Best Tent Camping near Burnt Ranch, CA

Tent campsites near Burnt Ranch, California offer a range of primitive and established options within the Trinity National Forest and surrounding public lands. Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp provides free tent camping with basic amenities, while Slide Creek Campground offers tent sites along the South Fork Trinity River. BLM Dispersed Camping at Lacks Creek provides additional tent camping opportunities approximately 20 miles from Burnt Ranch.

Most tent campgrounds in this area feature minimal amenities, with vault toilets available at some locations but drinking water rarely provided. Groves Prairie has picnic tables, fire rings, and a single vault toilet, but no potable water or trash service. According to one visitor, "The drive in could be a challenge, so I'd caution anyone to check it out first." Forest service roads leading to many sites are described as "fair" with potholes and occasional overgrown sections. Campers should pack in all water and supplies, as services are limited in this remote region.

Tent sites throughout the area offer seclusion and natural beauty, with many positioned near small creeks or meadows. One camper noted that Groves Prairie is "secluded and beautiful and spacious" with "a beautiful little creek right next to the campsite." Walk-in tent locations at Mary Smith Campground near Lewiston Lake provide more developed options with hiking trails and water access. The terrain varies from meadow settings to forested areas, with most sites offering good shade coverage. Lacks Creek tent camping areas include access to running and biking paths, though visitors should be prepared for ticks and wildlife encounters. During summer months, fire restrictions may be in place, and campers should verify current conditions before planning trips to these backcountry camping areas.

Best Tent Sites Near Burnt Ranch, California (45)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Burnt Ranch, CA

660 Reviews of 45 Burnt Ranch Campgrounds


  • J
    Aug. 22, 2018

    Emerald Forest Cabins & RV

    Tent camping: Very dark with uneven ground

    We stayed here one night last year. We’d hoped to stay at Patrick’s Point State Park, but it was full. The woman who set us up with a tent site here was super friendly and helpful. She offered advice for where to eat in the area and points of interest.

    My daughters and I checked out the Bay Area and hiked the Trinidad Head. It was a beautiful afternoon. We had dinner at the Trinidad Bay Eatery and Gallery which was nice with a friendly server and good American fare.

    After we returned we looked at the little arcade area in the cabins area. It reminded me in a nostalgic way of the arcade area in the 80’s movie Starfighter. Very fun.

    Although it wasn’t quite dark yet when we headed back to our site, it was VERY dark in the back area with the tent sites fue to heavy tree cover. Finding our spot was difficult in the dark. The path is winding and doesn’t exactly match the campground map and the ground was very uneven. I was glad we have four wheel drive.

    The campsite was also very uneven and had a steep drop off to a creek bed on the side. Luckily we’d planned to car camp and only had to fold down the sleeping area in our vehicle. I can’t imagine trying to set up a tent on that site in the pitch blackness. I’m not sure that the site had any amenities like a picnic table or water or a fire ring. I couldn’t see anything!

    Overall I’d stay here again, but I’d get there way before dark and set up camp first before adventuring in the area. I love the Trinidad/Eureka area. There’s lots to do and see. I gave the three stars because the tent site area ground is so uneven and so unlit.

  • Christy C.
    Jun. 29, 2016

    Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

    Camping in the Redwoods

    This campground was primitive and very "natural" in setting. The sites had a bear box for food storage and there were Elk grazing near our loop. We picked blackberries and watched bluejays landing nearby. There was a restroom with pay showers and a ranger station at the entrance. Not a lot here but plenty to do up the road on the Newton B Drury Pkwy we visited the ancient Redwoods that were amazing. Also, can drive to Fern Valley if you rig isn't too big. That is where a scene from Jurassic park was filmed.

  • Christina L.
    Oct. 7, 2020

    Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

    Lovely Camping

    We came here in early October 2020 for a Friday - Monday trip. The campsite is large and spots are spaced out. Due to COVID a lot of sites were closed, which made everything feel very spaced out.

    The area is beautiful. The campsite it self has tons of beautiful redwoods and ferns on the property. It was beautiful to just sit and admire the scenery.

    Bathrooms and showers were clean and the campsites were across the street from some short but beautiful hikes.

    The visitor center was closed but right next door. The area to check in did sell wood and we noticed a lot of staff throughout our trip.

    The campsite was super quite and very peaceful.

    We brought our dog which was great. Lots of trees and lots of shade. I think almost every site was shaded. Bring your hammocks because there was plenty of locations on each site to set them up. I would be aware that many of the upper sites are on a slope.

    Each site came equipped with a fire ring/grill, picnic table and bear box.

    We had the best time and went a little ways up north to go fishing outside of Fortuna. We actually caught a fish this time :) Fishing near the campsite was not recommended due to the low water level. However, their were plenty of options just a short drive away.

    We stayed at site #35 which was large but had a slope. However, we were able to find two kind of flat spots to put tents and it was totally fine.

  • Dan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2023

    Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

    Shoreline site is the way to go.

    Very glad I got the site I did(SC10). The shoreline sites allow you your own little spot on the lake, although some seemed better then others. Site was sloped and uneven but did have a couple flat spots for tents. Not a ton of shade but what little shade it did have was next to tent flats. Table, fire and bear box were in full sun all day which makes afternoon food prep on a hot day a bit brutal. You do get some noise from the 299 at night. The walk in and out to the parking is a bit steep and further then other sites but it does mean you get a little more privacy. I was there to kayak fish for the weekend and the site was perfect for that. My guess is the place becomes a madhouse in the summertime and the non shoreline sites are pretty close together. I personally wouldn’t stay in a non shoreline site here, but that’s me. The lake is beautiful and there’s a beach at the campground, though really hot in the summer. I would give site SC10 4-stars but the campground overall 3-stars.

  • Rosie H.
    May. 30, 2021

    East Fork Campground

    Clean bathrooms

    The spot I was in was small and nestled in a grove of aspen trees. The bear locker was well maintained and the fire ring was double walled. There were flush toilets with working lights and the tent pad was level.

    Its a short drive to some great hikes, but the campground itself was too busy and too close to the highway to use as a good starting point.

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2021

    Hidden Springs Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

    BRB sleeping in the trees

    • Sites are well spaced apart and have great privacy
    • The Stellar Jays are so fun to watch here — they are very confident and brave birds, they come into your camp and squawk all day
    • It’s so lush and green here. Plenty of shade under the bug trees, and lots of nature to see
    • Restrooms and showers are clean and big
    • Each site has a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring
    • Not great for parking trailers
    • TONS of mosquitoes. The children and I were eaten alive
    • Be careful of the poison oak everywhere! Watch your kids. They are all around the campsite.
    • While sites are private and secluded, they are a little small. You can probably fit 2 small tents
  • Chloe T.
    Nov. 4, 2017

    Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

    Great for Shoulder Season

    We camped in Oak Bottom in October when the days were hot and the evenings were cool. Because it's the shoulder season, their were fewer people there, which allowed us to have more space... no one in adjacent sites. However, if you are there during the high season, you will be crammed on top of one another. The only reason to tolerate that would be the close access to water. Again, because we were there during the late season, the water was low enough that it took some strategizing to get down there to get our SUPs in the water. Once we were in, it was perfect... cold and plenty deep. Oak Bottom is a tent only site, which is also a positive in my book. No generators or other vehicle sounds. The others in our area were also very quiet... no annoying music or loud voices during quiet hours. But, of course, that can't be guaranteed and I'm sure is different when the sites are filled since they are so VERY close together. Overall, I would recommend camping at Oak Bottom. If you're going during the busy season and you can afford it, reserve two spots!

  • Andi M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2022

    Van Duzen County Park - Pamplin Grove

    Breathtaking

    We’ve been camping up and down highway 101 for about two weeks now, and this was by far our favorite place! We practically had the place to ourselves! The trees are absolutely massive and gorgeous. The river is clean, and relaxing. Swimming here is so fun! Cold, but refreshing! Plenty of space for our two tents, grated on the fire pits and fire wood available. Very easy drive to get to it and super easy to find. Come check this place out! Remember to follow Leave No Trace Principles though!

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Trail Creek Campground

    Quiet Campground In the Klamath National Forest

    This is our second time camping in this campground. It’s out of the way and pretty remote, but quiet and peaceful. There are no hookups, but there is drinking water provided as well as vault toilets (which were pretty darn clean), and a bear proof trash can. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Generator use is allowed from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Last year in July when we visited there were maybe 3 other people here. This time in October (late in the season), we were the only ones here. The fee is $10.00 a night, or $5.00 with the pass/senior discount. There is ZERO cell service with T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon. We did have Starlink with us and we were able to get signal, but it was spotty due to all the tree coverage. Trail Creek runs through the back of the campground and is beautiful!


Guide to Burnt Ranch

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Burnt Ranch, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Burnt Ranch, CA is Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Burnt Ranch, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Burnt Ranch, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.