Jackass Springs Campground

For Californians seeking a truly serene and uncrowded escape into nature, Jackass Springs Campground near Weaverville, California, presents an inviting opportunity. Despite its whimsical name, this campground is a tranquil gem nestled within the vast and beautiful Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It's a place where the primary sounds are those of rustling leaves and abundant wildlife, offering a genuine sense of peace and seclusion that can be hard to find in more popular destinations. As one reviewer aptly put it, "It's a good spot to go to where's it's not crowded."

Jackass Springs Campground embodies the essence of a rustic yet rewarding outdoor experience. Located by water, it provides a picturesque setting for campers looking to unwind. The natural beauty of the area is a significant draw, with opportunities to witness local wildlife, including deer, gracefully moving through the campsites. This campground is part of the larger Shasta-Trinity National Forest, which encompasses diverse landscapes, from dense forests to stunning lakes and rivers, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. For California locals eager to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with the simple joys of nature, Jackass Springs Campground offers an authentic and accessible wilderness experience, perfect for creating lasting memories under the expansive Northern California sky.

Jackass Springs Campground is located in the heart of Northern California's wilderness, near Weaverville, CA 96093, USA. More specifically, it is situated approximately 34 miles north of Weaverville on State Highway 3, within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This places it in Trinity County, a region renowned for its pristine forests, clear rivers, and the expansive Trinity Lake.

Access to Jackass Springs Campground involves a journey into more remote terrain, which contributes to its uncrowded nature. From Weaverville, take State Highway 3 north for about 34.2 miles. You will then turn right onto County Road 106, crossing over the Carrville Bridge. Continue on County Road 106 for approximately 12.4 miles until you reach the Jackass Springs Road junction. Turn right here and continue for about 5 miles to reach the campground. While the roads leading to the campground are generally navigable, the final miles on Jackass Springs Road may be unpaved and a bit rough. It's important to be prepared for forest service road conditions, which can vary. The campground's elevation is approximately 3570 feet, offering cooler temperatures than the valleys during summer months. This location, though requiring a bit of a drive, ensures a deep immersion in nature, far from the typical tourist routes, making the journey part of the adventure for many Californians.

Jackass Springs Campground offers a more primitive camping experience, focusing on essential amenities that allow visitors to enjoy the natural environment without excessive development.

• Campsites: The campground features 10 individual campsites. These sites are designed to accommodate both tents and RVs or trailers up to 32 feet in length, providing flexibility for various camping setups.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and other outdoor activities.

• Fire Rings/Grills: Metal fire rings with grills are provided at each site, allowing campers to build fires for cooking, warmth, and ambiance. Visitors should always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire, especially during dry seasons.

• Vault Toilets: Restroom facilities are available in the form of vault toilets. While these are basic, non-flushable facilities, they are maintained to provide a necessary convenience for campers.

• No Piped Water: It is crucial for visitors to note that there is no piped (potable) water available at Jackass Springs Campground. Campers must bring all of their own drinking water for the duration of their stay, as well as water for cooking and hygiene purposes.

• First-Come, First-Served: Jackass Springs Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not typically accepted. This allows for spontaneous trips but also requires visitors to have a backup plan during peak seasons.

• Trash Management: While explicit details on trash disposal are not always highlighted for primitive sites, campers are generally expected to pack out all of their trash ("Leave No Trace" principles are highly encouraged) or utilize designated collection points if available further out in the forest district.

Jackass Springs Campground, despite its simple amenities, offers several compelling features that make it a highly desirable destination for those seeking a true wilderness experience in Northern California.

• Uncrowded Atmosphere: A significant highlight, as noted by visitors, is that it's "not crowded." This provides a peaceful and private camping experience, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in nature without the noise and congestion often found at more popular campgrounds.

• Beautiful Lakeside/Riverside Setting: The campground is described as being "very beautiful right next to the water." While specific details about the body of water aren't always explicit, its proximity to Trinity Lake and various springs and creeks in the area suggests a picturesque setting for relaxation and contemplation.

• Abundant Wildlife Sightings: One of the most cherished features is the frequent presence of wildlife. Visitors have reported "deers walking around," offering wonderful opportunities for wildlife observation and photography right from your campsite.

• Free Camping: Jackass Springs Campground is a free campsite, making it an incredibly accessible and budget-friendly option for Californians looking to enjoy the outdoors without incurring significant costs.

• Open Year-Round: The campground is reported to be open all year, providing opportunities for camping in various seasons, though accessibility in winter due to snow might vary.

• Proximity to Trinity Lake and Wilderness: Located within the vast Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the campground is relatively close to Trinity Lake, a major recreational hub offering boating, fishing, and other water activities. The surrounding wilderness areas also provide extensive opportunities for hiking and exploration.

• Scenic Forest Setting: The campground is nestled within a beautiful forested terrain, likely offering ample shade and a rich, natural ambiance, typical of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

• Dark Skies for Stargazing: Being in a more remote location with minimal light pollution, Jackass Springs Campground would offer excellent conditions for stargazing, allowing for clear views of the night sky.

Jackass Springs Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, specifically under the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. For the most accurate and current information regarding the campground's status, conditions, and any potential alerts or restrictions, it is best to contact the relevant Ranger District office.

Address: Weaverville, CA 96093, USA

Phone: (530) 623-2121

Mobile Phone: +1 530-623-2121

This phone number connects to the Weaverville Ranger Station, which is the primary point of contact for the western portion of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest where Jackass Springs Campground is located.

Weaverville Ranger Station:

Address: 360 Main Street, Weaverville, CA 96093

Phone: (530) 623-2121

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm and 1:45 pm - 4:30 pm; Closed Saturday and Sunday (Closed on federal holidays)

It is highly recommended to call the Ranger Station prior to your visit, especially for updates on road conditions, fire restrictions, and any changes to campground operations. You can also find additional information on the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest (fs.usda.gov/stnf).

For Californians, Jackass Springs Campground offers an invaluable and increasingly rare commodity: a truly uncrowded and free camping experience in a beautiful natural setting. Its location within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, though a bit of a drive, means that residents can easily access a genuine wilderness escape without the need for extensive travel planning or significant financial outlay. This makes it an ideal spot for spontaneous weekend trips or longer, more immersive stays for those looking to truly disconnect.

The core appeal for locals lies in its peaceful ambiance and the feeling of being truly immersed in nature. The fact that "you will see deers walking around" and that it's "very beautiful right next to the water" speaks to the authentic wildlife encounters and picturesque scenery that define this campground. While the lack of piped water requires campers to be self-sufficient, this minor inconvenience is a small trade-off for the privacy and tranquility offered. The availability of vault toilets and basic picnic tables ensures a comfortable foundation for a rustic camping trip. For those in California who prioritize solitude, wildlife viewing, and a budget-friendly option to explore the stunning forests and lakes of Northern California, Jackass Springs Campground stands out as an excellent and highly recommended choice. It's a testament to the diverse and accessible outdoor opportunities available to residents of the Golden State, inviting them to discover their own peaceful sanctuary.

Jackass Springs Campground

Weaverville, CA 96093, USA