Tent camping near Platina, California puts visitors in the heart of Shasta-Trinity National Forest, with elevations ranging from 2,000-6,000 feet creating varied microclimates. Campers can expect warm, dry summers with temperatures often reaching the 90s during day, while nighttime temperatures drop significantly, sometimes requiring extra layers even in summer months. The region experienced significant fire damage in recent years, affecting access to some primitive camping areas.
What to do
Mineral spring exploration: At Deerlick Springs Campground, campers can access a natural mineral spring via an easement from the adjacent Trinity Outpost property. "There is a mineral spring that you can access via an easement from a paid campground (trinity outpost) which is directly next to this free campground," explains Mindy G.
Summit hiking: The terrain surrounding Platina offers challenging elevation gains for experienced hikers. "Advanced hiking 3k-6k summit peek, beautiful trails and swimming holes, nature and wildlife surrounding a dark night sky," notes Trinity O. about the wilderness trails near Deerlick Springs.
Creek tubing: Several campgrounds feature creeks suitable for water activities. At Mary Smith Campground, "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," reports Azizah T.
What campers like
Creek sounds for sleeping: The sound of running water enhances the camping experience at Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground. "Loved listening to the creek while falling asleep, lots of shade and the staff was friendly. Sites are nicely spread apart #8 #9 being the best that were open," writes valerie T.
Site seclusion: Many campgrounds offer good separation between sites. "Just a couple of sites, small campground. Easy entry off 299. A gravel road and car accessible. Bear boxes. Pit toilets at entry, 200 meters from Campsite 9," notes Kent G. about Peltier Bridge.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife. At Sheep Camp Primitive Campground, "This site has only 4 camping sites, all for tents only. There is a small stream running on the boarder making for perfect white noise to fall asleep to. We were camping in mid-October and the only ones here," Jennifer Z. explains.
What you should know
Bear precautions required: Wildlife encounters are common in the area. At Crystal Creek Primitive Campground, 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. So, be prepared there is wildlife out there."
Fire restrictions: Fire bans are frequently implemented, especially during summer and fall. "There's a fire ban in place so we couldn't have a fire, but there's a nice size fire ring for anytime the ban is lifted," notes a camper at Sheep Camp Primitive Campground.
Facility maintenance varies: Some campgrounds may have limited maintenance. At Deerlick Springs, a visitor observed: "The campground is overgrown with weeds/grass and I think the store is a house now. The toilets need some work, appears they haven't been pumped since last year."
Tips for camping with families
Water access points: Look for campsites with easy creek or lake access. "We stayed at site 14, across from us was a small path that lead you down to the water," notes a camper at Mary Smith Campground.
Shade availability: During hot summer days, shaded sites provide relief. "There's like 9 or so sites all pretty far apart. The creek is super beautiful. 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," reports Stacy L. at Philpot Picnic Area.
Bathroom proximity: Consider proximity to facilities when selecting sites. At Peltier Bridge, "Pit toilets at entry, 200 meters from Campsite 9," which can be a long walk for younger children in the middle of the night.
Tips from RVers
Road access challenges: Most primitive campgrounds near Platina have limited RV access. For Deerlick Springs, a visitor cautions: "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."
Tight turning radius: Several campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. "There were a lot of branches on the ground for us to be able to build a fire. Right next to a creek/river so great water sounds all night. Don't think we could have fit more than 1 car to park there," notes Stephanie W. about navigating Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground.
Cell service limitations: Most primitive tent camping areas near Platina lack reliable cell coverage, requiring advance planning and offline maps for navigation to remote campsites.
