Alpine View Campground
3.8531 reviewsP.O. Box 1190, Reading, CA, 96003, USA
Alpine View Campground
$30.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
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
Displayed nightly rates range from $30 to $60 depending on site type during peak season (May 16–September 11). Additional reservation fees include $10 for online reservations or via call center.
About this campground
Nestled among towering Douglas firs and ancient cedars at 2,400 feet, Alpine View Campground offers an enchanting escape into the heart of the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. This mountain retreat serves as your gateway to adventure, where mornings begin with the scent of pine and days unfold with endless possibilities for exploration. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters of Trinity Lake, navigating scenic hiking trails, or launching your boat for a day on the water, this campground places you at the center of Northern California's outdoor playground.
Alpine View Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, group sites, and RV spaces (limited to a maximum vehicle length of 32 feet).
Historical SignificanceWhile Alpine View Campground's recorded history may be recent, these ancient forests have stood sentinel over the landscape for centuries, bearing silent witness to the passage of time in the Trinity Alps region.
Weather and SeasonsPeak season brings a delightful mix of California mountain weather to Alpine View. Most days greet campers with brilliant blue skies and warm sunshine filtering through the forest canopy, perfect for outdoor adventures. While the area enjoys predominantly dry conditions during the busy months, nature occasionally adds variety with refreshing rain showers that enhance the forest's earthy fragrance. Gentle breezes whisper through the trees, and passing clouds provide welcome relief on warmer afternoons, creating an ever-changing tapestry of mountain weather.
ElevationPerched at 2,400 feet in the Sierra foothills, Alpine View offers the perfect elevation for comfortable camping. This sweet spot provides natural air conditioning courtesy of the mountain breeze, while the dense forest canopy creates a cathedral of shade overhead. The elevation delivers crisp morning air that invigorates your senses and cooler evenings perfect for gathering around the campfire, all while remaining accessible and comfortable for campers of all ages.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where camping loops meander through a majestic grove of Douglas firs and cedars, their massive trunks rising like pillars in nature's grand hall. Beneath this towering canopy, a lush carpet of ferns creates an emerald understory that seems straight from a fairy tale. This thriving ecosystem pulses with life – from the smallest forest creatures to the magnificent black bears that call these woods home. Keep your camera ready and your food properly stored, as wildlife encounters are part of the authentic wilderness experience here.
Geological RegionAlpine View Campground sits within the remarkable Trinity Unit of the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty. The campground's Douglas fir and cedar forest thrives in soil enriched by centuries of natural processes, while delicate ferns carpet the forest floor in a testament to the area's perfect growing conditions. Just minutes away, Trinity Lake sparkles like a sapphire jewel, its waters carving through the landscape and offering endless recreation opportunities. This unique convergence of forest, water, and mountain terrain creates a geological wonderland that beckons explorers to discover its secrets through hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic vistas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThis campground offers accessible campsites and restrooms, as well as paved social areas and spurs. Its design makes it suitable for children and the elderly.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, with some being small and others spacious. Reviews mentioned sites as 'small,' 'fairly private,' or 'large with direct access to the lake.'
Sites PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy, with descriptions ranging from 'fairly private' to 'somewhat dispersed.' Tree cover provides additional seclusion.
Total Campsites53 campsites
Recommended CampsitesOpt for sites in Loop B for proximity to the lake and spaciousness.
Best CampsitesCampsite 39 in Loop B is widely praised for its spaciousness and proximity to the lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limit unspecified.
Groups
Some campsites are designated for group camping. Reviews noted that the campground is suitable for larger groups.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is structured into three loops (A, B, and C) with paved roads and spurs. Sites offer privacy with a mix of lake views and forest surroundings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 16, 2025; closed September 11, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov, or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is possible, but specifics regarding site numbers or fill patterns are not provided.
Cancellation PolicyRefunds are available for cancellations made no later than 14 days before arrival, minus a $10 cancellation fee and reservation fees. Emergency closure refunds are provided. Late cancellations forfeit the first night’s fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Alpine View Campground offers several recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Trinity Lake provides opportunities for water-based activities, and there are accessible trails such as the 0.3-mile Lake Trail.
Hiking
Hiking options include trails around Trinity Lake, with one user mentioning a 'short walk to the lake behind.' The 0.3-mile Lake Trail is accessible from the campground and provides scenic views.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Trinity Lake, where anglers can catch catfish, various types of trout, salmon, and bass. Reviews highlighted the lake as 'great for fishing.'Boating
Boating facilities include the Bowerman boat ramp, located a quarter-mile from the campground entrance. The ramp provides access to Trinity Lake, but lake levels may impact usability. A user noted that the ramp was closed during their visit due to low water levels.Wildlife viewing
The campground offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. Bears frequent the area, so campers are advised to use bear-proof lockers. Other wildlife can also be observed.Water Sports
Boating and fishing are available at Trinity Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated rings at each site. Firewood must be purchased locally.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include bears, yellow jackets, and murky lake water reported to contain leeches. Uneven ground at some camp sites may pose additional challenges.
Weather forecast
97
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
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
Closest emergency services are unclear from the data. Contact the campground directly at 530-275-8113 for emergency details.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16, 2025 to September 11, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but reviews highlighted issues such as overflowing dumpsters, which may attract wildlife. One user stated, 'Dumpsters were overflowing with trash.'
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Trinity Lake; some sites feature lake views, but water conditions may vary seasonally.
Common complaintsCommon complaints from reviews include poor restroom maintenance, lack of bear-proof lockers for all sites, and issues with rowdy campers playing loud music.
HostHost availability is unclear; reviews noted instances of a missing host.
Campground Map
P.O. Box 1190, Reading, CA, 96003, USA
Driving directionsFrom Weaverville: Take Highway 3 north for 22.5 miles. Turn right on Guy Covington Drive for 2.4 miles to the campground.
The access includes paved roads leading directly to the campground. The road to the campground, Guy Covington Drive, is described as scenic but narrow, requiring careful driving around corners to avoid oncoming cars.Nearby places
Weaverville (22.5 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Trinity Center (15-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Two gas stations/stores are available in Trinity Center, including one at the KOA campground, approximately a 15-minute drive from the campground. Additionally, Guy Covington Road offers scenic views while driving to the campground.
Camper Reviews
3.9
31 reviews
Alpine View Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Alpine View Campground offer mixed opinions, ranging from praise for its scenic location and clean campsites to concerns about maintenance issues and lack of amenities like showers and electricity.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects mentioned by users include the campground's beautiful setting, proximity to Trinity Lake, shaded sites, and opportunities for recreational activities like fishing and hiking.
Based on 31 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include poorly maintained restrooms, lack of bear-proof food lockers at all sites, overflowing dumpsters, and noise disturbances from other campers. Some users also noted low lake...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing bug spray for yellow jackets and wasps, checking lake levels before visiting, and packing hand soap and toiletries due to the lack of amenities.
Based on 31 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is more pleasant during cooler months when the lake water levels are higher and the heat is less intense. Summer visits may be impacted by extreme heat or drought...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'No showers, no service, no light. Perfect for families to get kids off phones and into nature!' - User review
2. 'Bathrooms were clean, but bring hand soap and a toiletries kit.' - User review
3....
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site reviews highlight differences in campsite quality. Campsite 39 in Loop B is frequently praised as one of the best, offering direct lake access. Other sites, like campsite 19, received complaints...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The campground is deemed accessible, with paved areas and accessible restrooms. However, some users noted challenges like uneven ground at certain sites.
Based on 31 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025