Cooper Gulch Campground

Tucked away on the tranquil shores of Lewiston Lake, Cooper Gulch Campground offers a quintessential rustic camping experience for those seeking peace and natural beauty in Northern California. This intimate campground, part of the sprawling Shasta-Trinity National Forest, is a perfect antidote to overcrowded popular spots. With its limited number of sites and direct access to the clear waters of Lewiston Lake, Cooper Gulch provides a serene setting where the sounds of nature often provide the only soundtrack. It's an ideal choice for Californians looking to disconnect, enjoy the simple pleasures of the outdoors, and immerse themselves in a truly quiet lakeside retreat.

Real customer reviews emphasize the campground's "nice rustic" charm and its quiet ambiance, often noting that it was "very quiet during our stay (aside from the road noise but it's not a heavily trafficked road)." This peaceful environment is highly valued by those looking to unwind. While there have been past issues with water spigots not working, the campground does aim to provide drinking water and vault toilets. Visitors particularly appreciate the natural sounds, being "Serenaded Avianly during the day and Amphibiously in evening with a solo performance by an Owl." The direct lake access, while noted as having only a "tiny little boat launch" and "not really a 'beach' area," is functional and serves its purpose for launching kayaks and canoes. Site 4 is highlighted for offering "decent shade." Overall, despite its primitive nature and some minor quirks, Cooper Gulch is loved for its "serene and slow paced" atmosphere and its connection to the beautiful Lewiston Lake.

Cooper Gulch Campground is located on Trinity Dam Blvd, Lewiston, CA 96052, USA. This places it directly on the eastern shore of Lewiston Lake, a beautiful, clear reservoir formed by the Trinity Dam and part of the Trinity River system, within the larger Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The campground is approximately 4 miles north of the historic town of Lewiston and about 17 miles from Weaverville, making it accessible from both communities.

Access to Cooper Gulch is via paved roads, specifically County Road 105 (Trinity Dam Blvd). While the campground is close to the road, reviews suggest that traffic noise is generally minimal, allowing for a peaceful stay. The sites feature paved parking spurs, making it relatively easy to pull in. The campground is best suited for tent camping but can accommodate small trailers and RVs up to 16 feet in length. Larger RVs may find maneuvering challenging due to the small size of the sites and the rustic nature of the campground. Directions typically involve taking Highway 3 north from Weaverville, then turning onto Rush Creek Road, followed by Trinity Dam Blvd, and finally the Cooper Gulch exit. From Redding, one would take State Route 299, then turn onto Trinity Dam Blvd. The location offers a balanced blend of feeling remote while still being within a reasonable drive of local amenities in Lewiston and Weaverville.

• Campsites: Cooper Gulch Campground features only 5 small, paved campsites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill.
• Restrooms: The campground provides vault toilets (often referred to as "2 stall pit toilet" by visitors), which are basic but functional.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is generally available via water spigots. However, it's important to note that past reviews indicate instances where water spigots were not working, so campers should be prepared with their own water supply as a backup, especially in late summer when water availability can be limited.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection is provided, with bins for proper waste disposal.
• Boat Launch: A "tiny little boat launch" is available, suitable for kayaks, canoes, and other small, non-motorized watercraft, allowing for direct access to Lewiston Lake.
• No Hookups: Cooper Gulch is a rustic campground and does not offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups at individual campsites. Campers should be prepared for a primitive camping experience in this regard.
• Cell Service: Cell service in the area, including at the campground, is noted to be poor, contributing to the "disconnected" experience.

• Rustic and Quiet Setting: With only five campsites, Cooper Gulch offers a truly intimate and quiet camping experience, ideal for those seeking solitude amidst nature. The serenity is often enhanced by the sounds of local wildlife.
• Direct Lewiston Lake Access: The campground is situated right on the water's edge, making it a favorite for those who enjoy being close to the lake for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Lewiston Lake is renowned for its fishing, with abundant rainbow trout and common brown and brook trout. It's considered a good lake for float tubing and excellent for fly fishing.
• Wildlife Viewing: The mixed forest and lakeside environment provide wonderful opportunities for wildlife viewing, from avian species serenading during the day to owls performing solo at night.
• Scenic Beauty: The campsites are tucked into a beautiful mixed forest of conifer and deciduous trees, surrounded by wildflowers, and offering views of Lewiston Lake.
• Accessibility for Small Rigs: While rustic, the paved parking spurs and ability to accommodate small trailers and RVs (up to 16 feet) make it an option for a wider range of campers than purely tent-only sites.
• Proximity to Baker Gulch Trail: The Baker Gulch trailhead can be accessed right from the campground, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding forest.
• Historical Nearby Town: The historic town of Lewiston is just a few miles away, providing a charming local attraction for a quick visit.

For inquiries regarding Cooper Gulch Campground, including current conditions, water availability, or specific regulations, you can contact the managing body, which is part of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

Address: Trinity Dam Blvd, Lewiston, CA 96052, USA

Phone: (530) 275-8113 (This number is associated with Shasta Recreation Company, which operates the campground, and also the Shasta Lake Ranger District information line).

Mobile Phone: +1 530-275-8113 (Same as above)

Reservations for some sites are available through Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. It is highly recommended to check current conditions and make reservations, especially since there are only 5 sites and it operates from April 1 to October 31.

Cooper Gulch Campground is a perfectly suited destination for Californians, especially those in Northern California, who crave a truly authentic, quiet, and intimate camping experience. Its rustic charm and small size make it a refreshing alternative to larger, more crowded campgrounds, offering a genuine escape into nature that locals often seek.

For residents, the campground's direct access to Lewiston Lake is a major draw. Whether it's for world-class fly fishing, a serene morning paddle in a kayak or canoe, or simply enjoying the calm waters, the lake provides abundant recreational opportunities right at their doorstep. The promise of being "Serenaded Avianly during the day and Amphibiously in evening with a solo performance by an Owl" speaks directly to the desire for a deep connection with California's natural soundscape, away from urban noise.

Its affordability (around $24/night) and the availability of basic amenities like vault toilets and drinking water (though checking current water status is advised) make it a practical option for a weekend getaway. The ability to accommodate small RVs and trailers, alongside tent camping, broadens its appeal to a wider range of local campers. Furthermore, its location within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest means easy access to a wealth of additional outdoor activities, including hiking the Baker Gulch Trail directly from the campground.

In essence, Cooper Gulch Campground is a local's secret, a peaceful haven where the focus is on nature, relaxation, and simple pleasures. It’s ideal for those who value tranquility, enjoy lake-based activities, and appreciate a less-developed camping environment, making it a perfect retreat for Californians looking to recharge amidst their state's beautiful wilderness.

For a visual overview of the campground's setting and amenities, you can watch this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpZQI_Q8vQU).

Cooper Gulch Campground

Trinity Dam Blvd, Lewiston, CA 96052, USA