Fish Lake Campground

Star3.85
57 reviews
PO BOX 412, ORLEANS, CA 95556, USA
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

Opens Six Rivers National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Fish Lake Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Daily campground fee is $10 per site during peak season (June 15th - September 30th). Additional fees for vehicles may apply. Reservation service...
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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
530-627-3291
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What Campers Say

3.85

Mixed Reviews

Based on 57 reviews

25 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspacioushiking

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 412, ORLEANS, CA 95556, USA

Fish Lake Campground

PO BOX 412, ORLEANS, CA 95556, USA

Driving directionsFrom Orleans, California, take State Route 96 south for about 8 miles. Turn north on Bluff Creek Road and continue about 4.7 miles to Forest Road. Turn right and continue almost 3 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via Bluff Creek Road, which is narrow and includes blind turns and corners. The road is described as overgrown in places, requiring caution for vehicles.
Nearby places
Orleans, CA: approximately 8 miles and 15-20 minutes
Weitchpec, CA: approximately 12 miles and about 30 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Weitchpec, CA, approximately 12 miles north, where a small grocery store and gas station are available.

Best Time to Camp at Fish Lake Campground

Summer transforms Fish Lake into a sun-drenched paradise where warm days invite endless outdoor exploration and cool evenings call for campfire stories under star-filled skies. Mid-June brings particularly spectacular conditions with crystal-clear weather and comfortable temperatures that make every activity more enjoyable. While summer's warmth does attract enthusiastic mosquito populations, savvy campers come prepared and find the minor inconvenience a small price to pay for peak-season beauty. Those seeking ideal conditions often target the second week of the season, when clear skies and moderate temperatures create perfect camping weather.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season: warm days and starry nights but heavy mosquitoes and bear activity reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through Sept 30; early fall likely pleasant but limited data on shoulder-season conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site typically closed until mid-June; spring camping not generally available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside June 15–Sept 30; winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 15th - September 30th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season runs from June 15th to September 30th, with reservations starting June 24th.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts reported.

About Fish Lake Campground

Escape to Fish Lake Campground, where the gentle lapping of water against the shore becomes your morning alarm and towering conifers create a natural cathedral overhead. This hidden gem within Six Rivers National Forest invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. Whether you're paddling across the mirror-like surface of the lake at dawn, casting a line into promising waters, or exploring forest trails that wind through ancient groves, this secluded retreat offers the perfect basecamp for your outdoor adventures. Modern conveniences like vault toilets, fresh drinking water, picnic tables, and fire ring grills ensure comfort without compromising the authentic wilderness experience.
Fish Lake Campground provides space for tent and RV camping, though facilities are limited. Group camping, cabins, and glamping accommodations are not available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No official check-in time provided.
Check-out
No official check-out time provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingMultiple trails are available, including the Blue Lake, Red Lake, and Fish Lake trails, all accessible from trailheads within the campground. Trails offer scenic views and opportunities to explore the diverse flora and fauna.
FishingFishing at Fish Lake is described as abundant, with common catches including trout, bluegill, and bass. One user noted, 'It seemed like if you were to cast a line 100 times you'd pull up about 60 fish.' Fishing from the shore may be challenging due to thick plant growth, making watercraft essential for optimal fishing experiences.
SwimmingSwimming is popular but limited due to thick vegetation and water plants along the lake's perimeter. Canoeing is recommended as an alternative for those seeking water-based recreation.
BoatingCanoeing and kayaking are recommended activities at the lake, as thick vegetation on the lake's banks makes shore access difficult. Motorized boats are not permitted.
Wildlife viewingWildlife observation opportunities are abundant, with reports of osprey watching and bear sightings. Visitors should store food securely to avoid attracting bears.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are present and active. Mosquitoes and yellow jackets are prevalent. Remote location adds risk in emergency situations.
Active AlertsNo current alerts reported.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Fish Lake Campground

Reviews

3.9
57 reviews
Mixed 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 57 reviews

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...
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Based on 57 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...
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Based on 57 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....
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Based on 57 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 57 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...
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Based on 57 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 13 is described as 'a prime spot' with lake views and privacy. Site 20 received mixed reviews due to its proximity to the water, which contributed to high mosquito activity.
Based on 57 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were noted, though the availability of vault toilets and running water are mentioned.
Based on 57 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews warn of bear activity and potential risks to pets. One reviewer noted hearing a mountain lion, suggesting caution with pets.
Based on 57 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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