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

98%
(376)

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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$25
 / night
99%
(156)

BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek

10 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Willow Creek, CA
This historic lumber mill site is now a pristine Willow Creek frontage camping location conveniently located just 40 minutes from the coast and 4 miles from the town of Willow Creek and also the Trinity River.
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$40
 / night
97%
(169)

Bayside Cabin

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Arcata, CA
Come stay in our cozy little cabin tucked in an alder forest. Only a few minutes drive from downtown Arcata, it’s like being in the middle of the woods, right in town. This is a quiet neighborhood and is bike-friendly for getting around town. Feel free to ask us for recommendations on places to eat, get a drink, or find an adventure in Arcata and surrounding areas. We are located less than 40 minutes from Redwood National and State Parks where you can find incredible hiking trails!
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$80
 / night
98%
(87)

Camp Prairie

2 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Mc Kinleyville, CA
We have seven beautiful acres just outside of the small town of McKinleyville. Our wooded property is about a mile from Clam Beach and surrounded by idyllic horse ranches, sleepy country roads, and lazy cows grazing in the fog. The site is below towering fir trees draped with hanging lichen and full of bird song.
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$52
 / night
89%
(19)

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 Top 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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$50
 / night
100%
(75)

Humboldt Experience Farmstay

6 sites · Lodging34 acres · Carlotta, CA
We offer off-grid and mostly offline farmstay retreats at our self-reliant, educational, permaculture farm. We are a digital detox environment and welcome guests who are looking to unplug and recharge. A farm tour on arrival is included. Guests are invited to help with gardening, animal chores, food preservation, and other farm activities Monday thru Friday from 9-noon. Information on self-reliance, living off the grid, and farming knowledge is shared while participating in morning farm activities. A farm meal prepared from our gardens is included in the booking and served at 1PM. There are options for a variety of dietary preferences. All accommodations have been custom build by Munro. Much of the lumber comes from trees on the the land and is hand milled and planed giving each cabin the warm beauty of natural wood. All guests are invited to enjoy the wood fired sauna, meditation grove, forest hikes and swimming on Van Duzen river. The property is gated. You must text the host before arriving to confirm plans a minimum of 2 days before arriving. Munro 707-572-8200. Limited cell service in the area, communicate ahead. Host generally meets guests at Swain's Flat Outpost and Garden Center, around mile marker 20, on highway 36.
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$65
 / night
96%
(40)

Sugar Pine Camp & Cabin

4 sites · RVs, Tents56 acres · Willow Creek, CA
Sugar pine Camp & Cabin is a tranquil gem with sweeping views of the mountains and nestled in the valley below is the quaint town of Willow Creek. On-site there are many tent sites as well as one tiny cabin with a loft full size bed. Drinking and dishwashing water as and a 2 burner stove are available. This quiet peaceful camp has epic night sky viewing. The majestic Trinity River is a 15 minute drive away. Enjoy swimming, whitewater rafting or sun bathing at the beautiful river. There are also many opportunities for hiking in the Six Rivers National Forest or the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Show up to rest, relax and rejuvenate in this beautiful peaceful setting.
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$25
 / night
100%
(8)

Alpen Vineyard Hideaway

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Trinity Center, CA
Alpen Cellars Winery was established on a family ranch in the spring of 1984; it is situated in a picturesque mountain valley at the foot of towering craggy peaks in the rugged Trinity Lake region of Trinity County, California. Alpen Cellars is a family venture in which each of us take part in the long painstaking process of wine production. From pruning to harvest, crush to fermentation and bottling, we strive for fine wine and a connection to our customers. It may seem like an unlikely location to grow wine grapes, but the combination of high elevation and favorable microclimate provide the ideal conditions for early maturing grapes.
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$45
 / night
93%
(7)

Maren G.’s Land

2 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Bella Vista, CA
Beautiful 8 acres on a private pond that is fully stocked with large and small mouth bass, blue gill, carp and catfish. Different spots to choose from with different privacy levels and access to power and water at some camp spots. 10 minutes to Shasta Lake, 20 mins to Whiskeytown Lake, shooting range and dirt bike trails within 20 minutes. Right off the highway (heads up, you can hear the road from camp) so it's easy to find and quick access to Redding, 7 minutes away.
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$45
 / night
100%
(5)

Oak Trails Retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Igo, CA
Discover the charm of our property, nestled amidst countless blue oak trees. Free-ranging cows contribute to the authentic rural setting, creating a unique ambiance. Explore a network of biking and walking trails that wind through the landscape, offering opportunities for both adventure and introspection. The pond, stocked with fish, adds a practical touch for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, our property provides a raw and genuine camping experience where the rugged beauty of nature takes center stage. Welcome to a no-frills retreat for those who appreciate the simplicity and authenticity of outdoor living.
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$45
 / night
100%
(7)

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. We recently installed a pit toilet just downhill from the camp and opened up to tent camping. There is private access to secluded swimming and fishing holes on the lower Salmon River. 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…
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$30
 / night
92%
(59)

Cabin Hideaway

3 sites · Lodging, RVs2 acres · Dunsmuir, CA
This little cabin is located in Cedar Pines Rv Resort.
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$45
 / 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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