The Trinity River region near Burnt Ranch sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation along Highway 299 in northern California. Seasonal temperature shifts range from summer highs above 90°F to winter lows below freezing. Camp accommodations vary from full-hookup RV parks to basic tent sites, with services typically more limited in winter months.
What to do
Trinity River access: Two river spots accessible from Del Loma RV Park and Campground provide water recreation opportunities. "We enjoyed riding our bikes around the loop, and walking down to the Trinity River. There are 2 river spots from the campground. Both are scenic, only one is safe to enter the water and that spot had a very small river rock spot to set up a couple chairs," notes Michelle H.
Elk watching: Visit Elk Country RV Resort & Campground for wildlife observation opportunities. "Rosevelt Elk roam through the campground. They were obviously used to people. We stayed on the 'meadow' side where the elk roam through your campsite," shares Nicole B. The resort spans 200+ acres along the Northern California Coast.
Swimming holes: Seasonal water recreation depends on river conditions. "The river is quite low" at Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination according to Margie C., but Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort offers "a warm pool and spa hot" according to Lawrence L.
What campers like
Overnight convenience: The central location of RV parks offers access to multiple destinations. "This is a nice place to use as a base to explore the area. They work hard to make it look tidy and well maintained which isn't easy considering the weather here," notes one DiscFleet37r R. about Mad River Rapids RV Park.
Beach proximity: Several campgrounds provide coastal access. At Samoa Boat Ramp County Park, "This sits about 200 yards from the BLM Samoa Sand Dunes, which is the main attraction. There is even access to them from the parking lot," reports SpentBrassOffroad B.
Wildlife viewing: Elk Country RV Resort & Campground offers unique animal encounters. "Can't believe how gorgeous, this was my favorite part of my trip. Saw otters in the small lake," shares Jess J. Another camper notes, "The herd of Roosevelt Elk live there and are frequently in the campground."
What you should know
Internet connectivity: Wireless connections vary significantly. At Del Loma RV Park, "They technically do have a free Wi Fi, however it is very weak, almost nonexistent. Verizon had no cell coverage." For better connectivity, Shoreline RV Park offers "Strong cellular signal for Verizon and T-Mobile so internet was quicker through the phone hotspot rather than the park's WiFi."
Weather preparation: Coastal areas experience significant wind. At Samoa Boat Ramp County Park, "The wind can get pretty bad as this site sits between the ocean and Humbolt Bay, so be prepared for that," advises SpentBrassOffroad B.
Reservation management: Booking systems vary between campgrounds. At Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination, a camper reported, "Checked availability for dates We needed on website. Showed two spots open for the days I needed for four days. When we called to book we were told they have no sites available for the days we wanted."
Tips for camping with families
Play amenities: Mad River Rapids RV Park provides recreational spaces for children. One visitor to Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort noted, "Children's play area was nice. Grassy areas needed mowing. Dog area had agility items for the dogs."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing creates learning experiences. "A herd of elk that roam the campground which is pretty cool," notes Stefanie W. about Elk Country RV Resort & Campground. Another visitor mentions seeing "polliwogs in it (end of June). No fish in the pond as a couple of otters came in and ate the all the fish."
Safety considerations: Campground selection impacts security. For RV camping near Burnt Ranch, California, select well-patrolled areas. At one location, a camper reported, "No one from Security ever came out to check on anything including the cars burning rubber in the parking lot half the night."
Tips from RVers
Membership benefits: Casino RV parking offers additional perks. At Blue Lake Casino, "You have to be a member of the casino but it is free park your RV in the designated lot right behind their gas station and check in at players club office to gain free membership and free two nights stay," shares Marie G., who adds, "The gas station is large and can easily accommodate Trailers or big rigs plus their gas had the lowest price around."
Hookup availability: Water, electric, and sewer services vary by location. At Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination, "The options here run the gamut from tent sites, cabins, W/E hookups and even some full hookups with sewer. They also have a dump station, bathrooms/laundry."
Site selection: Choose spots based on your privacy preferences. At Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination, "The 'forest' side is quite dark as you are camping in the redwoods," according to one camper. Meanwhile at Mad River Rapids, a visitor observed, "This is good for a quick one night stay. Otherwise it's just a standard RV park with a ton of people crammed together."
