Camping near Helena, California centers around the Trinity River watershed where summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F. The area sits at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet within Shasta-Trinity National Forest, connecting to the Trinity Alps wilderness. Many campsites near Helena, California operate seasonally with most closing between November and April due to weather conditions.
What to do
Fishing access points: Junction City Campground provides direct river access for fishing the Trinity River. "Not too far from the river and it's a quiet campground with great sites. Beautiful location," notes Bryan C.
Swimming holes: Douglas City Campground offers swimming opportunities along the Trinity River. "The river is gorgeous, cold, clean, and refreshing. The Trinity River is popular for rafters so we had fun waving at rafts full of happy people floating by," reports Kathryn T.
Hiking opportunities: Ripstein Campground serves as a gateway to Trinity Alps trails. "There are 8 spots, 4 fairly close to a parking 'slot', 4 that you can park in an open area and walk to. With temps into the high 90s, the jewel of this camp was Canyon Creek," says Greg B.
Gold panning: Several riverside camping areas allow gold panning in the Trinity River. "The river is filled with iron lyrite/fool's gold, and is really pretty when the flakes sparkle in the sun," according to a Douglas City camper.
What campers like
Riverside camping sites: Hobo Gulch Campground offers 10 camping spots directly on the East Fork of North Fork Trinity River. "Right on the East Fork of North Fork Trinity River, there are 10 camping spots & 2 well-stocked vault toilets. Lots of downed trees provided plenty of firewood," shares Greg B.
Quiet locations: East Weaver Group Campground provides a peaceful setting not far from town. "It's out of town enough to feel secluded but close enough to feel comfortable if your not looking for total wilderness. Beautiful year round Creek," describes Rene W.
Affordability: Many Trinity River campsites maintain low fees compared to other California camping areas. "It was a honor pay station by the USDA Forest service. 6$ was an easy payment for a nice area to set up," notes Shawn H. about Big Flat Campground.
Water features: Most campsites feature river access. "With a hot summer day...it was perfect!! The color of this creek was the most beautiful gray/blue I had seen. Crystal clear water at a refreshing mid-60s temperature," describes a Ripstein Campground visitor.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many camping areas require navigation on forest roads of varying quality. "The road although incredibly long and winding was well maintained and I'm pretty sure even a car could make it without issue," notes Samuel H. about Hobo Gulch Campground.
Bear safety requirements: Bears inhabit the Trinity River region, requiring proper food storage. "They have bear safes (metal boxes with doors having bear-proof levers/latches) to store food," reports Greg K. about Douglas City Campground.
Poison oak awareness: Poison oak grows throughout the region, particularly near water. "There is a decent amount of poison oak here and there, so beware. Leaves of 3, let it be!" warns a Douglas City camper.
Water level variations: River conditions fluctuate seasonally affecting swimming and fishing. "With temps into the high 90s, the jewel of this camp was Canyon Creek. The river was ripping really good & very cold. Use caution if going in," advises a Ripstein visitor.
Limited cell service: Most camping areas have poor or no connectivity. "There was NO cell service (Verizon & T-Mobile)," reports a Ripstein Campground camper.
Tips for camping with families
Weekday visits recommended: East Weaver Group Campground tends to be less crowded midweek. "Beautiful campground one of my families favorites. It's out of town enough to feel secluded but close enough to feel comfortable if your not looking for total wilderness," shares Rene W.
Look for shaded sites: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in the Trinity River region. "Lots of trees for shade and the spaces are wide. Wider than any other places we have stayed," notes Jason D. about Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids can spot various wildlife throughout the area. "Lots of critters though: deer, lizards, flies, MOSQUITOS, butterflies," reports Greg K. about his camping experience.
Evening activities: Night skies provide star-viewing opportunities away from light pollution. "The moon and stars were well visible as there is no light pollution in that area. We watched a bat aerial show in the evenings, and listened to the many bird calls as well," shares a Douglas City camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger RVs: Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort accommodates larger rigs but with some limitations. "Biggest I would put in here would be about a 30 foot trailer. You have to disconnect your tow vehicle," advises Jason D.
Full hookup options: Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort offers complete amenities for RVers. "The rv spots are full hook up with nice green grass, no cable but ok Verizon signal and we got a few local channels on the tv antenna," notes Corey L.
RV-friendly campgrounds: Douglas City Campground can accommodate various RV sizes. "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," reports Greg K.
Dump station access: Dump stations are limited in the area, requiring planning. "There's water, but no hookups and no dump station. Dump stations are scarce in this area, it seems," notes a Douglas City camper.
