Camping areas surrounding Platina, California include several established campgrounds within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Deerlick Springs Campground and Basin Gulch Campground provide tent camping options in forested settings, while Post Creek Guard Station offers cabin accommodations. The region includes both primitive sites with minimal amenities and developed campgrounds with facilities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, typically operating from May through October, with limited winter accessibility due to mountain terrain and weather conditions.
Road access to many campgrounds requires careful navigation on forest service roads, particularly after winter or during spring runoff periods. The camping season generally runs from late spring through fall, with most facilities closing during winter months. Campgrounds at higher elevations may have shorter operational seasons. Several sites require advance reservations through recreation.gov, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell service is limited throughout the region, particularly in more remote camping areas. Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall months due to wildfire risk. One camper noted, "We stayed here for 4 days. Huge campsite with view of the lake, room for a few tents and a hammock. Can collect dead wood for the fire. Swimming, fishing and boating."
Trinity Lake and the surrounding waterways provide popular recreation opportunities for campers in the Platina area. Fishing, swimming, and boating access points are available at several campgrounds, with bass and catfish commonly caught in local waters. Campers report wildlife viewing opportunities including osprey, bald eagles, herons, and hawks. Sites with lake or river views tend to fill quickly during summer months. Forested campgrounds offer shade during hot summer days when temperatures can reach into the 90s. Several visitors mentioned the importance of being prepared for limited services. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "If you are looking for a quiet campground I would look elsewhere. Dogs and children were up at 5am. There were multiple dogs barking all day." Campgrounds closer to highways may experience some road noise, while more remote sites offer greater solitude.
"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. They have pit toilets and fire-rings in most sites. "
"Advanced hiking 3k-6k summit peek, beautiful trails and swimming holes, nature and wildlife surrounding a dark night sky."
$40 - $300 / night
$75 / night
"Non-potable) nearby spring was great for filtering or the 1/4 mile down to creek and swimming hole. There are 2 new full size mattresses and a 2 burner Coleman stove."
"This beautiful campsite is located about 5 miles off of Highway 36 just before patina if you’re coming from the west.There’s rivers that run through it they have racks to hang the deers,Bathrooms multiple"
"While I generally like campsites close to the river, those set against the hill seem to provide a little more shade and privacy."
"This campground is tucked down from the road and into a fairly narrow canyon. The trees are mostly oak, madrona, fir and pine, with the occasional mountain ash."
$20 / night
"6, 8, and 9 probably your best bets if they are open. 4 and 5 are right next to the entrance. There's a small narrow dirt road, but easily doable even in a loaded down sedan."
"Just me and one friend stayed overnight, very nice area, creek right next to spots. A little bit of a walk to the bathroom though."
"We were looking for.a place to camp near Redding, our home town. This campground is about 30 mins from Redding. It was an easy tow on rural but well maintained roads all the way to the campground."
"There are tent sites away from the rv part, but we never checked that area out. The rv spots are very clean, and even though they’re close together with no privacy it was an amazingly quiet park."
GuideThis was our second visit, last one 6 years ago. Friendly staff, clean facilities, nice laundry, and lots of trees. Mostly seasonal folks staying here, but we stayed in a spot right near restrooms and laundry. Grocery store short walk away and steakhouse at end of street (short walk) . Very quiet and would return!
GuideI have camped there for years now. Love the water the seclusion and the amazing views. Again not free. There is an area before you get to the campground gate that is free there is a big table and outhouse
GuideHad a really good time at the campground. It definitely is not free they recently raised the prices, but did no maintenance and added no amenities. The outhouse if you can call it that is barely still got walls.
ScoutNice park, convenient location, spacious Sites! Their new management is doing a great job remodeling and cleaning the park
ScoutCamping by Lewiston Lake. Water spigot and flush toilets. It's flat and not much privacy. If you have crappy neighbors you won't be able to avoid them. The lake has massive trout in it and there are a couple spots to bank fish. Other than that pretty unremarkable.
ScoutI’m here the first of April, still off season. I think I’m only camper here right now. The office and store are open but bathrooms/showers are closed. Off season rate here is $20 night, middle of April it goes up to $34 waterfront and $28 for other sites. Nothing is free anymore. But it’s very restful with no one here yet. That might change over the weekend. I think there’s around 50 sites here total.
TravelerFantastic view, great weather this time of year. Unfortunately, since it’s public, you may encounter families with children crying constantly, if you go, just be aware that you might need to move.
ScoutWe car camped here and it was a beautiful area but it is right underneath a train bridge over the water which did wake up up a few times but was not too loud just be aware. We were here in March so the gates were closed but there were a few others sleeping in their car in the lot outside of the gate. Beautiful area, safe camping spot
ScoutNice layout and beautiful trees. The older lady that checked us in was not trained to use computer or credit card machine. Very slow process. They also charge $4 a day for WiFi
Camping spots near Platina, California sit within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,200 to 4,000 feet. The region experiences hot summers with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and cool nights dropping to the 50s. Most primitive campgrounds in this area don't have drinking water available, requiring campers to bring their own or filter from natural sources.
Hiking and summit views: Advanced hikers can tackle trails near Deerlick Springs Campground with elevation gains of 3,000-6,000 feet. One visitor noted, "Advanced hiking 3k-6k summit peek, beautiful trails and swimming holes, nature and wildlife surrounding a dark night sky."
Swimming in natural waters: The Trinity River offers cooling relief during hot summer days. At Douglas City Campground, the river flows directly behind campsites. According to a camper, "The river is accessible from any site, some small rapids in spots, slow water in others, with occasionally deeper pools here and there."
Hunting opportunities: Fall hunting season draws visitors to campgrounds in the B-zone area. Critter Creek serves as a base for hunters, with one camper reporting, "Stayed there last year and got a nice buck. Good spot for hunting."
Secluded natural settings: Many campgrounds offer genuine forest immersion with minimal development. At Philpot Campground, campers appreciate the isolation: "It's secluded with beautiful green forest all around and there's a bunch of campsites no power no water but great hunting and trails."
Night sky viewing: The lack of light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. A visitor to Post Creek Guard Station shared, "The views & privacy are breathtaking!! The star gazing was amazing."
Natural water features: Creeks and rivers enhance many camping experiences in the area. At Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground, one camper valued the "great water sounds all night" and mentioned they were "right next to a creek/river."
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds offer basic amenities only. At Shell Gulch Campground, there's "just a couple of sites and some trash cans" with "a nice creek and there is a fish ladder just down the way."
Road conditions: Many access roads require careful navigation, especially for larger vehicles. Regarding Post Creek Guard Station, one visitor advised: "Took Tedoc rd going in. Long, dirt, rocky rd not recommended for passenger vehicles. Our transit connect was fine, but slow going, just enough clearance."
Variable water levels: Reservoir and creek levels fluctuate significantly by season. At Scott Flat Campground, visitors noted that "the lake was super low last year" despite the water being "beautiful."
Swimming hole access: Look for campgrounds with safe water access points for children. At Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground, families appreciate sites near water: "Creek right next to spots. There's like 9 or so sites all pretty far apart. The creek is super beautiful."
Campsite selection: Sites 8 and 9 at Peltier Bridge are recommended by multiple families. As one camper noted, "Sites are nicely spread apart #8 #9 being the best that were open."
Temperature planning: Prepare for significant day-to-night temperature swings. A camper at Peltier Bridge observed, "It was really hot during the day like 90s but site #9 is shady and the river is freezing so it's easy to stay cool. Gets pretty cold at night."
Size limitations: Most forest campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Douglas City Campground, the pads "fit all sizes of trailers and RVs; a 40'+ pulled in this afternoon" but this is uncommon for the region.
Access challenges: RV travelers should scout roads before attempting them. Regarding Deerlick Springs, one camper cautioned, "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."
Limited hookups: Most campsites near Platina lack RV services. At Critter Creek Campground & RV Park, one of the few sites with hookups, visitors appreciate "hot showers after really long days" of outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping in Platina, CA?
Platina and its surrounding areas offer several camping options in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest region. Basin Gulch Campground is located near Platina and provides basic facilities with toilets. For a more developed experience, Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground in the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area offers clean sites with decent spacing. Look for sites #6, 8, and 9 for the best experience. The campground is accessible via a narrow dirt road that's navigable even with a sedan. Remember to purchase your pass online before arrival.
What are the amenities at camping areas near Platina?
Camping areas near Platina offer varying amenity levels to suit different preferences. Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort provides a well-supplied store with camping necessities and is about 30 minutes from Redding on well-maintained roads. Tannery Gulch Campground offers well-shaded sites, some with lake views, picnic tables, fire rings, and select sites have bear boxes. Most public campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables, while RV parks typically offer additional services like water hookups and shower facilities.
Is dispersed camping allowed in Platina National Forest?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest area surrounding Platina, though there is no official "Platina National Forest." Olive Pit Dispersed Lot provides free overnight parking for RVs and camper vehicles in a safe location. For a more traditional dispersed camping experience, Mendocino National Forest Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area offers boondocking options near the Sacramento River. Standard dispersed camping rules apply: camp at least 100 feet from water sources, practice Leave No Trace principles, and limit your stay to 14 days within a 30-day period. Always check current fire restrictions before making plans.
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