USDA Forest Service

For Californians yearning for an authentic and serene escape into the state's magnificent northern wilderness, Burnt Ranch Campground, nestled within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, offers a truly remarkable experience. This isn't your typical bustling resort-style campground; it's a rustic, first-come, first-served gem that embodies the raw beauty and peaceful solitude of the Trinity River region. Described as "magical" by some who appreciate its natural charm, it’s a place where the "shades of green are simply beautiful," inviting visitors to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature.

Operated by the USDA Forest Service, Burnt Ranch Campground provides a back-to-basics camping adventure, ideal for those who cherish simplicity and a strong connection to the outdoors. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of California's vast national forests, offering a quiet retreat for fishing, hiking, and simply enjoying the sounds of a rushing river and the vast, starry skies. For locals in Northern California looking for a truly immersive and peaceful camping trip, Burnt Ranch Campground offers an unforgettable experience away from the crowds, prompting the sentiment, "You must go."

Burnt Ranch Campground is located on a hill above the Trinity River, near Burnt Ranch, CA 95527, USA. It sits off Highway 299, a scenic route that winds through the majestic Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Northern California. The exact address provided (200A School House Rd) refers to a Forest Service office, and while helpful for general contact, the campground itself is directly accessible via a turn off Highway 299, approximately 16 miles west of the Big Bar Ranger Station.

For Californians, reaching Burnt Ranch Campground typically involves driving east or west along Highway 299, depending on your starting point. From major Northern California hubs like Redding, it's about a 1 hour and 37-minute drive. The drive itself is part of the experience, offering stunning views as you delve deeper into the forested landscape. While the campground is somewhat remote, its accessibility from a major highway makes it a viable destination for those seeking solitude without an overly arduous journey. The location benefits from its proximity to the Trinity River, a vital waterway that defines the character of the surrounding area and offers diverse recreational opportunities.

Burnt Ranch Campground offers basic yet essential services, focusing on a rustic camping experience that emphasizes self-sufficiency and immersion in nature:

• Campsites: The campground features 16 individual campsites. These sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not typically accepted. This allows for spontaneous trips but requires arriving early during peak seasons.
• Site Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill, providing the essentials for outdoor cooking and gathering around a campfire.
• Accommodations: Sites can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, though there is a length limit of up to 25 feet for trailers and RVs.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets (also known as pit toilets) for sanitation needs. These are typically basic, non-flush facilities.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are available, emphasizing the "Leave No Trace" principles to help maintain the campground's natural beauty.
• No Drinking Water: It is crucial for campers to note that drinking water is NOT available at the campground. Visitors must bring their own potable water for all drinking, cooking, and hygiene needs.
• No Electricity: There are no electrical hookups at any of the campsites, reinforcing the rustic, off-grid camping experience. Campers should plan for their own power sources if needed.
• Poor Cell Service: Cell phone service in the area is generally poor, contributing to the feeling of being truly disconnected and offering an opportunity for a digital detox.
• No Showers: There are no shower facilities at this campground.

Burnt Ranch Campground is celebrated for its distinctive features and highlights that draw Californians seeking a genuine outdoor adventure:

• Stunning Natural Beauty: The campground is nestled amidst a verdant landscape, with "shades of green" that are "simply beautiful." It offers a picturesque setting with towering trees and a serene environment, characteristic of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
• Trinity River Access: Situated on a hill above the Trinity River, campers can access the river via a 1/2-mile road. This provides excellent opportunities for fishing (including fly fishing), tubing, and whitewater kayaking, making it a prime spot for water enthusiasts.
• Rustic and Peaceful Atmosphere: The campground offers a quiet and peaceful ambiance, perfect for unwinding and escaping the noise of city life. Its first-come, first-served policy and lack of extensive amenities contribute to a more authentic and less crowded camping experience.
• Historic Context: While not explicitly stated in the reviews, the presence of a "school house" in the address and the general area's history suggest a sense of heritage and connection to the past, adding character to the visit.
• Waterfalls and Creek: A creek passes by the campground, forming a large waterfall near the Trinity River, adding to the scenic beauty and providing a soothing natural soundtrack.
• Proximity to Wilderness: The campground is a gateway to further exploration within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and nearby areas, offering opportunities for hiking on nature trails and connecting with the vast wilderness.
• Wildlife Viewing: The remote, forested setting is conducive to wildlife viewing, allowing campers to observe local flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
• Stargazing: With poor cell service and minimal light pollution, the campground offers excellent opportunities for stargazing on clear nights, providing a breathtaking celestial display.
• Dog-Friendly: Like many Forest Service campgrounds, dogs are generally permitted on a leash (6 feet or shorter), allowing furry companions to join the outdoor adventure.

For inquiries or to obtain more information about Burnt Ranch Campground, or the broader Shasta-Trinity National Forest, please use the following contact details. While the address provided is for a general Forest Service location, direct camping inquiries are best handled by the ranger station:

Address: 200A School House Rd, Burnt Ranch, CA 95527, USA (This is likely an administrative or ranger station office)

Phone: (530) 629-2859

Mobile Phone: +1 530-629-2859

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding campground open and close dates, current conditions (such as fire restrictions or water availability), it is highly recommended to contact the Weaverville Ranger Station at (530) 623-2121. As Burnt Ranch Campground is a first-come, first-served facility, calling ahead will primarily be for general information rather than site reservations.

You can also typically find information on the official USDA Forest Service website for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, or through third-party camping review sites that compile public data on Forest Service campgrounds.

For Californians seeking a truly authentic and peaceful camping experience away from the bustling crowds, Burnt Ranch Campground is an outstanding choice. Its rustic nature, characterized by basic amenities and a first-come, first-served policy, appeals to those who value simplicity and self-reliance in the great outdoors. Nestled in the stunning Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the campground offers breathtaking natural beauty, with lush greenery, a picturesque creek, and the majestic Trinity River close at hand.

The opportunity for various recreational activities, from fishing and tubing on the river to hiking and wildlife viewing, makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The limited cell service and lack of electricity provide a rare chance to truly disconnect and immerse oneself in nature, allowing for incredible stargazing opportunities. For Californians who appreciate raw natural beauty, a tranquil atmosphere, and the freedom of a less-structured camping experience, Burnt Ranch Campground stands as a highly recommended and magical retreat in the heart of Northern California's wilderness.

USDA Forest Service

200A School House Rd, Burnt Ranch, CA 95527, USA