Basin Gulch Campground
02 reviews11 Trinity Street Hayfork, CA 96041
Quick Facts
Price
$12/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
13 campsites
Season
Open from Memorial D...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$12/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
13 campsites
Season
Open from Memorial D...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Basin Gulch Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for using the campground is $12.
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
Total Campsite Fees$12.00
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USFS
Provider530-628-5227
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 2 reviews
5 Google reviews
Most mentioned
locationsites
"Reviews highlight Basin Gulch Campground's remote, quiet, and scenic nature. Campers appreciate the spacing between sites, ensuring privacy, and the overall natural experience. However, the lack of potable water and the condition of the vault toilets drew some criticism."
Fees & Passes at Basin Gulch Campground
$12/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Information not explicitly stated
Cancellation: Cancellation policy details are not provided.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official U.S. Forest Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Basin Gulch Campground
Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the California wilderness at Basin Gulch. Summer brings warm, sun-soaked days with temperatures climbing into the 90s, perfect for creek-side adventures and lazy afternoons in the shade. The dry summer air carries the scent of pine and warm earth, creating ideal camping conditions. As autumn approaches, the forest begins its quiet transition toward winter's embrace, when snow blankets the landscape and temperatures dip into the crisp 40s, transforming the campground into a serene winter wonderland accessible only to the most adventurous souls.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Peak season is Memorial Day through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Current Alerts: No active alerts are noted.
About Basin Gulch Campground
Nestled within a canopy of towering trees, Basin Gulch Campground offers an intimate forest retreat where the gentle sounds of Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek create nature's perfect soundtrack. This cozy hideaway welcomes tent campers and small trailers (up to 20 feet) seeking respite in the shade-dappled wilderness. Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the campground provides just the right blend of accessibility and seclusion, with the creek's cooling waters just a pleasant stroll away through the forest understory.
Basin Gulch Campground offers primitive camping experiences suitable for tent campers and small trailers. The remote nature of the campground makes it ideal for those seeking a secluded wilderness experience.
Historical SignificanceWhile Basin Gulch may not boast grand historical monuments, its true significance lies in the timeless connection between humans and nature. This quiet corner of the forest continues to serve as a gateway for modern adventurers seeking the same solace and natural beauty that has drawn people to these woods for generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the California wilderness at Basin Gulch. Summer brings warm, sun-soaked days with temperatures climbing into the 90s, perfect for creek-side adventures and lazy afternoons in the shade. The dry summer air carries the scent of pine and warm earth, creating ideal camping conditions. As autumn approaches, the forest begins its quiet transition toward winter's embrace, when snow blankets the landscape and temperatures dip into the crisp 40s, transforming the campground into a serene winter wonderland accessible only to the most adventurous souls.
ElevationTucked away in the mountainous terrain of Northern California, Basin Gulch Campground sits at an elevation that provides the perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere. The surrounding topography creates a natural haven where cool mountain air mingles with the warmth of the valley below.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where ancient trees form living cathedral walls and dappled sunlight dances across the forest floor. The thick woodland canopy at Basin Gulch creates a natural sanctuary, offering blessed shade during warm summer days. Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek winds through the landscape like a silver ribbon, its clear waters providing both a soothing soundtrack and a refreshing destination for afternoon explorations. This verdant oasis showcases the best of California's forest ecosystems, where moss-covered logs, ferns, and wildflowers create an ever-changing tapestry of green.
Geological RegionBasin Gulch Campground sits within the magnificent Shasta-Trinity National Forest, a sprawling wilderness that encompasses some of Northern California's most diverse and dramatic landscapes. The thickly forested terrain surrounding the campground tells the geological story of ancient volcanic activity and centuries of erosion that carved the creek valleys and shaped the rolling hills. Here, in this protected corner of the forest, visitors can witness the powerful forces that created this remarkable landscape while enjoying the peaceful serenity that only old-growth woodlands can provide.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeSites are designed for tents and small trailers up to 20 feet.
Sites PrivacySites are reportedly well spaced out, offering privacy.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites #7-9 are recommended for groups. Campsite #3 is described as having unusual activity during rainy periods.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time is not specified.
Stay Limit
Information not explicitly stated
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information not explicitly stated
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 13 units with well-spaced campsites to ensure privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made in advance as the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come-first-serve basis. Sites #7-9 are recommended by a user for group camping.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details are not provided.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Basin Gulch Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities in a natural setting. Activities include off-highway vehicle (OHV) camping and road riding, hunting, recreational and target shooting, archery, and day hiking. It is a great starting point for exploring the National Forest.
Hiking
Day hikes are available, though specific trails and their features are not detailed.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire policies are not noted in the source material.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews note 'remote' conditions and potential wildlife activity near campsite #3, including unusual activity like pit toilet door banging during rainy seasons.
Active alertsNo active alerts are noted.
Weather at Basin Gulch Campground
45
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 61%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Hayfork Ranger Station provides emergency contact services, located at 11 Trinity Street Hayfork, CA 96041.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingNo specific details provided on trash and recycling options.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is within walking distance to Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention pit toilet cleanliness as a recurring issue and highlight the remote nature of the campground.
HostNo information about campground hosts is provided.
Campground Map
11 Trinity Street Hayfork, CA 96041
Driving directionsFrom Harrison Gulch Fire Station near Platina, travel west on State Route 36 for 1/4 mile. Turn south at the Stuart Gap Road (also known as the White Rock Road), 28N10 and proceed 1 mile to the campground.
The campground is accessible via Stuart Gap Road, which is also known as White Rock Road. The road conditions are not described as paved or unpaved, but no challenging or seasonal closures are mentioned in the source.Nearby places
Hayfork is the nearest city, but distances to other population centers are unavailable.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in Hayfork, but details about specific grocery stores, camping supplies, or fuel stations are not provided.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 reviews
Basin Gulch Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight Basin Gulch Campground's remote, quiet, and scenic nature. Campers appreciate the spacing between sites, ensuring privacy, and the overall natural experience. However, the lack of potable water and the condition of the vault toilets drew some criticism.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the well-spaced sites, the natural beauty of the location, and its remote wilderness setting. Sites 7-9 were described as particularly good for groups.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
The most frequent complaints were about the lack of potable water and the cleanliness of the vault toilets.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should plan to bring their own water. Arriving early is advisable as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites 7-9 are recommended for groups.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, making it a summer-season destination. Reviews suggest it is particularly remote and quiet during early spring, but may also be more challenging...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The camp sites are very well spaced out so you are not right on top of each other." - Michele Strohman. "If you want some excitement, come to Basin Gulch Campground #3 in the rainy season of the...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 7-9 are highlighted as the best for groups and families traveling together.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash not longer than 6 feet in developed recreation areas.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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