The best camping near Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Shasta-Trinity National Forest adventure.

The best camping near Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Shasta-Trinity National Forest adventure.

Camping near Shasta-Trinity National Forest

93% (130 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Shasta-Trinity National Forest adventure.

California’s largest national forest offers year-round outdoor adventures and diverse camping options.  

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Community favorites near Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Shasta-Trinity National Forest

95%
(56)

Whispering Redwood Creek

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Mc Kinleyville, CA
Nestled within the towering grandeur of California's Redwood Forest, Whispering Redwood Creek offers a serene and enchanting camping experience. This unique site, located at 451 Tip Top Ridge Rd, McKinleyville, invites you to immerse yourself in the profound silence of the forest, where the majestic redwoods not only touch the sky but also absorb the sounds of the world, creating an atmosphere of deep tranquility. Adjacent to a gently percolating creek, the campsite is a harmonious blend of nature's calm and modern convenience. Designed for ease, it features a pull-through arrangement that welcomes all, from the casual weekend camper to the seasoned adventurer. The site is equipped with its own private bathroom, complete with a toilet and running water, ensuring comfort and privacy. As you settle in, you'll find a picnic table waiting, perfect for al fresco meals or evening conversations. The entire campsite is enveloped in a 100% shaded area, courtesy of the immense canopy overhead. This natural umbrella not only provides cool, refreshing shade but also creates a unique, dappled light ambiance that shifts and plays throughout the day. At Whispering Redwood Creek, you're invited to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the timeless rhythm of nature. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat to rejuvenate your spirit or a quiet base to explore the wonders of the Redwood Forest, this campsite promises an unforgettable stay, where the whispers of the ancient trees and the soft murmur of the creek become the soundtrack of your escape.
Pets
Toilets
Trash
from 
$51
 / night
94%
(18)

Osprey’s Perch

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · CA
The Salmon River watershed is among the cleanest in the world. There are plenty of hiking trails and beautiful places to experience. Osprey’s Perch is set up well for serving as a base camp for local activities like hunting, fishing, kayaking, rafting, day hiking, or just spending time on the river at one of the few private access points in existence. Camp is set up in a way that enables you to roast some brussel sprouts, or bake a pie if you so desire. I mean, how many camps offer that! The commercial gas range also serves as a great backup when fire restrictions are in effect! I hope you enjoy your stay and if you have any questions please reach out! Learn more about this land: Osprey’s perch is a small campsite perched above the Salmon River. The pit toilet is just downhill from the camp at the end of a trail winding down through the meadow and to the right. There is private access to secluded swimming and fishing holes on the lower Salmon River down the meadow trail and to the left. A bridge provides shelter from rain if needed. The area is known for its world class steelhead fishing and is unparalleled in its natural beauty. The elk even stop by occasionally on a late winter/early spring morning if you are lucky enough to get the timing right… I hope you enjoy our most recently additions, tent pads on a nice deep bed of chips, and a dog run for your best friend!
Pets
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from 
$31.50
 / night
95%
(146)

Redwoods Bend Retreat

14 sites · Lodging, Tents38 acres · Orick, CA
The Redwoods Bend Retreat is a place to get away from it all. Located on the Yurok reservation right on the Klamath River just outside Orick, CA, we are "off the grid", through a Redwood forest and over a mountain down into the Klamath River valley. We have a 5 acre meadow, and orchard with 50 trees, peaches pears, apples, cherries, plums, pluots, apricots and grapes. We are right on the Klamath river. It's a great place to come and recharge your internal batteries. There is no cellphone service and none of our sites have internet service. Our Main House was built in 1952 and retains the flavor of the 50’s. It houses a kitchen, dining hall, a living room, two bedrooms and a bathroom with a bathtub and shower. Our log-built Lodge overlooks the Klamath River with 3 bedrooms, a full kitchen, bathroom and wrap-around covered porch. Our Pumpkin and Blue Cottages each sleep 4-5 people. They are close to the double Yellow Shower house and toilets, and they have hot and cold running water, a propane cooktop, and a wood stove for heat. We do NOT have refrigeration, and our solar batteries or generator provides us lights at night. Campers who use our Cottages may use their own sleeping bags, but we have beds with mattresses and pillows and clean bedding. We also have an Upper Barn bedroom and half-bath rental. Our two-story Riverview Yurt appeals to folks who want a full kitchen, a private shower and flush toilet overlooking the Klamath river from our 50 x 50 foot upper deck. Luscious to sit outside and watch the river flow by during the day, and to let the water lull you to sleep at night. For families (up to 8), folks who like to fish, or old friends who just want a very special get-away. Each of our six campsites have a picnic table and a fire pit. Our Maple River, Grotto River and Pepperwood River sites overlook the gorgeous Klamath River. Our Morning Meadow, Orchard Meadow, and Deer Meadow sites are close to our 5 acre meadow where blacktail deer graze in the evenings. We have a Yellow double Shower House with two separate sides, each with a toilet, sink and shower and on demand hot water, so folks don't have to wait. There's also a new Camp Shower at the corner of the orchard for our campers, along with two outhouses for camper use, one at the bottom of the road down to the meadow, and another in the woods just past Deer Meadow Camp. We see lots of wildlife; silver foxes, a bald eagle and a family of river otters downstream, vultures, blue heron, occasionally an osprey will fly overhead clutching a freshly caught salmon and call to each other to brag about it! There are rare sightings of timid black bears who run from humans, but sometimes can be seen grazing in the meadow with the black-tail deer. We're surrounded by old logging trails made by the lumber companies 80 years ago when they clear cut the old growth redwood on our side of the mountain, and now it's completely reforested with 200 ft tall Doug Fir, Madrone, Cedar, Oak, other pine species and Pepper wood trees, and we have written permission from the Green Diamond company to allow guest to hike on their adjacent properties.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$110
 / night

The best camping near Shasta-Trinity National Forest guide

Overview

About

Spanning more than a million acres, Shasta-Trinity is the largest national forest in California, with a landscape that stretches from 1,000 feet to over 14,000 feet, and five designated wilderness areas. Explore three scenic byways, more than 450 miles of trails, including 154 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, or climb the snow-capped Mount Shasta. Hundreds of alpine lakes, and more than 6,000 miles of rivers and streams offer plenty of water-based activities, including boating, paddling, and fishing. The forest also offers a wide range of camping options for overnight stays, including developed and dispersed campgrounds, boat-in campgrounds, shoreline campgrounds, fire lookout stations, and historic cabins.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for families with kids and accessible campers: The Alpine View Campground offers accessible campsites, restrooms, and paved trails, as well as areas for kids.
  • Best for RV campers: The Bushytail Campground offers electric and water hookups.
  • Best for tent campers and water lovers: The tent-only and walk-in Stoney Point Campground is right on the shores of Trinity Lake.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. During peak summer season, plan to reserve a campsite as soon as you know your dates. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance for individual sites and 12 months for group sites for reservable campgrounds.
  2. If you don’t have a reservation, plan to arrive first thing in the morning to grab a site at a first-come, first-served campground.
  3. Be sure to check on seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campground.

When to go

May to October are the best times for camping in the forest. Summer weekends are particularly popular and most campgrounds fill up quickly.  From fall to early spring, snow and ice may affect road access, especially at higher elevations. Some activities, including downhill skiing at Mount Shasta Ski Park, are snow dependent. Mushroom season runs in the spring and fall, while wildflowers can be seen from late January to early November, depending on the elevation.

Know before you go

  • Campfire permits are required to have a campfire or stove at a dispersed site. The Trinity Alps and Mount Shasta wilderness areas require wilderness permits. A summit permit is also required to summit Mount Shasta.
  • Permits are required to collect or cut forest products, including mushrooms, fuelwood, and Christmas trees.
  • Be bear aware and store scented items outside your tent in a bear-proof container.
  • Fishing licenses are required for anglers 16 and older.

Nearby attractions

  • Immerse yourself in the Pacific Northwest's beauty by camping near the Klamath River. From thrilling white water rafting to tranquil fishing moments, your Klamath River camping journey promises a wonderful balance of relaxation and adventure.
  • The joy of camping near Trinity River lies in the delightful blend of serene river views and lush forests. The Trinity River camping experience promises tranquil starlit nights and days filled with fishing or river rafting adventures.

Top cities near Shasta-Trinity National Forest

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