Camp Three Campground

For those of us in California who truly cherish the raw, untamed beauty of the wilderness, Camp Three Campground near Somes Bar offers an authentic and immersive outdoor experience. Tucked away in the rugged landscapes of Northern California, this campground provides a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle, inviting campers to connect deeply with nature. It’s not about luxury hookups or crowded amenities here; it’s about the pristine environment, the sounds of the forest, and the unparalleled access to some of the state’s most magnificent rivers and trails. Camp Three embodies the adventurous spirit of California's outdoor enthusiasts, serving as a tranquil base camp for explorations into the vast natural surroundings.

Unlike many highly developed campgrounds, Camp Three maintains a more rustic and natural feel, aligning with the wilderness experience it offers. It's a place where you can truly unplug and embrace the simplicity of camping. While specific detailed reviews are somewhat limited for a campground of this nature, its location in an area renowned for its outdoor activities suggests it caters to those who prioritize natural beauty and direct access to recreational pursuits. It’s the kind of spot where the focus is on the environment around you, from the towering trees to the nearby river, rather than extensive on-site facilities. This makes it particularly appealing to Californians seeking genuine wilderness immersion.

This article will provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Camp Three Campground. We will explore its secluded yet accessible location, detail the essential services typically offered at such a wilderness site, highlight its key features and the recreational opportunities available nearby, and provide information on how to prepare for your visit. Ultimately, you'll discover why Camp Three Campground is ideally suited for locals looking to experience the wild heart of Northern California.

Camp Three Campground is located in Somes Bar, CA 95568, USA. This places it deep within the scenic Klamath National Forest, a vast expanse of diverse landscapes in Siskiyou County, Northern California. Somes Bar itself is a small, remote community situated at the confluence of the Salmon River and the Klamath River, known for its rugged beauty and as a gateway to extensive wilderness areas.

For California locals, reaching Camp Three Campground is part of the adventure. It requires a drive into a more remote part of the state, often along scenic yet winding roads. Access typically involves State Route 96, which follows the Klamath River through a stunning canyon. While the journey offers breathtaking views of the river and surrounding forests, visitors should be prepared for varying road conditions, especially after heavy rains or during certain seasons. Given its location within a National Forest, the roads leading directly to the campground may be unpaved or gravel.

Due to its remote setting, Camp Three offers a true escape from urban centers. It's important for visitors to plan ahead, as cell service can be spotty or non-existent in this wilderness area. Despite its secluded nature, the campground's proximity to the Klamath River makes it a prime location for water-based activities, and its position within the National Forest opens up countless opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding wilderness. This combination of remoteness and direct access to premier outdoor recreation makes it a highly desirable destination for Californians seeking an authentic wilderness camping experience.

Services Offered (Based on typical National Forest Campgrounds in remote areas):

• Campsites: Camp Three is designed to accommodate tent camping and potentially smaller RVs or trailers. Sites typically include a designated area for pitching tents or parking, providing a defined space for your setup.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite generally comes equipped with a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings: Individual fire rings are usually provided at each site, allowing for campfires (always check for current fire restrictions and permits before lighting a fire).
• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities in the form of vault toilets (outhouses) are typically available, providing essential sanitation in a rustic setting.
• No Potable Water: It is common for remote National Forest campgrounds like Camp Three to NOT have potable water available. Campers should plan to bring all their own drinking water, or be prepared to filter/purify water from natural sources.
• No Hookups: As a wilderness campground, Camp Three will typically not offer electric, water, or sewer hookups at individual sites. This is a dry camping experience.
• Limited or No Cell Service: Visitors should anticipate limited to no cell phone reception in this remote area. This contributes to the "unplugged" experience but requires careful planning for emergencies.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: While trash bins might be provided in some National Forest campgrounds, it is a good practice to plan to pack out all garbage and waste to minimize impact on the wilderness.

Features / Highlights:

• Klamath River Access: The primary highlight of Camp Three Campground is its close proximity to the Klamath River. This major waterway offers excellent opportunities for fishing (steelhead, salmon, trout depending on season and regulations), kayaking, rafting, and general enjoyment of the riverside environment.
• Wilderness Immersion: Located deep within the Klamath National Forest, the campground provides a genuine wilderness experience, surrounded by dense forests and rugged, undeveloped landscapes. This is ideal for those seeking solitude and a profound connection with nature.
• Star Gazing: Far from city lights, the night skies at Camp Three are likely to be incredibly dark, offering spectacular opportunities for stargazing.
• Opportunities for Hiking and Exploration: The surrounding National Forest provides an extensive network of trails and vast areas for dispersed hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the unique ecosystems of Northern California.
• Remote and Quiet: Being a less developed campground in a remote area, Camp Three offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, making it perfect for campers who wish to escape noise and crowds.
• Photography Opportunities: The scenic beauty of the Klamath River, the surrounding forests, and the abundant wildlife present fantastic opportunities for nature photography.
• Seasonal Beauty: The area experiences distinct seasons, with lush greenery in spring, warm summers, vibrant fall colors, and potentially snow in winter, offering a different experience depending on your visit.

Contact Information:

Address: Somes Bar, CA 95568, USA

As Camp Three Campground is a wilderness campground likely managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Klamath National Forest, there isn't a direct phone number specifically for the campground itself. For general inquiries, current conditions, or information about the surrounding forest, it is best to contact the relevant Forest Service office.

For Camp Three Campground in Somes Bar, the managing office would typically be a ranger district within the Klamath National Forest. It is recommended to contact the:

Klamath National Forest Supervisor's Office
1711 South Main Street
Yreka, CA 96097

While a general phone number for the Supervisor's Office can be found through a quick online search for "Klamath National Forest contact," it's often more effective to look for the specific Ranger District that oversees the Somes Bar area, as they would have the most localized and up-to-date information regarding road conditions, fire restrictions, water availability, and any specific alerts for Camp Three. Always check the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Klamath National Forest before your visit for the latest information and to see if reservations (if available) are required.

For Californians seeking an authentic and immersive outdoor experience, Camp Three Campground near Somes Bar is an ideal choice that truly embodies the spirit of our state’s vast wilderness. What makes this particular campground so suitable for locals is its emphasis on raw natural beauty and an "unplugged" escape, which is increasingly valuable in our fast-paced world. Unlike more developed and often crowded camping destinations, Camp Three offers a genuine opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the environment.

Its location deep within the Klamath National Forest and along the Klamath River means immediate access to some of Northern California's most pristine landscapes and abundant recreational opportunities. Whether you're an avid angler hoping to cast a line in the renowned Klamath River, a kayaker seeking exhilarating rapids, or a hiker eager to explore untouched trails, this campground serves as a perfect launching point. For locals, this means less travel time to truly wild spaces and more time enjoying the activities we love.

Furthermore, the rustic nature of Camp Three—with its basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, and the absence of potable water and hookups—appeals to those who prefer a more traditional, self-sufficient camping experience. It encourages preparedness and a deeper appreciation for the simple comforts of nature. This type of camping fosters a sense of resilience and independence, allowing Californians to truly embrace the "leave no trace" ethic that is so vital for preserving our precious natural resources. Camp Three Campground is not just a place to stay; it's an invitation to experience the wild, untamed heart of California, making it an invaluable destination for adventurous locals.

Camp Three Campground

Somes Bar, CA 95568, USA