Burnt Ranch Campground

Star4.17
8 reviews
Burnt Ranch Campground, Trinity National Forest, Big Bar Ranger District, California

Quick Facts

1,400 ft

Price

$6 - $12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Weaverville Ranger Station (Shasta-Trinity National Forest) site

Official Website
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Burnt Ranch Campground
$6.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use fees are $12 per single site. Fee must be paid via cash or check using the self-registration station. $6 per night is available for...
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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

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USFS
Provider
530-623-2121
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What Campers Say

4.17

Satisfactory

Based on 8 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleansites

Some mention

noise

"Reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm and affordability. It is praised for its scenic backdrop and the presence of fire pits and grills at some sites. However, noise from the nearby highway and lack of water and modern amenities detract from the experience."

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Campground Map

Burnt Ranch Campground, Trinity National Forest, Big Bar Ranger District, California

Burnt Ranch Campground

Burnt Ranch Campground, Trinity National Forest, Big Bar Ranger District, California

Driving directionsTravel west from the Big Bar Ranger Station, 16 miles to Burnt Ranch. Continue on to the Burnt Ranch Post Office on the south side of Hwy 299. Travel 1/4 mile, making a right turn at the entrance of the campground.
The campground is easily accessible via Hwy 299. However, road noise can be a concern, particularly for sites 1 through 5.
Nearby places
Willow Creek (approximately 13.1 miles), Hawkins Bar (approximately 6.8 miles)
Nearby supplies
Limited groceries and gas at Hawkins Bar, with additional services available in Willow Creek.

Best Time to Camp at Burnt Ranch Campground

Experience the perfect balance of warm, sun-drenched days and refreshingly cool mountain evenings at Burnt Ranch. During the camping season, daytime temperatures hover comfortably between 50°F and 65°F, inviting endless outdoor exploration. As twilight paints the sky, temperatures dip to a crisp 35°F to 40°F, creating ideal conditions for gathering around the campfire and stargazing beneath crystal-clear skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm, sun-drenched days but higher temps and some confusion about operations in summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds in fall make it one of the better seasons to visit.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Cooler spring conditions and fewer crowds are favorable; open season begins mid-May so limited spring window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed in winter (open May 15–Oct 31).

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 15 through October 31. Call the Weaverville Ranger Station for specific dates.

About Burnt Ranch Campground

Nestled in the heart of Trinity National Forest, Burnt Ranch Campground beckons adventurers with 15 intimate campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. This rustic retreat seamlessly blends time-worn charm with modern conveniences, featuring recently upgraded fire pits with integrated grills and secure bear boxes at most sites. The campground's unique stepped terrain meanders through the landscape, creating a diverse tapestry of camping experiences where each site offers its own character and varying degrees of seclusion.
Burnt Ranch Campground offers a mix of tent camping and combined sites for trailers and tents.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Burnt Ranch Campground offers limited recreational activities, focusing on scenic and rustic experiences.
FishingFishing opportunities are available in the nearby river or stream.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTraffic noise from HWY 299 impacts sites close to the road. Wildlife may be present, requiring food storage in designated lockers.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredSome sites have bear boxes installed for food storage.

Weather at Burnt Ranch Campground

Reviews

4.2
8 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Burnt Ranch Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm and affordability. It is praised for its scenic backdrop and the presence of fire pits and grills at some sites. However, noise from the nearby highway and lack of water and modern amenities detract from the experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Affordable pricing at $6/night ($3 with a pass) and scenic views. Fire pits with integrated grills at some sites and bear boxes for food storage are appreciated. Picnic tables at each site are...
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Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Highway noise affects sites 1-5. Lack of potable water, flush toilets, and other amenities. Some users have experienced confusion about the campground's operational status.
Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring ample water and supplies as services are limited nearby. Choose sites farther from the highway for a quieter experience. Explore unmarked trails behind the campground, but exercise caution as...
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Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summers may see confusion about operational status and high temperatures, while spring and fall provide cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great campground right off the highway. Road sounds are the only reason not 5/5." - Josh Snavely. "Nice, newer fire pits with integrated grills at each site, and almost half the sites have bear...
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Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 1-5 are noted for highway noise. Sites further into the campground offer more privacy and peace.
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not highlighted in any reviews.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Leashed dogs are allowed and welcomed; one user mentioned trails being steep, which may impact pet owners.
Based on 8 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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