The Klamath National Forest is delaying the opening of several campgrounds (Kangaroo Lake, Carter Meadows Group, Hidden Horse, and Big Flat Campground) until mid-June.
The higher elevation campgrounds are still inaccessible or difficult to reach given the good snow year and runoff from the melting snow. Campgrounds are also impacted with hazard trees that forest staff need to remove to reduce the risk of limbs and trees falling into campsites and injuring campers. Additionally, water systems need to be repaired and tested before the sites can open.
To meet the mid-June target date, forest officials are requesting the public’s assistance in staying out of closed sites so crews can safely fall snags, clean up, and make repairs. “We cannot open sites until the hazards are mitigated,” stated Kristian Schenk, acting Recreation Program Specialist, “and we cannot fall hazard trees when members of the public, their vehicles, or their possessions are potentially at risk from falling operations.”
Here is a list of what work needs to be completed before the campgrounds can be opened.
- Kangaroo Lake Campground and Day Use Area: Hazard trees throughout the campground and day use areas need to be removed. In addition, there is remaining cleanup from Fall 2023 hazard tree removal operations, and additional cleanup will result from this spring’s operations. Water line repairs, including completion of the connection of an additional source to the existing water system.
- Carter Meadows Group Site: Hazard trees requiring removal, and at least one large tree observed to have fallen across the waterline, which will require repair.
- Hidden Horse Campground: Hazard tree removal and high volume of existing woody debris need to be removed. Since the water system is shared with Carter Meadows Group Site, the water system needs repairs.
- Big Flat Campground and Trailhead: These sites may be delayed beyond mid-June given there are hazard trees scattered throughout the campground and need to be mitigated. Hazard trees are located both within the campground proper and at the trailhead parking area. A high volume of existing woody debris needs to be removed in addition to cleaning up after the falling operation.
For information and current updates about the Klamath National Forest’s campsites, trailheads, and day use areas, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/klamath/recreation, email sm.fs.klamathinfo@usda.gov, or call 530-842-6131. Please recreate responsibly and Leave No Trace.