Hell Gate Campground
4.317 reviews11 Trinity Street, Hayfork, CA 96041
Hell Gate Campground
$6.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$6.00
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
Overnight Use: Single Site: $6/night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount only on fees for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder. Reservation fees apply for some sites ($12 per site).
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine Trinity River, Hell Gate Campground beckons adventurers with 17 intimate camping units perfectly sized for those seeking a more rustic experience. Whether you're pulling a compact trailer (up to 16 feet) or pitching a tent, you'll find yourself immersed in a playground of natural wonders. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line into the rushing waters, explore the distinctive rocky shoreline, plunge into refreshing swimming holes, or lose yourself on scenic hiking trails while eagles and ospreys soar overhead.
The Hell Gate Campground offers several types of camping accommodations primarily aimed at rustic campers. It supports tent and RV camping but lacks amenities for glamping or luxury setups.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Trinity River canyon, where crisp, quiet winters give way to sun-drenched summer days. While the mercury climbs during peak season, the river maintains its refreshing mountain-fed chill—a welcome respite that seasoned visitors have come to cherish after dusty trail adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Trinity River carves a spectacular path through this rugged landscape, creating a tapestry of smooth granite boulders and hidden pools that define Hell Gate's unique character. The distinctive rocky beach serves as your gateway to the river's emerald waters, where ancient stones worn smooth by centuries of rushing water create natural lounging spots and diving platforms.
Geological RegionSet within the majestic Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Hell Gate Campground showcases the raw beauty of Northern California's wilderness. Here, the Trinity River has sculpted a dramatic corridor through ancient bedrock, creating the signature rocky beaches and crystalline pools that make this hidden gem a favorite among those who discover it.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit details on accessibility features are provided.
Sites SizeSites accommodate trailers up to 16 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews suggest the campground is less popular due to lack of potable water, providing a more secluded and quiet experience.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with proximity to river access are favored.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Explicit limit not provided.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 8 people per site.
Groups
No group camping-specific details are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1st to October 31st.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites may be reservable and others first-come-first-serve.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Hell Gate Campground offers recreational activities centered around nature, including swimming in river areas, fishing, hiking trails, and opportunities for bird and wildlife watching. Day hiking trails, such as the South Fork Recreation Trail, are available.
Hiking
The South Fork Recreation Trail is specifically mentioned as a day hiking option nearby.Fishing
Fishing in river/stream areas is described as an activity, but one user review warned against fishing on the Trinity River near the campground as fines and restrictions apply.Swimming
Swimming areas are accessible via the rocky beach and river, but water temperature is noted as 'cold' by user feedback.Wildlife viewing
Bird-watching and wildlife viewing are highlighted recreational options.Beach activities
The rocky beach provides areas for swimming and river access, but no explicit mention of beach-specific activities like sunbathing or combing.Winter Activities
There is no mention of winter activities such as skiing or snowshoeing.Water Sports
No mention of kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding is found.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings available at each site.
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water available. Wild animals frequent the area, requiring proper food storage.
Active alertsNo current alerts, but user reviews mention fire damage closure in 2020.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Hayfork Ranger Station, 11 Trinity Street Hayfork, CA 96041; Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo explicit information on trash or recycling facilities is provided. One user review highlighted campground litter issues, with trash left at multiple campsites.
Proximity to water featuresClose proximity to Trinity River.
Common complaintsTrash/littering issues noted by users. Lack of potable water and significant distance to supplies like ice and water.
Campground Map
11 Trinity Street, Hayfork, CA 96041
Driving directionsTake State Route 3 south from Hayfork to State Route 36. Travel 11 miles west.
Accessible via paved roads. Directions mention using State Route 3 and State Route 36 for relatively straightforward travel.Nearby supplies
Hayfork (closest town) may offer supplies, but user reviews suggest a "quite a drive" for items like ice and water.
Camper Reviews
4.3
7 reviews
Hell Gate Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally describe Hell Gate Campground as beautiful, quiet, and offering great river and swimming access. However, issues such as littering and lack of potable water are recurring themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback centers on the campground's quiet and secluded nature, low fees, proximity to the river and beach, and suitability for swimming and bird-watching.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Recurring complaints include the absence of potable water, fines for restricted fishing areas, littering by campers, limited nearby amenities such as ice, and 'cold' water temperatures.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing a sufficient supply of drinking water, being aware of wildlife in the area, locking food securely, and taking advantage of the seclusion for relaxation.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
User reviews highlight the campground's popularity during warm months for swimming and hiking. However, the absence of fresh water and seasonal restrictions (e.g., fishing fines) may deter some...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Beautiful place, with river access. It would be way better if you scumbags would stop littering." - Zachary Harris, 11 likes. "Because there is no fresh water the site is less popular than nearby...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers were reviewed in detail.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No explicit reviews on accessibility features are available.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One official source mentions that pets are allowed but must be leashed on a 6ft or shorter leash in developed areas.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025