Camp Discovery Group Camp (Red Bluff Recreation Area)

4.12

31 reviews

1000 Sale Lane, Red Bluff, CA 96080

Family Friendly

Quick Facts

279 ft

Price

$175/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open season is April...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

279 ft

Price

$175/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open season is April...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Camp Discovery Group Camp (Red Bluff Recreation Area)

$175.00 - $175.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group standard non-electric site fees are $175 per night during the reservable season (April 1 to November 1). Fees do not reflect discounts, taxes,...

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$175.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(530) 934-3316

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.12

Satisfactory

Based on 31 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendly

Some mention

small

"Overall, user reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, suitability for group events, and well-maintained facilities. Some criticisms focus on lighting being too bright at night and insufficient parking for the number of campers allowed."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1000 Sale Lane, Red Bluff, CA 96080

Camp Discovery Group Camp (Red Bluff Recreation Area)

1000 Sale Lane, Red Bluff, CA 96080

Driving directionsFrom I-5, take the exit for Lassen, Highway 36 (Exit 648, Antelope Boulevard) and turn east. Turn right (south) at Sale Lane (the first light). Follow Sale Lane about 2 miles to the Red Bluff Recreation Area. Proceed through the gate and turn left at the Sacramento River Discovery Center. Follow the road to the large parking lot by the river. Camp Discovery is to the left, through a gate across the road. From the Chico area heading North on 99E, 99E turns into Antelope Boulevard. At the second light turn left onto Sale Lane. Follow the same directions as above once on Sale Lane.

Road access is paved and suitable for all vehicles year-round. The campground is easily accessible from major roads, including I-5.

Nearby places

Red Bluff (2 miles, ~5 minutes), Rolling Hills Casino (25 miles, ~30 minutes), Redding (34 miles, ~40 minutes), Lake Shasta (40 miles, ~50 minutes), Lassen Volcanic National Park (60 miles, ~1 hour).

Nearby supplies

Grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel are readily available in Red Bluff, 2 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Camp Discovery Group Camp (Red Bluff Recreation Area)

Camp Discovery enjoys an enviable climate that makes outdoor adventures comfortable year-round. During peak visiting season, expect gloriously clear skies with temperatures that hover around a pleasant 79°F during the day before cooling to a refreshing 54°F at night—perfect for campfire gatherings. With less than a 1% chance of rain and gentle breezes averaging 6 mph (occasionally building to invigorating 22 mph gusts), you'll find ideal conditions for hiking, wildlife watching, and outdoor activities. The dry climate means you can count on sunshine for your group's planned activities.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in CA

Peak season April–Nov; river access makes it popular for summer water activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through November with pleasant weather and varied ecosystems on trails.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Open April onward; spring offers mild weather and trails/wildlife activity.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Nov 2–Mar 31; winter season not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1 to November 1.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is April 1 to November 1. Closed season is November 2 to March 31.

About Camp Discovery Group Camp (Red Bluff Recreation Area)

Nestled beneath a canopy of ancient trees, Camp Discovery Group Campground offers an exclusive retreat designed for memorable group gatherings. This reservation-only sanctuary features 11 thoughtfully designed screened sleeping cabins where groups can rest comfortably after days of adventure. The campground's impressive amenities include modern shower facilities, convenient dishwashing stations, and a natural amphitheater perfect for evening programs under the stars. Two inviting cabanas shelter picnic areas where groups can share meals prepared on four large grills, while secure storage keeps gear safe. For those seeking a closer connection with nature, additional tent camping spots await beneath intimate groves of conifers, where dappled sunlight filters through branches of majestic Sycamore, Oak, and Cottonwood trees.

Camp Discovery Group Campground is primarily designed for group camping. This includes screened sleeping cabins and space for tent camping, making it suitable for events like family reunions, scout camps, and business retreats.

Historical SignificanceWhile Camp Discovery's story may be newly written with each group that arrives, the land itself whispers tales of the Sacramento Valley's rich natural heritage. This peaceful setting invites visitors to create their own meaningful memories and traditions.

Weather and SeasonsCamp Discovery enjoys an enviable climate that makes outdoor adventures comfortable year-round. During peak visiting season, expect gloriously clear skies with temperatures that hover around a pleasant 79°F during the day before cooling to a refreshing 54°F at night—perfect for campfire gatherings. With less than a 1% chance of rain and gentle breezes averaging 6 mph (occasionally building to invigorating 22 mph gusts), you'll find ideal conditions for hiking, wildlife watching, and outdoor activities. The dry climate means you can count on sunshine for your group's planned activities.

ElevationCamp Discovery sits at a comfortable elevation that provides easy access while still offering a sense of escape from the everyday world. The gentle terrain makes it accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living gallery where towering Sycamores spread their distinctive mottled branches overhead, ancient Oaks stand sentinel with gnarled dignity, and graceful Cottonwoods rustle secrets in the breeze. This diverse woodland ecosystem creates a natural cathedral that shelters the campground, providing cooling shade and endless opportunities for nature observation. Just beyond your cabin door, discover the winding Sacramento River's life-giving waters, explore meadows painted gold with native grasses, investigate mysterious wetlands teeming with birds and wildlife, and wander through classic oak woodlands that define California's natural character.

Geological RegionCamp Discovery claims its place in the magnificent Northern Sacramento Valley, where California's agricultural heartland meets pristine natural habitats. This remarkable region showcases a tapestry of ecosystems—from wildflower-studded grasslands that burst into color each spring to vital wetlands that serve as nurseries for countless species. The nearby Sacramento River, California's largest river system, has sculpted this landscape over millennia, creating the fertile valley floor and supporting the magnificent oak woodlands that provide both beauty and critical wildlife habitat. This convergence of water, woodland, and meadow creates an outdoor classroom perfect for discovery and adventure.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

6:00 AM

Check-out

10:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights consecutive stay
maximum 28 nights annually.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Site capacity varies
campers should confirm details upon booking.

Groups

Group spaces include cabins and tent areas. The campground is ideal for events such as family reunions, scout retreats, and business meetings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes 11 screened cabins, two cabanas with picnic tables, and additional tent camping areas under small conifer forests.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through Recreation.gov or via the reservation line at (877) 444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not permitted; all reservations must be made in advance.

Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations outside the original date range incur a $10 fee. Cancellations more than 14 days prior to arrival incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations for group sites forfeit the first night's fee plus the $10 cancellation fee. No refunds for cancellations within 14 days of arrival.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible drinking water, showers, vault toilets, picnic areas, and trails. Pathways are paved, making it easier for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeCampsites include group spaces and cabins; site sizes are suited for large gatherings.

PrivacyThe site is described as suited for group events, implying less privacy for individual campers.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesIdeal location for group activities like family reunions, weddings, scout camps, and business retreats.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Camp Discovery Group Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, both land- and water-based. Visitors can explore a 4-mile paved nature trail, which provides access to grasslands, wetlands, and oak woodlands, as well as views of Mount Shasta, Mount Lassen, and the Yolla Bolly Mountains. The nearby Sacramento River supports activities like fishing, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming, and canoeing. Educational programs and an amphitheater add to the range of activities.

HikingA 4-mile paved nature trail offers opportunities for hiking and walking. The trail features diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and oak woodlands, and provides stunning views of surrounding mountains.

FishingFishing is available in the Sacramento River, with species like Chinook, Steelhead, and Striped Bass found in the area.

SwimmingSwimming is allowed in the Sacramento River; however, there is no designated swimming area or lifeguard on duty. Visitors swim at their own risk.

BikingBiking is permitted along the paved trails, which are shared with hikers and walkers.

BoatingBoating activities, including water skiing, jet skiing, and canoeing, are popular on the Sacramento River. Boat ramps are available for convenient access.

Wildlife viewingThe campground offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially along the nature trail that traverses wetlands and woodlands.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo designated swimming area or lifeguard provided; swim at your own risk. Campground is gated and closes nightly at 10 PM.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are included as part of the campground amenities.

Fire PolicyFirewood must be purchased locally and burned on-site to protect forests from tree-killing pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital and emergency services are located in Red Bluff, 2 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities was provided.

Water FeaturesLess than a five-minute walk to the Sacramento River, offering water-based recreational opportunities.

Camp HostHosts are noted to be helpful, especially in assisting with settling in.

Weather at Camp Discovery Group Camp (Red Bluff Recreation Area)

Reviews

4.1

31 reviews

Satisfactory

Camp Discovery Group Camp (Red Bluff Recreation Area) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, user reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, suitability for group events, and well-maintained facilities. Some criticisms focus on lighting being too bright at night and insufficient parking for the number of campers allowed.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Cleanliness, group-friendly amenities (e.g., cabins, amphitheater), and accessibility features are praised. The campground is noted as an excellent venue for family reunions, scout camps, and...

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users complained about the lighting at night being too bright, making it difficult to enjoy the natural night sky. Parking availability was also cited as inadequate for the volume of campers.

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Book early" is a common piece of advice, as the site is popular for group events. Campers are urged to bring their own bed rolls and pillows for cabin stays.

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season runs from April through November. The campground's proximity to the Sacramento River makes it particularly popular during the summer months for water-related activities.

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "An amazing place. Quite a clean campground." - "The cabins have screens halfway up but are nice and clean. The parks department is very helpful in getting you settled in." - "Excellent place for...

Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground is designed for group use; no individual site reviews were provided.

Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

Visitors noted the campground's accessible amenities, including showers, vault toilets, and paved pathways. These features were appreciated by users with mobility challenges.

Based on 31 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs must be on leashes at all times. No additional reviews specific to pet-friendly features were provided.

Based on 31 reviews

0 review

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Camp Discovery Group Camp (Red Bluff Recreation Area)? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Last updated January 13, 2026

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds

Mendocino National Forest

Camp Discovery Group Camp (Red Bluff Recreation Area)