RV parks near French Gulch, California offer camping options in a region with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 feet. The area sits at the western edge of the Trinity Mountains, where summer temperatures can drop 15-20°F from daytime highs, making evening camping more comfortable than valley locations. Most campgrounds remain accessible from April through October, with winter closures affecting higher elevation sites.
What to do
River access: At Lakehead Campground & RV Park, campers can reach the Sacramento River and Shasta Lake via nearby trails. "I went traipsing around and found my way to Shasta Lake. If you do the same, watch out for poison oak!" warns a visitor to Lakehead Campground & RV Park.
Water recreation: Boating and fishing opportunities exist within 10-30 minutes of most RV parks in the region. "We fished Lewiston lake less than 10 min. away and Whiskeytown Lake about 20-25 min. away with great luck," notes a camper from Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort.
Target practice: Some parks provide outdoor activity areas for camping guests. "There are targets set up for bow hunters in the pines below the park," mentions a visitor about the camping area at Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort.
What campers like
Local exploration: The central location of RV parks near French Gulch allows visitors to see multiple attractions. "So much to do in the area it's a good base camp to see the area. You can go boating, see the Caverns, visit Lassen, Burney Falls or study a little CA history from the gold rush," explains a camper at Shasta Lake RV Resort.
Evening temperature: Cooler nights provide relief during hot summer months. "We had a great stay. It was an easy tow on rural but well maintained roads all the way to the campground. Easy tow for my 25.5 foot travel trailer," comments a visitor to Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort about the accessibility of the area.
Small town proximity: "The little town of Lewiston is pretty cool and a 5 min walk from the campground as well is the trinity river," notes a camper, highlighting the convenience of having small communities nearby for supplies and local character.
What you should know
Ant problems: Some RV parks have seasonal insect issues. "The real kicker though is the ant infestation we received in a single eighteen or so hour stay. Another guest warned us as they had the same experience," cautions a visitor to Marina RV Park.
Site sizes: Many parks have limitations on RV length. "Biggest I would put in here would be about a 30 foot trailer. You have to disconnect your tow vehicle," advises a camper about Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort.
Noise levels: Campground experiences vary depending on neighbors. "1 am, a group of partiers ruined the experience with loud kids, loud adults and loud dogs as if it was 1 pm and not 1 am and shouting at each other as if they were a football field away and not just a few feet," reports a visitor to Lakehead Campground & RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Play facilities: Some parks offer recreational amenities for children. "The grounds were beautiful, and included a small waterfall & koi pond, and a play structure for the littles," notes a visitor to Boulder Creek RV Redding.
Off-leash areas: Pet-friendly options exist for families traveling with dogs. "Our dogs loved the area down below, we would take them off leash and let them do dog-things," mentions a camper about Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort.
Pool availability: Call ahead about swimming facilities, especially in summer. "Mid-July, 114 degrees and their pool is closed!!! At $90+ per night expect better," warns a Boulder Creek RV Redding visitor about potentially disappointing amenities.
Tips from RVers
Check-in procedures: After-hours arrivals require preparation. "Well maintained and clean park. Actually has grass, not all gravel. Sites level. Nice pool and laundry room. One night stay and arrived late so did self check in...no password for bathrooms were given," reports a visitor to Mountain Gate RV Park.
Connectivity options: Internet access varies between parks. "Our Starlink worked extremely well here," mentions a Mountain Gate RV Park camper, providing useful information for remote workers needing reliable connectivity.
Site surface types: Surface materials affect comfort and setup. "The rv spots are full hook up with nice green grass," notes a camper about Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, contrasting with the gravel sites common at many other RV parks in the French Gulch area.
