Juanita Lake Campground Becomes “Reservation Only”

Two anglers fishing off the dock at Juanita Lake. (Submitted photos)

A hardened 1.5-mile trail travels from the campground and around Juanita Lake.

The following is a press release from the Klamath National Forest.

YREKA, Calif. - Originally, a first come, first served campground, the popular Juanita Lake Campground located within the Goosenest Ranger District of Klamath National Forest is moving to an online reservation system.

Campers will now need to book online at recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877- 444-6777.

No more driving all the way to the campground only to find it full; beginning next week campers can reserve their dates and favorite campsite and guarantee it will be waiting for them when the campground opens in early June.

The onsite permitting is being disbanded, and, as cell phone coverage at the campground is minimal, campers will need to make their reservations before leaving home.

The campground has 23 campsites and one 50-person group camp. Fees remain the same at $15 per night for single sites, $20 per night for double sites, and $50 per night for the Group Campsite.

Juanita Lake Campground is open seasonally, typically mid-May to mid-October as weather conditions allow. However, this year due to accumulated snow and water system upgrades in process, the campground will open in early June.

Located 10 miles west of Macdoel, CA, Juanita Lake offers a unique combination of recreation opportunities. The 55-acre lake is regularly stocked with trout and has a bass and catfish population. Only non-motorized boats are permitted on the lake. There is a 1.5 mile paved, barrier-free trail that circles the lake with two fishing jetties for easy access to the lake. For the more ambitious hiker, there is a six-mile hike with a 2,700-foot elevation gain climbing up to Ball Mountain Lookout.

More information about Juanita Lake Campground and other Klamath National Forest campgrounds can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/klamath.