USDA Forest Service · California

Nordheimer Group Sites

USDA Forest Service · California, United States

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Sites
4
Hookups
4 with water, 4 no hookups
Season
April 1 to September 30
Group sites
Yes
Drinking water
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Pets
Yes
Elevation
1,158 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Access road
NORDHEIMER CREEK (NFSR 10N10Y) · native material · high clearance vehicles
Lake
Six Rivers National Forest
Nearest town
ORLEANS
Address
PO BOX 410, ORLEANS, CA, 95556
Phone
530-627-3291
Activities
Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Swimming

4 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

Nordheimer Group Sites are in a Douglas-fir and hardwood forest close to the Wild and Scenic California Salmon River. Roads and parking areas are gravel. Group sites A, B, and C have large grassy meadows surrounded by forest. Site D overlooks the Salmon River with a short hike access for boaters and swimmers. Sites A, B and C all have accessible double vault restrooms, while Site D has one accessible vault restroom. Picnic tables and fire rings with grills are provided at each site. Popular activities include swimming, sunbathing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, wildlife and scenery viewing, fishing, and biking.

Nordheimer is in the heart of the Salmon River whitewater area. Rafting activities begin in the spring and continue until the water levels drop in early summer. Remnants from historic mining operations can still be seen in this remote but beautiful camping area. A few fruit trees remain from past homesteading activities. Nordheimer is a must for those seeking beauty and seclusion. Boat trailer access to the river’s edge is available through the main campground for 4x4 vehicles. The main campground also offers spacious single fee sites on a first-come first-served basis.

See the "Getting Here" section for road information.

Recreation

The Salmon River is a popular area for swimming and sunbathing, rafting and kayaking. The region is also popular for hiking and biking. The Orleans Mountain Trail begins nearby.

Facilities

The campground offers four group sites, each able to accommodate up to 50 guests. The sites are equipped with vault toilets, picnic tables, and campfire rings with grills. The main campground offers single fee sites on a first-come first-served basis. Roads and parking areas are gravel. A courtesy local or prepaid landline telephone is located at the entrance to the main campground. There is no cellular service near this remote site.

Natural Features

The campground is located in a Douglas fir and hardwood forest, which provides partial shade throughout the day. A few fruit trees remain from past homesteading activities. A variety of wildlife makes its home around the Salmon River area. Sites A, B, and C have large grassy meadows, surrounded by forest. Site D overlooks the Salmon River with easy hiking access for boaters and swimmers. The Marble Mountain Wilderness is located nearby with beautiful views of the mountains and numerous trailheads to access them.

Nearby Attractions

The Marble Mountain Wilderness Area is adjacent to the campground, with ample hiking and horseback riding opportunities available, as well as high country fishing in any of the area's 89 lakes.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January53°37°24°69°6 of 11
February53°37°13°77°6 of 11
March57°37°24°86°6 of 11
April63°42°30°82°2 of 11
May72°50°39°91°0 of 11
June81°56°44°102°0 of 11
July94°65°50°110°0 of 11
August96°66°56°108°0 of 11
September85°59°47°103°0 of 11
October78°50°40°92°0 of 10
November62°43°33°78°0 of 10
December52°37°15°69°3 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.