Tent camping in Junction City, California sits within Trinity County at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach mid-90s during July and August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with daytime averages of 65-75°F. The region's volcanic soil supports diverse conifer forests that provide natural shade at many campsites, with most primitive locations situated along creeks or rivers.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Crystal Creek Primitive Campground provides access to several hiking paths through the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. "This fit the bill 100%. I was looking for a primitive campsite that was quiet and secluded," notes camper Rick A., who appreciated the surrounding forest for exploration.
Water activities: Mary Smith Campground offers direct lake access for paddling and swimming. "We took tubes out and laid in the water and soaked up the sun, it was so nice. It's especially so calming because there isn't a million boats on the lake partying and such it's just quiet and calm water," shares Azizah T., who stayed at site 14.
Wildlife viewing: Trinity National Forest provides numerous wildlife watching opportunities. At Slide Creek Campground, visitors report seeing various birds, deer, and occasionally black bears. One camper describes it as "an absolute beautiful hidden gem in Trinity County... with the most breathtaking views you could ever imagine with the south for Trinity River running right through it."
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground offers well-spaced sites along a creek. "Each spot was decent. #6, 8, and 9 probably your best bets if they are open," advises Lily S., who appreciated the campground's layout. Another camper notes that "sites are nicely spread apart" making it ideal for those seeking privacy.
Water sounds: Many tent campers specifically mention creek acoustics as a highlight. "Loved listening to the creek while falling asleep, lots of shade and the staff was friendly," reports Valerie T. about her Peltier Bridge experience. Similarly, Stephanie W. notes, "Right next to a creek/river so great water sounds all night."
Natural landscapes: Slide Creek Campground offers tent sites with views of Trinity River. The campground provides "plenty of hiking, plenty of fishing and plenty of beautiful scenery," according to reviews, with just two primitive sites available.
What you should know
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters are common throughout the Junction City area. At Crystal Creek, one camper reported: "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." Food lockers are essential even at primitive sites.
Toilet facilities: Most primitive campgrounds offer only basic facilities. Shell Gulch Campground provides vault toilets near the entrance, while Peltier Bridge has "pit toilets at entry, 200 meters from Campsite 9," according to Kent G. Several reviewers note the cleanliness of facilities, with Stacy L. reporting "Pit toilets are very clean!"
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary by campground and season. Crystal Creek Primitive Campground prohibits fires year-round, while other sites allow them during lower fire danger periods. Some campgrounds, like Shell Gulch, offer limited facilities but may implement seasonal restrictions with minimal notice.
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility considerations: Many tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas. At Mary Smith Campground, "You do have to do a light hike up to the campsite, cause the sites are sloped. It's not bad though," according to Azizah T. Karen O. adds: "one must pack gear down or up to one's spot which was a pain but once settled it was a fun and relaxing time."
Water recreation: Lewiston Lake at Mary Smith Campground provides family-friendly swimming opportunities. "We stayed at site 14, across from us was a small path that lead you down to the water," shares one camper. Another reports: "got a paddle board and pretty much had the whole lake to ourselves."
Campsite selection: For families wanting privacy, specific sites offer more seclusion. At Peltier Bridge, sites 6, 8, and 9 are most removed from the entrance area. One camper notes, "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."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Deerlick Springs Campground accommodates some smaller RVs despite primarily being a tent camping area. "I did see some RV's get into a few spots. The drive in could be a challenge for an RV, so I'd caution anyone to check it out first, before pulling a trailer in," advises Mindy G., who visited multiple times.
Limited hookups: No campgrounds near Junction City provide water or electrical hookups for RVs. Big Bar Campground offers parking with river access but minimal facilities. According to reviews, it's "Pretty basic... can't camp here just a cool spot to park with a little bit of river access and some park benches."
