Douglas City Campground

For Californians seeking the perfect blend of natural beauty and unexpected comfort in an outdoor setting, Douglas City Campground truly is a "gem." Nestled along the banks of the Wild and Scenic Trinity River in the heart of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, this Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campground redefines expectations for public lands camping. Far from a basic, no-frills experience, Douglas City Campground offers remarkable amenities like flush toilets and hot showers, transforming a rugged outdoor adventure into a surprisingly comfortable and enjoyable retreat.

This campground is celebrated by locals for its peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and prime access to the famed Trinity River. Whether you're an avid angler drawn to its world-class fishing, a family looking for safe swimming spots, or simply someone who yearns for the tranquility of riverside camping with the convenience of modern comforts, Douglas City Campground delivers. With a dedicated and friendly camp host often on-site, this hidden treasure ensures that your stay in Northern California's beautiful wilderness is not just memorable, but genuinely relaxing and enjoyable.

Douglas City Campground is conveniently located at 51 Poplar Ln, Douglas City, CA 96024, USA. It is easily found along State Highway 299, about one-half mile west of Douglas City, accessible via Steiner Flat Road (sometimes called Riverview Road on maps). This excellent accessibility makes it a prime destination for Californians from various regions.

The campground's location places it immediately adjacent to the Trinity River, known for its cold, clear waters and abundant recreational opportunities. While it offers a secluded feel, being "far enough from the highway to have a peaceful stay," it remains very easy to get to, accommodating both tent campers and RVs up to 42 feet in length. The roads and pads within the campground are often praised for being well-maintained and even paved in many areas, facilitating easy setup for all types of vehicles. The proximity to the small town of Douglas City (which includes a firehouse and a store) means that while you're immersed in nature, essential supplies are just a short drive away. This balance of convenience and wilderness makes Douglas City Campground a truly accessible and appealing choice for a wide range of California adventurers.

Douglas City Campground boasts an impressive array of services and amenities, particularly for a BLM-managed site, greatly enhancing the camping experience.

• Campsites: The campground features 23-24 spacious single-family campsites. These sites are versatile, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs up to 42 feet in length. Each site includes a paved parking spur, a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a bear-resistant food storage locker (bear box).
• Flush Toilets: A significant highlight, Douglas City Campground provides clean flush toilets, a rarity for many BLM campgrounds, ensuring a more comfortable and hygienic experience.
• Hot Showers: Another exceptional amenity for a public campground, hot showers are available, allowing campers to refresh themselves after a day of outdoor activities.
• Potable Water: Potable (drinkable) water is available at convenient spigots throughout the campground, eliminating the need for campers to bring all their own water.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are provided, with accessible receptacles, contributing to the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the campground.
• Camp Hosts: A dedicated and friendly camp host, like "Russ" mentioned in reviews, is typically on-site. They play a crucial role in keeping the place "safe, clean, and quiet," and are often praised for being helpful, knowledgeable, and making "camping a joy."
• Day Use / Picnic Area: A small beach and day-use picnic area are found within the campground, offering additional spots for relaxation and enjoyment by the river.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in the campground but must be kept on a leash at all times.

Douglas City Campground offers a wealth of features that make it a standout destination for California outdoor enthusiasts.

• Riverside Location on Wild and Scenic Trinity River: The campground's immediate adjacency to the Wild and Scenic Trinity River is a major draw. The river is known for its cold, clear waters and offers diverse recreational opportunities.
• Exceptional Comforts for a BLM Campground: The presence of flush toilets and hot showers sets Douglas City Campground apart from many other public lands camping options, providing a level of comfort that is often unexpected and highly appreciated by visitors.
• World-Class Fishing: The Trinity River is internationally recognized for its excellent fishing, particularly for salmon (Chinook, Coho) and steelhead. Anglers will find abundant opportunities right from the campground's vicinity.
• Swimming and Paddling: Small beaches along the river within the campground offer safe and enjoyable spots for swimming. The calm sections of the Trinity River are also perfect for paddling activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and tubing.
• Spacious and Well-Maintained Sites: Campsites are generally spacious, with paved and mostly level pads, making them comfortable for both tents and various RV sizes. The entire campground is noted for being well-kept.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: Nestled in a narrow valley with a variety of trees like ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, oak, and madrone, the campground is excellent for wildlife observation. Deer are frequently spotted, and birding is a popular activity.
• Quiet and Peaceful Ambiance: Despite its amenities, the campground maintains a remarkably quiet and peaceful atmosphere, allowing campers to truly relax and enjoy the sounds of the river and nature. The camp host contributes significantly to this calm environment.
• Proximity to Other Attractions: Beyond the immediate river access, the campground is a convenient base for exploring other nearby attractions. These include the Trinity River (with segments for whitewater rafting below Pigeon Point), Lewiston and Trinity Lakes for additional fishing and boating, the Weaver Basin Trail System for hiking and mountain biking, and trailheads leading into the vast Trinity Alps Wilderness for more rugged adventures. The charming town of Weaverville, with dining and shopping options, is also nearby.

For inquiries, current conditions, or to make reservations for Douglas City Campground, you can use the following contact information. Douglas City Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Address: 51 Poplar Ln, Douglas City, CA 96024, USA

Phone: (530) 224-2100 (This is the general number for the BLM Redding Field Office, which oversees Douglas City Campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 530-224-2100

For reservations, it is highly recommended to visit the Recreation.gov website and search for "Douglas City Campground, Trinity."

For Californians, Douglas City Campground stands out as an exceptional and often surprising gem, offering a camping experience that marries convenience with authentic wilderness. In a state known for its diverse landscapes, finding a BLM campground with amenities like flush toilets and hot showers is a true luxury, making it uniquely suitable for a wider range of local campers, from seasoned enthusiasts to families introducing their children to the outdoors. The ease of access from various parts of Northern California, combined with its prime location on the Wild and Scenic Trinity River, ensures that a refreshing escape is always within reach.

The campground's consistently praised cleanliness and the presence of a dedicated, friendly camp host contribute significantly to a welcoming and safe environment, fostering a sense of community that enhances the joy of camping. Locals who appreciate world-class fishing will find the Trinity River directly adjacent to their campsite an irresistible draw, while those seeking aquatic recreation can enjoy peaceful paddling or a refreshing dip in the river's clear swimming holes.

Furthermore, Douglas City Campground serves as an excellent launchpad for exploring the wider region, from challenging whitewater rafting to tranquil lake activities on nearby Lewiston and Trinity Lakes, and extensive hiking in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. It perfectly balances rustic charm with essential comforts, allowing Californians to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing basic amenities. This combination makes Douglas City Campground not just a place to stay, but a cherished local retreat where lasting outdoor memories are made, solidifying its status as a top choice for a Californian camping adventure.

Douglas City Campground

51 Poplar Ln, Douglas City, CA 96024, USA