Steel Bridge Campground | California
Overview
Camp on the edge of the Trinity River in one of 13 tent/trailer campsites (max length 20 feet). Popular for fishing and pleasure boating alike, this clear, cold section of the river is world famous for its fly fishing. Paddlers enjoy the narrow valley with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas fir, Oaks, and Madrone trees coating the walls of the canyons. If you would like more adrenaline rush, the waters below Pigeon Point rage at class III-V for white water enthusiasts. Those interested in a more relaxing experience can enjoy the abundant camping options in the area or head for the trail with your friends, horses, or dog. If you would like to stay at the river's edge, you can always swim, fish or do a little gold panning. The river can be accessed from many locations along this stretch of the Trinity River.
Recreation
Swimming, fishing, and paddling are all popular activites along the Trinity River immediately adjacent to the campground. A rustic hiking trail can be explored to find additional river access points and connect you to other recreation sites along Steiner Flat Road. Wildlife is abundat along the river, so birding and other wildlife viewing activities are popular!
Facilities
Camp on the edge of the Trinity River in one of 13 tent/trailer campsites. No electric, water, or sewer hookups are available. Campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes. A small beach and day use area are found near the campground. A campground host is generally on site.
Natural Features
Steel Bridge Campground is nestled in a narrow valley with ponderosa pine, douglas fir, oak, and madrone trees coating the hillsides. The campground is immeidately adjacent to the Wild and Scenic Trinity River, known for its cold, clear water and abudant paddling, swimming, and fishing opprotunities.
Nearby Attractions
Trinity River (Lewiston Lake to Pigeon Point): Class I and II segment popular for fishing, swimming, and paddling. Access map can be found on the BLM website.
Trinity River (below Pigeon Point): Class III and IV segment popular for white water rafting. Guided trips availalbe from local vendors.
Lewiston and Trinty Lakes: Fishing, boating, and swimming.
Weaver Basin trail system: Non-motorized trails near Weaverville, CA that offer great hiking and mountain biking opportunities. Find out more on the Trinity Trail Alliance website .
Trinity Alps Wilderness: Access the wilderness area through many nearby trailheads for overnight or day hiking. More information on the Forest Service website.
Weaverville, CA: Small town with dining and shopping options.
Photos
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
Near the entrance to this Campground, a shaded kiosk with site and safety information sits on a paved area that is lighted after dark. There is no running water and poor cell phone coverage at this site.
West of the campsites is a day-use area that has an accessible single vault toilet and 1 picnic table with inset legs allowing wheelchair users to pull up to the ends. The terrain is somewhat uneven in the day-use area, though the grade is not steep.
To reach the Campground from the day-use area, drive east down Steel Bridge Road for about 2 minutes. There are campsites on either side of the road, each with a paved parking spur. The Campground has a 2-vehicle parking area, with 1 designated accessible space next to an accessible double vault toilet with interior and exterior lights powered by a solar array.
Across the road from the toilet is 1 designated accessible campsite: campsite 6. A paved path connects this campsite with the toilet, but part of the path is sloped and there are no protective railings. There is a double-walled fire ring on a paved area, next to a picnic table that sits on natural surface and has an extended end to accommodate wheelchair users.
The other campsites have picnic tables with inset legs to accommodate wheelchair users, along with single-walled fire rings.
There are no accessible pathways to the river, but you can view the river from parts of the Campground. The site’s many trees afford plenty of shade.
Note: Descriptions and photos uploaded June 2025. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
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