Camping near Hayfork, California offers access to the mountainous Trinity Alps Wilderness Area at elevations ranging from 2,300 to 7,000+ feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with daytime temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cool nights dropping into the 50s. Several campgrounds in the area provide river access where campers can enjoy cold mountain waters during summer heat.
What to do
Hiking to natural bridges: About 5 miles up Wildwood Road from Shell Gulch Campground, visitors can explore unique rock formations and caves. As one camper noted, "This wildwood area is super nice there are lots of caves and rock formations. Natural bridge is 5 miles or so up the road to the left."
Gold panning in Trinity River: Many streams and rivers contain traces of gold that catch the sunlight. The Douglas City Campground offers direct river access where one camper observed, "The river is filled with iron lyrite/fool's gold, and is really pretty when the glakes sparkle in the sun."
Wildlife watching: The Trinity Alps region hosts diverse wildlife including deer, osprey, eagles and smaller creatures. At The Hensons' Hideaway, visitors can observe local wildlife while enjoying cabin comforts. The property is "centrally located to a number of the Trinity Alps trails, as well as boat access to the lake."
Swimming in mountain creeks: Many campgrounds feature cold, clear water access points ideal for cooling off. Philpot Picnic Area offers creek access in a quiet forest setting where campers report it's "never too many people here nice and quiet lots of forest around it good for hiking."
What campers like
Riverside camping: Douglas City Campground receives high ratings for its proximity to the Trinity River. One camper shared, "The river is accessible from any site, some small rapids in spots, slow water in others, with occasionally deeper pools here and there. Beautiful site to see, beautiful sound to hear camping, especially when dozing off to sleep."
Affordable sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer reasonable pricing. At Douglas City Campground, campers reported, "Easy in and out. 20$ for the night. Babbling water to sleep to. Host is super friendly."
Star viewing opportunities: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. One camper at Junction City Campground described it as "Mountain fresh" and noted you can "Camp right above the river. Most likely, you will have a campground to yourself."
Recently renovated facilities: Some campgrounds have undergone recent improvements. A visitor to Douglas City Campground was impressed: "The paved road and pads throughout the park couldn't be more than 2-years old. The restrooms are new and nice. The shower is nice. It's like the park had a complete makeover last year or the year before."
What you should know
Limited services and connectivity: Most campgrounds have minimal facilities and poor cell reception. One Douglas City visitor reported, "No internet, spotty cell service, oddly, cell service only during daylight hours."
Challenging road access: Many campgrounds require navigating narrow, winding roads. A camper at Junction City Campground described it as "a quiet campground with great sites" but warned about remote access.
Wildlife precautions needed: Bears are active in the area, requiring proper food storage. Douglas City Campground provides bear boxes: "They have bear safes (metal boxes with doors having bear-proof levers/latches) to store food."
Poison oak awareness: This irritating plant grows throughout the region. As one camper warned, "There is a decent amount of poison oak here and there, so beware. Leaves of 3, let it be!"
Limited supply options: Stock up before arrival as stores are scarce. A camper noted, "You should make sure you have all supplies as there are no stores/supplies close by."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots for children: Scott Flat Campground offers lake swimming options popular with families. A camper reported, "The lake was a perfect temperature for swimming. There is a small store that is by the marina where we all had ice cream."
Wildlife viewing activities: Keep children engaged by watching for local animals. A Junction City visitor mentioned, "Not too far from a glacier lake, so good for hiking. Bears not too far away," offering exciting but supervised wildlife viewing opportunities.
Consider weekday visits: Weekend crowds can change the experience drastically. One camper advised, "Quiet during the week, full on weekends. 24 sites, most are on the main loop through the campground."
Shade considerations: Summer heat requires finding shaded sites. A camper observed, "Several have direct sun exposure, which was harsh in late July, so do come during the week if you want to ensure you have a good choice of other spots."
Tips from RVers
Size-appropriate campgrounds: Many forest roads limit RV access. Critter Creek Campground & RV Park stands out as one of few full-service options with electric, water and sewer hookups.
Hunting base camps: RVers seeking hunting opportunities find certain campgrounds particularly suitable. A Critter Creek visitor shared, "Awesome place, amazingly helpful and kind owners, Critter creek campground is right on 36 and wildwood road. Went there for a week of hunting and the property backs up to nothing but days and days worth of b-zone land."
Heat management strategies: Without hookups, summer heat requires planning. One camper explained their strategy: "The days were very hot - probably 100° - and there are no hook-ups so we siesta'd in the afternoons. The river is gorgeous, cold, clean, and refreshing."
Level site selection: RVers should check site conditions before setting up. A satisfied camper noted, "The pads are (mostly) level side-to-side, and easily adjustable front to back. They fit all sizes of trailers and RVs; a 40'+ pulled in this afternoon."
