How much does camping cost at Basin Gulch Campground?

Camping fees at Basin Gulch Campground range from $12/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Basin Gulch Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Basin Gulch Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground operates on a first-come-first-serve basis. Sites #7-9 are recommended by a user for group camping.

Can I see photos of campsites at Basin Gulch Campground before I book?

Yes! Basin Gulch Campground has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Basin Gulch Campground?

Basin Gulch Campground is open Peak season is Memorial Day through Labor Day.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Basin Gulch Campground?

Basin Gulch Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Basin Gulch Campground?

Fire policies at Basin Gulch Campground: Fire policies are not noted in the source material.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Basin Gulch Campground have?

Basin Gulch Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Basin Gulch Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Basin Gulch Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Basin Gulch Campground?

Basin Gulch Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Basin Gulch Campground?

Popular activities at Basin Gulch Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Basin Gulch Campground

3.78

9 reviews

11 Trinity Street Hayfork, CA 96041

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds California

Quick Facts

2,608 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open from Memorial D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,608 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open from Memorial D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Basin Gulch Campground

$12.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly fee for using the campground is $12.

Standard Site Fee$12.00

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USFS

Provider

530-628-5227

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Basin Gulch Campground

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Campground Map

11 Trinity Street Hayfork, CA 96041

Basin Gulch Campground

11 Trinity Street Hayfork, CA 96041

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.

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.

Weather at Basin Gulch Campground

Best Time to Camp at Basin Gulch Campground

Summer is the only season that matters since the campground closes outside Memorial Day to Labor Day. Daytime highs reach the 80s and 90s, but the forest shade keeps sites comfortable. Nights drop into the 50s and 60s. Expect the busiest crowds on holiday weekends at this small site. The dry summer air and stable conditions make for easy camping, though you'll want the creek access when afternoon heat peaks.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open Memorial Day–Labor Day; shade keeps sites comfortable in 80s–90s.

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.

About Basin Gulch Campground

Basin Gulch Campground sits within Shasta-Trinity National Forest near Hayfork, offering 13 first-come, first-served sites tucked under a thick forest canopy. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, the campground runs $12 per night and accommodates tents and small trailers up to 20 feet. Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek flows nearby, providing a cooling soundtrack and a spot to wade on hot afternoons.

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.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the only season that matters since the campground closes outside Memorial Day to Labor Day. Daytime highs reach the 80s and 90s, but the forest shade keeps sites comfortable. Nights drop into the 50s and 60s. Expect the busiest crowds on holiday weekends at this small site. The dry summer air and stable conditions make for easy camping, though you'll want the creek access when afternoon heat peaks.

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 SceneryThe campground sits at 2,608 feet in dense mixed forest shaped by ancient volcanic activity and centuries of erosion. Towering conifers create heavy shade over the sites, with Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek winding through the drainage below. The understory stays green through summer, and the forest canopy blocks most direct sun even when temperatures climb. It's quiet here, the kind of woods where you hear the creek before you see it.

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.

Scenic ViewsUser reviews did not provide specific descriptions of views, though the shady and creek-side location suggests a peaceful forest scenery.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThirteen sites spread out enough that privacy isn't an issue. The layout favors spacing over density, which matters when you're sharing a small campground on a summer weekend.

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.

Site SizeSites are designed for tents and small trailers up to 20 feet.

PrivacySites are reportedly well spaced out, offering privacy.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesSites #7-9 are recommended for groups. Campsite #3 is described as having unusual activity during rainy periods.

Best CampsitesSites 7 through 9 get mentioned in reviews as the best spots for groups, likely because they cluster together while still maintaining the spacing that campers appreciate throughout the campground.

Amenities available

Basin Gulch Campground offers a basic yet convenient setup for campers. The campground is shaded, situated in a thickly wooded area, and has 13 units suitable for tents and small trailers (up to 20 feet). Picnic tables are provided. However, potable water is not available, and reviews mention that porta potties (vault toilets) could benefit from improved maintenance. This is a remote location managed by the U.S. Forest Service and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews note 'remote' conditions and potential wildlife activity near campsite #3, including unusual activity like pit toilet door banging during rainy seasons.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

9 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Basin Gulch Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 9 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 9 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequent complaints were about the lack of potable water and the cleanliness of the vault toilets.

Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 7-9 are highlighted as the best for groups and families traveling together.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro 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 9 reviews

Seasonal 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 9 reviews

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 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash not longer than 6 feet in developed recreation areas.

Based on 9 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Tent campers and OHV riders who pack all their own water and arrive Friday morning to claim one of the 13 first-come sites. Sites 7-9 are the move for groups; the creek and heavy canopy keep afternoons comfortable even when Hayfork temps push into the 90s.

Skip if

No potable water on-site and the vault toilets have a real cleanliness problem according to multiple reviewers. If either of those is a dealbreaker, this remote Forest Service camp will grind on you fast. Trailers over 20 feet can't fit either.

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Campgrounds

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Basin Gulch Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Basin Gulch Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Located in a thickly wooded area within walking distance of Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek, this shady campground is perfect for tents and small trailers 20 feet or shorter. It is a great starting point for your adventures into the National Forest.</p>

Activities

Total of 13 units. Average max. trailer size = 20 foot.

Open Season: Memorial Day – Labor Day