Campgrounds near Weaverville, California span across the Trinity National Forest and surrounding areas, with options ranging from developed sites to primitive camping. Mary Smith Campground sits on the shores of Trinity Lake, offering tent camping with boat-in access, while Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort provides full hookups for RVs and cabin accommodations. The region includes both Forest Service and BLM-managed lands, with several campgrounds featuring water access to Trinity River and Trinity Lake. Most established sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though amenities vary significantly between primitive and developed locations.
Access to many campgrounds requires driving on rural roads, with some sites located on rough forest roads that may challenge larger vehicles. Seasonal availability varies significantly, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. "Douglas City Campground is one of the nicest public campgrounds I've seen. The paved road and pads throughout the park couldn't be more than 2-years old," noted one visitor, highlighting recent improvements to facilities. Trinity Lake water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access at lakeside campgrounds. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, with coverage primarily limited to areas near Highway 3 and larger towns. Campgrounds at higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures even during summer months.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw, with Trinity River and Trinity Lake access available from multiple campgrounds. Several visitors mentioned the peaceful sound of flowing water as a highlight of riverside camping. According to one camper, "The river is accessible from any site, some small rapids in spots, slow water in others, with occasionally deeper pools here and there. Beautiful site to see, beautiful sound to hear camping, especially when dozing off to sleep." Fishing opportunities exist throughout the area, with access to both lake and river fishing depending on location. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, osprey, and occasional bald eagle sightings. Campgrounds closer to Weaverville offer easier access to supplies, while more remote sites provide greater solitude but require more planning. Fire restrictions may apply during summer and fall months due to wildfire concerns.
"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."
"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."
"The closest town is Weaverville, about 10-miles north. There’s water, but no hookups and no dump station. (Dump stations are scarce in this area, it seems.)"
"While I generally like campsites close to the river, those set against the hill seem to provide a little more shade and privacy."
"Great little hiking trail steps from our site. Easy access to the water for some swimming. Smoke blew in from wildfires. Visibility very low but still beautiful."
"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."
$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. "
$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."
$120 / night
"Beautiful creek running through so many different trails to choose from. Nice and shady"
"Beautiful location"
"Not too far from a glacier lake, so good for hiking. Bears not too far away."
$22 - $60 / night
"Nice, small campground near the edge of Trinity Lake. Approximately 8 campsites can be reserved and 8 are available on a first come, first serve basis."
"Right now the lake is so low you really can’t get to it. But it’s great just to hang out in peace and quiet. Be sure to download directions, hiking trails info or anything else you might need."
$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."
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 $4 a day for WiFi
ScoutThis campground was so nice! So peaceful! It was clean, pet/family friendly, the water was amazing.
ScoutIm so sad n low key mad they sold the property and terminated the manager!! Why terminated the manager?? Can't she just continue what shes doin with the new owners ? Idk but im mad n sad my escape place is go to when the world is becoming to much to handle, GONE!
Mad and sad my favorite manager of this place wont be here??!! I bring my family here every yr for the last 3 or 4 yrs.for a family n Everytime we had the best time. We love rashell, the terminated manger. She made my fsmily feel so welcomed and we can get super loud just having fun, ahe never complained actually seemed like she loved watching all the families coming n going. So today is my last trip to this place I wont stay somewhere where the best manager of a campground got terminated and sold property ugh gotta find a new place for my huge family reunion!!
ScoutYou aren't allowed to camp anywhere on Cline Gulch road as of 2026.
TravelerIt’s under maintenance right now, so the water isn’t working, you can also hear the freeway from the campsites, but other than that, it was very peaceful and quiet. 25$ a night and self register.
ScoutI was a camp host in the Trinity area a few years ago. This camp ground was under construction almost 3 years later still closed.
Campgrounds near Weaverville, California span across Shasta-Trinity National Forest at elevations from 2,000 to 3,000 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional snow at higher elevations. Water levels at Trinity Lake drop significantly in late summer, creating longer walks to shorelines from many campsites.
Fishing opportunities: Trinity Lake offers both shore and boat fishing with bass, trout, and catfish available. According to one camper at Tannery Gulch Campground, "We had to drive to get there, but the water was also very low. I would definitely go back."
Water activities: Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular on both Trinity Lake and Lewiston Lake. A visitor to Cooper Gulch Campground noted, "The lake was incredibly smooth and perfect for a kayak/paddle board."
Hiking trails: East Weaver Creek area provides access to multiple trail systems within minutes of campsites. A camper mentioned, "Beautiful creek running through so many different trails to choose from. Nice and shady."
River access: The Trinity River offers swimming holes with varying water depths. Visitors appreciate both the visual and auditory aspects, with one camper at Douglas City Campground stating, "The river is accessible from any site, some small rapids in spots, slow water in others, with occasionally deeper pools here and there."
Quiet atmosphere: Many campsites provide peaceful settings away from highway noise. At Minersville Campground, a visitor noted it as a "Hidden out of the way little gem. The campground has only eight sites... But it's great just to hang out in peace and quiet."
Shade coverage: Most campgrounds feature abundant tree cover, providing relief during hot summer days. One camper at East Weaver Group Campground mentioned, "Beautiful year round Creek and it does not cost $110 dollars only ten I believe."
Wildlife viewing: Campers report seeing deer, osprey, lizards, and various bird species. A visitor to Douglas City Campground observed, "Lots of critters though: deer, lizards, flies, MOSQITOS, butterflies."
Tent platforms: Some sites at Mary Smith Campground provide raised wooden platforms for tent setup. One camper shared, "We had the campground to ourselves as they hadn't put up the glamping tents yet. We set our tents up on the platforms and had a great view of the lake and trinity alps in the distance."
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have minimal or no cell coverage. A camper at Minersville noted, "Be sure to download directions, hiking trails info or anything else you might need. There is no cell service anywhere near the campground!"
Fire restrictions: Seasonal bans often occur during summer and fall. Check current regulations before arrival as conditions change quickly during fire season.
Limited supplies: Few campgrounds sell firewood or ice on-site. A visitor to Junction City Campground recommended, "Not too far from the river and it's a quiet campground with great sites."
Bear activity: Many campgrounds provide bear boxes for food storage. One camper at Tannery Gulch mentioned, "Some sites have bear boxes, 67 does not."
Bathroom availability: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds, from vault toilets to flush toilets. Some visitors reported temporary closures: "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."
Shallow water access: Certain campgrounds offer gradual entry points to water. At Mary Smith Campground, one visitor noted, "We took tubes out and laid in the water and soaked up the sun, it was so nice."
Poison oak awareness: Several campgrounds have poison oak along trails and water access points. A camper warned, "Also, there is a decent amount of poison oak here and there, so beware. Leaves of 3, let it be!"
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds report inconsistent quiet hour enforcement. One camper mentioned, "Our only complaints were that there was no lighting in the bathroom and the quiet hours were not enforced as we were woken up by loud partying well after 2 am."
Hammock options: Multiple campgrounds feature suitable trees for hammock setup. A visitor to Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort shared, "We had a great stay. Lots of permanent residents, so know your rv etiquette."
Site leveling: Most RV sites require some leveling. According to a visitor, "The pads are (mostly) level side-to-side, and easily adjustable front to back."
Dump station scarcity: Few campgrounds provide dump stations on-site. A camper noted, "There's water, but no hookups and no dump station. (Dump stations are scarce in this area, it seems.)"
Size limitations: Many forest campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs better than large rigs. A visitor to Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort advised, "Biggest I would put in here would be about a 30 foot trailer. You have to disconnect your tow vehicle."
Steep access roads: Several campgrounds feature significant grades on entry roads. One camper described, "The incline down to the campground at Douglas City is very steep - maybe a 12% grade, and we didn't have a clue what sort of place we would end up at."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities do Weaverville campgrounds offer?
Campgrounds around Weaverville offer a range of amenities depending on the type of facility. Trinity River Adventure Inn provides fully-equipped cabins on the banks of the Trinity River with complete kitchens, cooking utensils, linens, and outdoor BBQs. For more traditional camping, Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground offers clean, well-maintained sites with basic facilities. Most public campgrounds in the area typically include picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and potable water. Riverside campgrounds often feature swimming access and fishing opportunities. Many sites throughout the region have paved or dirt access roads, with varying degrees of cell service. Amenities tend to be more rustic at higher elevation sites in the Trinity Alps area.
What RV parks are available in Weaverville, CA?
RV enthusiasts visiting Weaverville have several good options. Trinity Lake KOA Holiday is a well-equipped RV park with full hookups and amenities designed for recreational vehicles. For those seeking a more natural setting, Alpine View Campground on Trinity Lake can accommodate RVs and is a short drive from Bowerman Boat Ramp. Junction City Campground is another RV-friendly option with sites that can handle larger rigs. Most RV parks in the region operate seasonally, with limited winter availability. The roads to many campgrounds involve mountain driving, so check road conditions and campground access information, especially if traveling with a larger RV or during shoulder seasons.
Where are the best campgrounds near Weaverville, CA?
The Weaverville area offers several excellent camping options. The Hensons' Hideaway is centrally located between Weaverville and Trinity Center along Highway 3, providing easy access to Trinity Alps trails and Trinity Lake. For riverside camping, Douglas City Campground is a standout BLM site with newly paved roads and pads, modern restrooms, and showers. Other notable options include Horse Flat Campground near the Trinity Alps with beautiful creek access, Minersville Campground close to town, and Alpine View Campground on Trinity Lake. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, with limited winter availability, so check operating dates before planning your trip.
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