Best Tent Camping near French Gulch, CA

Searching for a tent camping spot near French Gulch? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near French Gulch, including sites, reviews, and tips. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your California camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near French Gulch, CA (58)

    Camper-submitted photo from Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

    1. Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    15 Photos
    64 Saves
    Whiskeytown, California

    Overview

    Peltier Bridge is a tent-only campground. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a large bear-resistant storage locker, a metal fire pit with a swing-arm barbecue grill, and a lamp pole. The campsites share two vault toilets. For campsites 1, 2 and 3, park and walk approximately 25-35 feet to your site. Drinking water and electricity are not available. Due to a small parking area, towing vehicles is prohibited in this campground. This includes vehicles towing trailers and fifth wheels and vehicles towing pop-up campers. Motorhomes are not allowed in this campground. No overflow parking is available.

    This tent-only campground is located in the southeast corner of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 13.5 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of Sacramento. Clear Creek flows past the campground, making it a popular spot for fly fishing. The camp is shaded by alders and large canyon live oaks. The cool, clear waters of Whiskeytown Lake provide endless water activities. The picturesque mountain setting and extensive forested backcountry offer ample opportunities for hiking and biking.

    Recreation

    During the summer heat, swimming, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding and water skiing are popular on the 3,200 acre lake. Year round, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, gold panning, fishing and picnicking attract visitors. Hunting is allowed in the appropriate season.

    Natural Features

    Tall trees providing cooling shade make Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground a relaxing retreat. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is located where the Klamath Mountains, Cascade and Coast Mountain Ranges, and the Sacramento Valley meet, creating a wide variety of wildlife and landscapes.

    Nearby Attractions

    Brandy Creek Beach is located three and a half miles from the campground and features sandy beaches, a large swimming area, picnicking and barbecuing facilities. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, there are showers, a store with food and supplies and rentals of paddle boards and kayaks.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (530) 246-1225.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Mary Smith Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mary Smith Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mary Smith Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mary Smith Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mary Smith Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mary Smith Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

    3. Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    10 Saves
    French Gulch, California

    Overview

    This tent-only campground is located in the northwest corner of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 19 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of Sacramento. Crystal Creek flows alongside each campsite. The campground stays relatively cool due to the creek and to the shade given by a canopy of fir, maple and pine. Three nearby trails lead to lovely waterfalls. The cool, clear waters of Whiskeytown Lake provide endless water activities. The picturesque mountain setting and extensive forested backcountry offer ample opportunities for hiking and biking.

    Recreation

    During the summer heat, swimming, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding and water skiing are popular on the 3,200 acre lake. Year round, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, gold panning, fishing and picnicking attract visitors. Hunting is allowed in the appropriate season.

    Facilities

    During the summer heat, swimming, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding and water skiing are popular on the 3,200 acre lake. Year round, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, gold panning, fishing and picnicking attract visitors. Hunting is allowed in the appropriate season.

    Natural Features

    The heavy forest canopy and burbling year-round creek make Crystal Creek Primitive Campground an ideal location for a peaceful retreat. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is located where the Klamath Mountains, Cascade and Coast Mountain Ranges, and the Sacramento Valley meet, creating a wide variety of wildlife and landscapes.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (530) 246-1225.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Tower House Historic District is located within the recreation area less than five miles from Crystal Creek Primitive Campground. Learn about the California Gold Rush history of the area by strolling among the historic buildings, water ditches, and a former gold mine, or by panning for gold or attending an interpretive program at the site. Oak Bottom is located eight miles from the campground and features beaches, lakeside picnicking, and a full-service marina with boat rentals.

    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Tent Cabin
    • Picnic Table

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Valley Inlet Shoreline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Valley Inlet Shoreline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Valley Inlet Shoreline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Valley Inlet Shoreline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Valley Inlet Shoreline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Valley Inlet Shoreline Campground

    4. Jones Valley Inlet Shoreline Campground

    4 Reviews
    6 Photos
    36 Saves
    Bella Vista, California

    This facility is used on an "as needed basis" by the Shasta Recreation Company (Concessionaire to the Forest Service). There are 8 camping sites that can accomodate a trailer with an average max. size of 16'. All sites have a picnic table, campfire ring, and an unpaved parking spur.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheep Camp Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

    5. Sheep Camp Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    9 Saves
    Whiskeytown, California

    Overview

    This tent-only campground is located in the center of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 17 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of Sacramento. Ponderosa pines and fir shade the campsites which have cliffside views of Brandy Creek. Nearby trails lead to a series of lovely waterfalls or into old-growth forest high on Shasta Bally Mountain. The cool, clear waters of Whiskeytown Lake provide endless water activities. The picturesque mountain setting and extensive forested backcountry offer ample opportunities for hiking and biking.

    Recreation

    During the summer heat, swimming, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding and water skiing are popular on the 3,200 acre lake. Year round, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, gold panning, fishing and picnicking attract visitors. Hunting is allowed in the appropriate season.

    Natural Features

    Tall pine and fir trees providing cooling shade make Sheep Camp Primitive Campground a relaxing retreat. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is located where the Klamath Mountains, Cascade and Coast Mountain Ranges, and the Sacramento Valley meet, creating a wide variety of wildlife and landscapes.

    Nearby Attractions

    Brandy Creek Beach is located three and a half miles south of the campground and features sandy beaches, a large swimming area, picnicking and barbecuing facilities. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, there are showers, a store with food and supplies and rentals of paddle boards and kayaks.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (530) 246-1225.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Salt Creek Shoreline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Salt Creek Shoreline Campground

    6. Lower Salt Creek Shoreline Campground

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    148 Saves
    Sugarloaf, California

    Open May 15- Sept 11 with services. Campground is open during the off season with no facilities, no fees, pack it in, pack it out.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Dispersed

    $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Deerlick Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Deerlick Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Deerlick Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Deerlick Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Deerlick Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Deerlick Springs Campground

    7. Deerlick Springs Campground

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    37 Saves
    Platina, California

    Information unavailable at this time.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Market
    • Picnic Table
    • Firewood Available
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Hirz Mountain Lookout
      Camper-submitted photo from Hirz Mountain Lookout

      9. Hirz Mountain Lookout

      1 Review
      2 Photos
      30 Saves
      Lakehead, California

      Overview

      The McCloud River Wintu tribe held Hirz Mountain in reverence and had a name for it in their own language. But it was a white miner, Henry Hirz, who gave the mountain its modern name. Hirz was a gold miner who lived on Hirz Creek in the 1860s and was one of the earliest white men in the McCloud River country. When the lookout was built, it was originally a structure that sat on the ground. The mountain was a strategic location for detecting fires because it had a direct view into the headwaters of the McCloud River and most of its tributaries. In 1937, the Forest Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) rebuilt the Hirz Mountain Lookout cabin and included a garage and outhouse. It was one of the last CCC-era lookouts to be built. In 1949, a steel tower was added, constructed of a steel K-brace tower that stands 20 feet above ground level. Coming here is not for the faint of heart. The access road is rocky and steep with limited visibility - high clearance vehicles are recommended - and the last quarter-mile must be traversed on foot. Those who make the journey are rewarded with unforgettable views of the landscape by day and the stars at night.

      Recreation

      The main recreational activities at Hirz Mountain Lookout are sightseeing and stargazing, and this is an ideal setting for those with a passion for photography. Visitors may want to bring binoculars to go birding and wildlife watching. There are also opportunities to hike, mountain bike and hunt in the area.

      Natural Features

      This lookout tower sits atop Hirz Mountain at an elevation of 3,540 feet, offering 360-degree views of Mt. Shasta's snow-laced peak to the north, Mt. Lassen to the southeast and the gray limestone exposures of Hirz Mountain itself. The narrow blue-green ribbon of the McCloud River Arm winds past the east side of Hirz Mountain, extending north and south as far as the eye can see. Visitors to Hirz Mountain Lookout are advised to use caution, as rattlesnakes and bears frequent the area (click here for information on bear safety).

      • Pets
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Cabins

      $100 / night

      • No image available

        10. Greens Creek Boat-in Campground

        1 Review
        3 Saves
        Sugarloaf, California

        Greens Creek is one of four boat-access only campgrounds on Shasta lake. Located on the McCloud Arm of the lake, this facility is popular with those visitors who want to get away from the crowds. Whether or not the access is difficult varies depending on the current lake level. There are vault toilets and no piped water. This is a pack it in, pack it out facility.

        • Pets
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
      Showing results 1-10 of 58 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in French Gulch

      402 Reviews of 58 French Gulch Campgrounds


      • Linda G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Trail In RV Park & Campground
        Oct. 27, 2024

        Trail In RV Park & Campground

        I stayed in late october with a fire ban. After a week they liftrd it.

        Syayed in #3. Kind of confusing to get a reservation. Couldnt buy a ticket at the visitors center. Online only. Once i figured it out it is easy. Once there i went hiking but something was missing THE CAMPFIRE. That was when i started having fun. This is a clean campsite that is only 9.4 miles to west redding.

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Railroad Park Resort
        Oct. 23, 2024

        Railroad Park Resort

        Wonderful campground

        This campground has full hookups, a. WiFi that is good enough to stream and it’s not a parking lot, good for tents and rv’s

      • Kevin M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort
        Oct. 21, 2024

        Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort

        Lake Siskiyou RV Resort

        I have frequented this RV campground several times over many years.  It is sad to see it becoming run down. The once paved interior roads are now barely discernable dirt paths. They also have a fee for locking in your chosen campground site for an additional $35 fee?!?!? Once you have waited for a specific site/s to become available to reserve, under what circumstances would they deem it reasonable to move you to another site without your consent?  I luckily did not (will not) pay the additional fee, and 90% of the campground was vacant the week I was there. That guaranteed reservation fee is just a scam to get more money out of you. The costs of the sites are not cheap to begin with.

      • Tessa F.
        Camper-submitted photo from Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
        Oct. 8, 2024

        Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

        had a great time

        so far my experience has been great we're camping out for 3 Days got campsite 6 , nice little spot next to the water, first night was peaceful there's no other people reserving any of the campsites so we got lucky, I would definitely recommend camping here however sites four and five are directly next to each other six is separate 7 8 and 9 are a little more secluded in the back I didn't see sites one two and three

      • Samuel H.
        Camper-submitted photo from Hobo Gulch Campground
        Oct. 1, 2024

        Hobo Gulch Campground

        Incredible!

        Wow what a place, I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

        The road although incredibly long and winding was well maintained and I’m pretty sure even a car could make it without issue.

        The drive up was a whole experience in itself, reminded me of Last of The Mohicans, don’t slip!

        I went during hunting season without realizing it, out of the 10 sites 7 where taken up by hunters, but I only saw one person my whole stay.

      • Noel L.
        Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Gate RV Park
        Sep. 14, 2024

        Mountain Gate RV Park

        Nice campground

        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, so asked a neighbor for a password. One of the restrooms was shut down for repairs. Too pricy.

      • TThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Beehive Point Shoreline Campground
        Sep. 9, 2024

        Beehive Point Shoreline Campground

        Not what I expected

        We were the only ones there for the most part. Every night there would be a few cars that drive through, but they didn’t stay. Bring yellow jacket traps - there’s a reason it’s named beehive

      • L
        Camper-submitted photo from Matthews Creek Campground
        Aug. 28, 2024

        Matthews Creek Campground

        Great campground

        This is an awesome campground with a single-lane road. I love visit it and join adventures in geometry dash lite. We managed to navigate it in an SUV with a teardrop trailer, but I wouldn't recommend towing anything longer. During our visit in May, the river flowed swiftly and cold, making it unsuitable for swimming or fishing. There is a well-maintained vault toilet on site, along with bear-proof recycling and trash receptacles. Limited to no service available for most of the journey. Remember, fire permits are mandatory.

      • TThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort
        Aug. 20, 2024

        Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort

        Quiet, peaceful

        Great little park. Lots of shade and green grass, good management, Clean restrooms and well kept grounds. Close to river and lakes for boating and fishing. There is a great area for tent camping or a place to dry camp with your RV just below the main RV park. There are targets set up for bow hunters in the pines below the park.

        Our 35 foot fifth wheel easily navigated the space.

      • Casey B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed
        Aug. 19, 2024

        Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed

        A little sketchy and not much shade

        The first spot you come across is super cute with little stone sculptures in the creek and a little shelter with carpet...and then you realize it's most likely a locals party zone and homeless camp. There was a trash pile, bags of potato chips...and potatoes.

        The next spot was cleaner and near the water, but the circular "driveway" was tight and had very little space. This is where we stayed.

        The rest of the spots weren't near water and were just open fields directly in the sun.

      • Michael O.
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort
        Jul. 30, 2024

        Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort

        Large, clean & strict

        Large space with tons of camp sites. I took camp spot 28 and had plenty of space behind me and around me. Tons of rules here, but can tell the camp ground is well maintained and nothing unreasonable. Friendly staff, shoutout to Fernanda 🤙🏽

      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Trinity Lake KOA Holiday
        Jul. 27, 2024

        Trinity Lake KOA Holiday

        Exactly what I needed!

        I started my journey up at Shasta lake, but was driven out by bees. I sought several other locations but decided Trinity was a worthwhile shot. I quickly made an online reservation, paid the holding fee, got there 4 hours early because I needed to just land instead of driving aimlessly, and the staff was so accommodating! They allowed me to stay in the parking lot while my site was being prepared, and they even let me in an hour and half earlier than check in! My spot was easy and accessible, close to bathrooms and showers, near the front store which had everything I needed, including coffee, a short walk to the lake, and a view of stars you don’t see very often. I came for solitude, but found comfort in neighbors who have a mutual love and respect for these great outdoors. I even shared a meal with my neighbor! This is an incredible place and very well maintained grounds. Staff are driving around quite literally into the night hours keeping things clean. Thanks Trinity KAO Holiday! I will be seeing you again!

      • jojo B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Hirz Bay Campground
        Jul. 26, 2024

        Hirz Bay Campground

        beautiful bear playground

        oh wow what a fantastic and gorgeous location. really well maintained when it comes to their bathrooms (flushing & sinks) and trash cans… but holy bear. around 4am a black bear (maybe 500lbs?) came through our site and pulled on the bear box and kept it moving to check neighboring sites (which were vacant) only to come back shortly later for a few sniffs. this would’ve been less scary had we been in an RV buuuut tent camping + bear is not the vibe guys. it definitely smelled us and knew exactly where we were & we’re incredibly fortunate but of course we were terrified. i’d definitely come back with different equipment and plenty of mace and really wish there were more signs about the likelihood of bears in this area at this time. there were a handful of signs but so small and easy to get lost amid all the other super valuable information.

      • Angel B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Beehive Point Shoreline Campground
        Jul. 23, 2024

        Beehive Point Shoreline Campground

        This place was aptly named

        I didn't put two and two together. Woke up to the BIGGEST swarm of wasps circling our fireplace and trying to make a nest in our fender. Be very careful with putting all your cookware away and completely burn your used paper towels. We went during a no burn period, so we were out of luck and ran out of camp.

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort
        Jul. 17, 2024

        Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort

        Needs work.

        Very large park. Does not look like any money has been invested in a long time. Lots of amenities but poor condition. 3 star because of full hookups. Worst marked loops ever.

      • Greg B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Denny Campground
        Jul. 16, 2024

        Denny Campground

        Remote, full at first, but then OK

        16 miles off Hwy299, with a gorgeous, pretty good paved road, gets you to Denny Campground. Even though the camp is right next to the Denny Rd, traffic is nonexistent. There are 6 camp spots, and I was thankful to get the last open one. Granted school is out, I was hoping for more solitude on a Sunday/Monday stay. Turns out, several people were ‘day users’. The one vault toilet was clean & well supplied with TP. Access to the New River is a trail between site 1 & 2. A fairly steep trail leads down to a gorgeous swimming hole. Slow & steady coming back up wasn’t that bad. No cell service (Verizon). No trash bins or pickup; pack it out!!

      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Fowlers Campground
        Jul. 12, 2024

        Fowlers Campground

        Great Little Campsite

        My friends and I stopped here for a night before we go camping in the backcountry and it was great! Has a little fire pit, bear box and nice flat spots to put your tent.

      • K
        Camper-submitted photo from Tannery
        Jul. 4, 2024

        Tannery

        Great family camping area

        We had such a good time!!! The weather was beautiful, we didn’t have to interact with anyone-just put our fee for staying 2 nights in the designated box. The bathrooms were soo nice! Real toilets and sinks with mirrors. The lake is walking distance from the sites and the sites are far enough apart for privacy. My 2 year old had a blast! Also lots of firewood around, and fire pits were very nice! We bbqed on it everyday. 10/10- we will be back!

      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from McCloud RV Resort
        Jul. 4, 2024

        McCloud RV Resort

        Cool and green

        This was day one of a 20 day cruise! We were more than happy to escape the 110’ temps down in the valley. The campground was cramped as it was the 4th of July holiday. Sites are really packed together!
        The micro-canal that runs through it was great for our lab. He just loved tramping in and out. The nights were cool - almost chilly. Of note: the water is great! Pure and cold. However, it is high pressure. It exploded our water hose! After that we learned to place our pressure regulator valve right on the faucet. Then attach the hose and filter. We enjoyed the pizza and beer at the little micro-brewery at the entrance to the park. They are no longer brewing their own beer and they hope to sell the place soon. Pizza was excellent. A great place for kids, bikes, and dogs.
        Best advice: book this at least 2 months in advance

      • Jill P.
        Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Gate RV Park
        Jun. 30, 2024

        Mountain Gate RV Park

        Super Clean & quiet

        We loved our stay. We felt safe and it’s probably one of the most cleanest campground and facilities I’ve ever been to. Clean bathrooms, showers, zero trash around. All around a great visit. Perfect spot if you are traveling with a pet. Highly recommend.



      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near French Gulch, CA?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near French Gulch, CA is Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near French Gulch, CA?

        TheDyrt.com has all 58 tent camping locations near French Gulch, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.