Steiner Flat Primitive Campground

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

Quick Facts

1,585 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

The campground is cl...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV 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
Steiner Flat Primitive Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground is free to use.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
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What Campers Say

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 9 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sites

"User reviews are mixed, with some appreciating the free camping and scenic river location, while others express concerns about safety and the lack of enforcement of rules."

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Campground Map

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

Steiner Flat Primitive Campground

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

Driving directionsFollow State Highway 299 to Douglas City, turn onto Steiner Flat Road and go about 2.5 miles west of Douglas City to the campground turnoff. Campground is near the Trinity River.
The campground is accessible via Steiner Flat Road, which is 2.5 miles west of Douglas City off Highway 299. No specific road condition details were provided.
Nearby places
Douglas City (2.5 miles west)
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Steiner Flat Primitive Campground

Steiner Flat experiences the full drama of California's mountain seasons, from crisp, frost-kissed mornings that transform the campground into a winter wonderland to warm summer days perfect for river activities. Moderate winds dance through the canyon throughout the year, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers. Winter visitors should come prepared for freezing temperatures during certain weeks, when the campground takes on a magical, crystalline beauty that rewards the hardy souls who venture forth.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm days suit swimming, boating and rafting; full river access from sites.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Crisp fall weather and scenic canyon views; fewer water-activity draws than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Warming weather and river flows make spring good for paddling and fishing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is currently closed for the season due to maintenance projects.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is closed for the season due to maintenance projects.
  • Current Alerts: Currently closed for the season due to maintenance projects.

About Steiner Flat Primitive Campground

Tucked away along the crystal-clear waters of the Trinity River, Steiner Flat Primitive Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape without the price tag. This hidden gem offers eight pristine primitive sites where the sound of rushing water mingles with whispers of wind through towering Ponderosa pines. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or pulling in with a compact trailer, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape that invites exploration. Cast a line into the river's promising pools, launch your kayak for a leisurely paddle, or try your luck panning for gold in the same waters that drew prospectors over a century ago. Here, beneath a canopy of Douglas fir, oak, and madrone, simplicity meets adventure in perfect harmony.
Steiner Flat Primitive Campground is a primitive camping area with 8 sites suitable for tent camping or small trailers.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Steiner Flat Primitive Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational opportunities, including world-famous fly fishing, pleasure boating, paddling, whitewater rafting, swimming, and hiking.
HikingHiking trails in the area offer scenic forest walks and access to the Trinity River. Detailed information about trail lengths, difficulty, or maps is not provided.
FishingThe Trinity River is world-famous for its fly fishing opportunities. The clear, cold waters attract fishing enthusiasts.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in the Trinity River, which is accessible from many locations along this stretch.
BoatingThe Trinity River is used for pleasure boating and paddling. More adventurous visitors can experience Class III-V rapids below Pigeon Point.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReviews note the presence of long-term campers and littering, which may lead to safety concerns. Additionally, white-water rapids are located downstream.
Active AlertsCurrently closed for the season due to maintenance projects.

Weather at Steiner Flat Primitive Campground

Reviews

4.3
9 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Steiner Flat Primitive Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with some appreciating the free camping and scenic river location, while others express concerns about safety and the lack of enforcement of rules.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

"Nice river area, close to the boat ramp"; "Free camping with fire pits and tables"; "Great free campground with most sites on the Trinity River."
Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users mentioned safety concerns, such as 'nar-do-wells' and people living on-site who have trashed the area. Lack of enforcement was also highlighted.
Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own drinking water and firewood as these amenities do not seem to be provided. Be prepared for a primitive camping experience.
Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No explicit seasonal trends are mentioned in the reviews, but camping might be more pleasant in warmer weather given the swimming and water-based activities available.
Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice place near the river, however, did not feel comfortable as there were people living there and had trashed the place.' 2. 'River access and a free place to camp!' 3. 'Great free campground...
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Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews do not specify individual campsites by number or provide details about better or worse sites.
Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were provided.
Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and one reviewer noted, 'Enjoy the trail with your dog.' No further details about pet-friendly features are available.
Based on 9 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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