North Trinity Lake

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Lakeside dispersed camping along the north end of Trinity Lake draws campers who want direct water access without paying for it. The site sits near Trinity Center, where the lake opens into a wide field backed by forest, giving campers the choice of pitching in the open or under tree cover. No facilities are on-site. No fees, either.

Getting here takes some navigation work. The listed coordinates have repeatedly sent visitors to a private driveway or an unhelpful stretch of highway, so relying on them alone is not recommended. Multiple short dirt roads branch off the main road toward the lake, and finding the right one may take a pass or two. Once down by the water, the area opens up considerably, with room for multiple groups to spread out without crowding each other. Nearby, Trinity Lake KOA Holiday and Preacher Meadow (Ca) — Shasta Trinity National Forest provide developed alternatives for campers who want hookups or established sites.

Cell service is listed as available, and campfires are permitted. Pets are welcome. Owen C. notes that "once you get down by the water there is a ton of space," whether campers want a spot right at the shoreline or set back from it. One reviewer raised the possibility of the lake level dropping significantly in dry years, so checking current water conditions before the trip is worth the effort. Campers who arrive with flexible expectations and good directions will find this a workable base for a night or two on the water.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsNorth Trinity Lake is located in California near Trinity Center

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

41.01849956 N
122.696283 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if North Trinity Lake needs a permit.

Drive Time


Reviews6 Camper Reviews - North Trinity Lake

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1 Star

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17%

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many mentioned the stunning lakeside dispersed camping with beautiful views and flexible site options. Several guests reported problems regarding GPS accuracy making location difficult to find.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2026

Amazing spot

Coordinates lead to some private driveway. The road I used to get down by the lake is 41.01849956,-122.696283. Once you get down by the water there is a ton of space for you to set up camp by the water or more inland.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of North Trinity Lake by Owen C., July 18, 2026
  • Review photo of North Trinity Lake by Owen C., July 18, 2026
  • Review photo of North Trinity Lake by Owen C., July 18, 2026
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2026

Perfect

Everything about it was amazing. Exact coordinates were off but look for little roads off the main road. There were very few people and plenty of space. We were able to camp right by the lake undisturbed.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 9, 2023

Beautiful spot!

This was a perfect spot for a quick one night stay as we were passing through. The coordinates were off though and it took us up to a private residence road so I would not follow that. There’s multiple side dirt roads leading down to the lake from the main road so I would just look for those. Beautiful views at night and in the morning! It was wide open with no other campers in site.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of North Trinity Lake by Mckenna S., June 9, 2023
  • Review photo of North Trinity Lake by Mckenna S., June 9, 2023
  • Review photo of North Trinity Lake by Mckenna S., June 9, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

Not accessible

The coordinates and GPS lead to a random part of the highway surrounded by hills. Not real or inaccessible in vehicle, lake may be dried up.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 24, 2021

a lovely area

  • 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
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of North Trinity Lake by Karen T., May 24, 2021
  • Review photo of North Trinity Lake by Karen T., May 24, 2021
  • Review photo of North Trinity Lake by Karen T., May 24, 2021
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots on North Trinity Lake?

North Trinity Lake offers two distinctive camping environments. You can choose between camping in the open field with scenic lake views or opt for more secluded spots in the surrounding woods. The open field provides easier lake access and panoramic views, while the wooded areas offer more shade and privacy. Note that the coordinates in some navigation systems may be inaccurate - instead of following GPS directly, look for dirt side roads leading down to the lake from the main road to find the best dispersed camping areas.

What amenities are available at Trinity Lake campgrounds?

North Trinity Lake is a dispersed camping area with no amenities or facilities. There are no restrooms, potable water, trash service, or established campsites. Campers should come fully prepared with all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal methods. This is a true primitive camping experience requiring proper preparation and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

When is the best time of year to camp at Trinity Lake?

Late spring through early fall provides the best camping conditions at North Trinity Lake. May through September typically offers the most pleasant weather and more reliable lake access. Water levels can fluctuate significantly throughout the year, with some visitors reporting dry conditions during drought periods. Summer weekends may be busier, so consider weekday visits for more solitude. Always check current conditions before your trip, especially if visiting during shoulder seasons.

What activities can you do while camping at Trinity Lake?

Trinity Lake offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities including swimming, fishing, and kayaking when water levels permit. The surrounding area provides options for hiking and wildlife viewing. The campground's layout, with open fields and wooded areas, makes it ideal for stargazing on clear nights. Since this is dispersed camping in a scenic location, photography and nature appreciation are popular activities. Plan to bring your own recreation equipment as there are no rental facilities or organized activities at this primitive camping area.