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%
(55)

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.
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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!
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$31.50
 / night
100%
(5)

Tranquil Riverside Camping

2 sites · Tents50 acres · Willow Creek, CA
Welcome to our tranquil riverside tent camping spots on our serene 50-acre homestead. Nestled in a private, wooded area along a pristine river halfway between Willow Creek and Blue Lake, this primitive campsite offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Unplug, unwind, and reconnect with nature in this secluded haven. Highlights Swimming Hole: Cool off in the natural swimming hole just steps away from your tent. Privacy: Enjoy complete privacy with no nearby neighbors. Nature Trails: Explore the surrounding river and woods. Wildlife: Spot deer, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Campfire: Gather around the campfire ring for an evening of stargazing and storytelling. Amenities Fire Ring: A designated fire ring for safe and enjoyable campfires. Picnic Table: A picnic table and umbrella for your dining convenience. Portable Toilet: A clean portable toilet with camping bag will be provided. (carry out bag) Water Source: Fresh water available from a nearby well and spring (bring your own containers). ACCESSIBILITY Our property gate is off the main road by 4 miles on a dirt road. Our driveway is an additional 1 mile of steep dirt road. A 2wd vehicle will have no problem accessing our property. The road down to the campsite can be accessed partially or fully in 2wd, however 4wd is recommended. If you choose to park halfway down you can walk the rest or we can help transport gear in our vehicle. What to Bring Tent and sleeping gear (or rent from us) Cooking equipment and utensils (or rent from us) Firewood (or purchase from us) Swimming gear Insect repellent Trash bags (carry in, carry out policy) Activities Swimming: Enjoy the refreshing swimming hole. Hiking: Explore miles of private trails through diverse landscapes. Birdwatching: Bring binoculars for a chance to see various bird species. Stargazing: The clear, unpolluted skies are perfect for stargazing.
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from 
$36
 / night
98%
(437)

Trinity Outpost Wilderness Resort

13 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · 122.928142, CA
Private Tent Camping: under the stars. Park at your campsite! Community areas, swimming holes, creek running through ALL campsites, shared lodge & rustic accommodations. No fee for children or dogs~ Follow for update tweets @ResortTrinity Trinity Outpost Wilderness is a private campground that is committed to the land-sharing ethos of Hipcamp preserving ecology and defending habitat for wildlife and pollinators. The mineral springs and trails are open to the public during the daytime. We also host with WWOOF, we have many cultural exchange volunteers helping us bring life back to this historic land building an organic farm and sustainable inclusive community. The campground is your to book but is also surrounded by National Forest Land which belongs to everyone. We expect zero exceptions to the leave no trace standards we have put forward for our private land share. Fall asleep stargazing under a dark sky, surrounded by trees, water and wildlife. Wake up to birds chirping then a 10 min hike to visit the Cold mineral springs bubbling out of the mountainside, attracting many types of wildlife along with people seeking out the healing properties of the sulfur scented spring water. Sacred healing mineral spring "Deadshot" named by the native peoples for its ability to cure all ailments with 'one shot'. Nipisum or 'health water' was later bottled by the California Medicinal Springs Co. after the land was homesteaded in 1886. This historic retreat rests at the foot of lower Chanchelulla 'black rock' Mountain. Bordering a Wilderness Area this land is pristine and wild inhabited by many animals and incredible bio-diversity such as Pileated Woodpeckers, Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Blackhawk, Goshawk, Great Horned Owl, Flying Squirrel, Pacific King Snake, Salamanders and Protected Spawning Rainbow Trout. 100+ acres with private hiking trails along the stream for easy trekking, and summit trails (climbing up to almost 6,000 ft.) to the peak. Our aim is to restore the land from the last 100 years of habitation using innovation to renovate the campground and baths for the next 100 years. With your help we hope to revitalize the community of Trinity County, as well as educate and generate support for WILDERNESS, public forest lands and the agencies that manage them.
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from 
$25
 / night
100%
(66)

Radio Ranch Camp

8 sites · Lodging30 acres · Burnt Ranch, CA
  Welcome nature lovers, adventurers, foragers, outdoor-enthusiasts, rock hounds, bird watchers, and tree huggers. If you love to fish, hike, forage, raft, swim, kayak, camp, go tubing, or explore, Radio Ranch is a must-experience respite in the woods. ​ We are conveniently located between Portland, OR and San Francisco, CA, between Eureka, CA and Redding, CA. We are 15 minutes from Willow Creek, 1 hour from HWY 101 and 2.5 hours from I-5. Our one of a kind, 100% off-grid luxury campsites offer complete privacy and views you can't get anywhere else!   Each site is located near one of our creeks so you can enjoy the sounds of flowing water. Visit our *two* large waterfalls on a hike through 30 beautiful acres. Our light show at dusk lasts approximately 3 hours each evening because we believe that nighttime should be just as beautiful as the day. Breathtaking views of Ironside Mountain make a gorgeous backdrop for weddings, events, and photoshoots. Ask about whole property rental! ​ Each site rental comes with shared access to modern off-grid showers, restrooms (including our very popular clawfoot tub), and an outdoor kitchen with BBQs and a wood-fired pizza oven plus public space that is Instagram worthy. Free WIFI is also included, so it is perfect for remote workers.  ​ Check-in is contactless and simple. We only allow 2-10 guests on the property at once, so it's peaceful and quiet and feels like it's all yours! Don't wait to book because space is very limited. Treat yourself to a stay with us. Radio Ranch is the perfect place to get away from it all, while still having it all. Relax and rejuvenate at Radio Ranch. *Recommended for ages 21+. Children under 21 must be accompanied by a guardian. Pets are welcome for a small pet fee! This is an off-grid experience, meaning there are no electrical outlets. We recommend bringing a backup battery to charge devices. This experience may not be suitable for those who need electricity for medical equipment.
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from 
$116
 / 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.

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