Tent camping near Burnt Ranch, California provides access to secluded sites within Six Rivers National Forest and adjacent public lands. The region sits at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet in California's Coast Range mountains, creating variable camping conditions throughout the year. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter brings significant rainfall and occasional snow at higher elevations, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons.
What to do
Mountain biking at Lacks Creek: BLM land approximately 20 miles from Burnt Ranch offers designated trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. "There's a nice running/bike path right in the camp ground," notes reviewer Toni K., though they caution about tick presence in this area.
Fishing at Lewiston Lake: Mary Smith Campground provides access to fishing opportunities, though timing matters. One camper reported, "The lake was too cold for swimming and the fish were hanging out in deep water so no swimming or successful fishing," during their pre-season visit.
Wildlife viewing: Sugar Pine Camp & Cabin offers opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. The property features "gorgeous mountain views" according to Ashley F., making it an excellent basecamp for nature observation.
Hiking nearby trails: Explore the forest surroundings on foot at several campgrounds. At Mary Smith Campground, one visitor appreciated the "great little hiking trail steps from our site," providing convenient access to outdoor exploration.
What campers like
Seclusion and privacy: Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp offers true isolation for campers seeking solitude. Greg B. describes it as "well worth the effort to find" and notes he "did not see a soul" during his stay to view the Perseids Meteor Shower.
Water features: Several campsites provide creek or river access. At Slide Creek Campground, campers enjoy direct access to the South Fork Trinity River. One reviewer called it "an absolute beautiful hidden gem in Trinity County" with "the most breathtaking views you could ever imagine."
Night sky viewing: The remote location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Greg B. specifically visited Groves Prairie "to see the Perseids Meteor Shower," highlighting the area's value for astronomical observation.
Varied terrain: Philpot Picnic Area features diverse landscapes within hiking distance. A visitor noted it has "lots of forest around it good for hiking and just good scenery all the way around," despite some burn scars from past wildfires.
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest service roads to many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles. Regarding Groves Prairie, one camper reported "the road to get up there is a bit overgrown and there's a lot of potholes so just keep that in mind."
Limited cell service: Many sites lack reliable communication options. About Lacks Creek, Scout G. warned, "I had no service for miles with Verizon. Not just spotty service, literally nothing until I drove back down 15 minutes and camped on a road turnout."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for both pleasant and challenging wildlife interactions. At Groves Prairie, one camper mentioned, "We did have a few deer walking through our campsite through the middle of the night," while another noted "there is a beehive right above the campsite."
Water availability: Most dispersed sites lack potable water. Greg B. emphasized that at Groves Prairie "There is NO trash service or cans and NO POTABLE WATER. There is a tiny creek running nearby if needed."
Tips for camping with families
Choose platforms at Mary Smith: For families with children, the tent platforms at Mary Smith offer stability and lake views. Karen O. shared, "We set our tents up on the platforms and had a great view of the lake and trinity alps in the distance. Birds and frogs were in abundance."
Consider seasonal timing: Weather conditions vary significantly throughout the year. Ann W. noted at Mary Smith Campground, "Smoke blew in from wildfires. Visibility very low but still beautiful," highlighting the importance of checking conditions during fire season.
Pack extra water: The lack of potable water at most sites requires proper planning. At Groves Prairie, campers must bring all drinking water, as Greg B. confirmed there is "NO POTABLE WATER" available on site.
Prepare for insects: Ticks are common in warmer months. At Lacks Creek, Jon E. reported, "No creek water in early June but lots of ticks. Very hot too. We left after 30 minutes and 6 ticks."
Tips from RVers
Limited facilities for larger vehicles: Most sites near Burnt Ranch accommodate smaller RVs only. At Trinity National Forest Big Bar Campground, facilities are "pretty basic" according to one reviewer who found it was primarily "a cool spot to park with a little bit of river access and some park benches."
Verify campground existence: Before traveling with an RV, confirm the campground is operational. One camper reported that Grovers Gulch RV Park was "nowhere to be found," cautioning "don't plan on going here."
Plan for self-sufficiency: Limited hookups require preparation. Most campgrounds near Burnt Ranch lack electrical connections, sewer hookups, or dump stations, requiring RV campers to bring adequate water and power supplies.
