Matthews Creek Campground
02 reviewsMatthews Creek Campground, Klamath National Forest, California
Matthews Creek 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
The fee for overnight use is $10 per night for a single site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount for single campsites. Payments must be made via cash or check.
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About this campground
Tucked away on a scenic bluff above the South Fork of the Salmon River, Matthews Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just 10 secluded tent-only sites. This pristine wilderness retreat invites you to leave the modern world behind—no RV hookups or pull-through sites here, just pure camping beneath ancient oak trees draped in ethereal moss. Steps from your tent, discover hidden swimming holes and easy river access where the crystal-clear waters of the South Fork beckon on warm summer days.
Matthews Creek Campground is focused on tent camping, with no facilities for RVs or glamping. Group camping is not explicitly supported, and there are no cabins or luxury accommodations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of California's mountain seasons at Matthews Creek. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched paradise, with warm days perfect for river swimming and cool nights ideal for stargazing. Spring awakens the forest with fresh greenery and occasional refreshing showers, while autumn paints the oaks in golden hues accompanied by crisp air and morning mist. The campground closes for winter when snow and cold temperatures make the mountain roads impassable.
ElevationPerched at 1,760 feet above sea level, Matthews Creek enjoys a goldilocks elevation—high enough to escape the valley's scorching summer heat, yet low enough to remain accessible and comfortable throughout the camping season. This sweet spot creates perfect conditions for both relaxation and adventure.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted forest where ancient oaks wear cloaks of emerald moss and delicate lichen, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere that photographers and nature lovers dream about. Below your clifftop perch, the South Fork of the Salmon River sparkles through the trees, its pristine pools and gentle rapids providing a natural playground just a short scramble from camp. This magical convergence of river and forest creates a microclimate where moss thrives and the air stays fresh and cool even on summer days.
Geological RegionMatthews Creek Campground rests within the rugged embrace of the Klamath National Forest, where ancient geological forces have carved dramatic river valleys and towering ridgelines. Your camping spot on this river bluff tells a million-year story—from the weathered bedrock beneath your feet to the moss-festooned oaks that have stood sentinel here for centuries, all overlooking the ever-flowing South Fork of the Salmon River as it continues its timeless journey to the sea.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere are no wheelchair-friendly toilets or specific accessibility features mentioned for this campground.
Sites SizeStandard-sized campsites suitable for tent camping.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are situated in a single loop, and while they overlook the river, there is no specific mention of privacy levels between sites.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the river are recommended for easy access to swimming and scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit at this campground is 14 consecutive days.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of a single loop of tent-only sites on a bluff overlooking the South Fork of the Salmon River.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1 through October 15
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only; reservations are not accepted.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities at Matthews Creek Campground include swimming in nearby swimming holes along the South Fork of the Salmon River, fishing for rainbow trout in the river, wildlife viewing, and boating (non-motorized). There is also an informal trail leading to the river for hiking and exploration.
Hiking
An informal 'beater' trail leads from the campground down to the river, offering easy access to the waterway.Fishing
Fishing is available in the South Fork of the Salmon River, with rainbow trout being the primary catch.Swimming
The campground is near several swimming holes along the river, providing opportunities for water-based recreation.Boating
Non-motorized boating is supported, although there are no boat ramps or docks available.Wildlife viewing
The surrounding area is suitable for wildlife viewing, though specific species are not detailed.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are possible, but there are no specific facilities supporting these activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed but require adherence to fire safety protocols. No grilles are available at the campsites.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country, so campers need to use safe food storage techniques. The narrow single-lane road leading to the campground may also pose hazards for drivers.
Weather forecast
101
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.9 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
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are likely in Etna, California, approximately 49 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 through October 15
Trash and recyclingThere is no information provided about trash or recycling facilities at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresLocated 0.1 miles from the South Fork of the Salmon River, offering easy access to water features such as swimming holes.
Campground Map
Matthews Creek Campground, Klamath National Forest, California
Driving directionsFrom Etna, CA, take State Rt. 3 south 11.5 miles to Cecilville sign. Turn right at sign, crossing a bridge, and go 37.7 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into the campground. NOTE: The last 8 miles is a narrow single-lane road and for some, a white-knuckle experience.
The road to the campground includes a narrow single-lane section for the last 8 miles, which may be stressful for some drivers. The road conditions are challenging but passable.Nearby places
Callahan (37 miles), Etna (approximately 49 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be obtained in Etna or Callahan, though exact locations are not specified.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Matthews Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is appreciated for its riverfront setting, swimming holes, and natural ambiance. However, it lacks potable water and modern amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users noted that the campground is 'a great place to camp' and ideal for families looking for a peaceful outing.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Lack of potable water and minimal amenities are the main issues noted, along with the narrow, single-lane road leading to the site.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own potable water, as there is none available on-site. Prepare for a narrow and challenging drive to access the campground.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from May 1 to October 15. Visitors note that summer months are ideal for swimming and outdoor activities, while access is limited in colder seasons.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
'My favorite place to take my family for a weekend camping trip.' - K.W. 'Good place to camp.' - Arlene Parle
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers or site-specific reviews were available.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There were no comments about pets or pet-related experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025