Go if
You're booking a group trip and want low-elevation forest camping near spring rafting season on the Salmon River.
This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Seasons of Use 4/1/2...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Seasons of Use 4/1/2...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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You're booking a group trip and want low-elevation forest camping near spring rafting season on the Salmon River.
You need individual site reservations or want summer swimming instead of spring whitewater season.
Reference information about Nordheimer Main Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Nordheimer Campground is located in a Douglas-fir and hardwood forest close to the Wild and Scenic California Salmon River. Roads and parking areas are gravel. The main campround has 12 sites located under shady trees. Combination fire ring grills and picnic tables are provided at each site. Popular activities include swimming/sunbathing, rafting, kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing and biking.</p><p>On-site campground host available. </p>
The elevation is 1,100 ft. NOTE: The campground is actually in Klamath National Forest but is administered by Six Rivers National Forest. The campground, overlooking the Salmon River, meanders through various oak, Ponderosa pine, and Madrone trees. Popular as a base camp for kayakers, It is located at the start of a 6.2-miles stretch of Class IV and V rapids. Drive to campground affords some excellent views of the Salmon River, sometimes very far below the road. The understory is grass and rocks. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.
Service provided only from Memorial Day weekend through October 15. Potable water may not be available after July 4, 2007; check with Ranger District Office.
Salmon River provides whitewater opportunities. Hiking: Orleans Mtn Trail #7E16 Six Rivers National Forest 286 Fishing: Salmon and Steelhead - fishing rules in this area change often - check with California Dept. of Fish and Game.
Salmon River provides whitewater opportunities.
Salmon River provides whitewater opportunities. Hiking: Orleans Mtn Trail #7E16 Six Rivers National Forest 286 Fishing: Salmon and Steelhead - fishing rules in this area change often - check with California Dept. of Fish and Game.
From Orleans, CA, take State Rt. 96 east 6.7 miles to Salmon River Road sign. Turn right at sign and go 13.1 miles to campground on left. NOTE: Salmon Rd. narrows to a cliff-hugging single lane road - not RV friendly.
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Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of mild weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F, nights 35–50°F), full rivers from snowmelt, and abundant wildflowers and migrating birds—perfect for rafting, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Salmon River flows are often at their peak in April–June, making spring prime for river runs and dramatic canyon scenery, though some swims may be chilly and currents strong. Crowd levels are moderate compared with summer—weekdays and early/late‑ Peak months: May, June, April Avoid: December, January
Spring called the best season; snowmelt swells the river Apr–Jun, ideal for rafting and dramatic flows.
Nordheimer Group Campground showcases a variety of well-rounded campground amenities suitable for group camping. The campground is "located in a Douglas-fir and hardwood forest close to the Wild and Scenic California Salmon River." Each group site includes combination fire ring grills and picnic tables. Restrooms vary across sites: Sites A, B, and C feature portable restrooms, while Site D offers an accessible vault-type restroom. Roads and parking areas are gravel. All sites provide grassy meadows surrounded by forest, with Site D featuring a view of the Salmon River and easy access for boaters and swimmers.
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