Sarah Totten Campground
05 reviewsHAPPY CAMP OAK KNOLL RANGER DISTRICT, P.O. BOX 377, HAPPY CAMP, CA, 96039, USA
Sarah Totten Campground
$10.00 - $50.00 / 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$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard nonelectric sites are $10 per night, and group standard areas are $50 per night during peak season (May 15 to September 30). Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine Klamath Wild and Scenic River corridor, Sarah Totten Campground invites outdoor enthusiasts to experience riverside camping at its finest. This riverside retreat offers nine thoughtfully positioned family sites and two spacious group areas, perfect for gatherings under towering trees. Adventure seekers will appreciate the year-round access to the upper loop, featuring four family sites and a group site that remain open even when winter transforms the landscape. The campground's boat launch serves as your gateway to world-class fishing holes and exhilarating whitewater runs that have made the Klamath River legendary among paddlers.
Sarah Totten Campground offers tent camping, group camping, and primitive camping options. The family sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while the group sites are reservable during peak season.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time with a short journey to nearby Hamburg, where California's gold rush history comes alive through weathered remnants of a bygone era. Explore the storied foundations of Johnston's Store, where prospectors once bartered for supplies, or imagine the bustling activity around the old Bailey Post Office. The infamous Bucket of Blood Saloon still whispers tales of rowdy miners and frontier justice, offering campers a fascinating glimpse into the Wild West that once thrived along these riverbanks.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late spring through early fall, Sarah Totten transforms into a sun-drenched paradise where warm days invite river play and cool evenings call for campfire stories. Winter brings a dramatic change, with temperatures dipping to crisp 37°F mornings and occasional dustings of snow that paint the riverside landscape in pristine white. Rain and snow showers during the colder months create a mystical atmosphere, while spring's arrival brings wildflower blooms and the return of ideal camping conditions under brilliantly clear skies.
ElevationPerched at an ideal 1,400 feet above sea level, Sarah Totten strikes the perfect balance between mountain majesty and river valley comfort. This moderate elevation creates a sweet spot for outdoor recreation—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet low enough to avoid the thin air that challenges some adventurers. Whether you're casting a line, launching a kayak, or simply relaxing by the river, this elevation provides comfortable conditions for all your favorite activities.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a natural cathedral where ancient trees create a living canopy above the sparkling Klamath River. The campground's shaded sites offer cool refuge on warm days, while openings in the forest frame spectacular river views. As part of the greater Klamath National Forest tapestry, visitors are treated to an ever-changing panorama of rugged mountains, crystal-clear streams, and hidden lakes that beckon exploration. This diverse landscape creates endless opportunities for photography, wildlife watching, and soul-stirring moments of natural beauty.
Geological RegionSarah Totten Campground sits at the heart of the magnificent Klamath Wild and Scenic River corridor, a crown jewel within the sprawling 1.7 million-acre Klamath National Forest that straddles the California-Oregon border. This geological wonderland showcases nature's extremes, from river valleys at just 450 feet to soaring peaks reaching 8,900 feet into the sky. The dramatic elevation changes have created a biodiversity hotspot where nearly 400 animal species thrive among the mountains, meadows, and waterways. This unique convergence of ecosystems makes every visit an opportunity to witness the raw power and delicate balance of the natural world.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets and parking areas, as stated in authoritative content.
Sites Size"Big sites," as mentioned by a user review, suggesting a spacious layout.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites in the upper loop for year-round access. Site 011 is highly recommended based on user reviews.
Best CampsitesSite 011 in the Sarah Totten area was specifically praised for its proximity to the river.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Up to 14 nights per reservation.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Up to 30 people for group sites
- family sites unspecified.
Groups
The campground features two group sites that can accommodate up to 30 people each. They include an area for dispersed tent camping, picnic tables, and campfire rings with grills.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes two loops: the upper loop (year-round) and lower loop.
Open and Closed SeasonFamily sites are first-come, first-served year-round. Group sites are reservable from mid-May to mid-October.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov. Scan-and-pay is available for some campsites onsite.
Walk-in AvailabilityFamily sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis year-round. Scan-and-pay is available for some campsites.
Cancellation PolicyReservations may be canceled up to one day before check-in for individual sites or up to 14 days prior for group sites. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sarah Totten Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, tubing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and hiking. The Klamath River's Class II-III rapids provide opportunities for both novice and experienced water sports enthusiasts. Hiking trails in the vicinity offer additional exploration options.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available in the vicinity, though specific trail names and difficulty levels are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is permitted and supported. The Klamath River is accessible via a sandy boat-launching area.Swimming
Swimming activities are possible, given the river access; however, safety measures or designated areas are not detailed.Boating
Boating activities such as kayaking and whitewater rafting are popular due to the Class II-III rapids of the nearby Klamath River. A sandy boat-launching area caters to anglers and whitewater boaters.Winter Activities
No winter activities such as snowshoeing or skiing are mentioned.Water Sports
Activities such as tubing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting are popular due to the nearby Klamath River.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire rings are available at each site.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity requires proper food storage. River access may pose safety risks for inexperienced swimmers or boaters.
Weather forecast
100
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.5 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
Happy Camp, CA (33 miles) provides nearby emergency services like hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 to September 30.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available onsite, according to authoritative content.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated directly next to the Klamath River, which supports activities such as fishing, tubing, and whitewater rafting.
Common complaintsThe campground is described as 'off the grid,' which may be a challenge for campers seeking convenience. No services beyond restrooms are mentioned in reviews.
HostCampground hosts are described as kind and helpful, providing services such as complimentary firewood delivery.
Campground Map
HAPPY CAMP OAK KNOLL RANGER DISTRICT, P.O. BOX 377, HAPPY CAMP, CA, 96039, USA
Driving directionsFrom I-5, take exit 786 to Highway 96 (Klamath River Highway). Follow Highway 96 west for about 35 miles. The campground entrance is on the right, about 1 mile east of Hamburg, CA.
Highway 96 provides paved access directly to the campground. However, the location is described as 'way off the beaten path' according to user reviews. No mention of seasonal closures.Nearby places
Hamburg, CA (1 mile)
Happy Camp, CA (33 miles)
Nearby supplies
Happy Camp, CA (33 miles) offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel options.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Sarah Totten Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise Sarah Totten Campground for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and scenic location by the river. The camp hosts are frequently mentioned for their kindness and helpfulness, and the availability of firewood and clean restrooms adds to the positive experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and accessible vault toilets, spacious campsites, beautiful old-growth trees, helpful camp hosts, and the scenic riverfront location were frequently lauded.
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users noted that the campground is remote and "way off the beaten path," which may be inconvenient for travelers not already in the area.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Download the Recreation.gov mobile app for Scan and Pay features; arrive early to secure a family site during peak season; store food securely due to bears.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting river activities and clean facilities. Winter reviews are sparse due to limited amenities during colder months.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Big sites, good walking trails, established clean restrooms, water sources, and beautiful old growth trees." (Devonie Richards). "Complimentary firewood delivered to our site was a nice added...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 011 in Sarah Totten Campground was praised for its cleanliness and proximity to the river.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible vault toilets and parking areas received positive feedback.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific mentions of pet policies or experiences were found in the user reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025