Burnt Ranch Campground
02 reviewsBurnt Ranch Campground, Trinity National Forest, Big Bar Ranger District, California
Burnt Ranch Campground
$6.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$12.00
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
Overnight use fees are $12 per single site. Fee must be paid via cash or check using the self-registration station. $6 per night is available for certain pass holders.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Trinity National Forest, Burnt Ranch Campground beckons adventurers with 15 intimate campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. This rustic retreat seamlessly blends time-worn charm with modern conveniences, featuring recently upgraded fire pits with integrated grills and secure bear boxes at most sites. The campground's unique stepped terrain meanders through the landscape, creating a diverse tapestry of camping experiences where each site offers its own character and varying degrees of seclusion.
Burnt Ranch Campground offers a mix of tent camping and combined sites for trailers and tents.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the perfect balance of warm, sun-drenched days and refreshingly cool mountain evenings at Burnt Ranch. During the camping season, daytime temperatures hover comfortably between 50°F and 65°F, inviting endless outdoor exploration. As twilight paints the sky, temperatures dip to a crisp 35°F to 40°F, creating ideal conditions for gathering around the campfire and stargazing beneath crystal-clear skies.
ElevationPerched at 1,400 feet above sea level, Burnt Ranch Campground offers the sweet spot of mountain camping—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet gentle enough for comfortable hiking and exploration. This moderate elevation creates an ideal basecamp for adventurers of all experience levels, from families with young children to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living cathedral of towering Ponderosa pines, aromatic cedars, and graceful deciduous trees that filter golden sunlight through their canopy. Hidden pathways wind through the forest, inviting discovery as they lead to the melodic waters of a nearby river—a secret known to those who venture beyond their campsites. While sites closer to the road carry the occasional reminder of civilization with passing traffic, the deeper sites offer tranquil forest sanctuaries where nature's symphony takes center stage.
Geological RegionBurnt Ranch Campground cascades gently down a natural draw within the magnificent Trinity National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of subtle beauty. The campground's terraced design follows the natural contours of the land, creating a harmonious blend of human comfort and wilderness preservation. Towering conifers and deciduous trees tell the story of this diverse ecosystem, their roots anchored in soil that has nurtured forest life for countless generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere are no wheelchair-friendly toilets or other accessibility features noted.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate trailers up to 25 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies across sites; some sites are stepped and allow visibility into adjacent sites, while others provide more seclusion.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites farther from HWY 299 (6–15) are more private and quieter.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days.
Groups
Group sites are not available at Burnt Ranch Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is stepped, offering some sites privacy and others that are visible from higher sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 15 through October 31. Call the Weaverville Ranger Station for specific dates.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates exclusively on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Burnt Ranch Campground offers limited recreational activities, focusing on scenic and rustic experiences.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the nearby river or stream.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described, and the campground is seasonal, closing from November to mid-May.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not available at this site.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire pits.
Hazards
General hazardsTraffic noise from HWY 299 impacts sites close to the road. Wildlife may be present, requiring food storage in designated lockers.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Weaverville Ranger Station (530-623-2121) for assistance and emergency contacts. Hawkins Bar offers limited emergency services.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not described; users should plan to pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near the Trinity River, accessible via unmarked trails, but the river is not directly visible from the campsites.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include traffic noise in lower campsites (sites 1–5) and the lack of direct water access.
Campground Map
Burnt Ranch Campground, Trinity National Forest, Big Bar Ranger District, California
Driving directionsTravel west from the Big Bar Ranger Station, 16 miles to Burnt Ranch. Continue on to the Burnt Ranch Post Office on the south side of Hwy 299. Travel 1/4 mile, making a right turn at the entrance of the campground.
The campground is easily accessible via Hwy 299. However, road noise can be a concern, particularly for sites 1 through 5.Nearby places
Willow Creek (approximately 13.1 miles), Hawkins Bar (approximately 6.8 miles)
Nearby supplies
Limited groceries and gas at Hawkins Bar, with additional services available in Willow Creek.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Burnt Ranch Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm and affordability. It is praised for its scenic backdrop and the presence of fire pits and grills at some sites. However, noise from the nearby highway and lack of water and modern amenities detract from the experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Affordable pricing at $6/night ($3 with a pass) and scenic views. Fire pits with integrated grills at some sites and bear boxes for food storage are appreciated. Picnic tables at each site are...
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Common Concerns
Highway noise affects sites 1-5. Lack of potable water, flush toilets, and other amenities. Some users have experienced confusion about the campground's operational status.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring ample water and supplies as services are limited nearby. Choose sites farther from the highway for a quieter experience. Explore unmarked trails behind the campground, but exercise caution as...
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Seasonal Insights
Summers may see confusion about operational status and high temperatures, while spring and fall provide cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great campground right off the highway. Road sounds are the only reason not 5/5." - Josh Snavely. "Nice, newer fire pits with integrated grills at each site, and almost half the sites have bear...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 1-5 are noted for highway noise. Sites further into the campground offer more privacy and peace.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not highlighted in any reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Leashed dogs are allowed and welcomed; one user mentioned trails being steep, which may impact pet owners.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025