Red Bridge Campground
3.9610 reviewsRed Bridge Campground, Mt. Hough Ranger District, Plumas National Forest
Red Bridge Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Red Bridge Campground is free, as stated in multiple authoritative sources and user reviews.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Plumas National Forest, Red Bridge Campground offers a rare gem for adventurous souls seeking an authentic wilderness experience without the price tag. This intimate, Forest Service-managed retreat features just five first-come, first-served campsites nestled alongside the pristine waters of the Middle Fork Feather River—the forest's only federally designated Wild and Scenic River. With two vault toilets and no fees required, this rustic escape attracts those who value simplicity and natural beauty. Past visitors paint a varied picture: some revel in the 'quiet, beautiful' setting with no phone service and access to a wonderful beach, while others caution about seasonal bugs and road noise. Whether you're seeking digital detox or riverside relaxation, Red Bridge delivers an unfiltered taste of California's wild spaces.
Red Bridge Campground provides primitive camping opportunities with basic facilities. It is suitable for both tent and RV camping.
Historical SignificanceRed Bridge Campground stands as a gateway to one of California's most treasured waterways—the Middle Fork Feather River. This liquid ribbon earned federal Wild and Scenic River designation, recognizing its outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values. The campground serves as a humble steward of this protected corridor, offering visitors a chance to connect with a landscape that has captivated Native peoples, gold seekers, and modern adventurers alike.
Weather and SeasonsRed Bridge reveals different personalities throughout the year, with ideal camping conditions typically occurring during weeks of low precipitation and moderate temperatures hovering between 35-40°F. The clearest skies—exceeding 60% clarity—create perfect stargazing opportunities that complement the campground's remote atmosphere. Winter adventurers should note that seasonal road closures can transform this accessible retreat into an isolated wonderland, making advance planning essential for cold-weather camping enthusiasts.
ElevationInformation not currently available.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Middle Fork Feather River serves as Red Bridge's centerpiece, its federally protected waters creating a stunning backdrop for camping adventures. Visitors consistently praise the area's natural splendor—from the 'quiet, beautiful' ambiance noted by early visitors to recent guests who describe the setting as 'absolutely beautiful.' The river's gentle curves and pristine beaches invite exploration, while the surrounding forest creates a natural amphitheater of towering pines and diverse wildlife, offering campers front-row seats to nature's daily performances.
Geological RegionRed Bridge Campground rests within the dramatic landscape of Plumas National Forest, where the Middle Fork Feather River has carved its course through ancient Sierra Nevada terrain. This federally designated Wild and Scenic River corridor showcases the region's geological story—from volcanic origins to glacial sculpting—creating a diverse ecosystem where mountain meadows meet rushing waters and granite outcroppings frame distant peaks.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the sources.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of five campsites, suitable for both smaller and larger rigs depending on the location. According to a review, 'One area above the bridge is suitable for larger rigs, while the area below the bridge is better for smaller rigs.'
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some users have reported it being busy and not very quiet, while others describe it as 'remote.'
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesMatt Fisher advises: 'Walk it first' for rigs aiming to access sites below the bridge.
Best CampsitesNull.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null.
Check-out
Null.
Stay Limit
First-come, first-serve basis.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Varies by site size.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are situated on both sides of the river and are described as small (4-5 spots) by Emma Ptak and Ryan Ho.
Open and Closed SeasonUser misty mcdivitt mentions road closure during winter months, suggesting seasonal access limitations.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are needed. Operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up and first-come, first-serve, per authoritative sources.
Cancellation PolicyNull, as reservations are not available.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is positioned along the Middle Fork of the Feather River, facilitating activities like fishing, swimming, and gold panning. There are also opportunities for hiking and wildlife exploration.
Hiking
Reviewers highlight the natural beauty of the area and describe it as 'a wonderful area to hike around in.' Specific trails or difficulty levels are not mentioned.Fishing
Fishing is available, with one reviewer stating, 'Great fishing, small minimal gold.'Swimming
Swimming is possible in the river, with mentions of 'decent swimming areas' and 'a great beach.' Some areas have cliff jumps when water levels are high.Wildlife viewing
The area offers opportunities to observe nature and wildlife, although no specific species or viewing spots are mentioned.Beach activities
There is a small river beach, described as 'great' and suitable for activities like sunbathing or enjoying the scenery.Winter Activities
The campground is closed during winter months, as noted in a review stating, 'Road closed during winter months.'Water Sports
Activities like swimming and cliff jumping in the river are possible, but no specific non-motorized water sports are detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Null.
- Quiet hours are Null.
Hazards
General hazardsUser Steve F. highlights 'lots of bugs' and 'ticks,' while others note trash left behind by occupants (Emma Ptak) and a stripped-out car near the bathroom (Jason Lister).
Active alertsNo current alerts or warnings referenced in authoritative sources.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
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
Emergency Services
Emergency services likely available in Quincy, 7 miles away (hospital, police, etc.), but precise facilities are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are not provided. Several reviewers emphasized, 'If you pack it in, then pack it out.'
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated directly on the Middle Fork of the Feather River, providing access to fishing, swimming, and gold panning ('Great fishing, small minimal gold' - Matt Fisher).
Common complaintsBugs, ticks, occasional litter, and proximity to a loud road referenced in user reviews (e.g., Steve F. and Emma Ptak).
HostNull.
Campground Map
Red Bridge Campground, Mt. Hough Ranger District, Plumas National Forest
Driving directionsTraveling east from Quincy on Hwy 70, turn south on La Porte Road. The campground is 7 miles out.
Road is accessible but review by misty mcdivitt states: 'Rd closed during winter months.' Larger rigs have access to the campground above the bridge, while smaller rigs can use the campground below on the river, as described by user matt fisher.Nearby places
Quincy (approximately 7 miles, about 15-20 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Likely available in Quincy, 7 miles away, but specific locations for groceries or camping supplies are null.
Camper Reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Red Bridge Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Red Bridge Campground are mixed. Many appreciate the beautiful location and free access, but some raise concerns about bugs, noise, and lack of maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Free campground, beautiful setting by the Middle Fork of the Feather River, good fishing and swimming opportunities, and a great spot for gold panning and hiking.
Based on 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
Reports of bugs, ticks, trash left behind, loud music from groups, and a lack of trash services. One reviewer mentioned, 'Unfortunately, you get what you pay for.'
Based on 10 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Reviewers emphasize bringing your own water and packing out trash. One reviewer advised, 'Walk the area first if you have a larger rig.'
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is closed in winter. In summer, some users report it being busy and noisy due to groups gathering by the river.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Great spot with a wonderful area to hike around in.' 2. 'Unfortunately, you’ll get what you pay for.' 3. 'Quiet, beautiful, no phone service.' 4. 'Leave it cleaner than when you came, please.'
Based on 10 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Some reviewers note that the area above the bridge is more suitable for larger rigs, while the area below is better for smaller ones.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025