Hobo Gulch Campground

Star4.11
11 reviews

Quick Facts

2,900 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Shasta-Trinity National Forest site

Official Website
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Hobo Gulch 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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What Campers Say

4.11

Satisfactory

Based on 11 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquiethikingsites

"User reviews highlight the secluded and rustic nature of Hobo Gulch Campground. The nearby trails, particularly those leading into the Trinity Alps Wilderness, receive positive mentions. However, the narrow and challenging access road to the campground is frequently noted as a downside."

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Campground Map

Hobo Gulch Campground

40.9290, -123.1533

Driving directionsFrom Junction City, CA, take State Rt. 299 west 6.4 miles to Helen sign. Turn right after sign onto East Fork Rd. and go 3.8 miles to Hobo Gulch Trailhead sign. Bear left at sign onto Forest Service Rt. 34N07Y (dirt) and go 12.2 miles to campground.
Access via Forest Service Rt. 34N07Y, which is mostly single-lane with few turnouts, and is described as "kinda scary" in user reviews due to the steep and narrow terrain. It's a dirt road.
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies are available in Junction City, which is the nearest city, detailed information not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Hobo Gulch Campground

Each season paints Hobo Gulch in dramatically different hues. Summer arrives with azure skies and warm, dry days perfect for riverside relaxation and wilderness exploration. As spring transitions to summer and autumn approaches, the weather becomes more dynamic, with occasional rain showers that release the rich scent of cedar and fir. Winter transforms this mountain retreat into a pristine wonderland, where temperatures plunge and snow blankets the landscape in serene white—a time when only the hardiest adventurers venture forth.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer; described as warm and ideal for riverside relaxation and hiking.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal hues and continued trail access make fall an attractive, quieter season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late spring (after May 15) is open but transitional weather may limit access earlier in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonal (open May 15–Oct 31); winter camping not mentioned.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 15 through October 31.

About Hobo Gulch Campground

Tucked away in the heart of the Trinity Alps Wilderness, Hobo Gulch Campground beckons those who yearn for authentic wilderness experiences. This tent-only sanctuary sits alongside the crystalline waters of the North Fork Trinity River, where towering Douglas firs and ancient cedars create a natural cathedral overhead. Here, the modern world fades away, replaced by the gentle murmur of the river and the whisper of wind through evergreen boughs. It's a place where solitude isn't just possible—it's practically guaranteed.
The campground is designed exclusively for tent camping and is oriented towards a primitive camping experience. Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Hobo Gulch Campground offers access to the nearby North Fork Trailhead, which leads to various trails in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The campground is surrounded by dense forest and lies near the North Fork of the Trinity River, providing a scenic, natural environment.
HikingThe North Fork Trailhead is a key attraction, offering access to multiple trails within the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Trails vary in length and difficulty, providing options for casual hikers and experienced adventurers.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife, steep and narrow access roads, and lack of potable water.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Hobo Gulch Campground

Reviews

4.1
11 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Hobo Gulch Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the secluded and rustic nature of Hobo Gulch Campground. The nearby trails, particularly those leading into the Trinity Alps Wilderness, receive positive mentions. However, the narrow and challenging access road to the campground is frequently noted as a downside.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the beautiful and quiet setting, with several campsites offering views of the North Fork of the Trinity River. The North Fork Trailhead nearby provides excellent hiking opportunities.
Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

The access road (Forest Service Rt. 34N07Y) is described as narrow, single-lane, and difficult to navigate, especially when encountering oncoming vehicles. Lack of amenities such as potable water is...
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Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers are advised to bring sufficient water supplies due to the lack of potable water. Caution is recommended when driving on the access road. Packing out all trash is necessary, as no...
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Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews are generally favorable during the open season (May 15 to October 31), with hikers especially benefiting from the nearby trail access. No reviews mention winter camping, likely due to the...
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Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Campground is great. Trails are great too. I really like it here.' - User Pepper Cash 2. 'The road going down the hill is kinda scary, especially when there’s a car going the opposite direction.'...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers are highlighted in user reviews.
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews are available.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews mentioning pets are present.
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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