Most of the campgrounds you’ll find in the vicinity of Klamath Falls are privately owned. These facilities cater mostly to RVs with electric, water, and sewer hookups as well as other creature comforts like swimming pools, laundries, and recreational halls. These properties also tend to be in prime locations, which accounts for rates that are steeper than those of their public counterparts. Fortunately, there are several places to pitch a tent in both types of park without having to deal with a 40-foot-long mobile home parked right next to your sleeping bag.

Rocky Point Resort (28121 Rocky Point Rd., 541/356-2287, www.rockypointoregon.com, Apr.–mid-Nov., $22–30, cabins $140) is close to the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. This resort has 5 tent and 28 RV sites with hookups as well as rustic cabins. Flush toilets, showers, firewood, a laundry, a recreation hall, and other summer-camp trappings are available. Ask about canoe rentals for trips on the Upper Klamath Canoe Trail.

Several other campgrounds are also found on Upper Klamath Lake. Although a fire in 2003 caused minor damage, the best deal around is still Hagelstein Park (County Parks Dept., 541/883-5371, Apr.–late Nov.). The park can accommodate 5 tent campers and 5 RVs in sites that feature picnic tables and fire grills, with flush toilets and water nearby. In addition to being the only campground on the east shore of the lake, it’s the least expensive campground in the area. Reservations are advisable at this small park. To get there, head north of Klamath Falls for 12 miles and look for signs on the left side of the road.

Approximately seven miles farther north on U.S. 97 is KOA Klamath Falls (3435 Shasta Way, 541/884-4644, year-round, $25–42, cabins $52). Set along the shore of Upper Klamath Lake, the park features 18 tent and 73 RV sites with hookups. In true KOA style, flush toilets, showers, a pool, a laundry, a recreation hall, and other amenities are available.