Camping near Weaverville, California centers around Trinity Lake, with sites positioned along its rugged 145-mile shoreline. The lake sits at 2,370 feet elevation within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, surrounded by dense pine forests. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer highs can reach the mid-90s, determining the seasonal operation of most local campgrounds.
What to do
Kayaking on Lewiston Lake: Access calm waters from Mary Smith Campground where you'll find multiple lake entry points. "So pretty. Did the normal tent camping which is nice at the upper campsites, got a paddle board and pretty much had the whole lake to ourselves," notes Tyna B. from Mary Smith Campground.
Fishing for trout: Trinity Lake maintains consistent water levels for fishing even during drought conditions. "The nearby lakeshore is quite muddy (depending upon water level), but provides great fishing and boating opportunities. A nice trail runs along the campground," reports a visitor at Minersville Campground.
Hiking local trails: Explore paths connecting campgrounds to viewpoints with minimal crowds. "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," shares Ann W. from Mary Smith Campground.
What campers like
Family recreation areas: The multiple play spaces keep children entertained between lake activities. "The jungle gym for the kids was sweet and a cool tree house… the kids loved it," reports a camper about Lakeview Terrace Resort.
Quiet atmosphere: Many sites offer peaceful surroundings with minimal boat traffic. "Birds and frogs were in abundance. This campground is hilly and one must pack gear down or up to one's spot which was a pain but once settled it was a fun and relaxing time, pre-season," describes Karen O. from Mary Smith Campground.
Coffee access: Specialty coffee is available on-site at some locations. "Enjoy a cup of on-site organically roasted specialty coffee!" notes Ashley F. about Strawhouse Resorts and Cafe, which has operated since 2000 under the same ownership.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campsites have poor or no cellular coverage. "There is no wifi or cellular coverage. Booking the site was a little confusing because the website noted 'dry camping'," explains a camper at Minersville Campground.
Challenging site access: Some campsites require hauling gear up slopes. "This campground is hilly and one must pack gear down or up to one's spot which was a pain," mentions one camper about Mary Smith Campground.
Extra fees for conveniences: Some locations charge additional amounts for early check-in. "They charge for everything including an early check-in fee when we had to move sites due to reservation conflicts," notes Whitney from Trinity Lake KOA Holiday.
Wildlife encounters: Bears and other animals are active in the area. "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," reports a camper at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Rent equipment on-site: Kayaks are available at set time slots at Trinity Lake KOA Holiday. "Kayaks were available to rent in set 2 hour timeslots, banana bikes available if you are into that. There are plenty of games like bocci and ladder ball," reports Austin W.
Book sites near amenities: Choose locations close to bathrooms for children. "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 a Trinity Lake KOA Holiday visitor.
Check yurt camping options: Yurt camping near Weaverville, California provides more comfortable accommodations for families with young children. "Campers were respectful of quiet hours and staff was mostly courteous," notes a visitor to Trinity Lake KOA regarding the family-friendly atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Select specific sites: RV sites vary significantly in accessibility. "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," warns Jason D. from Pinewood Cove Resort.
Utilize dirt paths: Many unofficial routes exist for accessing water. "There are plenty of dirt paths out to the lake both from the KOA and nearby. Many people brought ATVs to utilize these and it looked like a great time," suggests a camper at Trinity Lake KOA Holiday.
Monitor seasonal water levels: Lake access varies significantly throughout the year. "Beach is seasonal but can drive out on the mud, just don't get stuck. Rocky beach if water is low so bring your river shoes," advises a regular visitor to Trinity Lake KOA Holiday.
