Steel Bridge Campground
4.6814 reviewsBureau of Land Management, Redding Field Office, 6640 Lockheed Drive, Redding, CA 96002, USA
Steel Bridge Campground
$5.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$5.00
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
Two conflicting fee reports: $5.00 per night based on official materials and multiple user reviews, but another source states $15.00 per night. Fees are applicable for first-come, first-served camping.
About this campground
Nestled alongside the pristine Trinity River, Steel Bridge Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just 13 carefully placed campsites. This hidden gem welcomes tent campers and small trailers (up to 20 feet) seeking solitude away from crowded destinations. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, exploring nearby mountain trails, or simply unwinding to the gentle soundtrack of the flowing river, Steel Bridge provides the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer their adventures served with a side of tranquility.
Steel Bridge Campground offers primitive-style camping facilities, accommodating both tent and small trailer setups.
Weather and SeasonsSteel Bridge enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate that keeps visitors comfortable throughout much of the year. With only about a quarter of days seeing precipitation, you'll find plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities under clear skies. Winter brings crisp, refreshing air with temperatures dipping to the mid-30s at night and reaching the low 50s during the day—perfect for cozy campfire evenings. Spring through fall delivers increasingly warm days ideal for river activities, though occasional rain showers keep the surrounding forest lush and vibrant.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where the Trinity River carves its way through a dramatic narrow valley, creating a natural amphitheater of towering Ponderosa pines and aromatic Douglas-firs. The campground's diverse ecosystem showcases a stunning tapestry of oak and madrone trees that paint the hillsides in varying shades of green. Keep your camera ready—graceful deer frequently emerge from the forest shadows at dawn and dusk, while summer visitors can discover sweet treasures in the wild blackberry patches that dot the landscape. The river itself serves as the campground's centerpiece, its gentle rapids and deep pools reflecting the surrounding forest canopy.
Geological RegionSteel Bridge Campground sits within a spectacular river canyon where ancient geological forces have sculpted a narrow valley sanctuary. This unique topography creates a microclimate that supports an impressive variety of Pacific Northwest flora, from towering Ponderosa pines and Douglas-firs to the distinctive red-barked madrone trees and sturdy oaks that thrive on the sun-drenched slopes. The Trinity River has spent millennia carving this intimate valley, creating the perfect natural retreat for modern-day adventurers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has accessible features such as paved parking spurs, accessible vault toilets with solar lighting, and an accessible picnic table at campsite 6. However, there are no accessible pathways to the river.
Sites SizeCampsites are suitable for tents or trailers with a maximum length of 20 feet.
Sites PrivacySites are spread across both sides of Steel Bridge Road, offering a mix of privacy levels. Some sites are close to the river.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the river are preferred for their views and proximity to water activities. Campsite 6 is recommended for accessibility.
Best CampsitesCampsite 6 is designated as accessible, featuring a paved path to the toilet and other ADA-compliant facilities.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No group camping facilities mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are spread along both sides of Steel Bridge Road, each with paved parking spurs. The day-use area is located to the west of the campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 5 to late November, weather permitting. No reservations accepted. First-come, first-served only.
Walk-in AvailabilityEntire campground is first-come, first-served. No reservation system in place.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Steel Bridge Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities catered to nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Popular activities include fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking. Wildlife viewing and gold panning are also notable attractions.
Hiking
The area features trails suitable for walking and exploring the surrounding forested landscape. "Beautiful forested camping by the river. And, a lovely place to walk."Fishing
The Trinity River is renowned for its fly fishing opportunities. "Great fishing" is a common sentiment, although some users note that fishing can be challenging.Swimming
Designated swimming areas are available along the river: "Nice swimming hole at the end of the road."Boating
The Trinity River supports boating activities, including kayaking and rafting. Waters below Pigeon Point offer class III-V rapids for whitewater enthusiasts.Wildlife viewing
The campground is home to abundant wildlife, including deer and bears. "Lots of deer" and "keep a close eye on your food due to bears" are notable comments.Winter Activities
No information provided on winter-specific activities.Water Sports
Activities such as kayaking and rafting are supported by the Trinity River.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
General hazards"Lots of bears up there so keep your food in the lockers that they provide for you," as highlighted by one user review. Limited cell coverage and uneven terrain in the day-use area are other considerations.
Weather forecast
101
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are not explicitly mentioned, and users are reminded to pack out their trash to maintain the site's cleanliness.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the edge of the Trinity River, the campground provides direct access for fishing, swimming, and pleasure boating.
Common complaintsLimited cell coverage, no running water, and uneven terrain near the day-use area are recurring issues.
HostCamp hosts have been noted as friendly and helpful, as reviewed by multiple users.
Campground Map
Bureau of Land Management, Redding Field Office, 6640 Lockheed Drive, Redding, CA 96002, USA
Driving directionsAbout three miles east of Douglas City on State Highway 299, turn north onto Steel Bridge Road and go about 2 miles to the campground. Campground is near the Trinity River.
Accessible via paved roads; turn north onto Steel Bridge Road from State Highway 299. Journey involves approximately two miles on Steel Bridge Road.Nearby places
Douglas City (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes), Redding (unknown distance), Weaverville (unknown distance)
Camper Reviews
4.7
14 reviews
Steel Bridge Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Steel Bridge Campground receives high praise for its picturesque location along the Trinity River, clean facilities, and affordability. Campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere and variety of activities available.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the campground's scenic location, clean facilities, and low cost ($5 per night). The Trinity River is highlighted as a major attraction for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Based on 14 reviewsCommon Concerns
Lack of potable water and cell phone coverage are the most common issues mentioned by users. Some reviews also note the presence of bears and advise using the provided bear boxes.
Based on 14 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing potable water and being cautious with food storage due to bear activity. "Bring your own drinking water" and "keep your food in the lockers provided."
Based on 14 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally, typically from May to November. Summer reviews highlight swimming and fishing opportunities, while fall reviews focus on the serenity and wildlife.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Quiet campground on the Trinity River only $5 per night. Picnic table and fire ring available." - Tim Clark; "Amazing campground with the great healing factor right on the edge of the Trinity...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 6 is highlighted for its accessibility features, including a paved path to the vault toilet and an accessible picnic table.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible features include campsite 6 with a paved path to the toilet, although the slope may pose challenges. "There is no running water, and poor cell phone coverage at this site."
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground is dog-friendly, with one user stating: "Dog friendly."
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025