Best Campgrounds near Weaverville, CA

Campgrounds near Weaverville, California span across the Trinity National Forest and surrounding areas, with options ranging from developed sites to primitive camping. Mary Smith Campground sits on the shores of Trinity Lake, offering tent camping with boat-in access, while Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort provides full hookups for RVs and cabin accommodations. The region includes both Forest Service and BLM-managed lands, with several campgrounds featuring water access to Trinity River and Trinity Lake. Most established sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though amenities vary significantly between primitive and developed locations.

Access to many campgrounds requires driving on rural roads, with some sites located on rough forest roads that may challenge larger vehicles. Seasonal availability varies significantly, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. "Douglas City Campground is one of the nicest public campgrounds I've seen. The paved road and pads throughout the park couldn't be more than 2-years old," noted one visitor, highlighting recent improvements to facilities. Trinity Lake water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access at lakeside campgrounds. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, with coverage primarily limited to areas near Highway 3 and larger towns. Campgrounds at higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures even during summer months.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw, with Trinity River and Trinity Lake access available from multiple campgrounds. Several visitors mentioned the peaceful sound of flowing water as a highlight of riverside camping. According to one camper, "The river is accessible from any site, some small rapids in spots, slow water in others, with occasionally deeper pools here and there. Beautiful site to see, beautiful sound to hear camping, especially when dozing off to sleep." Fishing opportunities exist throughout the area, with access to both lake and river fishing depending on location. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, osprey, and occasional bald eagle sightings. Campgrounds closer to Weaverville offer easier access to supplies, while more remote sites provide greater solitude but require more planning. Fire restrictions may apply during summer and fall months due to wildfire concerns.

Best Camping Sites Near Weaverville, California (213)

    1. Douglas City Campground

    6 Reviews
    Douglas City, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 224-2100

    "The closest town is Weaverville, about 10-miles north. There’s water, but no hookups and no dump station. (Dump stations are scarce in this area, it seems.)"

    "While I generally like campsites close to the river, those set against the hill seem to provide a little more shade and privacy."

    2. Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Lewiston, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 778-3894

    "We were looking for.a place to camp near Redding, our home town. This campground is about 30 mins from Redding. It was an easy tow on rural but well maintained roads all the way to the campground."

    "There are tent sites away from the rv part, but we never checked that area out. The rv spots are very clean, and even though they’re close together with no privacy it was an amazingly quiet park."

    3. Mary Smith Campground

    5 Reviews
    Lewiston, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 623-2121

    "Great little hiking trail steps from our site. Easy access to the water for some swimming. Smoke blew in from wildfires. Visibility very low but still beautiful."

    "Luckily the weather was so amazing especially being right next to this beautiful clear clean lake. We stayed at site 14, across from us was a small path that lead you down to the water."

    4. Tannery

    4 Reviews
    Weaverville, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +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."

    5. Hayward Flat

    6 Reviews
    Trinity Center, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +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. "

    6. Tannery Gulch Campground

    3 Reviews
    Weaverville, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 623-2121

    $24 - $48 / night

    "Nice well shaded campground, some sites enjoy lake views although Trinity Lake is very low at this point. Site 67 is a nice size, lots of space between adjacent sites."

    "It was not as close to the lake as we would have liked, we had to drive to get there, but the water was also very low. Also, the closest place to get ice was about a half hour drive."

    7. East Weaver Group Campground

    2 Reviews
    Weaverville, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (530) 275-8113

    $120 / night

    "Beautiful creek running through so many different trails to choose from. Nice and shady"

    8. Junction City Campground

    3 Reviews
    Junction City, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 224-2100

    "Beautiful location"

    "Not too far from a glacier lake, so good for hiking. Bears not too far away."

    9. Minersville Campground

    3 Reviews
    Weaverville, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +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."

    10. Cooper Gulch Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lewiston, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 275-8113

    $24 - $27 / night

    "The lake was incredibly smooth and perfect for a kayak/paddle board.  The toilets are vault but there is potable water and a little store up the road that sells firewood and a few snacks/beverages."

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Recent Reviews near Weaverville, CA

434 Reviews of 213 Weaverville Campgrounds


  • marcus K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort

    Nice but crazy smokey from campfires

    Checked in on a saturday night and got an RV campsite. The map showed the aote as being close to the water but uou ate actually quite a ways and cant even really see it.

    Site included a table and fire ring. Relatively spacious. Bathrooms not far and clean.

    On a down side, campground was super smokey. Felt like we were in the middle of a fire. Ugh. Would have tried to move if we were not so tired.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    JGW RV Park

    On the river!!

    We like this place in Redding. We have a 24’ motorhome and get spots on the river. It’s very nice to sit and look at river. Big grassy area to walk dog and enjoy river under shade. Reasonable price. Nice staff. Water does seem cloudy so be sure to run it before you hook up. I have had to clear out my faucet filter twice.

  • Kathleen M.
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Castle Lake Campground

    Quiet and beautiful!

    I loved my 2 nights at Castle Lake Campground.  I was the only one in the 6 campsites until late the first night. When I left, 4 sites had been used. I went in off season so it was quiet. No water, bring your own. But the sites are large and private and the trees are beautiful. All the downed firewood has been picked, but if you go up to the overflow parking area at the lake, there is a lot of downed wood there.

    There is a small creek that runs behind the campground that you can hear quietly running.

    The lake is a short walk up the hill (or drive) and has a couple of short hikes and a longer hike. Very popular. The lake is crystal clear and very serene. 

    The pit toilets are clean and there are bear proof trash cans. Of my 3 campsites on this trip, this one was the best.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Great spot!!

    Camped here for one night mid September, slept in a car, great view and found the 3 spacious camping spots with a picnic table, fire pit (with a grill rack), and an unsmelly bathroom a short walk away. On the way up, I think I took a wrong term but got to the spots anyways? I took a left at sign with the offices of some sort (thinking it was the camp ground entrance) and then took a few more turns and eventually found the place. There was only one other person also camping. The road wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, it took me about forty minutes to find the camp grounds from the bottom of the hill to the top. There were narrow moments in the road but plenty of larger two lane spaces. I have a 2014 Subaru crosstrek and it did just fine getting up. I would definitely Return!

  • Marie D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge & Campground was Railroad Park Resort

    Nice campground

    Easy access to the highway without the noise. There is a dining railcar restaurant, camp host is great. We came in on a Thursday no reservation and had no problem snagging a roomy spot for our 30' towing a Jeep. Great in the woods feel with full hookups. Highly recommended. Bears are common in this area.

  • Bruce E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Post Creek Guard Station

    Labor Day seclusion

    Post creek guard station was awesome. The views were amazing, especially the star gazing. 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. The cabin was pretty clean. Someone left their garbage. It's a pack in 0ack out kinda place. Water is gravity feed for a flushing toilet and dish washing water. (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. Recommend just bringing all your own gear and consider it like a camping trip, w/ bonus flush toilet. The drive out was smooth. Took service rd 30. Dirt for a short bit, then paved all the way to hwy 36. Definitely be going back, and hitting some of the hiking trails.

  • J
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Aikens Creek Recreation Area

    Aikens Creek Dispersed

    Seems to have been a legit National Forrest campground that is no longer maintained. But it still has camp sites and a little further in there is dispersed very close to the river. It was secluded and great.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Secluded (but with chamber toilet)

    This is a beautiful campground, though not the best roads to access. We were the only people here on Labor Day weekend

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Hayden Flat Campground

    Good for a quick stop

    Camped here on a Monday night and no one stopped in. Love it when that happens. Clean bathrooms and running water


Guide to Weaverville

Campgrounds near Weaverville, California span across Shasta-Trinity National Forest at elevations from 2,000 to 3,000 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional snow at higher elevations. Water levels at Trinity Lake drop significantly in late summer, creating longer walks to shorelines from many campsites.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Trinity Lake offers both shore and boat fishing with bass, trout, and catfish available. According to one camper at Tannery Gulch Campground, "We had to drive to get there, but the water was also very low. I would definitely go back."

Water activities: Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular on both Trinity Lake and Lewiston Lake. A visitor to Cooper Gulch Campground noted, "The lake was incredibly smooth and perfect for a kayak/paddle board."

Hiking trails: East Weaver Creek area provides access to multiple trail systems within minutes of campsites. A camper mentioned, "Beautiful creek running through so many different trails to choose from. Nice and shady."

River access: The Trinity River offers swimming holes with varying water depths. Visitors appreciate both the visual and auditory aspects, with one camper at Douglas City Campground stating, "The river is accessible from any site, some small rapids in spots, slow water in others, with occasionally deeper pools here and there."

What campers like

Quiet atmosphere: Many campsites provide peaceful settings away from highway noise. At Minersville Campground, a visitor noted it as a "Hidden out of the way little gem. The campground has only eight sites... But it's great just to hang out in peace and quiet."

Shade coverage: Most campgrounds feature abundant tree cover, providing relief during hot summer days. One camper at East Weaver Group Campground mentioned, "Beautiful year round Creek and it does not cost $110 dollars only ten I believe."

Wildlife viewing: Campers report seeing deer, osprey, lizards, and various bird species. A visitor to Douglas City Campground observed, "Lots of critters though: deer, lizards, flies, MOSQITOS, butterflies."

Tent platforms: Some sites at Mary Smith Campground provide raised wooden platforms for tent setup. One camper shared, "We had the campground to ourselves as they hadn't put up the glamping tents yet. We set our tents up on the platforms and had a great view of the lake and trinity alps in the distance."

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have minimal or no cell coverage. A camper at Minersville noted, "Be sure to download directions, hiking trails info or anything else you might need. There is no cell service anywhere near the campground!"

Fire restrictions: Seasonal bans often occur during summer and fall. Check current regulations before arrival as conditions change quickly during fire season.

Limited supplies: Few campgrounds sell firewood or ice on-site. A visitor to Junction City Campground recommended, "Not too far from the river and it's a quiet campground with great sites."

Bear activity: Many campgrounds provide bear boxes for food storage. One camper at Tannery Gulch mentioned, "Some sites have bear boxes, 67 does not."

Bathroom availability: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds, from vault toilets to flush toilets. Some visitors reported temporary closures: "They have two lovely looking bathroom/shower buildings that are locked up tight with notices that they are closed due to Covid-19, but they supplied the campground with 2 portapotties instead."

Tips for camping with families

Shallow water access: Certain campgrounds offer gradual entry points to water. At Mary Smith Campground, one visitor noted, "We took tubes out and laid in the water and soaked up the sun, it was so nice."

Poison oak awareness: Several campgrounds have poison oak along trails and water access points. A camper warned, "Also, there is a decent amount of poison oak here and there, so beware. Leaves of 3, let it be!"

Noise considerations: Some campgrounds report inconsistent quiet hour enforcement. One camper mentioned, "Our only complaints were that there was no lighting in the bathroom and the quiet hours were not enforced as we were woken up by loud partying well after 2 am."

Hammock options: Multiple campgrounds feature suitable trees for hammock setup. A visitor to Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort shared, "We had a great stay. Lots of permanent residents, so know your rv etiquette."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Most RV sites require some leveling. According to a visitor, "The pads are (mostly) level side-to-side, and easily adjustable front to back."

Dump station scarcity: Few campgrounds provide dump stations on-site. A camper noted, "There's water, but no hookups and no dump station. (Dump stations are scarce in this area, it seems.)"

Size limitations: Many forest campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs better than large rigs. A visitor to Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort advised, "Biggest I would put in here would be about a 30 foot trailer. You have to disconnect your tow vehicle."

Steep access roads: Several campgrounds feature significant grades on entry roads. One camper described, "The incline down to the campground at Douglas City is very steep - maybe a 12% grade, and we didn't have a clue what sort of place we would end up at."

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities do Weaverville campgrounds offer?

Campgrounds around Weaverville offer a range of amenities depending on the type of facility. Trinity River Adventure Inn provides fully-equipped cabins on the banks of the Trinity River with complete kitchens, cooking utensils, linens, and outdoor BBQs. For more traditional camping, Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground offers clean, well-maintained sites with basic facilities. Most public campgrounds in the area typically include picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and potable water. Riverside campgrounds often feature swimming access and fishing opportunities. Many sites throughout the region have paved or dirt access roads, with varying degrees of cell service. Amenities tend to be more rustic at higher elevation sites in the Trinity Alps area.

What RV parks are available in Weaverville, CA?

RV enthusiasts visiting Weaverville have several good options. Trinity Lake KOA Holiday is a well-equipped RV park with full hookups and amenities designed for recreational vehicles. For those seeking a more natural setting, Alpine View Campground on Trinity Lake can accommodate RVs and is a short drive from Bowerman Boat Ramp. Junction City Campground is another RV-friendly option with sites that can handle larger rigs. Most RV parks in the region operate seasonally, with limited winter availability. The roads to many campgrounds involve mountain driving, so check road conditions and campground access information, especially if traveling with a larger RV or during shoulder seasons.

Where are the best campgrounds near Weaverville, CA?

The Weaverville area offers several excellent camping options. The Hensons' Hideaway is centrally located between Weaverville and Trinity Center along Highway 3, providing easy access to Trinity Alps trails and Trinity Lake. For riverside camping, Douglas City Campground is a standout BLM site with newly paved roads and pads, modern restrooms, and showers. Other notable options include Horse Flat Campground near the Trinity Alps with beautiful creek access, Minersville Campground close to town, and Alpine View Campground on Trinity Lake. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, with limited winter availability, so check operating dates before planning your trip.