Ripstein Campground

Star4.63
21 reviews
360 Main Street, Weaverville, CA 96093
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,700 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Weaverville Ranger Station site

Official Website
Get Directions
Ripstein Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Ripstein Campground offers free camping, as explicitly stated in the official content.
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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Provider
530-623-2121
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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 21 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, its suitability as a base camp for hiking, and its uncrowded nature. The presence of a creek-side setting and the fact that the campground is free are also appreciated."

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Campground Map

360 Main Street, Weaverville, CA 96093

Ripstein Campground

360 Main Street, Weaverville, CA 96093

Driving directionsFrom the Big Bar Ranger Station, travel State Route 299 east 15 miles to Junction City making a left turn onto Canyon Creek Road just past the old bar and restaurant that is there. Once on Canyon Creek road, travel about 10 miles to the campground entrance.
The campground is accessible via Canyon Creek Road, which is unpaved and may present challenges for some vehicles. The road is not wheelchair accessible.
Nearby places
Weaverville is approximately 25 miles away.
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies are located in Weaverville, which offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel options.

Best Time to Camp at Ripstein Campground

Experience the full drama of mountain weather at Ripstein, where each season paints the landscape with its own palette. Summer days can soar above 90°F, perfect for cooling off in Canyon Creek's swimming holes, while crisp autumn nights herald the changing leaves. Winter transforms the campground into a frosty wonderland, with temperatures regularly dipping below freezing and occasional snow dustings creating a magical alpine atmosphere. Spring brings wildflower blooms and the melodic rush of snowmelt-fed streams.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer highs can reach 90°F and the creek is a popular swim spot — ideal for summer use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Mountain setting likely attractive in fall; reviews note year-round quiet but few specifics.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring likely offers good creek flows and wildflowers; reviews don't specify seasonal details.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but no winter recreation details; primitive site and lack of water are downsides.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No peak season is specified as the campground operates year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: This campground is open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are currently mentioned.

About Ripstein Campground

Nestled beside the crystal-clear waters of Canyon Creek, Ripstein Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just 10 tent-only sites. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to refreshing mountain swims and the breathtaking Canyon Creek Trail system. Each site comes equipped with bear-proof food lockers, ensuring peaceful coexistence with the local black bear population. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees, Ripstein rewards early arrivals with prime spots along this pristine waterway.
Ripstein Campground is designed exclusively for tent camping, with 10 designated tent-only sites. There are no accommodations for RVs, trailers, or other forms of camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24 hours/day
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit provided.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Ripstein Campground offers a range of recreational opportunities, focusing on outdoor and nature-based activities. With its proximity to the Canyon Creek Trailhead, it is an excellent basecamp for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. Water activities, including swimming, are also popular due to the nearby swim area. There are also opportunities for hunting in the surrounding area.
HikingThe campground is located near the Canyon Creek Trailhead, providing access to hiking and backpacking opportunities. Specific trail details such as lengths and difficulty levels are not provided.
SwimmingThe campground is located next to a popular swim area, making it suitable for water activities.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include black bears, as food lockers are provided to deter them. Visitors should also note that potable water is not available at this campground.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are currently mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are available at most tent sites and are designed to deter black bears.

Weather at Ripstein Campground

Reviews

4.6
21 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Ripstein Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, its suitability as a base camp for hiking, and its uncrowded nature. The presence of a creek-side setting and the fact that the campground is free are also appreciated.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the clean facilities, the free camping experience, the proximity to Canyon Creek Trailhead, and the overall tranquility of the campground. The presence of fire rings and...
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Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints are mentioned in the reviews. However, the lack of potable water could be considered a drawback for some campers.
Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own drinking water due to the lack of potable water on-site. Taking advantage of the nearby swimming area and hiking trails is highly recommended.
Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is noted to be less crowded, making it an appealing option year-round. No specific seasonal advantages or drawbacks are highlighted in the reviews.
Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

1) "Great campground! It's established with clean bathrooms and numbered sites, but far out enough that it wasn't crowded." 2) "It's a good base camp for Canyon Creek. Free camping is a plus as...
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Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users mention several creek-side sites (walk-in) as particularly appealing. Specific site numbers are not provided.
Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically discuss accessibility features.
Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically discuss pet-related experiences, but dogs are allowed on leashes of 6 feet or shorter.
Based on 21 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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