Preacher Meadow (Ca)
Preacher Meadow (Ca)
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for the campground is $16, payable through a drop post system. Additionally, a convenience fee is charged for the 'Scan & Pay' option.
Standard Site Fee$16.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$16.00
Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Providernullnull
About this campground
Nestled along the gentle banks of Swift Creek, Preacher Meadow Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience with 44 intimate campsites perfect for those seeking a back-to-basics adventure. This rustic horse camp welcomes equestrians and traditional campers alike, with sites featuring 16-foot back-in spaces equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings complete with grills for memorable outdoor cooking. While the campground embraces its primitive charm with vault toilets and no potable water (so bring your own!), it compensates with tranquil creekside ambiance and first-come, first-served flexibility. At just $16 per night, payable via convenient drop post or the modern Scan & Pay system, this hidden gem delivers an affordable escape into nature's embrace.
Preacher Meadow is a primitive campground offering first-come, first-serve horse camping with basic facilities. Tent and RV camping are supported.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal personality of the Trinity wilderness, where crisp, invigorating winters give way to sun-drenched summers perfect for outdoor adventures. Spring transforms the campground into an angler's paradise as trout become particularly active in Swift Creek's rushing waters. When summer heat arrives, cool off by exploring the refreshing tributary streams that wind through the forest. A word to the wise: while exploring the lush undergrowth, keep an eye out for poison oak, which thrives throughout this vibrant ecosystem.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 2,387 feet above sea level, Preacher Meadow enjoys the sweet spot of mountain camping—high enough to escape the valley's scorching heat, yet low enough to remain accessible and temperate throughout the extended camping season. This goldilocks elevation creates an ideal microclimate where summer days are pleasantly warm rather than sweltering, and evenings bring that perfect campfire-weather coolness.
Natural Features and SceneryJust moments from the spectacular Trinity Lake—one of California's crown jewel reservoirs boasting 145 miles of pristine shoreline—Preacher Meadow serves as your gateway to endless aquatic adventures. The surrounding landscape paints a masterpiece of emerald forests, hidden coves, and secluded arms perfect for fishing expeditions or peaceful picnics. This diverse ecosystem pulses with life, from majestic conifers reaching skyward to the abundant wildlife that calls these woods home. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters or simply soaking in the forest's cathedral-like tranquility, the natural splendor here never fails to inspire.
Geological RegionPreacher Meadow claims its place within the legendary Shasta-Trinity National Forest, home to one of California's most impressive reservoirs. This remarkable landscape showcases nature's artistry through dramatically varied terrain—from gentle meadows to rugged hillsides, all draped in a verdant blanket of mixed conifer forest. At 2,387 feet elevation, the campground sits in a geological sweet spot where ancient volcanic activity and centuries of watershed dynamics have sculpted a recreation paradise that captures the essence of Northern California's wild beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe average back-in length of each site is approximately 16 feet.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information about the privacy level of campsites is provided.
Total Campsites44 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3P.M.
Check-out
2P.M.
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No specific group camping facilities are described.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground sites are located along Swift Creek with 44 individual sites featuring back-in spaces averaging 16 feet in length.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23, 2025 - September 11, 2025
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website, app, or on-site Scan & Pay system.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is allowed for first-come, first-serve basis. Sites must be occupied on the day they are paid for.
Cancellation PolicyScan & Pay payments are non-refundable, and no modifications or cancellations are allowed. Refunds for emergency closures will be issued, but refunds for naturally occurring events like rain, snow, or smoke are not provided. Refunds for cash or check payments require approval and may take up to 30 days to process.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities abound in the surrounding Shasta-Trinity National Forest, with highlights including hiking trails, access to Trinity Lake for fishing, boating, and water sports, as well as the natural beauty of the surrounding environment.
Hiking
There are multiple hiking trails in the surrounding area, although specific details about trail lengths, difficulty, or exact locations are not provided.Fishing
Fishing in nearby Trinity Lake includes species such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and Chinook salmon. Springtime shore fishing is particularly fruitful for bass and trout.Boating
Popular boating activities include kayaking, canoeing, and water sports such as wakeboarding. A public boat ramp is approximately 6 miles away at Bowerman, though its usability depends on water levels.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are detailed.Water Sports
Trinity Lake is ideal for water sports like wakeboarding, tubing, and canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed. Campfire rings are provided at each site. Firewood should be sourced locally to prevent the spread of pests.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPoison oak is prevalent. Wildlife is frequent, necessitating proper food storage. Campers are warned about tree-killing pests and are advised against following Google Maps due to dangerous routes.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
48
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 70%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - September 11, 2025
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Trinity Lake, one of California's largest reservoirs, with opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking.
Common complaints“There is currently no water at Preacher Meadow, and no host.” (Nick Ranger, 2020); “Google maps took us on dangerous forest service roads to the wrong location. Do not follow Google Maps!” (Dani Welch, 2021).
HostNick Ranger noted there is 'no host currently.' Campers are advised to contact the office for requests or issues.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDrive on Hwy 3 north for about 26 miles from Weaverville until you see the very obvious sign for the campground on the left.
Accessible by paved highway (Hwy 3). Reviewers cautioned against Google Maps for directions and recommended following highway signs to avoid dangerous forest service roads.Nearby places
Weaverville (~26 miles)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews

Preacher Meadow (Ca) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the peaceful, uncrowded experience of the campground, but note the lack of water and a campground host as downsides. One user specifically mentioned Google's misleading directions as being problematic.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the peacefulness, the uncrowded nature of the campground, and the availability of firewood. For example, one review mentioned: 'It's never crowded, and there is ample firewood all...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Key complaints include the absence of water and a campground host. One reviewer remarked: 'Currently no water available at the campground.' Another user noted difficulties with finding the location...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include avoiding reliance on Google Maps and carrying sufficient water, as none is available on-site. One user specifically recommended: 'Instead, drive on Hwy 3 towards Trinity...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Most reviews suggest that the campground is quiet and peaceful during weekdays and less crowded in general. No specific seasonal trends were highlighted.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Currently no water available at the campground. Otherwise, it was very nice and peaceful on a Thursday evening.' 2. 'There is AMPLE firewood all over from cutting and thinning, no need to bring...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers were mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically discuss accessibility features or experiences for users with disabilities.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025