Steel Bridge Campground

Star4.67
29 reviews
Bureau of Land Management, Redding Field Office, 6640 Lockheed Drive, Redding, CA 96002, USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,699 ft

Price

$5 - $15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open May 5 to late N...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Steel Bridge Campground
$5.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Two conflicting fee reports: $5.00 per night based on official materials and multiple user reviews, but another source states $15.00 per night. Fees...
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Standard Site Fee$5.00
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

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Provider
530-224-2100
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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 29 reviews

42 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocation

"Steel Bridge Campground receives high praise for its picturesque location along the Trinity River, clean facilities, and affordability. Campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere and variety of activities available."

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Campground Map

Bureau of Land Management, Redding Field Office, 6640 Lockheed Drive, Redding, CA 96002, USA

Steel Bridge Campground

Bureau of Land Management, Redding Field Office, 6640 Lockheed Drive, Redding, CA 96002, USA

Driving directionsAbout three miles east of Douglas City on State Highway 299, turn north onto Steel Bridge Road and go about 2 miles to the campground. Campground is near the Trinity River.
Accessible via paved roads; turn north onto Steel Bridge Road from State Highway 299. Journey involves approximately two miles on Steel Bridge Road.
Nearby places
Douglas City (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes), Redding (unknown distance), Weaverville (unknown distance)

Best Time to Camp at Steel Bridge Campground

Steel Bridge enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate that keeps visitors comfortable throughout much of the year. With only about a quarter of days seeing precipitation, you'll find plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities under clear skies. Winter brings crisp, refreshing air with temperatures dipping to the mid-30s at night and reaching the low 50s during the day—perfect for cozy campfire evenings. Spring through fall delivers increasingly warm days ideal for river activities, though occasional rain showers keep the surrounding forest lush and vibrant.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer reviews highlight swimming and fishing; designated swimming hole and boat access.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews emphasize serenity and wildlife; pleasant Mediterranean-like climate.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 5 (late spring); mild climate but limited spring season access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed in winter (open May 5 to late November).

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open May 5 to late November, weather permitting. No reservations accepted. First-come, first-served only.

About Steel Bridge Campground

Nestled alongside the pristine Trinity River, Steel Bridge Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just 13 carefully placed campsites. This hidden gem welcomes tent campers and small trailers (up to 20 feet) seeking solitude away from crowded destinations. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, exploring nearby mountain trails, or simply unwinding to the gentle soundtrack of the flowing river, Steel Bridge provides the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer their adventures served with a side of tranquility.
Steel Bridge Campground offers primitive-style camping facilities, accommodating both tent and small trailer setups.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Steel Bridge Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities catered to nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Popular activities include fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking. Wildlife viewing and gold panning are also notable attractions.
HikingThe area features trails suitable for walking and exploring the surrounding forested landscape. "Beautiful forested camping by the river. And, a lovely place to walk."
FishingThe Trinity River is renowned for its fly fishing opportunities. "Great fishing" is a common sentiment, although some users note that fishing can be challenging.
SwimmingDesignated swimming areas are available along the river: "Nice swimming hole at the end of the road."
BoatingThe Trinity River supports boating activities, including kayaking and rafting. Waters below Pigeon Point offer class III-V rapids for whitewater enthusiasts.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is home to abundant wildlife, including deer and bears. "Lots of deer" and "keep a close eye on your food due to bears" are notable comments.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Lots of bears up there so keep your food in the lockers that they provide for you," as highlighted by one user review. Limited cell coverage and uneven terrain in the day-use area are other considerations.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at each campsite, essential due to the presence of bears in the area.

Weather at Steel Bridge Campground

Reviews

4.7
29 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Steel Bridge Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Steel Bridge Campground receives high praise for its picturesque location along the Trinity River, clean facilities, and affordability. Campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere and variety of activities available.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground's scenic location, clean facilities, and low cost ($5 per night). The Trinity River is highlighted as a major attraction for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of potable water and cell phone coverage are the most common issues mentioned by users. Some reviews also note the presence of bears and advise using the provided bear boxes.
Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing potable water and being cautious with food storage due to bear activity. "Bring your own drinking water" and "keep your food in the lockers provided."
Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally, typically from May to November. Summer reviews highlight swimming and fishing opportunities, while fall reviews focus on the serenity and wildlife.
Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Quiet campground on the Trinity River only $5 per night. Picnic table and fire ring available." - Tim Clark; "Amazing campground with the great healing factor right on the edge of the Trinity...
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Based on 29 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 6 is highlighted for its accessibility features, including a paved path to the vault toilet and an accessible picnic table.
Based on 29 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features include campsite 6 with a paved path to the toilet, although the slope may pose challenges. "There is no running water, and poor cell phone coverage at this site."
Based on 29 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is dog-friendly, with one user stating: "Dog friendly."
Based on 29 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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