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Camping near Platina, CA

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    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.

    Best Campgrounds near Platina (196)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Deerlick Springs Campground

      3.7(3)8mi from PlatinaTents

      "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."

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      2. Critter Creek Campground & RV Park

      4.5(2)7mi from PlatinaRVs, Tents

      from $40 - $300 / night

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      3. Post Creek Guard Station

      4.5(2)9mi from Platina1 siteCabins

      "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."

      from $75 / night

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      4. Basin Gulch Campground

      4.0(1)3mi from PlatinaRVs, Tents

      "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"

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      5. Shell Gulch Campground

      2.0(3)12mi from PlatinaTents, Glamping
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      6. Douglas City Campground

      4.7(6)20mi from PlatinaRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      7. Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

      4.7(10)24mi from Platina9 sitesTents

      "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."

      from $20 / night

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      8. Steel Bridge Campground

      4.8(4)22mi from PlatinaRVs, Tents

      "Lots of people in and out fishing Short trail at the end of the campground that follows the river."

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      9. Philpot Campground

      3.0(2)17mi from PlatinaGlamping
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      10. Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

      3.7(9)26mi from PlatinaRVs, Tents

      "Because it's the shoulder season, their were fewer people there, which allowed us to have more space... no one in adjacent sites."

      "Our site had private water access and was a good distance from adjacent sites. I really can't say enough good things about my time here."

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    Recent Camping Photos near Platina, CA

    76 Photos of 196 Platina Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Platina, CA

    380 Reviews of 196 Platina Campgrounds

    • Alexander K.
      Sep. 5, 2026

      Green Acres RV Park

      Great Sites for the Price

      The site itself is great. It's well kept, grass is green and watered nightly, sites are clean, and it has nearly all the amenities you need (no public restrooms/showers). The Wi-Fi is excellent - it's honestly one of the standout features. I need good internet for work and I had zero problems working and streaming video at the same time. The coin-only laundry machines are a bit cumbersome but there is a change dispenser so it's not a big deal. The pool and fish pond are nice but there's no hot tub for the winter. Neighbors and staff are great. The surrounding neighborhood is a little less welcoming but it's not a big deal considering the fair price.

    • NThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 5, 2026

      Rattlesnake Cr. near Hwy 36, Shasta-Trinity NF

      An option where there are few along HWY 36

      This dispered site is 75 miles west of I5 and Red Bluff and just north of Hwy 36 about a 1/2 mile along USFS [Shasta-Trinity] Road 30N59. It is about 7 miles west of the 36/3 junction. Also about 3-4 miles east of USFS campgrounds Forest Glen and 2-3 miles east of Hell Gate. The entrance road here (30N59) is not very well marked but there is a large road sign on the south shoulder of 36, as shown in the pics, that is directly across from the entrance. Road 30N59 was not well maintaned (as of July 2026) but passable with care even with my 2wd SUV and teardrop. Like most disperesed camping bring everything and pack it out. Note - on Google Maps forest rd 30N59 is called Lower Rattlesnake Rd. Sites are flat areas with grass along the margins of 30N59 and right along the creek which was flowing well even in July.

    • Betsy A.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 29, 2026

      Sycamore Grove (red Bluff) Campground

      Spacious campsite!

      We are only staying one night but this campground was simple to book online, easy to get to, and each campsite has plenty of space. An electric hook-up, a flush toilet and quarter-operated showers — you can’t beat that anywhere for this price!

    • LThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 16, 2026

      Junction City Campground

      Closed

      This campsite is closed. All the Recreation.gov website does not clearly indicate that it is not available. It’s suspiciously available for reservations, however which should be enough to question its status.

    • GThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 8, 2026

      Sycamore Grove (red Bluff) Campground

      Sycamore Grove Canpground

      This place was so easy to get in and out. There was a small opening to walk to the Sacramento River and do a little fishing. Quiet and clean. We will definitely be back

    • NThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 3, 2026

      Mad River Campground

      Remote, beautiful, but not well-maintained

      A gem in terms of trees and the fab Mad River right outside of several sites. However, there was no water when we visited (July 2026). Based on the pine needles, grass, and weeds in some sites it is clear that they are not visited very often by the USFS (or other campers). Several sites back away from the river looked as if they hadn't been occupied in years. The lack of attention also carries over to rule enforcement. We had to personally go at 2am to tell a big group that there music was too loud. Would have been nice if a FWS person had visited in the earlier evening to inform the group about quiet hours.

    • LThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 19, 2026

      Boulder Creek RV Redding

      Very nice

      The staff was friendly and welcoming, making check-in quick and easy. We also appreciated the convenient location just off I-5, making it a perfect stop while still feeling quiet and relaxing. Well groomed park and clean facilities. We would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone traveling through the Redding area.

    • Owen C.
      Jul. 18, 2026

      North Trinity Lake

      Amazing spot

      Coordinates lead to some private driveway. The road I used to get down by the lake is 41.01849956,-122.696283. Once you get down by the water there is a ton of space for you to set up camp by the water or more inland.

    • Heather C.
      Jul. 8, 2026

      Shasta lake

      Beautiful spot lots of shade

      Love this site we always stay in the tree line there is a bunch of cleaned out spaces lots of trees but my only problem is there is so much poison oak everywhere I am just starting day 2 and I feel like I have it everywhere and it's scary for me I get it really bad

    Guide to Platina

    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.

    What to do

    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."

    What campers like

    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."

    What you should know

    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."

    Tips for camping with families

    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."

    Tips from RVers

    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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