Looking for the best campgrounds near Helena, CA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near Helena, reviewed by campers like you.
Camp on the edge of the Trinity River in one of 23 tent/trailer campsites. Popular with fisherman and pleasure boaters alike, this clear, cold section of the river is world famous for its fly fishing. Paddlers enjoy the narrow valley with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas fir, Oaks, and Madrone trees coating the walls of the canyons. If you would like more adrenaline rush, the waters below Pigeon Point rage at class III-V for white water enthusiasts. Those interested in a more relaxing experience can enjoy the abundant camping options in the area or head for the trail with your friends, horses, or dog. If you would like to stay at the river's edge, you can always swim, fish or do a little gold panning. The river can be accessed from many locations along this stretch of the Trinity River.
Hayward Flat is one of the most popular campgrounds on Trinity Lake, offering excellent lake access and plenty of shade from Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs. Located on one of the best arms of the lake for water skiing, Hayward is favored by visitors interested in water sports. Relics from the area's Placer mining history are scattered throughout the campground, with interpretive signs providing explanations.
A boat ramp and marina are located 3 miles away, but mooring may be available at the campground. Popular activities include power and non-motorized boating, fishing, swimming and water skiing. Anglers can fish for catfish, as well as a variety of bass, trout and salmon.
The Shasta-Trinity is the largest national forest in California with a diverse landscape ranging from 1,000 to 14,162 feet. The 2.1 million acre forest encompasses five wilderness areas, hundreds of mountain lakes and 6,278 miles of streams and rivers. Trinity Lake sits at an elevation of 2,370 feet and is surrounded by the Trinity Alps. Black bears are frequently spotted in the area, as well as bobcats, mountain lions and a variety of bird species.
The nearby town of Weaverville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This former mining town offers restaurants, shopping and self-guided walking tours.
$23 / night
Camp on the edge of the Trinity River in one of 21 tent/trailer campsites. Popular for fishing and pleasure boating alike, this clear, cold section of the river is world famous for its fly fishing. Paddlers enjoy the narrow valley with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas fir, Oaks, and Madrone trees coating the walls of the canyons. If you would like more adrenaline rush, the waters below Pigeon Point rage at class III-V for white water enthusiasts. Those interested in a more relaxing experience can enjoy the abundant camping options in the area or head for the trail with your friends, horses, or dog. If you would like to stay at the river's edge, you can always swim, fish or do a little gold panning. The river can be accessed from many locations along this stretch of the Trinity River.
Tannery Gulch Campground offers four loops of sites shaded by a mix of conifer and deciduous trees on the shores of Trinity Lake. Three of the four loops offer scenic lake views. Campers at Tannery Gulch have access to a wide range of recreational activities, and an on-site amphitheater offers programs during the summer.
Hikers can access the half-mile Trail of the Trees from the campground. Tannery Gulch also features a boat ramp and swim beach that are only open for use by campers at the facility. Popular activities on Trinity Lake include power and non-motorized boating, fishing, sailing and water skiing. Anglers can cast for catfish, as well as a variety of bass, trout and salmon.
Trinity Lake sits at an elevation of 2,370 feet and is surrounded by the Trinity Alps. Black bears are frequently spotted in the area, as well as bobcats, mountain lions and a variety of bird species. Shasta-Trinity is the largest national forest in California with a diverse landscape encompassing five wilderness areas, hundreds of mountain lakes and 6,278 miles of streams and rivers.
The nearby town of Weaverville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The former mining town offers restaurants, shopping and self-guided walking tours.
$49 / night
Facility has 10 sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tent camping only.
Join us for incredible fishing, hiking and campfires under the stars. The Trinity Lake KOA Holiday offers RV**, Tent, and Deluxe Cabin camping. **We are Big Rig Friendly with beautiful wooded RV sites. The tent sites are spacious and tree-covered. Deluxe cabins feature a kitchen, bathroom, and linens. We are pet friendly and offer the Kamp K9 off leash dog park.
Bringing a boat? A launch area is available 2 miles from the park. Don't have a boat? **We rent kayaks. **For hikers and ATV enthusiasts, there are hundreds of miles of trails traversing the Trinity Wilderness just outside the campground. Want to hang around the campground? Enjoy our**amenities **and recreation including 3-wheel bikes, mini golf, or heated pool. This wonderful setting is semi-remote, therefore cell phone and internet coverage can be unreliable making this the perfect place to "disconnect and reconnect" with nature and family. Trinity Lake KOA, camping at its best.
Located on the beautiful Trinity River and surrounded by the Trinity Wilderness Area, Strawhouse Resorts is a truly stunning place for your next get-away or special event.
Strawhouse Resorts is perfect for adventurous weekends to week-long, relaxing vacations. We offer weddings, family reunions, anniversary parties, retreats and business meetings services with all the amenities, including lodging and fabulous meals for your group’s convenience.
Guests are greeted by our welcoming staff and beautiful local artwork displayed throughout our café. Enjoy a cup of our on-site organically roasted specialty coffees while taking in the beautiful Trinity River from our spacious patio area. Delight in our delicious breakfast and lunch options, dinners (by reservation for lodging guests), wood-fired pizzas in the on-season, and information on all the area’s recreational activities. Come as strangers, leave as friends!
$60 - $70 / night
Camp on the edge of the Trinity River in one of 23 tent/trailer campsites. Popular with fisherman and pleasure boaters alike, this clear, cold section of the river is world famous for its fly fishing. Paddlers enjoy the narrow valley with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas fir, Oaks, and Madrone trees coating the walls of the canyons. If you would like more adrenaline rush, the waters below Pigeon Point rage at class III-V for white water enthusiasts. Those interested in a more relaxing experience can enjoy the abundant camping options in the area or head for the trail with your friends, horses, or dog. If you would like to stay at the river's edge, you can always swim, fish or do a little gold panning. The river can be accessed from many locations along this stretch of the Trinity River.
Hayward Flat is one of the most popular campgrounds on Trinity Lake, offering excellent lake access and plenty of shade from Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs. Located on one of the best arms of the lake for water skiing, Hayward is favored by visitors interested in water sports. Relics from the area's Placer mining history are scattered throughout the campground, with interpretive signs providing explanations.
A boat ramp and marina are located 3 miles away, but mooring may be available at the campground. Popular activities include power and non-motorized boating, fishing, swimming and water skiing. Anglers can fish for catfish, as well as a variety of bass, trout and salmon.
The Shasta-Trinity is the largest national forest in California with a diverse landscape ranging from 1,000 to 14,162 feet. The 2.1 million acre forest encompasses five wilderness areas, hundreds of mountain lakes and 6,278 miles of streams and rivers. Trinity Lake sits at an elevation of 2,370 feet and is surrounded by the Trinity Alps. Black bears are frequently spotted in the area, as well as bobcats, mountain lions and a variety of bird species.
The nearby town of Weaverville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This former mining town offers restaurants, shopping and self-guided walking tours.
$23 / night
Camp on the edge of the Trinity River in one of 21 tent/trailer campsites. Popular for fishing and pleasure boating alike, this clear, cold section of the river is world famous for its fly fishing. Paddlers enjoy the narrow valley with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas fir, Oaks, and Madrone trees coating the walls of the canyons. If you would like more adrenaline rush, the waters below Pigeon Point rage at class III-V for white water enthusiasts. Those interested in a more relaxing experience can enjoy the abundant camping options in the area or head for the trail with your friends, horses, or dog. If you would like to stay at the river's edge, you can always swim, fish or do a little gold panning. The river can be accessed from many locations along this stretch of the Trinity River.
Tannery Gulch Campground offers four loops of sites shaded by a mix of conifer and deciduous trees on the shores of Trinity Lake. Three of the four loops offer scenic lake views. Campers at Tannery Gulch have access to a wide range of recreational activities, and an on-site amphitheater offers programs during the summer.
Hikers can access the half-mile Trail of the Trees from the campground. Tannery Gulch also features a boat ramp and swim beach that are only open for use by campers at the facility. Popular activities on Trinity Lake include power and non-motorized boating, fishing, sailing and water skiing. Anglers can cast for catfish, as well as a variety of bass, trout and salmon.
Trinity Lake sits at an elevation of 2,370 feet and is surrounded by the Trinity Alps. Black bears are frequently spotted in the area, as well as bobcats, mountain lions and a variety of bird species. Shasta-Trinity is the largest national forest in California with a diverse landscape encompassing five wilderness areas, hundreds of mountain lakes and 6,278 miles of streams and rivers.
The nearby town of Weaverville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The former mining town offers restaurants, shopping and self-guided walking tours.
$49 / night
Facility has 10 sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tent camping only.
Traveler
Don’t be confused when you arrive and head up the hill where you’ll find camping spots. Even has an area with picnic tables under the trees.
A great spot overall and a nice drive up. We were there when it rained all day one of our days and it didn’t affect the roads much.
We even pulled up our rear drop camper and had no issues at all.
Guide
Clean bathrooms and showers. Nice park. We stayed one night enroute to the bat area, but world have start much longer
Traveler
Very basic sites, on the river. Hosts are super helpful and friendly, great for a short time.
Scout
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.
Scout
I feel like nature is where i need to be. I love it here. Clean
Scoutso 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
Guide
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.
TravelerI loved staying at lacks creek! I had good cell service with att and it was beautiful, quiet and serene. Hikes right by the campsites. Fire pit. No water at all though. Bring your own water. And no bathroom unless you drive like 3 miles down the other way and some of the roads weren't open due to landslides. I drove my honda civic all the way up there. There was a few points I thought I wouldn't make it but sure enough my good ol honda pushed through. Lol Anyways! Highly recommend! Just bring water! Lol
Guide
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.
Scout
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
Scout
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.
Traveler
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.
Guide
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.
Ranger
This secluded camp is well worth the effort to find. I've been 3 times and finally decided to add it to The Dyrt. Upon this return, I tried to find it online (Six Rivers's official site) but found no info. There are two ways to this camp, the longer from Willow Creek, or the shorter from Hawkins Bar. Both ways are via forest service roads that are "fair". There are 3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. There is one vault toilet that was stocked with 'the papers'. There is NO trash service or cans and NO POTABLE WATER. There is a tiny creek running nearby if needed. There is MAYBE one (1) bar of Verizon service, but it is extremely unreliable. I came here to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, on a Sunday night/Monday, and did not see a soul.
TravelerOther than the long bumpy dirt road this site was great! Easy to find and great views. Had pretty good cell service with AT&T. Very quiet
Scout
My family and I were recently evacuated from my home due to a wildfire. We are fortunate enough to have an RV and were able to get to an evacuation area. After staying a few days in the evacuation zone, we needed to refill our water and empty our tanks so I visited Boulder Creek.
I offered to pay for some water and for use of their dump station. I was immediately met with the following statement by their front desk employee: “It’s 20 bucks to dump and I don’t do water fills.”
I’ve met some of the kindest and most gracious people during this incident, but I was disgusted as I walked out and noticed the freshly watered little planters full of flowers and the lack of humanity or even an attempt at kindness shown by Boulder Creek’s employees.
I highly recommend to anyone looking for a place to stay in Redding to find somewhere else.
Traveler
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!
Scout
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.
TravelerIt’s likely that the heat draws the bees out, so you may have a different experience other times of the year. The bees made this incredible location no longer worth it.
ScoutI 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.
Guide
The campground is ok. The closest bathrooms near our site were closed due to renovation. The main bathrooms were good looking. The men’s bathroom kept running out of paper towels. One of the staff told me they can’t buy any toilet paper or paper towels anywhere. My wife had to keep bringing in toilet paper as they ran out. The pool was warm and spa hot. The most frustrating part was reservations. The website showed only tent sites with water and electricity. I then clicked on military discount and the website showed me a higher price. I called and left a message to get clarification. No one called me back. Turns out they apply the discount after you check in. Check in was another issue. The office was closed early and they gave me a tent site without electricity or water. So I had to call their after hours number to get them to change my site. Later in the office they told me that they aren’t responsible for their website. Campground is ok, but customer service needs work. Wish there were more options closer to Eureka. The WiFi worked good until the last day. The 15A outlet worked until the last day.
Traveler
Good for a quick stop over. Quiet and never crowded. Clean bathrooms. Right on the river with easy access to the 5.
Ranger
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!!
TravelerBeautiful area, cool drive in. But the map on here is misleading… Follow Pine Ridge Road all the way till you hit dispersed sites with picnic tables and fire pits on the right.
(41.0051476, -123.7848194)
TravelerClean, level, spacious campground sites, close together trees so you can hang a hammock, hilltop view, pristine feel. Deep grateful breath. Gaia happy here.
Traveler
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!
ScoutWe 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.
Camping near Helena, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
Exploring the great outdoors through camping near Helena, CA, can be a rewarding experience. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Helena, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Helena, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 208 campgrounds and RV parks near Helena, CA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Helena, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Helena, CA is Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Helena, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Helena, CA.
What parks are near Helena, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Helena, CA that allow camping, notably Six Rivers National Forest and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
