Idlewild Campground
05 reviewsIdlewild Campground, Etna, CA
Idlewild Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$10/night for single campsites. Family campsites are also $10. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single sites occupied by the pass holder. Payment must be made in cash or check.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Klamath National Forest, Idlewild Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This intimate retreat features 11 thoughtfully spaced campsites along the melodious North Fork of the Salmon River, where the gentle rush of water creates nature's perfect soundtrack. Open from May through mid-October, this hidden gem serves as your gateway to endless exploration—from dawn fishing expeditions to sunset hikes through ancient forests. While the amenities remain refreshingly simple, the campground delivers exactly what wilderness enthusiasts crave: a genuine connection with the untamed beauty of Northern California's backcountry.
Idlewild Campground offers a mix of tent and combined-use sites for camping. While primarily basic, it includes unique amenities like wood-burning ovens in some sites.
Weather and SeasonsIdlewild's climate tells the story of California's diverse mountain weather, where crisp morning air gives way to warm afternoons and cool, star-filled evenings. Late spring through early summer unveils the campground at its finest—wildflowers paint the meadows, streams run full with snowmelt, and temperatures hover in that perfect sweet spot for both daytime adventures and comfortable sleeping. As autumn approaches, the landscape transforms into a golden tapestry, offering spectacular photography opportunities and peaceful solitude for those who venture here after the summer crowds have departed.
ElevationPerched at 2,500 feet above sea level, Idlewild occupies that magical elevation where mountain and valley ecosystems converge. This moderate altitude creates an ideal microclimate—high enough to escape the valley's summer heat, yet low enough to remain accessible when higher elevations are still locked in snow. The elevation brings refreshingly cool nights perfect for campfire gatherings and delivers those crisp, invigorating mornings that make that first cup of camp coffee taste extraordinary.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral where towering Ponderosa pines mingle with stately Douglas firs and graceful oaks, creating a multi-layered canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The North Fork of the Salmon River whispers its ancient stories just beyond view, its presence felt in the cool breeze and heard in the constant, soothing melody that lulls campers to sleep. Bird enthusiasts will discover a vibrant avian community—from acrobatic nuthatches to majestic hawks circling overhead. The nearby Russian and Marble Mountain Wilderness areas frame the horizon, their peaks promising adventure for those willing to explore beyond the campground's peaceful boundaries.
Geological RegionIdlewild Campground rests within the spectacular Klamath National Forest, a geological wonderland where ancient tectonic forces have sculpted one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America. Here, the North Fork of the Salmon River has carved its serpentine path through millennia-old rock formations, creating the dramatic canyon that cradles the campground. The surrounding landscape showcases nature's architectural prowess—where resilient oaks cling to sun-baked slopes, Douglas firs dominate the shaded ravines, and majestic Ponderosa pines stand sentinel on the ridges. This proximity to both the Russian and Marble Mountain Wilderness areas places campers at the crossroads of multiple ecosystems, each offering its own unique treasures to discover.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair-friendly. Additional accessibility features are not explicitly detailed.
Sites SizeThe campground features a total of 11 sites, including a mix of tent and combined-use sites.
Sites PrivacySites are shaded by oak, Douglas fir, and Ponderosa pine, creating a bird-friendly and shaded area. However, specific details about privacy per site are not provided.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended Campsites'Some sites do indeed have enclosed wood stoves with chimneys. Very old school.' - User review.
Best CampsitesSome campsites feature unique amenities such as wood-burning ovens.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 days
Groups
Details about group sites are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is a single large loop.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 to October 15, weather permitting.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is confirmed. No reservations allowed.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Idlewild Campground provides opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can engage in hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The campground is conveniently located near the trailheads for Russian and Marble Mountain Wildernesses and offers access to the North Fork of the Salmon River.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the key activities at Idlewild Campground. Nearby trailheads lead to the Russian and Marble Mountain Wilderness areas as well as the Pacific Crest Trail. These trails offer options for both day hikes and backpacking.Fishing
Fishing is permitted and supported, with opportunities to catch rainbow trout in the North Fork of the Salmon River. User reviews also mention the potential for gold panning and mining in the area.Swimming
While specific designated swimming areas or safety measures are not mentioned, the proximity to the North Fork of the Salmon River implies opportunities for river swimming.Wildlife viewing
The campground is described as a 'bird-friendly area' due to its shaded environment created by oak, Douglas fir, and Ponderosa pine.Winter Activities
Winter-specific recreation options like snowshoeing or skiing are not mentioned.Water Sports
The area supports kayaking, but no additional water sports are detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
General hazardsThe campground is in bear country; safe food storage practices are advised.
Weather forecast
96
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency pay phone available on-site. Additional services likely in Etna, CA.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingGarbage service is provided during the summer months but is unavailable starting October 23 for the winter season.
Proximity to water featuresThe North Fork of the Salmon River can be heard but not seen from the campsites.
Campground Map
Idlewild Campground, Etna, CA
Driving directionsFrom Etna, take Main St. south for 19.5 miles to the campground on the right.
The campground is accessible via Sawyers Bar Road and Main Street from Etna. Roads are dirt with no mention of paved or unpaved specifics. Seasonal closures might require checking with the ranger district.Nearby places
Etna, CA (19.5 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies likely in Etna, CA 19.5 miles away but specifics are not provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Idlewild Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Idlewild Campground as an ideal spot for exploring remote wilderness areas in California. The campground is described as basic but comfortable, catering to those who appreciate minimalism and proximity to nature.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciate the campground's remote location, shaded environment, and proximity to hiking trails and wilderness areas. Specific praise is given to unique features like wood-burning ovens at...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No significant complaints are highlighted in the reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend exploring the nearby Russian and Marble Mountain Wilderness areas and the Pacific Crest Trail. Bringing cash or checks for payment is advised, as credit cards are not accepted.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The summer season is favored due to the availability of potable water and garbage service. Winter camping presents challenges as these services are unavailable.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Good campground to put you right in the middle of endless exploration possibilities." - B-Town. "This campground has 11 sites 2 vaulted toilet bathrooms. Picnic table and a fire ring are there." -...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are identified as best or worst, but some sites feature wood-burning stoves, which are highly praised.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are mentioned as wheelchair-friendly; no additional accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and the campground's remote nature is noted as a positive for bringing animals.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025