Trinity Lake and Lewiston Lake offer glamping near Lewiston, California from May through October. The area sits at approximately 2,000 feet elevation in the Trinity Alps region with temperatures reaching the mid-90s in summer. Most luxury camping accommodations in the Lewiston area require reservations several months in advance during peak season.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: Trinity Lake KOA Holiday provides water access where "many people brought ATVs to utilize these and it looked like a great time." One visitor notes that "kayaks were available to rent in set 2 hour timeslots" and the lake "was not that busy during the week."
Hiking trails: Crystal Creek Primitive Campground offers nearby trails with access to natural surroundings. A camper reports, "I was looking for a primitive campsite that was quiet and secluded. This fit the bill 100%." The area contains wildlife, as one camper discovered when "about 3am something woke me up sniffing around my hammock."
Boat rentals: Mary Smith Campground visitors can rent watercraft nearby. "About 10 minutes passed the campground is pine cove marina where you can rent out boats, and kayaks. They have very reasonable prices," notes one guest. However, water temperatures vary significantly as "the water down this part of Lewiston lake was definitely a lot colder, like icy cold."
Fishing spots: Minersville Campground provides fishing access when water levels permit. A visitor observed, "The nearby lakeshore is quite muddy (depending upon water level), but provides great fishing and boating opportunities. A nice trail runs along the campground."
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Mary Smith Campground earns praise for its peaceful setting. One camper mentioned, "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." Another visitor appreciated having "the whole lake to ourselves."
Wildlife viewing: Stoney Point Campground offers natural encounters. "Beautiful spots down on Trinity lake," notes one reviewer, though they caution "the water is super low right now so muddy beaches but still beautiful area!"
Tent platforms: Mary Smith Campground features elevated camping spots. "We set our tents up on the platforms and had a great view of the lake and trinity alps in the distance. Birds and frogs were in abundance," shares one visitor. The elevated sites provide better views but require more effort to access.
Clean facilities: Trinity Lake KOA Holiday maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. A guest reports, "Clean bathrooms/showers. The staff was friendly and helpful. Good size campsites." Another adds that "bathrooms are clean and they have made some improvements. Small pool but nice."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in the area have no connectivity. At Minersville Campground, "There is no wifi or cellular coverage," though one visitor noted a change: "Since last night when we setup in site #1, we have maintained 3 bars of Verizon service. So, either a new tower, or perhaps just a different provider."
Early booking required: Premium glamping sites fill quickly during summer. Some luxury camping options near Lewiston require reservations months in advance, especially for weekends.
Varying water levels: Trinity Lake experiences significant water level fluctuations. One Stoney Point camper mentioned "muddy beaches" due to low water, while a Minersville visitor noted that "right now the lake is so low you really can't get to it."
Temperature fluctuations: Mountain Gate RV Park provides climate-controlled options when temperatures spike. During heat waves, some campgrounds experience temperatures above 100°F, with one visitor noting "114 degrees" during their July stay at a nearby resort.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lakeview Terrace Resort offers kid-friendly facilities. A visitor mentioned, "The jungle gym for the kids was sweet and a cool tree house… the kids loved it but it was a lil pricey."
Quieter weekday stays: Trinity Lake KOA Holiday sees fewer visitors midweek. One camper notes that "Trinity Lake is not that busy during the week" which creates a more relaxed atmosphere for families with children who need space to play.
Pack water shoes: Mary Smith Campground has rocky shorelines that require foot protection. A visitor advises: "Rocky beach if water is low so bring your river shoes." This is especially important for children who want to explore the water's edge.
Site selection strategy: Pinewood Cove Resort requires careful planning for trailer access. A visitor cautions: "These spots are VERY hard to back in to. The trees are leaning toward the center of the sights literally giving us a foot of room on each side to back in a 24 foot trailer."
Tips from RVers
Limited maneuvering space: Trinity Lake KOA Holiday has specific areas better suited for trailers. "I highly recommend getting a spot near the tents and exit to the river road if you are towing a trailer. We were on the end of Raccoon Rd and it was fantastic," advises one RVer.
Satellite internet access: Boulder Creek RV Redding offers reliable connectivity options. A visitor notes: "Our Starlink worked extremely well here," which can be essential for those working remotely or needing consistent internet access.
Electric hookup availability: Minersville Campground has limited power options. A visitor points out that "Site 1 is the only site with electric hookups," which is important information for RVers relying on electricity for their equipment.
Dump station access: Trinity Lake KOA provides full hookups for longer stays. "Sites are full hook ups," notes one camper, while adding that "bathrooms are clean and they have made some improvements."
