layout, with some close to the road and others more secluded.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Dillon Creek Campground revolve around its natural features and the nearby Klamath River. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, hiking, and boating. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with opportunities to spot deer, bear, and birds. Seasonal considerations like mosquito infestations and algae in the river may affect some activities.
HikingHiking opportunities are available within the campground and along nearby trails. 'The land is stewarded by the indigenous locals of the Karuk tribe, and you can see the harmony of their relationship to the land in the beauty surrounding you.'
FishingFishing is a major attraction, particularly for salmon and steelhead during fall and early winter. 'Fishing for salmon and steelhead during the fall and early winter months is considered the finest in California.'
SwimmingSwimming options include the creek and the Klamath River. The swimming hole across the highway is highly praised. 'The swimming hole is across the Klamath River Highway in the river itself. Although rivers can be dangerous, you'd have to try to get in trouble in this spot.'
BoatingThe nearby Klamath and Salmon Rivers offer excellent opportunities for whitewater rafting and kayaking. 'If rafting or kayaking the river, this is a good point to stay.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity, with game such as deer, bear, and birds frequently spotted. 'Hunting is also a popular pastime, with game including blacktail deer, black bear, blue grouse, and quail.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include poison oak, mosquitos, meat bees, nocturnal ants, and wildlife activity at night. "Definitely beware of animals at night...put food away and stay in your tent."—Perla Millan Henson, user review.
Active AlertsCurrently, there is a lack of water available due to low spring flow.

Weather at Dillon Creek Campground

Reviews

3.7
52 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Dillon Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has mixed reviews. Positive aspects include the natural beauty, quiet environment, and nearby swimming holes. Issues raised include poor maintenance, mosquito infestations, rowdy campers, and lack of water during certain seasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 52 reviews

What Campers Love

Dark, starry skies, quiet campsites, beautiful swimming holes, proximity to hiking trails, and stewardship by the Karuk tribe. 'Dark skies - definitely go for a night walk. The Milky Way is obvious...
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Based on 52 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquito infestations, rowdy campers, lack of water, poor site maintenance, and insufficient communication during emergencies. 'Hot , very dusty, tons of meat bees, mosquitos galore.'
Based on 52 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient mosquito repellents, firewood, and water supplies. Explore the swimming hole across the highway and visit local grocery stores for organic produce. 'Consider bringing a shelter with...
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Based on 52 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mosquitoes are highly prevalent in summer, and water availability is seasonal. Fall and early winter are ideal for fishing, while summer offers swimming opportunities. 'In the summer the mosquitoes...
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Based on 52 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The swimming hole is across the Klamath River Highway in the river itself.' 2. 'The hike down to the river across the road was easy even as a luscious person.' 3. 'Bring your own wood. Overall,...
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Based on 52 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. Campsite 004_NEW: 'Neighbors had taken over the campsite to the edge of ours.' 2. Campsite 019: 'Never saw a maintenance staff person. Hot, very dusty, tons of meat bees, mosquitos galore.'
Based on 52 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is not specifically reviewed, but one user notes that the hike down to the river is manageable for larger individuals.
Based on 52 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but one review mentions overwhelming barking dogs affecting the camping experience. 'The heat, the mosquitos, the barking dogs, and the loudness were unbearable.'
Based on 52 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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