Trinity Center sits at 2,532 feet elevation along the east shore of Trinity Lake in northern California. The region features extensive pine forests and receives moderate rainfall, with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows around 30°F. Many campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October due to winter snowfall at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Mary Smith Campground connects to trails offering views of Lewiston Lake. "Very quite campground mid week. Had the place to ourselves. Great little hiking trail steps from our site. Easy access to the water for some swimming," reports Ann W.
Lake swimming: Trinity Lake waters are ideal for cooling off when summer temperatures rise. 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," notes Azizah T.
Boat rentals: Pinewood Cove Resort on Trinity Lake maintains a marina with affordable watercraft options. At Pinewood Cove Resort, visitors can rent boats to explore the lake, though one visitor cautions, "Boat ramp is very sketchy for a larger patio style boat, will not be doing that again."
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Minersville Campground provides quieter camping experiences on Trinity Lake with only 8 sites available. At Minersville Campground, one visitor notes, "Hidden out of the way little gem. The campground has only eight sites. The restrooms are clean and showers are available at a neighboring campground."
Lake views: Campsites with water views rank among the most popular. Jennifer S. describes Pinewood Cove Resort simply: "Breath taking view of the lake."
Yurt camping options: Trinity Center offers several yurt camping opportunities for those seeking a glamping experience. At Lakeshore East, Ashley M. notes, "Yurts are more. 50% discount for golden or access National pass."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Minersville Campground, Scott L. reports, "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," contradicting previous reports of no service.
Lake water levels: Trinity Lake experiences significant water level fluctuations. "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," notes Denise from Minersville Campground.
Campground size variation: Campgrounds range from tiny to extensive. Trinity Lake KOA Holiday features 222 sites while Minersville Campground has only 8 sites total.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated recreation areas for children. At Trinity Lake KOA Holiday, Carina B. shares, "Great for kids. Lot's to do. Very pretty area. Trinity Lake is not that busy during the week."
ATV policies: Restrictions on recreational vehicles vary between locations. Jason D. at Pinewood Cove Resort warns, "After about 5 mins of her being on it we were told no more quad riding that day because another group on the other side of the campground had been on them late the night before. Total crap."
Weekend noise concerns: Busier periods can impact family experience. Mimi M. at Lakehead Campground & RV Park reports, "1 am, a group of partiers ruined the experience with loud kids, loud adults and loud dogs as if it was 1 pm and not 1 am and shouting at each other as if they were a football field away."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds have tight clearances between trees. At Pinewood Cove Resort, Jason D. notes, "These spots are VERY hard to back in to. The trees are leaning toward the center of the sights literally giving us a foot of room on each side to back in a 24 foot trailer."
Pull-through availability: Limited pull-through sites exist at select campgrounds. Ashley M. from Lakeshore East reports, "There are 2 pull thru sites (10 & 12), we stayed in 10 in our 40' coach with tow."
Utility hookup information: Electric hookups are limited at some locations. P.S. from Minersville Campground advises, "Site 1 is the only site with electric hookups. The nearby lakeshore is quite muddy (depending upon water level), but provides great fishing and boating opportunities."
