Ackerman Campground
4.1240 reviews14538 Wonderland Blvd, Redding, CA 96003, USA
Ackerman Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly fee for the campground is $30 during both peak and off-peak seasons, as per official records. Additional fees include $12 per night for an extra vehicle and $12 per day for boat ramps and day-use areas.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Lewiston Lake, Ackerman Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to experience the best of Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Wake to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore, spend your days casting lines into crystal-clear waters, or paddle through morning mist as eagles soar overhead. With spacious sites accommodating trailers and RVs up to 40 feet, complete with picnic tables and fire pits perfect for evening gatherings, this lakeside haven offers the ideal basecamp for your Northern California adventure.
Ackerman Campground accommodates tent camping, RVs up to 40 feet, and offers first-come, first-served sites as well as reservable options during the peak season.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's seasonal symphony at Ackerman, where summer days invite you to bask in warm sunshine before plunging into the lake's refreshingly crisp 47°F waters—a natural air conditioning that provides sweet relief from the heat. As evening falls, watch the stars emerge in famously clear skies that make this region a stargazer's paradise. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, where snow may dust the surrounding peaks while crystal-clear nights reveal constellations in breathtaking clarity.
ElevationPerched at 1,900 feet above sea level, Ackerman Campground offers a sweet spot where mountain air mingles with lake breezes. This elevation blessing means you'll enjoy noticeably cooler temperatures than the valley floor during scorching summer days, while the high-altitude lake maintains its invigorating chill year-round—perfect for those seeking refuge from California's summer heat.
Natural Features and SceneryAt 1,900 feet, where mountain meets water, Ackerman Campground offers a front-row seat to nature's grand theater. Towering conifers mingle with graceful deciduous trees, providing dappled shade throughout the grounds. Before you stretches the magnificent 610-acre expanse of Lewiston Lake, its cold, crystalline waters reflecting the surrounding mountains like a mirror. The dramatic shoreline transitions from peaceful marshlands teeming with waterfowl to dense forests where deer emerge at dusk, creating an ever-changing tapestry of wilderness beauty.
Geological RegionDiscover the heart of the Trinity Lake/Weaverville region, where Ackerman Campground serves as your gateway to the spectacular Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. This remarkable landscape tells a story written in stone and water—rugged mountains rise dramatically from the shoreline, ancient forests blanket the hillsides, and peaceful marshlands provide sanctuary for diverse wildlife. Here, in one of Northern California's most treasured recreational areas, the powerful forces that shaped these mountains have created a playground for modern adventurers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityTwo accessible boat ramps are located near the campground. Specific accessibility details for campsites or restroom facilities were not noted.
Sites SizeSites are described as large and spacious in user reviews. Some sites are close to the water but require a steep descent.
Sites PrivacyMixed reports about privacy; one review noted little privacy while another highlighted sites spaced far apart.
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring a kayak for exploring the lake and consider a canopy for sites exposed to long sun hours. Avoid sites directly accessible from the county road to minimize noise.
Best CampsitesSite 15 is praised for shade and proximity to water, while site 43 offers easy back-in access and a view overlooking the river. Sites close to the water, such as 16, are popular.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3PM
Check-out
2PM
Stay Limit
No maximum consecutive night stay limit is explicitly mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No information provided on the specific number of guests permitted per site.
Groups
No details are available about group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are spaced along Lewiston Lake's edge, with parking spurs made of grass or gravel. The campground layout allows for varying proximity to the water.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round for walk-ins; reservations are accepted from May 21st through September 10th.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, either online or through their call center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-in sites are available year-round, with fewer visitors outside the reservation period from May to September.
Cancellation PolicyRefund requests must be submitted no later than 14 days before arrival for a full refund, excluding a $10 reservation fee for online or phone bookings. Refunds are not issued for natural events such as rain or smoke. No refunds, modifications, or cancellations are allowed for Scan & Pay payments.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Ackerman Campground offers a range of outdoor activities including fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and hiking. Lewiston Lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, and the North Lakeshore Trail provides hiking options.
Hiking
The campground has access to the 2-mile North Lakeshore Trail for hiking.Fishing
Lewiston Lake offers fishing for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. User reviews highlight successful trout fishing with copper spinners.Boating
Kayaking is popular, and there are two accessible boat ramps nearby. Motorized boats are allowed but limited to speeds of 10 mph.Wildlife viewing
User reviews note abundant wildlife, including deer and bird species. The campground's quiet atmosphere enhances opportunities for wildlife observation.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as fishing and campfires are possible, as noted in user reviews.Water Sports
Kayaking and pontoon boat rentals are popular water activities. Pine Cove Marina offers pontoon boat rentals for $100 for 4 hours.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings with grills are provided at each site. Firewood should be locally sourced to prevent pest infestation.
Hazards
General hazardsThe campground has been noted for aggressive yellow jackets during warmer months. Additionally, noise from nearby roads and high winds can be disruptive.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 1.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely in nearby Weaverville, which is 7 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16th to September 11th.
Trash and recyclingNo specific details about trash or recycling facilities were mentioned. Users did not report any notable issues with trash disposal.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Lewiston Lake, the campground offers direct access to fishing, kayaking, and boating opportunities. Some sites are lakeside, while others require short hikes to the shoreline.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include lack of running water throughout the campground, overgrown weeds, and poorly maintained bathrooms. Some reviews mention cold water being unsuitable for swimming and difficulty accessing the lake from campsites.
HostReviews describe camp hosts as friendly and accommodating, with some specifically mentioning names like Lana and Michelle.
Campground Map
14538 Wonderland Blvd, Redding, CA 96003, USA
Driving directionsFrom Weaverville, take Highway 3 north for 7 miles. Turn right on Rush Creek Road for 9 miles. Turn left on Trinity Dam Boulevard for 7.5 miles.
The roads leading to the campground are paved and generally accessible year-round. Some reviews mention noise from Trinity Dam Boulevard, indicating proximity to a county road.Nearby places
Weaverville (7 miles), Redding (approximately 38 miles)
Nearby supplies
There is a store and gas station approximately 15 minutes south near Pine Cove Marina.
Camper Reviews
4.1
40 reviews
Ackerman Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Ackerman Campground highlight its scenic location, quiet atmosphere, and proximity to Lewiston Lake. However, recurring complaints include issues with water availability, overgrown sites, and aggressive yellow jackets. Bathrooms are generally clean but occasionally reported as poorly maintained.
Review Summaries
Based on 40 reviews
What Campers Love
Users loved the quiet and spacious sites, proximity to water, scenic views, and opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Several reviews praised the friendly camp hosts and clean bathrooms.
Based on 40 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include lack of water availability, broken bathroom fixtures, overgrown campsites, aggressive yellow jackets, and noise from nearby Trinity Dam Boulevard.
Based on 40 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a canopy for shade at sunny sites. Yellow jackets are attracted to meat; shoo them away gently, and use DEET to avoid mosquito bites. For fishing, copper spinners work well. Consider renting a...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is quieter in the off-season, with fewer visitors and limited amenities. Peak season offers better access to facilities but comes with more bugs and higher temperatures.
Based on 40 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nice shade trees in site 15 and close to water but steep and loose rocks down to the water." "Bathrooms were pristine, and water running from all faucets throughout the property." "Bring kayaks:...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 15 has shade and proximity to water but steep descents. Site 43 is suitable for big rigs and offers a river view. Site 16 is spacious with clean bathrooms nearby. Site 10 has decent lake access...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Boat ramps are accessible, but no specific details about campsite or restroom accessibility were provided.
Based on 40 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific details or issues were mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 40 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025