Steiner Flat Primitive Campground

Our Take

What makes Steiner Flat Primitive Campground special

Tucked along the banks of the Trinity River near the small community of Douglas City, Steiner Flat Primitive Campground offers a raw, unhurried taste of Northern California's wild interior. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this no-frills campground trades manicured amenities for genuine solitude and direct river access, making it a favorite among anglers chasing steelhead and salmon as well as kayakers drawn to the Trinity's seasonal rapids. The landscape here is classic Shasta-Trinity country: golden grass hillsides studded with oak and pine, rising steeply from a boulder-strewn riverbed that glimmers in the afternoon sun. Sites are dispersed along the flat, shaded by mature trees, and spaced generously enough that you can forget anyone else is around. Because this is primitive camping, expect vault toilets and no potable water, so come prepared with your own supplies. No reservations are required; sites are first-come, first-served. The campground rarely fills to capacity except on peak summer weekends, so midweek visits between late May and early October are nearly guaranteed to deliver peace and quiet. Nearby Douglas City offers basic provisions, and the larger town of Redding is roughly an hour east for full resupply. If you are looking for a place where the river sets the pace, Steiner Flat delivers.