Clark Springs Campground
05 reviewsClark Springs Campground, State Route 3, 17 miles north of Weaverville, California
Clark Springs Campground
$21.00 - $21.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$21.00
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
The fee is $21 per day per site, with an additional $8 per day for extra vehicles. No fees are required for entry.
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About this campground
Escape to Clark Springs Campground, where the gentle sounds of a babbling brook welcome you to one of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest's most peaceful retreats. This intimate 20-site campground celebrates the authentic tent camping experience, with four special walk-in sites nestled alongside the creek that give you the feeling of having discovered your own private wilderness sanctuary. Just moments away, Trinity Lake beckons with its boat ramp, inviting swimming areas, and sandy beaches, offering the perfect balance of secluded forest camping and lakeside recreation.
Clark Springs Campground primarily accommodates tent camping but also has limited facilities for trailers.
Weather and SeasonsFrom April through October, Clark Springs transforms into a camper's paradise where warm, sun-drenched days give way to cool, star-filled nights. Summer brings ideal conditions with temperatures climbing into the comfortable 70s during the day before dropping to crisp 40s at night—perfect for campfire storytelling and cozy sleeping bags. The seasonal opening ensures you'll experience the forest at its finest, from spring wildflowers to autumn's golden light filtering through the trees.
ElevationPerched at 2,400 feet above sea level, Clark Springs occupies that sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool without the harsh extremes of higher elevations. This moderate altitude creates an ideal microclimate where towering cedars thrive alongside deciduous trees, providing natural air conditioning in summer and a spectacular color show in fall.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the symphony of a crystal-clear brook dancing over smooth stones, while morning light filters through a cathedral of cedars and deciduous trees. The campground's crown jewel is its proximity to the magnificent Trinity Lake, a sprawling 16,400-acre playground of sapphire waters framed by forested mountains. Whether you're drawn to the sandy beaches for afternoon swims or prefer to lose yourself in the forest's embrace, Clark Springs offers a front-row seat to Northern California's natural splendor.
Geological RegionCarved into the heart of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Clark Springs rests in a landscape shaped by ancient geological forces that created the dramatic Trinity Alps and the basin now filled by Trinity Lake. The surrounding forest showcases a stunning mix of majestic cedars and deciduous trees that thrive in this unique ecosystem where mountain meets water. The 16,400-acre Trinity Lake, with its pristine sandy beaches and hidden coves, serves as a testament to both natural beauty and human ingenuity in this spectacular corner of Northern California.
Campsite details
AccessibilityA ramp is provided in the parking lot for physically challenged individuals to access boats on trailers.
Sites SizeMost trailer spurs accommodate a maximum trailer size of 25 feet.
Sites PrivacyFour walk-in tent sites are secluded and located next to a babbling brook, offering a higher level of privacy.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe four walk-in tent sites near the brook are recommended for those seeking tranquility and a closer connection to nature.
Best CampsitesUser reviews do not specify individual campsites as being the best, but the four walk-in sites by the brook offer a secluded experience.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information on the number of guests allowed per site is not specified.
Groups
No information available about group site accommodations.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized in a single loop, with 20 campsites, including four walk-in sites located by a brook.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 1 through October 31, with operations ceasing after October 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available. All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up as reservations are not accepted. The availability of sites may depend on the time of arrival, especially during peak seasons.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy information is provided.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Clark Springs Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, primarily centered around its proximity to Trinity Lake. Activities include hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and other water-based recreation such as waterskiing and sailing. The nearby Trinity Lakeshore Trail is a popular hiking option.
Hiking
The Trinity Lakeshore Trail is accessible from the campground and extends 4 miles, offering opportunities for day hikes.Fishing
Fishing is available in Trinity Lake, featuring species such as Smallmouth and Largemouth bass, Kokanee and Chinook salmon, Rainbow and Brown trout, and catfish.Swimming
Swimming is permitted at the swim beach adjacent to the campground. Note that dogs are not allowed on the sandy beach.Boating
Both motorized and non-motorized boating activities are supported. A boat ramp is provided at Trinity Lake.Beach activities
The swim beach is large and sandy, offering opportunities for sunbathing and other beach-related activities.Winter Activities
No specific information about winter activities like skiing or snowshoeing.Water Sports
Water-based recreational activities include kayaking, sailing, and waterskiing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings are available at campsites, facilitating controlled campfires.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country, and visitors are advised to use bear-proof food lockers and practice proper food storage to avoid wildlife encounters.
Weather forecast
98
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.5 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
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are likely located in Weaverville or Trinity Center, though exact facilities such as hospitals or ranger stations are not specified.
Good to know
Peak season datesApproximate peak season is from Memorial Day to October 31, aligning with the campground's open dates.
Trash and recyclingNo explicit information about trash and recycling facilities; campers should practice Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Trinity Lake, which covers 16,400 acres and has amenities like a sandy beach, boat ramp, and accessible fishing.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight issues with dog waste on the beach and concerns about the enforcement of no-wake zones in the water.
Campground Map
Clark Springs Campground, State Route 3, 17 miles north of Weaverville, California
Driving directionsFrom Weaverville, take State Route 3 north for 16 miles. Turn right on Clarks Springs Road for 0.5 miles. Alternatively, from Trinity Center, take State Route 3 south for 11.8 miles. Turn left and go 0.4 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via a paved road, Clarks Springs Road, which is 0.5 miles from State Route 3. The parking aprons are dirt, and the interior road is described as rough, which may present challenges for larger vehicles, particularly RVs.Nearby places
Weaverville (17 miles, approx. 25 minutes), Trinity Center (11.8 miles, approx. 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, camping supplies, and other essentials are likely available in Weaverville or Trinity Center, with Weaverville being the larger and more equipped town.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Clark Springs Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's appeal for family camping and water-based recreational activities, although some have raised concerns about maintenance and rule enforcement.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the water access, swimming beach, and hiking opportunities. Common themes include 'great water access,' 'fun hiking trails,' and 'good family camping spaces.'
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Concerns include the presence of dog waste on the beach, lack of enforcement of no-wake zones for jet skis, and difficulties accessing the beach area with gear.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring gloves to pick up dog waste on the beach and plan ahead for trekking gear to the swim beach. Campers should practice safe food storage techniques due to the presence of bears.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest the campground is ideal in summer for swimming and water sports but may have issues with overcrowding and rule violations during peak season.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
Direct quotes include: 'Love this place, great water access.' -James Chadwick; 'This is the best tent campground.' -dustin shaw; 'Nice beach near us where the kids like to swim.' -Heidi Johnson.
Based on 5 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No reviews specifically mentioning campsite numbers; however, secluded tent sites near the brook are generally favored.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
The campground includes a ramp for physically challenged individuals to access boats on trailers.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed with restrictions; dogs must be on a leash not exceeding 6 feet and are not permitted on the sandy swim beach.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025