Hobo Gulch Campground
02 reviewsQuick Facts
2,900 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Open seasonally from...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
2,900 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Open seasonally from...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
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Limited Reviews
Based on 2 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."
Fees & Passes at Hobo Gulch Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Shasta-Trinity National Forest website.
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.
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)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceThe trails surrounding Hobo Gulch whisper stories of generations past. The renowned Cabin Peak Trail, winding through the nearby wilderness, carries a legacy dating back to the 1970s when pioneering trail maintenance crews first carved these paths through the rugged landscape. These historic routes have connected adventurers to the backcountry for decades, each footstep adding to the rich tapestry of wilderness exploration that defines this corner of the Trinity Alps.
Weather and SeasonsEach 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.
ElevationPerched at 2,900 feet above sea level, Hobo Gulch occupies a sweet spot in the Trinity Alps where mountain air remains crisp but not thin, and where panoramic wilderness vistas unfold in every direction. This elevation places you high enough to escape the valley heat while still enjoying the lush riverside environment, offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and the serpentine path of the North Fork Trinity River as it carves through the rugged terrain below.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Trinity Alps Wilderness embraces Hobo Gulch like a protective guardian, creating an amphitheater of natural splendor. The North Fork Trinity River serves as the campground's liquid lifeline, its clear mountain waters providing both a soothing soundtrack and endless opportunities for streamside contemplation. Overhead, centuries-old Douglas firs stretch skyward while massive cedars spread their aromatic branches, creating a living canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. This is wilderness at its most intimate—where every sunrise brings mist rising from the river and every sunset paints the surrounding peaks in alpenglow.
Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic geological tapestry of the Trinity Alps Wilderness, Hobo Gulch showcases the raw power of ancient forces that shaped this landscape. The North Fork Trinity River has spent millennia carving its path through these mountains, creating the river corridor where the campground now rests. The surrounding forest of mature Douglas fir and cedar trees grows from soil enriched by centuries of natural cycles, while the rustic, secluded setting offers visitors a chance to experience the Trinity Alps as nature intended—wild, untamed, and achingly beautiful.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not appear to provide accessibility features such as wheelchair-friendly toilets.
Sites SizeThe campground features small standard-sized tent sites.
Sites PrivacySites are described as secluded, with several campsites offering views of and proximity to the North Fork of the Trinity River.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect campsites near the river for better views and the relaxing sound of flowing water.
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe layout stretches along the river, with 10 tent sites available.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 15 through October 31.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve basis with 10 tent sites.
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.
Hiking
The 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
No winter recreational activities are mentioned.Water Sports
The campground does not support water sports activities such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife, steep and narrow access roads, and lack of potable water.
Weather at Hobo Gulch Campground
45
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 0.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Closest known emergency services may be accessible via the Big Bar Ranger Station, approximately 22 miles away. Specific details about hospitals or police stations are null.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack in and pack out their own trash and recycling as there are no disposal facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated directly along the North Fork of the Trinity River, providing close access to water.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include the narrow, steep access road and lack of potable water.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 reviews
Hobo Gulch Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 2 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 2 reviewsCommon 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...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
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.'...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers are highlighted in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are available.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mentioning pets are present.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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