California Camping @ Kamp Klamath in the heart of the Redwoods

Purposefully travel south down Hwy. 101 from Oregon, or north, up 101 from anywhere along the California coast to experience camping like you've never experienced it before. This unique RV "park" is truly a park that is set between the Klamath River mouth to the Pacific Ocean and a pavilion of giant trees. It's a welcoming place; you can get several good night's rests here. A walk on the beach is just one and half miles away; or, take a short day-trip to Trees of Mystery where you will visit Paul Bunyan and Babe, the blue ox. There, forest trails wind their way through actual "mystery" trees that are shaped like pretzels and DNA strandoids entirely by the forces of nature.

Play "crazy golf" or "ladder ball" in the garden; maybe a game of volleyball with friends. They even have sets of croquet to use, remember that game with the wickets, the mallets and the balls you have to hit through the wickets? Take a drive through the redwoods; visit Jedediah Smith and Prairie Creek State Parks. You'll be amazed at the largest species of trees on the face of the earth. If you're up for a hike, you can take the trail through the albino redwoods after enjoying a seashore stroll. Listen for hawks that glide overhead.

Be sure to make your stay include a Saturday night so that you can take in the weekly BBQ that features delicious chicken and salmon, seasoned with the secret recipe "Bigfoot Rub". You might get to visit with some of the Kamp Klamath staff as they sing songs or tell stories after the evening feast. Guys like "Tugboat" Willie (plays the washtub bass), Doug King (doubles as the park manager and the park "main entertainment", and the park owner - Aaron Funk and Shadow (Aaron's dog and the real boss, at least of Gotcher, the goat). All three tell great stories, so be sure to request "Ghost Riders in the Sky," "The Days of "69," or "Highway Patrol." One of my favorite stories is the one Aaron shares about "Oregos," who sits at the mouth of the river and tells the fish when they should leave the ocean and head up the Klamath River.

Crescent City is only 30 miles north and has some excellent activities to offer. You can crab on Citizens Dock (we caught 43 red crab in one setting - check the limits), visit the Rumiano Cheese Factory to get some great deals on delicious cheese, walk along the beach, and don't miss their outstanding 4th of July celebration that starts with a morning town parade.

It's a fun-filled week or more, all accessible from Kamp Klamath. When you check in to get your site, be sure you tell them "CamperRick" sent you!