Campgrounds surrounding Lewiston, California span diverse terrain near Trinity Lake and the Trinity River, providing options from developed facilities to primitive sites. Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort offers full hookups for RVs with amenities including showers, drinking water, and a market, while also providing spaces for tent campers. Mary Smith Campground presents a more rustic experience with lakefront access but fewer amenities. Cline Gulch offers free dispersed camping on BLM land for those seeking a more primitive experience. The area includes a mix of privately operated and public lands, with several sites offering direct water access to Lewiston Lake or the Trinity River.
Access to most campgrounds remains available year-round, though seasonal considerations affect water levels and temperature comfort. Many established campgrounds like Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort operate throughout the year, while others like Douglas City Campground operate from mid-May through October. Summer temperatures can reach above 90°F, making water proximity valuable for cooling off. Winter brings cooler conditions but fewer crowds at year-round sites. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage near towns and spotty or nonexistent service in more remote areas. According to one visitor at Douglas City Campground, "The days were very hot - probably 100° - and there are no hook-ups so we siesta'd in the afternoons. The river is gorgeous, cold, clean, and refreshing."
The Trinity River provides a central feature for many camping experiences in the region. Several campgrounds offer direct river access with sites situated mere feet from the water. One camper noted that Douglas City Campground has "direct river access, many good sites, full bathrooms, available water, easy to get to and quiet." Sites with water proximity tend to fill quickly during summer weekends. Wildlife encounters are common throughout the area, with bear-proof storage available at many sites. Tent campers particularly appreciate the Mary Smith Campground for its lake views and swimming access. Lewiston camping offers diverse experiences with riverside and lakefront campsites that attract visitors year-round. Shade availability varies by campground, with riverside sites generally offering more tree coverage than those in open areas. Campgrounds closer to the Trinity River often provide the sound of flowing water as a natural sleeping aid.
"There are tent sites away from the rv part, but we never checked that area out. The rv spots are very clean, and even though they’re close together with no privacy it was an amazingly quiet park."
"We were looking for.a place to camp near Redding, our home town. This campground is about 30 mins from Redding. It was an easy tow on rural but well maintained roads all the way to the campground."
"While I generally like campsites close to the river, those set against the hill seem to provide a little more shade and privacy."
"This campground is tucked down from the road and into a fairly narrow canyon. The trees are mostly oak, madrona, fir and pine, with the occasional mountain ash."
"Luckily the weather was so amazing especially being right next to this beautiful clear clean lake. We stayed at site 14, across from us was a small path that lead you down to the water."
"Beautiful, quiet campground with nice views of Lewiston Lake. The glamping units have the best view so I hope to check those out next time."
"There was an awesome creek right next to us. FYI there was no phone service at all until you get by the school."
"Because it's the shoulder season, their were fewer people there, which allowed us to have more space... no one in adjacent sites."
"Our site had private water access and was a good distance from adjacent sites. I really can't say enough good things about my time here."
$20 / night
"6, 8, and 9 probably your best bets if they are open. 4 and 5 are right next to the entrance. There's a small narrow dirt road, but easily doable even in a loaded down sedan."
"Just me and one friend stayed overnight, very nice area, creek right next to spots. A little bit of a walk to the bathroom though."
$30 - $60 / night
"The lake is walking distance from the sites and the sites are far enough apart for privacy. My 2 year old had a blast! Also lots of firewood around, and fire pits were very nice!"
"This is a great camp area, however when we went the Lake was really low. It was still very nice for fishing and kayaking."
$30 - $60 / night
"Positive: HUGE CAMPSITE to share with multiple friends. We had 4 tents on our site and we could have added 4 more."
"Each site did have a fire pit and picnic table though not all sites had near boxes. Mine did not so I kept all my stuff locked away in my car. Lots of good options for hammock hanging. "
$27 / night
"The lake was incredibly smooth and perfect for a kayak/paddle board. The toilets are vault but there is potable water and a little store up the road that sells firewood and a few snacks/beverages."
$24 - $48 / night
"Nice well shaded campground, some sites enjoy lake views although Trinity Lake is very low at this point. Site 67 is a nice size, lots of space between adjacent sites."
"It was not as close to the lake as we would have liked, we had to drive to get there, but the water was also very low. Also, the closest place to get ice was about a half hour drive."
ScoutI’m here the first of April, still off season. I think I’m only camper here right now. The office and store are open but bathrooms/showers are closed. Off season rate here is $20 night, middle of April it goes up to $34 waterfront and $28 for other sites. Nothing is free anymore. But it’s very restful with no one here yet. That might change over the weekend. I think there’s around 50 sites here total.
ScoutFantastic view, great weather this time of year. Unfortunately, since it’s public, you may encounter families with children crying constantly, if you go, just be aware that you might need to move.
ScoutWe car camped here and it was a beautiful area but it is right underneath a train bridge over the water which did wake up up a few times but was not too loud just be aware. We were here in March so the gates were closed but there were a few others sleeping in their car in the lot outside of the gate. Beautiful area, safe camping spot
ScoutNice layout and beautiful trees. The older lady that checked us in was not trained to use computer or credit card machine. Very slow process. They also charge $4 a day for WiFi
ScoutThis campground was so nice! So peaceful! It was clean, pet/family friendly, the water was amazing.
TravelerEasy to get in and navigate, peaceful night. Recommended reservations to get a spot
ScoutIm so sad n low key mad they sold the property and terminated the manager!! Why terminated the manager?? Can't she just continue what shes doin with the new owners ? Idk but im mad n sad my escape place is go to when the world is becoming to much to handle, GONE!
Mad and sad my favorite manager of this place wont be here??!! I bring my family here every yr for the last 3 or 4 yrs.for a family n Everytime we had the best time. We love rashell, the terminated manger. She made my fsmily feel so welcomed and we can get super loud just having fun, ahe never complained actually seemed like she loved watching all the families coming n going. So today is my last trip to this place I wont stay somewhere where the best manager of a campground got terminated and sold property ugh gotta find a new place for my huge family reunion!!
ScoutYou aren't allowed to camp anywhere on Cline Gulch road as of 2026.
TravelerIt’s under maintenance right now, so the water isn’t working, you can also hear the freeway from the campsites, but other than that, it was very peaceful and quiet. 25$ a night and self register.
The forests surrounding Lewiston, California create an ideal backdrop for camping at elevations around 2,000 feet. The area serves as a gateway to the Trinity Alps with multiple lakes and rivers providing water recreation opportunities. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F at night to 90°F during the day, with winter bringing occasional snow and temperatures that can drop below freezing.
River fishing access: Cooper Gulch Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities in the surrounding waterways. As one camper noted, "The lake was incredibly smooth and perfect for a kayak/paddle board."
Hiking nearby trails: Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground provides access to trails that showcase the region's diversity. A visitor mentioned, "Even as close to Redding as this was there were no highway or 'civilization' sounds at night which was awesome. Plenty of frog noises though!"
Water recreation: Oak Bottom Tent Campground sits along Whiskeytown Lake where campers can swim, paddle, and boat. "Large site next to the shore. Short walk to swimming beach and showers. Kids loved it," writes one reviewer.
Target practice: Some dispersed camping areas have informal spaces for archery. At Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, "There are targets set up for bow hunters in the pines below the park."
Quiet camping experiences: Tannery Gulch Campground offers peaceful sites away from crowds. One visitor remarked, "Site 67 is a nice size, lots of space between adjacent sites. Two tent flats, table and fire ring."
Wildlife viewing: Camping near Lewiston provides opportunities to observe local animals in their natural habitat. At Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground, one camper shared, "so far my experience has been great we're camping out for 3 Days got campsite 6, nice little spot next to the water, first night was peaceful."
Lake access points: Trinity Lake camping spots offer direct water access. A camper at Tannery Gulch Campground noted, "We showed up on a Saturday night not expecting to find anything. Ended up getting what I believe was the best spot in the campground, 71... Steep walk down to the lake but so worth it."
Extra amenities: Some campgrounds offer unexpected conveniences. At Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, a tent camper discovered, "They have a 'club house' where you can get on the wifi, charge your phone, and watch a movie on the TV or play a board game."
Tick precautions: Prepare for ticks in wooded areas, especially near rivers. One camper at Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed warned, "I had a perfect spot right by the river... but then my dog and I both got bitten by ticks - and we woke to find 8 other dead ticks in our bed."
Water levels fluctuate: Trinity Lake and Lewiston Lake water levels can drop significantly. A visitor to Tannery observed, "Nice well shaded campground, some sites enjoy lake views although Trinity Lake is very low at this point."
Bathroom facilities vary: Not all campgrounds offer full facilities. At Douglas City Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "They have two lovely looking bathroom/shower buildings that are locked up tight with notices that they are closed due to Covid-19, but they supplied the campground with 2 portapotties instead."
Fire regulations: Check current restrictions as they change seasonally. At Oak Bottom, one camper noted, "Only gripe was the no fires sign posted which was a little confusing considering they sold firewood and charcoal at the camp store."
Look for shallow water access: Hayward Flat Campground offers family-friendly lake access. A visitor shared, "HUGE CAMPSITE to share with multiple friends. We had 4 tents on our site and we could have added 4 more."
Consider spacing between sites: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. At Hayward Flat Campground, a camper noted, "The sites are varied here. You have tent sites and RV sites and all are spacious. I didn't feel like I was on top of my neighbors at any point."
Pack extra water: During summer months, temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. A camper at Cooper Gulch advised, "The sites are a little small but they are right on the water and the area is quite and beautiful."
Choose sites with shade: Heat can be intense during summer days. A visitor to Peltier Bridge noted, "It was really hot during the day like 90s but site #9 is shady and the river is freezing so it's easy to stay cool."
Check site lengths before booking: Some campgrounds have limitations on RV size. At Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, a visitor advised, "Biggest I would put in here would be about a 30 foot trailer. You have to disconnect your tow vehicle."
Plan for limited hookups: Many campgrounds near Lewiston lack full hookups. At Douglas City Campground, a reviewer noted, "The paved road and pads throughout the park couldn't be more than 2-years old. The restrooms are new and nice... The pads are (mostly) level side-to-side, and easily adjustable front to back."
Consider sun exposure for solar: Tree cover affects solar panel efficiency. A camper at Peltier Bridge mentioned, "There's a lot of tree cover, so bad for solar or satellite."
Research road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Cline Gulch, a visitor reported, "There's a small narrow dirt road, but easily doable even in a loaded down sedan."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lewiston, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lewiston, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 220 campgrounds and RV parks near Lewiston, CA and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lewiston, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lewiston, CA is Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort with a 5-star rating from 6 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lewiston, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Lewiston, CA.
What parks are near Lewiston, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Lewiston, CA that allow camping, notably Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
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