How much does camping cost at Fish Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Fish Lake Campground are $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Fish Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Fish Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Fish Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Fish Lake Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Fish Lake Campground?

Fish Lake Campground is open June 15 to September 30. 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 Fish Lake Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Fish Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Fish Lake Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Fish Lake Campground have?

Fish Lake Campground has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Fish Lake Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Fish Lake Campground?

Fish Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Fish Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Fish Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Fish Lake Campground

3.81

63 reviews

PO BOX 412, ORLEANS, CA 95556, USA

C-Report Card

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,780 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Six Rivers National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,780 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Six Rivers National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Fish Lake Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-627-3291

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 412, ORLEANS, CA 95556, USA

Fish Lake Campground

PO BOX 412, ORLEANS, CA 95556, USA

Nearby places

Orleans, CA: approximately 8 miles and 15-20 minutes

Weitchpec, CA: approximately 12 miles and about 30 minutes.

Weather at Fish Lake Campground

Current alerts(9)

Additional parking is available at the day-use and boat ramp areas.
Click here to learn more about the Six Rivers National Forest
Fees apply for additional vehicles.
No cellular signal available near the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Fish Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warm, clear weather that makes Fish Lake shine: expect daytime highs typically in the 70s–80s°F (21–29°C) and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F (4–13°C). The lake is at its warmest and calmest for paddling, swimming, boating and casting for trout and bass, while trails are dry and the campground is fully open (June 15–Sept 30). Weekends and July holidays see moderate crowds, so book early (reservations start June 24) and be prepared for fire restrictions Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Campground open mid-June–Sept; warm (70s–80s°F) and best season despite mosquitoes/bears.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 15 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season runs from June 15th to September 30th, with reservations starting June 24th.

About Fish Lake Campground

Fish Lake Campground sits in the foothills of Six Rivers National Forest near Orleans, California. Managed by the Forest Service, this small seasonal campground draws anglers, swimmers, and hikers to a quiet lake setting with spacious, private sites. Visitors come for trout and bass fishing, trail access, and warm-weather paddling when the campground opens mid-June through late September.

Fish Lake Campground provides space for tent and RV camping, though facilities are limited. Group camping, cabins, and glamping accommodations are not available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warm, clear weather that makes Fish Lake shine: expect daytime highs typically in the 70s–80s°F (21–29°C) and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F (4–13°C). The lake is at its warmest and calmest for paddling, swimming, boating and casting for trout and bass, while trails are dry and the campground is fully open (June 15–Sept 30). Weekends and July holidays see moderate crowds, so book early (reservations start June 24) and be prepared for fire restrictions Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1780 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDouglas fir and Port Orford cedar create a mixed conifer canopy over the campground. Fish Lake, the second-largest freshwater lake in Humboldt County, sits at the center of this northwestern California terrain where maritime air meets mountain forest. Lily pads float in sections of the lake. The forest filters light onto an uneven, forested floor. Deer visit the water's edge, and birds hunt insects over the lake surface. The surrounding landscape reflects tectonic and glacial history. This transitional zone between coastal and mountain ecosystems supports vegetation found only in this corner of California.

Lodging & AccommodationsFish Lake Campground does not offer hotel-style lodging or similar accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific guest limit mentioned, but individual sites appear to accommodate multiple tents.

Groups

No group camping facilities are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are provided, and running water taps are located near restrooms. However, there are no specific accessibility features mentioned for campsites.

Site SizeUser reviews highlight that campsite sizes vary, with some large enough to accommodate multiple tents, while others are smaller and less level.

PrivacyThe campground offers varying levels of privacy, with some sites well-separated by natural vegetation, while others are closer together.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites near the lake for views (e.g., Site 13). Avoid sites close to stagnant water due to mosquitoes.

Best CampsitesSite 13 gets mentioned for lake views and privacy. Site 20 also earns positive feedback. Some lakeside sites are smaller and harder to set up on uneven ground, so check dimensions if you're bringing a large tent.

Need help booking Fish Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Fish Lake Campground offers a mix of basic amenities suitable for both tent and RV camping. Vault toilets, drinking water, tables, and combination fire ring grills are available on-site. The campground is nestled in a mixed hardwood and conifer forest, providing low-level shade and midsummer breezes. Some campsites offer sweeping lake views while others are within a short walk of the water. No electric hookups, sewer hookups, or showers are provided, and bear-proof food lockers are not available. Trash and recycling facilities are available near the vault toilets.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Fish Lake Campground

Fish Lake Campground provides an array of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, canoeing, swimming, and wildlife observation. The campground is adjacent to a system of trails, and the lake is popular for both fishing and water-based activities. Visitors have noted the presence of thick vegetation along the lake's perimeter, requiring watercraft for optimal access.

Fishing4.0/5

Described as abundant; common catches: trout, bluegill, bass; anglers are a primary draw.

Boating4.0/5

Canoeing and kayaking are recommended; paddling is a common activity on the lake.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Reports of eagles, hawks, osprey, otters, bears and deer; good wildlife viewing.

Water Sports4.0/5

Hiking3.5/5

Multiple trails (Blue Lake, Red Lake, Fish Lake) accessible from campground trailheads.

Swimming2.5/5

Swimming is popular but limited by thick vegetation and aquatic plants at lake edges.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Gorgeous lake, wildlife (osprey, eagles), lily pads and forested shoreline provide photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Fish Lake Campground; only vault toilets are provided. Visitors have noted that the vault toilets are relatively clean, though some reviews describe them as 'hardly maintained.'

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

63 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews for Fish Lake Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment of 3.44 for campground-specific experiences. Positive feedback highlights the peaceful and secluded environment, while negative reviews often mention lack of maintenance and the challenging access road.

Review Summaries

Based on 63 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 63 reviews.

Site 13Loved
Site 13 is described as 'a prime spot' with lake views and privacy.
Site 20Mentioned
Site 20 received mixed reviews due to its proximity to the water, which contributed to high mosquito activity.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects of Fish Lake Campground include spacious and private campsites, a clean and scenic environment, abundant fishing opportunities, and quiet conditions. Visitors also appreciate the...

Based on 63 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints about Fish Lake Campground focus on the remote location, uneven campsites, thick mosquitoes, and lack of staff presence or enforcement of rules. Issues with vault toilets and limited...

Based on 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing a bear-proof cooler, sufficient insect repellent, and all necessary supplies due to the site's remoteness. Kayaks or boats are encouraged for fishing and lake exploration....

Based on 63 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews note high mosquito activity and challenges with bear sightings. Winter reviews are sparse, likely due to the campground’s seasonal operation.

Based on 63 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Been coming here over 40 yrs, love it. Must have boat or raft, no motors. Great fishing for trout and bass/bluegill.' - Gene Stanfield 2. 'Vault toilets are cleaner than a lot of gas station...

Based on 63 reviews