Cooper Gulch Campground
4.4018 reviews14538 Wonderland Blvd., Redding, CA 96003, USA
Cooper Gulch Campground
$27.00 - $27.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$27.00
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
Fees for standard nonelectric sites are $27 per night during both the peak and first-come, first-served seasons. Additional fees include $12 per extra vehicle per night, and $12 daily use fee for Pine Cove and Fairview boat ramps. Walk-in site fees are reduced ($19/day) due to lack of potable water.
About this campground
Tucked away from the crowds, Cooper Gulch Campground is a hidden gem where five intimate campsites rest along the tranquil shores of Lewiston Lake. Each paved site comes equipped with its own fire ring and picnic table, creating the perfect basecamp for anglers casting lines at dawn, kayakers gliding across glassy waters, and nature lovers seeking peaceful encounters with local wildlife. This serene retreat offers all the beauty of lakeside camping without the bustle of larger campgrounds.
Cooper Gulch Campground caters to small-scale camping with five paved campsites, suitable for tents and possibly smaller RVs. The focus is on rustic and minimalistic camping while enjoying proximity to natural features.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure unfolds in the shadow of California's legendary Gold Rush history. Just a short drive away, the historic town of Lewiston still echoes with tales of fortune seekers who once panned these waters for gold. Today's treasures come in the form of trophy fish and unforgettable sunsets, but the spirit of discovery that drew prospectors to these hills lives on in every outdoor adventure.
Weather and SeasonsCooper Gulch basks in near-perfect camping weather, with autumn temperatures hovering around a comfortable 82°F during the day and cooling to a pleasant 57°F at night. During peak camping season, you can expect brilliantly clear skies with less than 4% chance of rain, making every day ideal for outdoor adventures. Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming and water sports, while fall transforms the campground into a peaceful haven painted with changing leaves and crisp mountain air.
ElevationPerched at 1,902 feet above sea level, Cooper Gulch offers the perfect balance of mountain freshness and lakeside tranquility. This gentle elevation provides comfortable temperatures year-round while positioning you high enough to enjoy sweeping views across Lewiston Lake's pristine waters and the surrounding forest-clad hills.
Natural Features and SceneryNature paints a masterpiece at Cooper Gulch, where towering conifers mingle with deciduous trees to create a living cathedral of green. In spring and summer, wildflowers carpet the forest floor in brilliant splashes of color, while the crystalline waters of 5-mile-long Lewiston Lake stretch before you, plunging to mysterious depths of 70 feet where trophy fish lurk. From every campsite, wake to mirror-like reflections of pine-covered hills on the water's surface and fall asleep to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast wilderness of Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Cooper Gulch occupies a privileged position on Lewiston Lake's scenic shoreline. This remarkable landscape showcases nature's diversity, where dense conifer forests give way to groves of deciduous trees, all thriving in the nutrient-rich soils of Northern California's mountainous terrain. The nearby Trinity Lake adds another dimension to the area's water wonderland, creating a recreational paradise where forest meets water in spectacular fashion. Wildflower meadows punctuate the woodlands, adding seasonal bursts of color to this already stunning geological tapestry.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as paved and small, with all sites located less than 100 feet from the lake.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are clustered but surrounded by a forest, providing some degree of natural privacy. However, user reviews note that "only site #4 gets decent shade" and that significant tree cover has been reduced over time.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose site #4 for shade or sites near the shore (#2/#3) for lake access. Avoid site #2 if seeking quiet due to reported disturbances.
Best CampsitesSite #4 is noted for decent shade coverage. Sites #2 and #3 offer easy water access, but site #2 may experience noise disturbances based on reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3P.M.
Check-out
2P.M.
Stay Limit
No specific maximum stay details provided.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific information provided on guest limits.
Groups
No group camping facilities are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is paved and compact, with five sites and adjacent day-use parking. Sites are positioned close to the water.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 16, 2025 – September 11, 2025 (reservable dates start June 25, 2025).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov (online or app) or by phone (1-877-444-6777).
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available during the first-come, first-served season (Sept 12 – Oct 31, 2025), with reduced pricing ($19/day) due to lack of potable water.
Cancellation PolicyReservation refunds must be requested 14 days before arrival for a full refund, excluding the $10 reservation fee. There are no refunds for naturally occurring events (e.g., rain, smoke). Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fees. Walk-up site fees are non-refundable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Motorized boating is allowed but limited to speeds of 10 mph. Pine Cove boat ramp is located 4 miles away, and the Fairview launching area on Trinity Lake is 9 miles north.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include trails such as the Baker Gulch Trail, accessible from the day-use area.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at the campground. Lewiston Lake is rich with rainbow trout as well as brown and brook trout. Fly fishing and float tubes are recommended for anglers.Swimming
Swimming is mentioned in user reviews, although one visitor noted the presence of 'swimmer’s itch' due to parasitic blooms during a specific period.Boating
The lake is ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Motorized boats are permitted but restricted to 10 mph. There is a boat launch nearby, although it is described as 'small' by some reviews.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include birdwatching, with osprey frequently mentioned. However, in one review, an osprey was not observed during a particularly noisy stay.Winter Activities
No winter recreation activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are popular water sports at the lake, supported by the calm waters and serene environment.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Local firewood is required to prevent pest transmission.
- Quiet hours are enforced, though reviews note inconsistent adherence.
Hazards
General hazardsRecent reviews indicate issues with water availability and swimmer’s itch due to a parasitic bloom in the lake.
Active alertsNo potable water currently available at the campground as of 2023. Prices reduced for walk-ins.
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 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
Nearest hospital is in Weaverville (17 miles away). Local emergency services include the community police department and fire station in Lewiston. Ranger stations are available for forest-related emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16, 2025 – September 11, 2025.
Trash and recyclingNo information on trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresAll campsites are <100 feet from Lewiston Lake. The lake supports fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of potable water, noise from disruptive campers, and reduced lake usability due to swimmer’s itch.
HostHosts are available and assist with refunds for walk-up sites but may not address noise complaints effectively.
Campground Map
14538 Wonderland Blvd., Redding, CA 96003, USA
Driving directionsFrom Weaverville, take Hwy 3 north for 7 miles. Turn right on Rush Creek Road for 9 miles. Turn left on Trinity Dam Blvd for 2.5 miles. Then right on Cooper Gulch exit.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, though the area is quieter and less trafficked. County Road 105 provides direct access to the campground on Lewiston Lake's shore.Nearby places
Lewiston (3 miles, ~10 minutes), Weaverville (17 miles, ~25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies are available in Lewiston (3 miles away). Weaverville (17 miles away) offers larger grocery stores, gas stations, and camping supply outlets.
Camper Reviews
4.4
18 reviews
Cooper Gulch Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, with many appreciating the quiet, scenic atmosphere and proximity to Lewiston Lake. However, issues like the lack of potable water and occasional noise disturbances from nearby campers were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews
What Campers Love
Many reviewers commend the scenic beauty, the closeness of the campsites to the lake ("less than 100ft from the water"), and the opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Comments like 'small beautiful...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Several users were dissatisfied with the lack of potable water, as well as encounters with noisy and disruptive campers. One noted, 'The lack of potable water at the campsite was a very big...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Make reservations early as there are only five sites. Bring your own water since there are no operational water spigots. Site #4 is recommended for better shade coverage.
Based on 18 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during the summer months when fishing and kayaking are at their peak. However, lack of potable water and potential noise disturbances from fellow campers were highlighted...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'Great little campground right on Lewiston Lake. Fishing good but not open all year.' (Gene Stanfield) - 'Small beautiful camp spot on Lewiston Lake. Great for kayaking, patio boats, fishing, or...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #4 is noted for having the best shade coverage, while site #3 was mentioned for its proximity to water. Site #2 had issues with a noisy camper, as detailed in one review.
Based on 18 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are provided.
Based on 18 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One review briefly mentions that the campground is pet-friendly, noting 'a perfect spot for our dog to go swimming.'
Based on 18 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025