How much does camping cost at Hobo Gulch Campground?

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

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

Hobo Gulch Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. First-come-first-serve basis with 10 tent sites.

What is the best time to visit Hobo Gulch Campground?

Hobo Gulch Campground is open Open seasonally from May 15 through October 31.. 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 Hobo Gulch Campground?

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

How many campsites does Hobo Gulch Campground have?

Hobo Gulch Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Hobo Gulch Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Hobo Gulch Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Hobo Gulch Campground?

Hobo Gulch Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hobo Gulch Campground?

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

Hobo Gulch Campground

3.36

11 reviews

Quick Facts

2,900 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,900 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Hobo Gulch Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground is free to use.

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Hobo Gulch Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Hobo Gulch Campground

40.9290, -123.1533

Nearby supplies

The closest supplies are available in Junction City, which is the nearest city, detailed information not provided.

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.

Weather at Hobo Gulch Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hobo Gulch Campground

Summer brings the most reliable conditions. Expect warm, dry days in the 75–90°F range and cool nights around 45–55°F. Spring snowmelt has cleared by summer, leaving trails in good shape and river levels safe for wading or swimming. Weekend crowds are moderate, but weekdays offer real solitude. Winter transforms the area with heavy snow and plunging temperatures, limiting access to only the most committed visitors.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers the most reliable conditions (75–90°F days), trails in good shape and full access.

Planning Tips

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

About Hobo Gulch Campground

Hobo Gulch Campground sits at 2,900 feet along the North Fork Trinity River in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The 10 primitive tent sites are secluded and rustic, with vault toilets and picnic tables but no potable water. Several sites have river views. Access requires navigating a narrow, challenging road that reviewers consistently call steep and difficult.

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 Significance

The Cabin Peak Trail nearby dates back to the 1970s, when trail maintenance crews first established routes through this part of the Trinity Alps. These paths have connected hikers to the backcountry for decades.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions. Expect warm, dry days in the 75–90°F range and cool nights around 45–55°F. Spring snowmelt has cleared by summer, leaving trails in good shape and river levels safe for wading or swimming. Weekend crowds are moderate, but weekdays offer real solitude. Winter transforms the area with heavy snow and plunging temperatures, limiting access to only the most committed visitors.

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 North Fork Trinity River runs alongside the campground, cutting through mountains shaped by ancient geological forces. Mature Douglas fir and cedar trees provide the forest canopy. The surrounding Trinity Alps Wilderness creates a dramatic backdrop. Sites near the water offer river views and proximity to the flow. The setting is genuinely remote and wild.

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.

Scenic ViewsSeveral campsites offer views of the North Fork of the Trinity River, which can be heard throughout the campground.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings or cabins available at this campground. It is designed for primitive tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTen small tent sites stretch along the river corridor. Reviewers describe the sites as secluded from each other, though specific spacing details aren't provided.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve basis with 10 tent sites.

AccessibilityThe campground does not appear to provide accessibility features such as wheelchair-friendly toilets.

Site SizeThe campground features small standard-sized tent 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 SitesSelect campsites near the river for better views and the relaxing sound of flowing water.

Best CampsitesSites near the river offer the best views and ambient sound from the North Fork Trinity. Reviews mention these riverside spots specifically for their setting.

Amenities available

Hobo Gulch Campground is a primitive and secluded campground located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It offers 10 tent-only sites on a first-come, first-serve basis. Restroom facilities include vault toilets, and there is no potable water available on-site. Campers must pack in and pack out their supplies, as the site does not provide trash or recycling services. The campground does not have modern amenities such as showers, flush toilets, or Wi-Fi.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets provide the only restroom facilities.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Emergency ServicesClosest 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.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to pack in and pack out their own trash and recycling as there are no disposal facilities on-site.

Water FeaturesThe campground is situated directly along the North Fork of the Trinity River, providing close access to water.

Cell CoverageNo information is provided about cell phone service. Given the secluded nature of the campground, coverage may be limited or unavailable.

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

Rate Hobo Gulch Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

3.4

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hobo Gulch Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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...

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers are highlighted in user reviews.

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...

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...

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.'...

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Hikers staging multi-day wilderness trips will find the North Fork Trailhead right here, sites tucked along the river with sound of water all night, and zero cost for the privilege. Summer weekdays especially are close to empty.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means hauling everything in, and Forest Service Rt. 34N07Y is a single-lane, steep climb that rattles reviewers every time. Anyone towing gear or uncomfortable on exposed mountain roads should stop well before this one.

Nearby Campgrounds

360 Main Street, Weaverville, CA 96093

Ripstein Campground sits beside Canyon Creek in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest at 2,700 feet elevation. The campground has 10 tent sites, all first-come, first-served with no fee. Each site includes a bear locker, fire ring, and picnic table. The campground is base camp for the Canyon Creek Trail and creek swimming.

Hobo Gulch Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Hobo Gulch Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Hobo Gulch Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hobo Gulch Campground

Planning Tips

About Hobo Gulch Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Activities

About the campground

Seasons & access

Directions

Plan a trip to Hobo Gulch Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hobo Gulch Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews