Dispersed camping near French Gulch, California offers multiple options in the Trinity Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,500 feet. The area sits at the intersection of three national forests and the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, creating diverse microclimates. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing with occasional snow at higher elevations, while summer brings sustained periods above 95°F.
What to do
Fishing access points: Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed camping provides direct river access about 45 minutes from Redding. "I had a perfect spot right by the river… easy to navigate with my 20' van, stunning, private, shady and green," notes a camper at Cline Gulch. The area allows both tent and RV camping with riverside spots often claimed first.
Water activities: At Hayward Flat Campground on Trinity Lake, visitors find multiple water recreation options. "Bring your hammocks and kayaks! Beautiful place to relax at the water," shares one camper. The campground features a large beach area, though it's primarily stone and may be affected by seasonal water levels.
Creek exploration: Crystal Creek Primitive Campground provides opportunities for wildlife viewing in a secluded setting. "I was looking for a primitive campsite that was quiet and secluded. This fit the bill 100%," writes a visitor who had a close nighttime wildlife encounter: "About 3am something woke me up sniffing around my hammock... it bumped me and was large enough to make the hammock sway."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground, the site layout creates personal space. "Small campground. Easy entry off 299. A gravel road and car accessible... River view but access a challenge through brush or steep grade," reports a visitor. Another camper notes: "There's like 9 or so sites all pretty far apart. The creek is super beautiful."
Protected tent-only areas: Oak Bottom Tent Campground is designed specifically for non-RV camping. "No car camping... We camp out of our 4Runner and ended up having to buy a tent and haul everything into our site. They provide a wheelbarrow for hauling your stuff," warns one camper, highlighting the walk-in nature of this location.
Uncrowded water access: Beehive Point Shoreline Campground offers spacious waterfront camping. "Beautiful site right on the water making it a good place to swim," notes one camper. Another visitor explains, "We stayed on a Thursday night until Friday morning and there were only a few other people there, we couldn't see any of them from our spot so we felt totally isolated."
What you should know
Tick awareness: Wooded areas near French Gulch can harbor ticks, particularly in spring. At Cline Gulch, one camper reported: "I had a perfect spot right by the river… I was about to write a 5 star review… but then my dog and I both got bitten by ticks - and we woke to find 8 other dead ticks in our bed."
Limited navigation: Several remote campsites have poor cell service. "Because of poor reception unable to find. Definitely way out there," notes one visitor about Cline Gulch. Another adds: "Little to no cell signal from Verizon or Tmobile" about Beehive Point.
Food storage requirements: Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground provides bear boxes for secure food storage. "Bear boxes. Pit toilets at entry, 200 meters from Campsite 9," explains a camper. At Crystal Creek, a visitor confirmed their importance: "These sites are equipped with... a food locker to deter the bears. I put my food in the locker, and I'm very glad I did."
Tips for camping with families
Spacious group sites: Hayward Flat Campground offers extra large sites for families. "HUGE CAMPSITE to share with multiple friends. We had 4 tents on our site and we could have added 4 more," reports one camper. Another visitor confirms: "The campground was beautiful with easy access to the lake and spacious sites that easily fit our large family."
Noise considerations: Many campgrounds near French Gulch can be lively during peak times. A Hayward Flat visitor noted: "If you are looking for a quiet campground I would look elsewhere. Dogs and children were up at 5am. There were multiple dogs barking all day." Similarly, another camper mentioned: "Our only complaints were... quiet hours were not enforced as we were woken up by loud partying well after 2 am."
Camp store access: Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort maintains a well-stocked store for essential supplies. "The store is well supplied with camping and fishing needs," notes one visitor. Another camper adds, "They have a store at the park. If you want they provide a fire pit. Firewood is available."
Tips from RVers
Space limitations: Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort accommodates smaller to mid-sized RVs. "Biggest I would put in here would be about a 30 foot trailer. You have to disconnect your tow vehicle," advises one RVer. However, another visitor had success with a larger rig: "Our 35 foot fifth wheel easily navigated the space."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campsites near French Gulch can be challenging. At Beehive Point, a visitor explained: "High clearance helps to get to some spots but we did make it all the way through with our minivan after a little trial and error." At Cline Gulch, a visitor warned: "Would recommend larger rigs avoid this area due to the number of low hanging tree branches."
Shade and amenities: Campsites with shade are valuable during hot summer months. At Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, a camper appreciated: "Great little park. Lots of shade and green grass, good management, Clean restrooms and well kept grounds."
