Tent camping near Redding, California provides primitive accommodations surrounded by natural features including lakes, streams, and forests. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F while winter nights often drop below freezing. Most primitive sites have minimal facilities with several requiring access via unpaved forest roads that become muddy and difficult to navigate after rainfall.
What to do
Water activities: Jones Valley Inlet Shoreline Campground offers direct lake access for swimming and paddling. One camper noted, "There isn't a lot of privacy at this campground, but it's right next to the lake and makes for a good launching spot."
Hiking trails: Explore trails near Mary Smith Campground where visitors mention convenient access. "Great little hiking trail steps from our site. Easy access to the water for some swimming," reports one camper who enjoyed both land and water activities.
Wildlife observation: Camp at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground for wildlife encounters. A camper advises, "I put my food in the locker, and I'm very glad I did. 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."
What campers like
Natural soundscapes: Many campers appreciate falling asleep to water sounds at Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground. As one visitor mentions, "Loved listening to the creek while falling asleep, lots of shade and the staff was friendly."
Site spacing: Campers value the separation between sites at several locations. A Peltier Bridge visitor noted, "There's like 9 or so sites all pretty far apart. The creek is super beautiful."
Temperature variations: Tent sites provide relief from summer heat. A camper at Peltier Bridge shared, "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."
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Peltier Bridge, campers recommend specific sites. "Sites #6, 8, and 9 probably your best bets if they are open. 4 and 5 are right next to the entrance," advises one visitor.
Fire restrictions: Fire bans frequently occur during summer and fall. One camper at Sheep Camp Primitive Campground noted, "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."
Limited water sources: Most primitive sites lack potable water. A visitor at Peltier Bridge mentioned, "No running water. There were a lot of branches on the ground for us to be able to build a fire."
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires unpaved travel. One camper reported about Peltier Bridge, "There's a small narrow dirt road, but easily doable even in a loaded down sedan."
Tips for camping with families
Consider temperature fluctuations: Pack for both hot days and cool nights. A camper at Peltier Bridge observed, "It was really hot during the day like 90s...Gets pretty cold at night."
Check water levels: Lake access can vary with water levels at Greens Creek Boat-in Campground. A visitor mentioned, "If it just rained there is the sound of waterfalls around there. If the spots are filled up, there is another flat area to camp without a table."
Wildlife precautions: Teach children about wildlife safety and proper food storage. One camper at Sheep Camp noted, "Picnic tables and lantern hooks, along with bear lockers make it safe and cozy. We loved camping here with our two pups."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most tent camping near Redding offers few RV accommodations. A visitor at Hirz Mountain Lookout mentioned, "The road in took about an hour and a half and I would not recommend attempting it without 4WD and high clearance."
Alternative options: Consider dedicated RV parks in Redding for better hookups and facilities. The best tent camping near Redding, California primarily consists of primitive sites without RV amenities.
Pack-in requirements: Even with vehicle access, some gear transport may be needed. A Mary Smith visitor explained, "We had to do a light hike up to the campsite, cause the sites are sloped. It's not bad though."
