USDA Forest Service · California
Oak Bottom Campground
USDA Forest Service · California, United States
- Sites
- 25
- Hookups
- 24 with water, 25 no hookups
- Season
- May 14 to October 14
- Max RV length
- 40 ft
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 827 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)
- Lake
- Six Rivers National Forest
- Nearest town
- ORLEANS
- Address
- P.O. BOX 410, ORLEANS, CA, 95556
- Activities
- Biking, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Swimming Site, Water Sports, Wildlife Viewing
25 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT OAK BOTTOM CAMPGROUND AT WHISKEYTOWN LAKE. FOR THAT SITE NEAR REDDING, CALL 530-359-2269
Open from mid-May through mid-October, this Oak Bottom Campground is on the Salmon River at Somes Bar, California. It is situated on a shaded and gently sloping hillside in the expansive Six Rivers and Klamath National Forests, far from highway noise and city distractions. NEW: Each reservable campsite now has its own bear-resistant food storage locker, as do most of the first-come first-served campsites. Campsite List calendar starts at the next available reservation dates.
Recreation
Located near California's Salmon River, the campground is popular with whitewater enthusiasts in the spring. Many challenging rapids ranging from class 3 to 5 are available.
Swimming is also popular in the summer and numerous river access areas are a short drive or walk from the campground.
In the fall, salmon and steelhead trout fishing in the nearby Klamath River is known to be some of the best in the state.
Facilities
The campground offers 25 single-family sites. Each site is equipped with a bear-resistant food storage locker, picnic table, and fire ring with grill. Some sites have vintage rock stoves as well. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A campground host may be available.
Natural Features
The campground loops around a forested hillside of mixed Douglas fir and hardwood forest at a 700-foot elevation. Large deciduous trees provide ample shading for multiple sites within the campground, and a variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.
Nearby Attractions
The small town of Somes Bar is 2.5 miles from the campground. Propane, groceries, and tackle are available at a general store.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 54° | 37° | 24° | 69° | 4 of 11 |
| February | 54° | 38° | 13° | 78° | 6 of 11 |
| March | 58° | 37° | 24° | 85° | 6 of 11 |
| April | 63° | 42° | 31° | 82° | 1 of 11 |
| May | 71° | 50° | 40° | 91° | 0 of 11 |
| June | 82° | 56° | 44° | 101° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 93° | 64° | 50° | 110° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 95° | 65° | 55° | 108° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 84° | 58° | 46° | 103° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 77° | 50° | 40° | 92° | 0 of 10 |
| November | 62° | 44° | 33° | 78° | 0 of 10 |
| December | 52° | 38° | 18° | 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
- Pearch Creek Campground · USDA Forest Service · 6 mi · 10 sites
- Nordheimer Group Sites · USDA Forest Service · 7 mi · 4 sites
- Nordheimer Main Campground · USDA Forest Service · 7 mi
- Beans Camp · USDA Forest Service · 10 mi
- Redbank Campground · USDA Forest Service · 13 mi
All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-03-18. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.