Ripstein Campground
03 reviews360 Main Street, Weaverville, CA 96093
Quick Facts
2,700 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
2,700 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider530-623-2121
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 3 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."
Fees & Passes at Ripstein Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: No explicit stay limit provided.
Cancellation: Not applicable as reservations are not required.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Weaverville Ranger Station website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
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
- 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.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this particular site remains untold, the surrounding Shasta-Trinity wilderness has long served as a sanctuary for those seeking solitude and connection with the natural world.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched at 2,700 feet in the Trinity Alps foothills, Ripstein Campground offers the perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere. This elevation brings refreshingly cool nights even during summer's peak, while winter visitors should prepare for true alpine conditions with temperatures that can plunge well below freezing after sunset.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, where towering conifers frame dramatic mountain vistas and Canyon Creek carves its ancient path through the landscape. The campground sits at nature's crossroads, where dense forest meets rushing water, creating a symphony of wilderness sounds that lull campers to sleep each night.
Geological RegionSet within the rugged embrace of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Ripstein Campground occupies a spectacular piece of Northern California's geological tapestry. The surrounding peaks and valleys tell a story millions of years in the making, where Canyon Creek continues its patient work of sculpting the mountainous terrain that defines this remarkable wilderness region.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site is not wheelchair accessible and no additional accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe sites are standard tent-sized, but no specific measurements are provided.
Sites PrivacyNo direct information is given on the level of privacy at the sites, though some user reviews indicate that the campground was not crowded.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors wishing for scenic views should opt for creek-side sites.
Best Campsites
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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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit guest limits mentioned.
Groups
Group sites are not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 10 tent-only sites, some of which are walk-in and creek-side.
Open and Closed SeasonThis campground is open year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required; camping is first-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is entirely first-come, first-serve, as explicitly stated in official content.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not required.
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.
Hiking
The 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.Swimming
The campground is located next to a popular swim area, making it suitable for water activities.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned specifically, though the campground is open year-round.Water Sports
Swimming is mentioned as a notable water activity, but no details about additional water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are provided.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted in designated fire rings at tent sites.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather at Ripstein Campground
47
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Weaverville Ranger Station is the closest emergency service, located at 360 Main Street, Weaverville, CA 96093, with contact number 530-623-2121.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season is specified as the campground operates year-round.
Trash and recyclingUser reviews mention the availability of garbage and recycling bins.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Canyon Creek, offering swimming opportunities.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight the lack of potable water as a concern. Some visitors also note that although the campground is clean, its remote access may be a challenge.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
3 reviews
Ripstein Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 3 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...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
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 3 reviewsPro 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 3 reviewsSeasonal 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 3 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Users mention several creek-side sites (walk-in) as particularly appealing. Specific site numbers are not provided.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically discuss accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically discuss pet-related experiences, but dogs are allowed on leashes of 6 feet or shorter.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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