Nordheimer Group Sites

PO BOX 410
ORLEANS, CA 95556

Overview

Nordheimer Group Sites are in a Douglas-fir and hardwood forest close to the Wild and Scenic California Salmon River. Roads and parking areas are gravel. Group sites A, B, and C have large grassy meadows surrounded by forest. Site D overlooks the Salmon River with a short hike access for boaters and swimmers. Sites A, B and C all have accessible double vault restrooms, while Site D has one accessible vault restroom. Picnic tables and fire rings with grills are provided at each site. Popular activities include swimming, sunbathing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, wildlife and scenery viewing, fishing, and biking.

Nordheimer is in the heart of the Salmon River whitewater area. Rafting activities begin in the spring and continue until the water levels drop in early summer. Remnants from historic mining operations can still be seen in this remote but beautiful camping area. A few fruit trees remain from past homesteading activities. Nordheimer is a must for those seeking beauty and seclusion. Boat trailer access to the river’s edge is available through the main campground for 4x4 vehicles. The main campground also offers spacious single fee sites on a first-come first-served basis.

See the "Getting Here" section for road information.

Recreation

The Salmon River is a popular area for swimming and sunbathing, rafting and kayaking. The region is also popular for hiking and biking. The Orleans Mountain Trail begins nearby.

Facilities

The campground offers four group sites, each able to accommodate up to 50 guests. The sites are equipped with vault toilets, picnic tables, and campfire rings with grills. The main campground offers single fee sites on a first-come first-served basis. Roads and parking areas are gravel. A courtesy local or prepaid landline telephone is located at the entrance to the main campground. There is no cellular service near this remote site.

Natural Features

The campground is located in a Douglas fir and hardwood forest, which provides partial shade throughout the day. A few fruit trees remain from past homesteading activities. A variety of wildlife makes its home around the Salmon River area. Sites A, B, and C have large grassy meadows, surrounded by forest. Site D overlooks the Salmon River with easy hiking access for boaters and swimmers. The Marble Mountain Wilderness is located nearby with beautiful views of the mountains and numerous trailheads to access them.

Nearby Attractions

The Marble Mountain Wilderness Area is adjacent to the campground, with ample hiking and horseback riding opportunities available, as well as high country fishing in any of the area's 89 lakes.

Camp site features

Across 4 camp sites:

Pets allowed: all 4 sites
Group sites: all 4 sites
Largest party: 50 people
Equipment: CAR, CARAVAN/CAMPER VAN, FIFTH WHEEL, Hammock, LARGE TENT OVER 9X12`, PICKUP CAMPER, POP UP, RV, SMALL TENT, Tent, Trailer

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 21.0 mi

Directions

From California State Highway 96, turn onto Salmon River Road/Forest Highway 93 and continue about 13 miles to the campground. The first 7 miles are a narrow winding two lane road. At Butler Creek, the second half of this route narrows further to one lane with tight corners and sheer cliffs high above the river. Fallen rocks on the roadway are common. Long trailers, RVs, and large trucks are discouraged. There is no cellular service near this remote area.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

4 reviews

5 stars

Beth W

Loop:Casc

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

The campsite was well maintained by the crew. Thank you.

Ryan H

Loop:Casc

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

The campsite (we were at C, Cascade) was well-maintained! Trash was collected every two days, and the bathroom was clean. The surrounding country is BEAUTIFUL, and the Salmon River is great for rafting, or just enjoying the "beach" near Nordheimer Creek's confluence. The Salmon is an exceptionally healthy river ecologically, so that was cool to see. One note of caution is that there was a lot of poison oak, so just hike cautiously. Additionally, we were there Memorial Day weekend (so end of May), and the mosquitoes were out in force in the shade--so plan accordingly!

Pete W

Loop:Derv

Site:

Reviewed 3 years ago

Great as always! Love this camp spot!

jennifer m

Loop:Derv

Site:

Reviewed 4 years ago

I did not use the site during my reservation. But its a lovely spot.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.