The Trinity Alps wilderness around Weaverville offers primitive camping at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 9,000 feet. Most tent sites provide creek or lake access with varying degrees of privacy and terrain difficulty. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F at night to 90°F during day, with higher elevation sites experiencing cooler temperatures and occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Kayaking on Lewiston Lake: Mary Smith Campground provides direct access to Lewiston Lake where visitors can paddle in relative solitude. One camper noted, "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."
Hiking nearby trails: Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground offers convenient access to hiking paths. A visitor mentioned, "Great little hiking trail steps from our site. Easy access to the water for some swimming." Though some nearby trails show fire damage, the campground itself maintains good vegetation.
Rock formation exploration: Shell Gulch Campground provides access to unique geological features. According to one camper, "This wildwood area is super nice there are lots of caves and rock formations. Natural bridge is 5 miles or so up the road to the left."
What campers like
Creek sounds for sleeping: Campers consistently mention enjoying the natural sounds at creek-adjacent sites. A visitor at Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground wrote, "Loved listening to the creek while falling asleep, lots of shade and the staff was friendly." Another camper added, "Right next to a creek/river so great water sounds all night."
Secluded sites: The further-back sites often provide more privacy. One camper at Peltier Bridge noted, "Sites are nicely spread apart #8 #9 being the best that were open." Another visitor confirmed, "There's like 9 or so sites all pretty far apart. The creek is super beautiful."
Platform camping with views: Mary Smith Campground offers unique elevated tent sites. A camper mentioned, "We set our tents up on the platforms and had a great view of the lake and trinity alps in the distance. Birds and frogs were in abundance."
What you should know
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters are common in this region. A camper at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground reported, "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." Most established sites provide food lockers.
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites lack potable water. At Peltier Bridge, a visitor noted, "No running water. There were a lot of branches on the ground for us to be able to build a fire." Plan to bring all needed supplies or purchase them in Weaverville before arrival.
Temperature variations: Sites experience significant daily temperature swings. As one camper at Peltier Bridge reported, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Mid-week stays for solitude: For quieter camping experiences, schedule non-weekend trips. A camper at Mary Smith noted, "Very quite campground mid week. Had the place to ourselves." This allows families more space and flexibility during peak seasons.
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds require carrying gear up inclines. At Deerlick Springs Campground, a visitor mentioned, "They have 13 sites (tent) but I did see some RV's get into a few spots. The drive in could be a challenge for an RV, so I'd caution anyone to check it out first, before pulling a trailer in."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer natural swimming areas to keep children entertained. A visitor to Deerlick Springs mentioned, "Advanced hiking 3k-6k summit peek, beautiful trails and swimming holes, nature and wildlife surrounding a dark night sky."
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Most primitive sites near Weaverville cannot accommodate larger vehicles. One camper at Big Bar Campground stated, "Pretty basic...can't camp here just a cool spot to park with a little bit of river access and some park benches."
Road conditions: Unpaved access roads require careful navigation. At Deerlick Springs, a camper advised, "The gravel/dirt road from the pavement is pretty nice but I wouldn't take a trailer in there." Scout roads before attempting access with larger rigs.
Limited hookups: None of the best tent camping near Weaverville, California offers electric, water, or sewer connections. Most RV camping in this area is dry camping only with minimal amenities beyond fire rings and picnic tables.
