Heather C.
Traveler
TravelerLakeshore Villa RV Park
Miss the way it was
When I first got here it was great everyone looked out for each other made meals together helped each other now not so much
Best Campgrounds near Trinity Center, CA
Trinity Center, California sits along the shores of Trinity Lake, surrounded by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest with multiple camping options ranging from developed sites to dispersed areas. The Trinity Lake KOA Holiday provides over 200 established sites with full hookups for RVs, tent camping areas, and cabin rentals, while North Trinity Lake offers more primitive dispersed camping opportunities. Nearby Hayward Flat Campground and Tannery Gulch Campground provide additional established camping with boat-in access options. Coffee Creek Campground and RV Park features 34 sites with electric hookups and cabin accommodations just minutes from Trinity Center.
Many campgrounds in the Trinity Lake area operate seasonally, with most facilities open from May through October due to mountain weather patterns. Road conditions vary throughout the region, with some dispersed areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. "The campground is situated near the Trinity Alps surrounded by beautiful mountains next to the Trinity River. It's a pretty amazing location," noted one visitor about a nearby site. Reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Trinity Lake's water levels can fluctuate significantly throughout the season, affecting shoreline access at some campgrounds. Cell service is limited throughout much of the area, with better coverage in Trinity Center and minimal service in outlying camping areas.
Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty and recreational opportunities around Trinity Lake as major draws. The region's campgrounds provide convenient access to fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking in the surrounding Trinity Alps Wilderness. Several visitors mentioned the peaceful atmosphere and relative seclusion compared to more popular California destinations. "The campground itself is wooded and very pretty," shared one camper about a Trinity River site. Winter camping options are limited, with most facilities closing due to snow and cold temperatures. Tent campers will find numerous flat, shaded sites throughout the area, while RV campers have several options with hookups, particularly at the KOA and Coffee Creek Campground. Bear-resistant food storage is recommended throughout the region.
Best Camping Sites Near Trinity Center, California (238)
1. Trinity Lake KOA Holiday
7 ReviewsTrinity Center, CA1 mileWebsite+1 (530) 266-3337"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. "
"I started my journey up at Shasta lake, but was driven out by bees. I sought several other locations but decided Trinity was a worthwhile shot."
2. Hayward Flat
6 ReviewsTrinity Center, CA8 milesWebsite+1 (530) 275-8113$30 - $60 / night
"Positive: HUGE CAMPSITE to share with multiple friends. We had 4 tents on our site and we could have added 4 more."
"Each site did have a fire pit and picnic table though not all sites had near boxes. Mine did not so I kept all my stuff locked away in my car. Lots of good options for hammock hanging. "
3. North Trinity Lake
4 ReviewsTrinity Center, CA2 miles"This is disbursed lakeside camping with no facilities."
"dispersed camping
- no amenities
- a beautiful open field with the woods in the back and Trinity lake in the front
- you could camp in the open field or in the woods"
4. Beehive Point Shoreline Campground
16 ReviewsSugarloaf, CA19 milesWebsite+1 (530) 275-1589"Beehive point offers camping right on the waters of Shasta Lake and has absolutely amazing views. We have been up there a few times and it has rarely been busy."
"We stayed here a few years ago and the water was so low that we literally could not reach it, even after a long walk down, it just became too rocky."
5. Tannery
4 ReviewsWeaverville, CA13 milesWebsite+1 (530) 275-8113$30 - $60 / night
"The lake is walking distance from the sites and the sites are far enough apart for privacy. My 2 year old had a blast! Also lots of firewood around, and fire pits were very nice!"
"This is a great camp area, however when we went the Lake was really low. It was still very nice for fishing and kayaking."
6. Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort
33 ReviewsMount Shasta, CA27 milesWebsite+1 (530) 926-2618"The beach is sectioned off for social distancing. The camp sites are in the tall pine trees just steps away from the lake. I come back every year! Swimming in the lake is great!"
"I have been to many lakes in northern California but nothing as perfect as this place. I accidentally booked a spot here at Siskiyou but meant to go to lake Shasta and boy was luck on my side!!!"
7. Coffee Creek Campground and RV Park
1 ReviewTrinity Center, CA7 milesWebsite+1 (530) 266-3534$30 - $40 / night
8. Minersville Campground
3 ReviewsWeaverville, CA11 milesWebsite+1 (530) 623-2121$22 - $60 / night
"Nice, small campground near the edge of Trinity Lake. Approximately 8 campsites can be reserved and 8 are available on a first come, first serve basis."
"Right now the lake is so low you really can’t get to it. But it’s great just to hang out in peace and quiet. Be sure to download directions, hiking trails info or anything else you might need."
9. Jackass Spring Campground
1 ReviewTrinity Center, CA3 milesWebsite+1 (530) 623-2121"Spent two nights waiting for Sierra Storm to pass before heading to Evolution Lake Valley. CA."
10. Castle Crags State Park Campground
19 ReviewsCastella, CA23 milesWebsite+1 (530) 235-2684$25 / night
"From our campsite we were able to walk to the trailhead and do the crags trail all the way to the top of the rocks. Would highly recommend this campground!"
"Oldest camping area is right next to I-5 (which was not there when the campground was built!). But there are newer camping sites farther away from I-5."
Recent Camping Photos near Trinity Center, CA
156 Photos of 238 Trinity Center Campgrounds
Samuel T.
Trinity Lake KOA Holiday
Karen T.
North Trinity Lake
William A.
Coffee Creek Campground and RV Park
David C.
Hayward Flat
Kayla G.
Tannery Gulch Campground
Amethyst R.
Cooper Gulch Campground
Renee W.
Lakeshore Villa RV Park
Azizah T.
Mary Smith Campground
Francis N.
Beehive Point Shoreline Campground
Ashley M.
Lakeshore East
Corey L.
Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort
Donna R.
Salt Creek Resort & RV
Recent Reviews near Trinity Center, CA
556 Reviews of 238 Trinity Center Campgrounds
- JJohn
ScoutPinewood Cove Resort on Trinity Lake
Quiet with big trees
Beautiful spacious spots. Very friendly check in
Julie G.
GuideShasta Campground
Breathtaking sites
We were traveling on a long journey and were not going to make our intended destination. Shasta Lake was nearby. I was very worried it would be full, but when we got to the dam, the guard said the campground had openings. You cannot book the day of, so we went and selected a site (First come, First served). Do have cash or check on you.
The site has vault toilets that were pretty clean. Husband had not ever been to the desert southwest or California, so the number of fox-tails was shocking to him, but it was not to me. Our dog brush, a quick rub hands-on rub down and sticker removal, and the broom kept the van floor from becoming our enemy in the middle of the night. Because we were not doing long-term camping, we did not bring our sand mat. If we had it to do again, we would as it would make the transition into the van or tent much easier. Call that advice you don't have to take. We observed non-potable water on site. Otherwise, this is a boon dock type site, but you have a space, a fire pit, a picnic table and - again - vault toilets.
We saw some butterflies that appeared to be coming out of their cocoons. We kept the pets at bay and enjoyed seeing them for such a long time.
The site does have a lot of motorsports activity (ATV, Motorcycles) but we also motorcycle so we were at home. There were hikers and plenty of other campers there as well.
I had not ever been to this part of the state before and was worried about the campsite being full, but we were very fortunate and would definitely come by here again. The view are utterly breathtaking.
Grant M.GuideSacramento River RV Park
Friendly Campground
This has been one of the loveliest RV parks we’ve stayed at. We stayed here for almost 3 months, as many others do. Most of the residents are contract workers staying short- to long-term, but the park is also friendly for weekend and overnight stays with select spots available.
I give this place 5 stars because of the respectfulness of both the residents and the staff, along with how well maintained everything is. It’s more campground-sized, but the amenities are kept up very well. The bathrooms were cleaned regularly, the laundry room was nice, and they also have private shower rooms.
The pool was not operating while we were here, but they were actively working on getting it ready for the summer. Since we have a child, we appreciated the playground area and how family-friendly the park felt. The other kids staying here could safely play together and enjoy the space.
There’s also a central activities room with a small gym area, kitchen, and common hangout space, which was nice to have. The fenced dog park was another huge plus and gave our dog room to run around.
The setting by the river is beautiful, there’s good shade throughout the park, and the lots are laid out nicely for pulling in and parking. You can tell by the type of crowd here that it’s a very safe and respectful place with very little trouble.
The location is also convenient — just one exit off Interstate 5 near Costco.
We previously stayed at another RV park in central Redding near the river that cost nearly the same monthly rate, but we genuinely enjoyed spending time at this park, even during the day.
One significant downside is the noise. Interstate 5 to the east is loud, and the wood mill to the west creates constant background noise as well. The silver lining is that you rarely hear your neighbors because of it.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a longer-term stay, we found the application process here much easier than at most other parks. For healthcare contract workers especially, they seem to expedite the process and limit some of the background check and credit score requirements that many parks require.
Christine L.TravelerTrailer Lane Campground
Shasta sunset
Great Little campground! Nice walk up to the tent sites for epic view of Mount Shasta. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Fun bonus to visit the goats and chickens.
- LLiza P.Traveler
Steel Bridge Campground
Beautiful campground
What a beautiful little campground right on the Trinity River. Lots of wildlife (Eagles, deer, squirrels) & well maintained. Camp host was friendly and very informative about the area.
- QQuincey H.Guide
Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta
Good location. Good service.
Pretty quiet and tucked away. Kind of a hidden gym but also kind of gross lol. Not all the campsites are clean. There is this random broken RV that was dumped.
- HHeidi J.Guide
Green Acres RV Park
Nice park bad neighborhoods
This was a very nice park. Had a clean dog park that we enjoyed. Everything in the park seem like it was well kept. All of the other campers we interacted with seem very nice and courteous to each other. However outside of the park is a shady neighborhood. We went to do laundry and saw what appeared to be people doing drugs outside a hotel near by, and there were numerous homeless people wandering around.
- Grant M.Guide
Castle Lake Dispersed Camping
Castle Lake & Mount Shasta View
This is almost a, “I don’t wanna share with others” kind of a spot. One of the first most breath-taking spots we’ve found with views of Mount Shasta. This place was so good, we had go back for several days just to stay. This is a stay a week worthy place.
Its elevation can make winter cold and below freezing. March 21st got to 28 degrees at night and about the 50’s during the day. April 18th got to about 40 at night and 60’s during the day. But check the weather!
The drive is easy as in any vehicle can make it. The drive is also long about 25 minutes to get from Mount Shasta the town to the turn-off spots, but there are so many spots and so few people.
We even parked for a few days and just walked up to castle lake where there are several other trails to hike.
Guide to Trinity Center
Trinity Center, California sits at approximately 2,500 feet elevation along Trinity Lake, offering camping spots with diverse terrain and temperatures that can fluctuate 30-40 degrees between day and night. The camping season typically runs from late May through early October, with some dispersed areas remaining accessible in shoulder seasons. Water levels in Trinity Lake can vary dramatically throughout the year, affecting shoreline camping conditions and boat access points.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding on Trinity Lake: North Trinity Lake offers excellent water access for non-motorized watercraft. "This is disbursed lakeside camping with no facilities," explains Rick F., who gave the area five stars. The shoreline provides multiple entry points, though water levels fluctuate seasonally.
Fishing in nearby streams: Coffee Creek Campground and RV Park provides access to Trinity River fishing spots. "Beautiful camping above Springville. Beautiful scenery and hiking," notes Robert S. The campground's location makes it convenient for anglers seeking trout in the surrounding waterways.
Exploring Trinity Alps Wilderness trails: Several trailheads are accessible within a 30-minute drive from Trinity Center. Many hikers use Jackass Spring Campground as a base camp before longer wilderness trips. One camper reported, "Spent two nights waiting for Sierra Storm to pass before heading to Evolution Lake Valley."
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Most campgrounds around Trinity Center report significantly lower occupancy Monday through Thursday. "We stayed here for 4 nights mid week in early May and mostly had the whole place to ourselves," writes Laura M. about Beehive Point Shoreline Campground.
Swimming in Trinity Lake: The lake offers numerous swimming spots with varying shoreline conditions. "Wonderful boondocking! We went early May 2024. The lake was full and the campground was empty. Absolutely perfect," shares Zach and Desirae B. about their experience at Beehive Point.
Spacious, well-separated sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy at certain campgrounds. "Site 67 is a nice size, lots of space between adjacent sites. Two tent flats, table and fire ring," reports Dan G. about Tannery Gulch Campground.
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Check current fire regulations before your trip. "It's free to stay here in the off-season but $15/night during the season. Not really sure how the payment works since it's dispersed camping along the lake shore," notes Laura M. about Beehive Point.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies dramatically throughout the area. "No wifi or cellular coverage. Booking the site was a little confusing because the website noted 'dry camping' - we did not know what to expect based on this description," explains a camper at Minersville Campground.
Water level fluctuations: Trinity Lake's water level can drop significantly in late summer. "Just a quick update to P.S.'s excellent review below as regards cell service. 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. (Not a lot of water in the lake right now though!)" reports Scott L. about Minersville.
Boat ramp conditions: Access points for boats change with water levels. "The lake level is very low. Quite a walk down to the water from the camp sites. $24 per night +$10 for extra vehicles. No firewood for sale at the campground so plan ahead," notes Cody S. about Tannery Gulch.
Tips for camping with families
Find shaded campsites: Summer temperatures can reach the 90s. "Great campsites and clean facility, plenty of great places to see in the area and wonderful lake access," writes Bryan C. about Hayward Flat.
Book waterfront sites early: Lakeside spots fill quickly during summer weekends. "If you get a campsite near the water all you have to do is walk about 50 feet and all of the noise of screaming children and barking dogs go away! Bring your hammocks and kayaks!" advises Michele F. about Hayward Flat.
Watch for glass at shoreline areas: Some camping areas have broken glass near the water. "This spot is so incredibly scenic for a free campsite. Camp right on the lake/river... One star off because there is quite a bit of trash at the entrance of this place, lots of broken glass so keep your shoes on," warns Mandi W. about Beehive Point.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most full-hookup sites are at private campgrounds. "We stayed here for 4 nights in a towable trailer. 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," suggests Austin W. about Trinity Lake KOA Holiday.
Generator-free campgrounds: For those seeking quiet camping near Trinity Center. "This place is not your typical KOA as it is more like camping vs other KOA's we have stayed at. Lots of trees and shade. Some RV sites are larger than others and lots of seasonal sites," explains Carina B.
Water level access considerations: RVers should check current lake conditions. "Very nice campground location nestled amongst giant trees with many sites providing glimpses of trinity lake especially dogwood loop," notes David C. about Hayward Flat, adding "large beach front but mostly stone."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Trinity Center, CA?
What camping is available near Trinity Center, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Trinity Center, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 238 campgrounds and RV parks near Trinity Center, CA and 19 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Trinity Center, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Trinity Center, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Trinity Center, CA is Trinity Lake KOA Holiday with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Trinity Center, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Trinity Center, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Trinity Center, CA.
What parks are near Trinity Center, CA?
What parks are near Trinity Center, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Trinity Center, CA that allow camping, notably Klamath National Forest and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
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