Dillon Creek Campground

For Californians seeking a genuine escape into the wild, far from the urban sprawl, Dillon Creek Campground near Happy Camp, CA, offers a wonderfully rustic and remote destination. Tucked within the lush forests of the Six Rivers National Forest, this campground is a gateway to the powerful Klamath River, promising a true Northern California outdoor experience. While it's known for its somewhat primitive nature and can be popular, it’s precisely this unfiltered connection to the wilderness that makes it a cherished spot for local adventurers.

Dillon Creek Campground is an ideal stop for those embarking on extended road trips through the Klamath River Highway or for adventurers planning to raft or kayak the renowned Klamath River. It offers a no-frills, authentic camping environment where the sounds of the creek and the river are your primary companions. While it’s important to be prepared for the remote setting and potential crowds during peak season, the rewards include access to fantastic swimming holes, excellent fishing, and the chance to truly immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of California's wild north. Embrace the remote charm, prepare for a true outdoor experience, and you'll find Dillon Creek Campground to be a refreshing change of pace.

Dillon Creek Campground is located along the Klamath River Highway in Happy Camp, CA 96039, USA, within the Six Rivers National Forest. This puts it in a relatively remote but stunningly beautiful part of Northern California, offering a genuine wilderness experience.

The campground is accessible directly from State Route 96 (Klamath River Highway). If you are coming from the south (off of State Route 299 in Willow Creek), proceed north on Highway 96 for approximately 60.2 miles. The campground will be on your left-hand side. From the north (Interstate 5), take State Route 96 southwest past Happy Camp for about 85.7 miles, and the campground will be on your right-hand side. While the roads leading to the campground are generally passable, it's worth noting that the area is remote, and the nearest town for supplies, Happy Camp, is about 25-30 miles away. Major towns like Yreka are 1.5 to 2 hours away. Cell service is generally not available at the campground, so it’s wise to plan accordingly, download offline maps, and inform others of your itinerary before you go. Despite its remoteness, the drive offers incredible scenery along the Klamath River, making the journey part of the adventure.

Dillon Creek Campground provides a straightforward, rustic camping experience with essential amenities for comfort, emphasizing self-sufficiency due to its remote nature.

• Campsites: The campground features 21 single-family campsites. These sites can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 25 feet in length.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and gathering.
• Fire Rings with Grills: Every site includes a fire ring with a grill, perfect for campfires and cooking (always check current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
• Vault Toilets: There are three vault toilets available within the campground for convenience.
• No Potable Drinking Water (Current Status): It is critically important to note that, as of recent reports (including for the 2024 season), drinking water is currently unavailable at Dillon Creek Campground. Campers must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
• No Electric/Water/Sewer Hookups: This is a rustic campground; there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at the campsites.
• No Showers: Shower facilities are not provided at this campground.
• Trash Collection: Bear-proof garbage containers are available for trash disposal, which is crucial in this wildlife-rich area.
• Campground Host: A campground host is typically located at the campground entrance to provide assistance and oversee operations, though recent reviews suggest a host may not always be present.
• Reservations and First-Come, First-Served: While some sites (specifically sites 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, & 17) are available on a first-come, first-served basis, others (2, 4, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18-21) are reservable through Recreation.gov. Reservations must often be made at least 3 days in advance. It is highly recommended to reserve, especially during peak season, as the campground can fill up quickly.
• Fees: There is a fee of $10 per night for camping, with an additional $5 fee for extra vehicles. Day use is $5. Interagency Park Passes are honored.

Dillon Creek Campground's prime features revolve around its natural setting and the recreational opportunities offered by the Klamath River.

• Direct Creek and River Access: The campground sits along Dillon Creek, which flows into the larger Klamath River. There's small access down to the creek for cooling off, and direct access to the Klamath River is excellent for water activities.
• Fantastic Swimming Holes: Reviews highlight the great swimming areas in the creek where visitors can climb up walls and jump in, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat. More secluded swimming areas can be found with a bit of exploration.
• Klamath River Recreation: The Klamath River is renowned for various water sports, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, and floating. It's a popular starting point for river adventures.
• Excellent Fishing: The Klamath and Salmon Rivers offer exceptional fishing opportunities, particularly for salmon and steelhead during the fall and early winter months, considered some of the finest in California.
• Wildlife Abundance: Being in a dense forest and riparian habitat area, the campground is surrounded by diverse wildlife. Visitors have reported hearing quite a few animals at night, emphasizing the need to store food properly in bear-proof containers. Blacktail deer, black bear, blue grouse, and quail are among the game found in the area.
• Remote and Tranquil Setting: For those seeking solitude and a break from city life, the campground's remote location offers a truly peaceful environment (though it can be crowded during peak times).
• Shaded Campsites: The campsites are carved into densely wooded mountain slopes, offering good shelter and shade, which is particularly welcome on hot summer days.
• Proximity to Scenic Byways: Situated on the Klamath River Highway (Hwy 96), a designated scenic byway, the campground serves as an excellent base for scenic drives through this beautiful region of Northern California.

For the most accurate and current information regarding Dillon Creek Campground, including water status and reservation details, it's best to contact the managing Forest Service district.

Address: Klamath River Hwy, Happy Camp, CA 96039, USA

Phone: (707) 442-1721 (This number is for the Six Rivers National Forest Headquarters in Eureka, CA).

Mobile Phone: +1 707-442-1721 (Same as above, likely a general contact line).

For inquiries specific to the area or for more local information, you might also try the Orleans/Ukonom District office, which manages this part of the Six Rivers National Forest: (530) 627-3291.

For reservations, use the national reservation system: Recreation.gov or call 1 (877) 444-6777.

For Californians, Dillon Creek Campground offers an authentic and accessible slice of the state’s wild northern frontier. Its remote location, while requiring preparation, is precisely its appeal for locals seeking genuine solitude and immersion in nature, far removed from the more developed and often crowded campgrounds closer to major population centers. This is a place where you truly feel disconnected, yet connected to the raw power of the Klamath River and the dense surrounding forest.

The direct access to the Klamath River and Dillon Creek is a significant draw, providing unparalleled opportunities for swimming in surprisingly clear water, adventurous cliff jumping, and world-class fishing for salmon and steelhead. For those with rafts or kayaks, it serves as an excellent base for launching exhilarating river trips. While the campsites are noted for being close together, the natural buffers of the forest still provide a sense of privacy, and the overall atmosphere is one of shared outdoor enthusiasm.

The fact that potable water is currently unavailable at the campground is a crucial detail for locals to note, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency and proper planning—qualities often embraced by true Californian outdoor adventurers. This rustic aspect, combined with the presence of clean vault toilets and bear-proof trash containers, ensures a balanced blend of primitive camping and essential conveniences. For any Californian looking to escape the heat, engage in serious river recreation, or simply crash for a night surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness and the potential thrill of encountering local wildlife, Dillon Creek Campground stands out as an adventurous, affordable, and deeply rewarding destination that showcases the rugged beauty of their home state.

Dillon Creek Campground

Klamath River Hwy, Happy Camp, CA 96039, USA