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.
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
This campground, located 17 miles north of Weaverville, CA, off Highway 2, is situated on the Stuart Fork Arm of Trinity Lake. Minersville is one of the more popular campgrounds on Trinity Lake due to its easy access to the lake and scenic views. At 2,400 foot elevation, it is nestled in a stand of mixed conifers and deciduous trees. Trinity Lake is one of three Forest Service-managed lakes in the Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, offering excellent opportunities for houseboating, water skiing, tubing and wakeboarding.
The area offers excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing. Directly adjacent to the campground is the Minersville Boat Ramp. Informal mooring of boats is possible off some of the campsites. Rainbow trout are abundant, and brown and brook trout are common. This is a good lake for a float tube and excellent fly fishing. The area offers wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities. Hikers can access the 4-mile Trinity Lakeshore Trail at nearby Clark Springs Campground.
The area offers excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing. Directly adjacent to the campground is the Minersville Boat Ramp. Informal mooring of boats is possible off some of the campsites. Rainbow trout are abundant, and brown and brook trout are common. This is a good lake for a float tube and excellent fly fishing. The area offers wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities. Hikers can access the 4-mile Trinity Lakeshore Trail at nearby Clark Springs Campground.
Minersville Campground is noted for a "campground with a view." Many campsites are located on the bank of Trinity Lake with views of the Trinity Alps, noted for their scenic views and alpine environment. The Trinity Alps are situated within the Klamath Mountains, which lies between the Pacific Coast Ranges to the west and the Cascade Range farther to the east.
$29 / night
Hayden Flat Campground is located 31 miles west of Weaverville, CA along CA Highway 299 at an elevation of 1200'. Located on the Wild and Scenic portion of the Trinity River, this campground is a wonderful place to camp when enjoying all the river has to offer. The upper loop of the campground has been converted into 3 group sites.____
The Trinity River offers fun-filled hours of fishing, swimming, floating, rafting, kayaking and boating. River access is available at this location for boats that can be carried by hand. Nearby tributaries to the Trinity River offer beautiful spots to swim and spend the day.__ Generally, Pigeon Point to Big Flat is too dangerous for tuber and family canoeists. Boating is no advisted from Cedar Flat to Grays Falls except for expert boaters. Several commercial guides operate on the Trinity River under Forest Service Special Use permits. They provide quality guided raft and white water instruction and can be found on the Shasta-Trinity NF website.______ **Please note that the Trinity River is subject to periodic changes in flow conditions from releases from Lewiston Dam. Current flows (CFS) can be obtained by calling (530) 246-7594.____ This campground is also located near several trailheads that access the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Contact the Weaverville Ranger Station for information about the wilderness area and required self issue permits for overnight trips.__
The Trinity River offers fun-filled hours of fishing, swimming, floating, rafting, kayaking and boating. River access is available at this location for boats that can be carried by hand. Nearby tributaries to the Trinity River offer beautiful spots to swim and spend the day.__ Generally, Pigeon Point to Big Flat is too dangerous for tuber and family canoeists. Boating is no advisted from Cedar Flat to Grays Falls except for expert boaters. Several commercial guides operate on the Trinity River under Forest Service Special Use permits. They provide quality guided raft and white water instruction and can be found on the Shasta-Trinity NF website.______ **Please note that the Trinity River is subject to periodic changes in flow conditions from releases from Lewiston Dam. Current flows (CFS) can be obtained by calling (530) 246-7594.____ This campground is also located near several trailheads that access the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Contact the Weaverville Ranger Station for information about the wilderness area and required self issue permits for overnight trips.__
Located on the Wild and Scenic portion of the Trinity River.__
$40 / night
East Fork campground has 6 campsites right on the confluence of the East and South forks of the Salmon River. There is no water and no garbage services here, but there is a vault toilet available.
This campground is located 13 miles north of Weaverville on Highway 3 on the shores of the Stuart Fork arm of Trinity Lake. This tent-only campground hugs a shore of Trinity Lake. Cedar and Ponderosa pine provide shade. Manzanita, Mountain Mahogany, grass along with well separated walk-in campsites, give good privacy. Just off State Route 3, traffic noise can be heard throughout the campground. There are 22 walk-in tent campsites with tables and fireplaces. Drinking water, paved road and parking spaces. While there is a boat ramp at this campground, there is another at Clark Springs campground (along with swim area).
Boise Creek Campground is nestled between Brush Mountain and Brannan Mountain in northern California's vast Six Rivers National Forest. The campground sits under a canopy of large Pacific madrone evergreen, Douglas fir and California bay trees, less than two miles from the small mountain town of Willow Creek, known as the Bigfoot capital of the world. Fishing, swimming and whitewater rafting are all close by in the popular Trinity River.
Fishing, swimming and whitewater rafting are all available in the Trinity River. The area also provides opportunities for biking, hiking and horseback activities, as well as fishing for migratory salmon and steelhead trout. Campers can walk the 1/2-mile trail from the campground to the nearby Boise Creek and find a swimming hole or explore native plants and wildlife. A drive on the nearby Trinity Scenic Byway is a favorite activity of many visitors.
Fishing, swimming and whitewater rafting are all available in the Trinity River. The area also provides opportunities for biking, hiking and horseback activities, as well as fishing for migratory salmon and steelhead trout. Campers can walk the 1/2-mile trail from the campground to the nearby Boise Creek and find a swimming hole or explore native plants and wildlife. A drive on the nearby Trinity Scenic Byway is a favorite activity of many visitors.
The campground sits at a 680-foot elevation and provides several shady campsites on a creek about two miles west of the Trinity River. A forest of conifers covers the campground, and stands of oak woodland dot the landscape, providing habitat for eight threatened and endangered species, including the bald eagle and the peregrine falcon. The Six Rivers National Forest lies east of Eureka in northwestern California, stretching southward from the Oregon border for about 140 miles. U.S. 101, the famed "Redwood Highway," parallels the inland Forest along the coastline. The Forest is just east of the Redwood National Park.
Boise Creek Campground is located less than two miles west of Willow Creek, where most services are available, including fuel, propane, medical services, restaurants, groceries and laundry facilities. Visitors can also check out the town's 18-hole public disc golf course or participate in the area's numerous cultural and social events, like the annual Bigfoot Days on Labor Day weekend. Three miles southwest of Willow Creek lies the Brush Mountain Lookout tower, which, at 3,988 feet, provides a 360-degree view of the forest's sweeping canyons and valleys.
$10 / night
Slide Creek Campground is has 5 tent only camp units. There is no water system.
Campground offers 5 tent only camp units and 2 picnic units. Access to facility is unpaved and there is no water system. Access from facility to the Chanchelulla Wilderness.
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!
This is the first time I used the Dyrt mapping app and I believed I had searched it for a free campsite. I was horrified ro learn the rate for 1 x person in a all Class B is $91 and $20 to empty black water, if not staying
Your mileage may vary. I was looking for a primitive campsite that was quiet and secluded. This fit the bill 100%. I hammock camp, using a stand when trees aren't available, and I am completely self contained. That being said, these sites are equipped with a pit toilet, fire rings, picnic tables, and a food locker to deter the bears. I put my food in the locker, and I'm very glad I did. About 3am something woke me up sniffing around my hammock. I was not able to see it without moving, but it bumped me and was large enough to make the hammock sway. So, be prepared there is wildlife out there.
This place has the tightest spots ever! Feel like a sardine. It’s pretty but would never spend $80 to smash in with other campers!
Stayed here for 4 days. Huge campsite with view of the lake, room for a few tents and a hammock. Fire pit. Can collect dead wood for the fire. Swimming, fishing and boating. Caught bass and catfish. Watched Osprey diving for fish in the early morn right from my campsite.Bald eagles, Herons and Hawks were also a joy to watch. Kids enjoyed swimming catching frogs, turtles and baby catfish with their hands. Poison oak is cleared from around the campsite but need to use care off trail. Nice short trail to Fir Cove. Very much enjoyed our time. Only downside was the heat.
This campground is very spacious with lots of trees for shade which was great since we I went when it was extremely hot. The owner was very nice and got us situated right away. I will definitely be coming back!
I can't rate on even being able to stay but simply based on a phone call. We had filled out their form on their website to try and book and they never responded back. We tried calling and the gentleman was very rude. He said long sites werent available which I get. But when we asked for a shorter site and a spot to park our car hauler he wouldnt even look. He had the adaucity to say well your a few weeks put Reservations change check back. I get if you dont have anything available but he didn't even look. This guy definitely doesnt want business.
The state park is beautiful but the campgrounds are just a little turn off from 36 and trucks speed by all night long. My spot was on the river so I was a little more sheltered but I wouldn't recommend booking the spots right off the road.
I wanted to love this place. Simple, pretty, quiet ( at least at check in) but 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. They camped no where near me and yet I could hear them, clear as day. They were left unchecked and it really ruined the stay.
Well kept campground on Rock Creek. Clean, flushable bathrooms. 120+ campsites, multiple hosts. Several creekside sites reserved as first come first serve. 3 mile hike (lovely with only one short strenuous incline) to Rock Creek Lake. Definitely hike to see the collection of little lakes. Not too hot, cold at night along the creek. Be prepared to utilize bear box.
Nice place, kid friendly and for the most part very clean. I say that only because it was 4th of July weekend and there was a dirty bunch around us. But even with that the park crew was great and did the best to keep things up as much as they could. They do enforce quiet time which is great and they have a little store/burger spot which is very convenient next to the pool area. Very friendly and helpful staff. They’ll also deliver wood to your camp site.
The site is lovely and taken care of well. There are bathrooms, showers (coins required), and a laundry basin. The sites are small and pretty close to each other. The main issue is the noise. It’s unbelievable loud as the camp site is right next to the road that appears to be supporting a logging operation. Logging and construction vehicles pass within 10-20 feet of the roadside campsites at all hours. We paid for two nights but left after the first because no one got any sleep.
I really liked this rustic little campground. The owner was nice and the grounds were simple and naturally pretty. Unexpectedly, there was a little place to play a game of pool. It was very quiet, and nice and dark for sleeping. I went traipsing around and found my way to Shasta Lake. If you do the same, watch out for poison oak! Oh, yeah and I forgot to say - the showers weren't fancy but the water was hot, and there was a big sink for doing your dishes.
Redwoods…awesome, but solar panels can’t charge 🙃. Traffic noise from the road can be heard in every site. Showers were adequate and required $1/minute. You can reload your water tank here. Nice and cool/cold at night even in August. Cool in the shade all day.
🌲🐸 If you’re reading this review, do your part to keep this lake pristine and quiet.
Toad Lake is a pristine mountain lake accessible only via a long, rough, and rocky single lane dirt road (Toad Lake Road 40N64). Take this road only is you have a 4x4 or AWD vehicle with suitable clearance and are comfortable driving on such mountain roads, there are very few places to turn around. The road is very rough, so expect to bounce around for about 1.5 hours while traveling at an average speed of 5mph. There are several unmarked forks while driving in - be sure to stay on the road that looks the smoothest and you’ll make it there fine. At the end of the road is a small parking lot with an information sign that sits at the trailhead to the lake. A short 15 minute hike (it would be hard to bring an ice chest) takes you the lake, where there is 2 picnic tables and a fire pit. DO NOT USE THE FIRE PIT - fires are not allowed and it is an illegal fire ring. Bring a gas stove to heat your food instead. The lake itself is small and surrounded with life! Beautiful flowers are everywhere. This is a very fragile ecosystem so please tread carefully. Be respectful to nature and your fellow campers. When we were there, there were four other groups dispersed camping around the lake. Sound carries very easily, so normal level conversations can be heard all the way across the lake. Please be quiet and conscious while you are here. There are no bear boxes, so make sure you bring a bear canister to keep your food (and the bears) safe. We carried one of our inflatable kayaks up the trail and to the lake. It was difficult but well worth it, it was such a peaceful ride. I would love to go back to Toad Lake. I highly recommend it, but only if you have a sturdy vehicle and are willing to keep this place pristine.
After finding out our original planned spot was closed (Hells gate) we decided to keep on going and see what was available. We stumbled on this and boy I’m so happy. The lake was perfect! There were people there but it wasn’t over filled. The spots weren’t super level so this campground was better suited to tent/van/hammock camping. (Though we did see a pop up). My only precaution is the campground has LOTS of poison oak. All in all I loved it.
Stayed here over the 4th of July weekend. Campers were respectful of quiet hours and staff was mostly courteous. They charge for everything including an early check-in fee when we had to move sites due to reservation conflicts. Lots of children and some camp sites are on top of each other. The water was low so fishing was difficult to find. Great for families with young children and those hoping for entertainment for kids. Not great if you are looking for space and quiet.
Road noise but nice
Check in was a challenge, staff was grumpy, even with a reservation. They have a later check in (3pm) but will allow early check in for $25 (nickel & dime?!?). There was no cell service. Correction to Dyrt description, wireless is only available at the KOA store.
Super cool spot right by the lake , they have it all here even a pool ! The jungle gym for the kids was sweet and a cool tree house … the kids loved it but it was a lil pricey .
We stayed for one night as we were passing thru from Oregon to Central California.
Pros
Cons
Over all, I this campground would be a fun place for families, wanting to disconnect from technology for a weekend of tent camping.
Hidden out of the way little gem. The campground has only eight sites. The restrooms are clean and showers are available at a neighboring campground. Right now the lake is so low you really can’t get to it. But it’s great just to hang out in peace and quiet. Be sure to download directions, hiking trails info or anything else you might need. There is no cell service anywhere near the campground!
Beautiful spots down on Trinity lake ... the water is super low right now so muddy beaches but still beautiful area !
The spot I was in was small and nestled in a grove of aspen trees. The bear locker was well maintained and the fire ring was double walled. There were flush toilets with working lights and the tent pad was level.
Its a short drive to some great hikes, but the campground itself was too busy and too close to the highway to use as a good starting point.
Pretty basic ...can’t camp here just a cool spot to park with a little bit of river access and some park benches..
No where to be found ... don’t plan on going here ha !
No campground !
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Helena, CA is Trinity Lake KOA Holiday with a 4.1-star rating from 8 reviews.
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