Hallsted

Star3.79
44 reviews
PLUMAS
Hallsted
$30.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates vary from $35 for non-electric sites to $45 for electric sites. During shoulder season, rates decrease by $5 per site type....
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Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$45.00
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$80.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
530-283-0555

About this campground

Nestled deep within the dramatic Feather River Canyon, Hallsted Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover its refreshing mountain sanctuary at 2,300 feet. This recently transformed gem combines the best of wilderness camping with modern comforts—think hot showers after a day of adventure, flush toilets that actually work, and thoughtfully widened camping spurs that welcome everything from cozy tents to family-sized trailers. Many sites come equipped with electrical hookups, letting you enjoy nature without completely unplugging from the world.
Hallsted Campground accommodates a range of camping options, including both tent and RV setups, and features single-family sites. Some sites offer electricity hookups.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure places you along the storied Feather River National Scenic Byway, where the echoes of California's railroad heritage blend seamlessly with the hum of historic hydroelectric powerhouses. This canyon has long served as a vital corridor through the Sierra Nevada, first for Native peoples, then for fortune-seeking pioneers, and now for modern explorers seeking their own slice of mountain magic.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives gently here, bringing warm days perfect for river adventures while maintaining pleasantly mild nights that let you sleep comfortably without the typical mountain chill. Campers consistently rave about the goldilocks climate—neither too hot nor too cold—with reliably dry conditions that keep your outdoor plans intact. It's the kind of weather that invites you to linger by the campfire just a little longer each evening.
ElevationPerched at an ideal 2,300 feet in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Hallsted strikes the perfect balance—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet low enough to avoid the thin air and temperature extremes of higher elevations. This sweet spot elevation delivers refreshing mountain air and comfortable conditions throughout the camping season.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering pines and stately firs create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into a gentle, dappled glow across your campsite. The real star, though, is the North Fork of the Feather River—several prime sites place you just steps from its crystal-clear waters where fly fishing enthusiasts test their skills against native trout, and swimmers find refreshing pools perfect for escaping the afternoon warmth. The entire campground pulses with that quintessential Sierra Nevada tranquility that makes you wonder why you waited so long to visit.
Geological RegionHallsted Campground sits within one of Northern California's most spectacular geological showcases—the Feather River Canyon. Here, millions of years of patient river carving have sculpted dramatic gorges through ancient granite, creating a landscape where steep canyon walls frame rushing waters below. This powerful geography has been harnessed by ingenious hydroelectric stations, making the canyon a fascinating blend of raw natural forces and human engineering marvel.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityDetails about accessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeMost of the campground spurs have been widened and lengthened during recent renovations, accommodating larger vehicles.
Sites PrivacyThe campground features ample shade provided by mature pine and fir trees, contributing to a sense of privacy. However, some sites are closer together.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to the river for easy access to water activities. Site #17 is praised for its location and amenities.
Best CampsitesSite #15 and Site #17 are highly recommended in user reviews for their spaciousness and location.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Generally accommodates two vehicles per site, plus additional guests.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged to accommodate tent and trailer camping. Many sites have been widened and lengthened during recent renovations.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23, 2025. Reservable start dates begin June 24, 2025. Peak season ends August 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during shoulder season (September 1 - September 28, 2025) on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the arrival date with a $10 fee plus any prior change fees. Late cancellations within 1 calendar day before arrival incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

Hallsted Campground offers a variety of activities focusing on outdoor recreation. The proximity to the North Fork of the Feather River provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The campground is also noted for its walking path and scenic surroundings.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with the North Fork of the Feather River offering opportunities for trout fishing. One reviewer mentioned, 'Fishing was possible, not much beach area though.'
Swimming
Swimming is available in the nearby North Fork of the Feather River, described as shallow and warm during the summer. One reviewer noted, 'The water was shallow and warm in July.'
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is an option, with the campground surrounded by pine and fir trees. One reviewer mentioned, 'You can stalk wildlife, identify plants, and go to the river.'
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfires permitted in designated rings. Firewood bundles available for purchase from the campground host.
  • Quiet hours are enforced; specific times are not mentioned.

Hazards

General hazardsFrequent train noise is mentioned by multiple reviewers. Wildlife such as bears has been noted in some reviews, particularly when trash bins are not maintained.
Active alertsNo active burn damage reported. Specific bear activity mentioned in reviews due to poorly managed trash bins.

Weather forecast

57
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Humidity: 36%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 1.3 mph

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Closest hospital and emergency services are likely located in Quincy, approximately 17 miles east.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, although some reviews mentioned issues with trash pickup: 'The trash was never picked up and smelled so bad.'
Proximity to water featuresWalking distance to the North Fork of the Feather River, suitable for swimming and fishing.
Common complaintsComplaints include noise from nearby trains and highways, poorly maintained facilities during certain periods, and issues with site reservations being mishandled.
HostUser reviews indicate mixed experiences with campground hosts over the years, ranging from welcoming and helpful (e.g., Manny) to problematic (e.g., Joe).

Campground Map

PLUMAS
Driving directionsFrom Oroville, travel east on Highway 70 for about 65 miles. From Quincy, travel west on Highway 70 for 17 miles.
Conveniently located near Highway 70, the campground is easily accessible by paved roads.
Nearby places
Twain (0.5 miles), Quincy (17 miles, approximately a 20-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
A general store is available in Twain, less than a half-mile from the campground. Quincy offers the nearest fuel supplies, approximately 17 miles east.

Camper Reviews

3.8
44 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Hallsted has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Hallsted Campground has a mixed reception, with sentiments ranging from 3.72 in general to 3.63 specific to campgrounds. Positive aspects include clean facilities, a welcoming natural environment, and a few standout camp hosts. However, issues with reservations, intrusive train noise, and inconsistent management have been noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 44 reviews

What Campers Love

Multiple positive reviews highlight the cleanliness of bathrooms and showers: 'Clean facility, thanks to Brett Camp Host,' and 'The restrooms were super clean.' Additionally, the site's natural...
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Based on 44 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include issues with reservations: 'Site-specific reservations are not honored here,' and 'The camp host sold our reserved site.' Train noise is also a recurring problem: 'A very...
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Based on 44 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to 'Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper as the train is nearby.' Many recommend interacting with camp hosts for advice or firewood. Others suggest exploring the nearby...
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Based on 44 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight the warm weather and shallow river waters, which are great for kids. However, summer also brings more camper complaints about train noise and crowded conditions. Fall...
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Based on 44 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We loved hearing the trains and watching them.' 2. 'The facilities were clean and the creek was nice to cool off in.' 3. 'Bathrooms were clean, but the showers were out of commission.' 4. 'This...
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Based on 44 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #17 is often praised: 'Site 17 was a perfect site!' Site #15 also receives strong mentions: 'Site 15... we just stayed nearly a week.' Site-specific complaints include issues like trash and...
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Based on 44 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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