Fishing and swimming opportunities draw visitors to Hayward Flat, a US Forest Service campground on Trinity Lake in the Trinity National Forest. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with sites that can handle rigs up to 45 feet, though access involves rough roads that may challenge some vehicles.
Sites vary considerably in size and proximity to the water. Kimberly W. notes "You have tent sites and RV sites and all are spacious" with good options for hammock hanging among the large trees. Some sites sit close to the shoreline while others require a short walk to reach the water. The campground includes both reservable sites and first-come, first-serve options, with the Dogwood Loop offering glimpses of Trinity Lake through the forest canopy.
Water activities dominate the recreation scene here. Kayakers, paddle boarders, and jet skiers use the lake regularly, while the rocky beach provides lake access for swimming and fishing. Trinity Lake's water levels fluctuate seasonally as water drains toward Whiskey Town. The campground serves as a central base for day hiking, with multiple trailheads accessible from this location.
Campers seeking boat-in options might consider Ridgeville Island Boat In Campground, located southwest across the water.
Description
Overview
Hayward Flat is one of the most popular campgrounds on Trinity Lake, offering excellent lake access and plenty of shade from Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs. Located on one of the best arms of the lake for water skiing, Hayward is favored by visitors interested in water sports. Relics from the area's Placer mining history are scattered throughout the campground, with interpretive signs providing explanations.
Recreation
A boat ramp and marina are located 3 miles away, but mooring may be available at the campground. Popular activities include power and non-motorized boating, fishing, swimming and water skiing. Anglers can fish for catfish, as well as a variety of bass, trout and salmon.
Facilities
The 98-unit family campground is comprised of 5 loops. The Dogwood and Elderberry loops provide lake views and informal mooring for boats. Every campsite has a paved spur, table and campfire ring. Most campsites also provide a bear-proof food storage locker. Additional amenities include flush toilets and drinking water. The site also offers an amphitheater with educational interpretive programs offered seasonally. Program dates and times will be posted at the campground.
Natural Features
The Shasta-Trinity is the largest national forest in California with a diverse landscape ranging from 1,000 to 14,162 feet. The 2.1 million acre forest encompasses five wilderness areas, hundreds of mountain lakes and 6,278 miles of streams and rivers. Trinity Lake sits at an elevation of 2,370 feet and is surrounded by the Trinity Alps. Black bears are frequently spotted in the area, as well as bobcats, mountain lions and a variety of bird species.
Nearby Attractions
The nearby town of Weaverville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This former mining town offers restaurants, shopping and self-guided walking tours.
Fee Info
If the reservation was made through recreation.gov please call 1-877-444-6777 to make a refund request. Refunds must be requested no later than 14 days before your scheduled arrival date for a full refund (excluding recreation.gov fees). Reservation Fee: For some facilities, an additional reservation fee is charged. This additional non-refundable fee is $10.00 for the call center and online reservations. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for cash payments will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. For cash or check refunds please call us at 530-275-8113. Please Note! Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure the Recreation.gov will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates and sites (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be canceled and all fees paid will be refunded. Refunds for Naturally Occurring Events: Refunds will not be issued for naturally occurring events like rain, snow, wind, smoke, extreme temperature, low lake level, etc. If you are requesting a refund for a walk-up site, please contact the host on-site or call us 530-275-8113. All refunds must be approved and issued through our office or processed though Recreation.gov.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHayward Flat is located in California near Trinity Center
Directions
From Redding, CA: Go west on Highway 299 to Weaverville, then north on Highway 3 for 15 miles. Turn right at Hayward sign and travel approximately 2 miles to campground entrance. From Eureka, CA: Go east on Highway 299 to Weaverville, then north on Highway 3 for 15 miles. Turn right at Hayward sign and travel approximately 2 miles to campground entrance.
Address
14538 Wonderland Blvd
Redding, CA 96019
Coordinates
40.8744444 N
122.7691667 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
