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Red Tail Rim Trail South Trailhead/Campground
National Forest

Red Tail Rim Trail South Trailhead/Campground

Alturas, California
4.3 (75 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Red Tail Rim Trail South Trailhead/Campground

Campground in California.

Nestled in the heart of California's natural landscape, Red Tail Rim Trail South Trailhead Campground offers adventurers and nature enthusiasts an authentic forest camping experience. This National Forest campground serves as the perfect basecamp for exploring the scenic Red Tail Rim Trail and the surrounding wilderness that makes this region of California so special.

The location provides an ideal starting point for hikers and outdoor lovers looking to connect with nature without the commercial trappings of developed campgrounds. The proximity to the trailhead means you can step directly from your RV into some of California's most beautiful backcountry. The Red Tail Rim Trail itself winds through diverse landscapes, offering panoramic views and opportunities to spot local wildlife in their natural habitat. Whether you're an experienced hiker tackling the full trail or someone seeking a gentler nature walk, the trail system caters to various skill levels and interests.

This area of California is known for its dramatic geology, evergreen forests, and the kind of peace and quiet that's increasingly rare. The elevation and forest setting create a cool, refreshing atmosphere that's perfect for escaping summer heat. The campground's proximity to the trailhead means you're not spending hours driving to reach your hiking destination each day, leaving you more time to actually enjoy the outdoors and explore at your own pace.

The surrounding National Forest lands offer abundant opportunities for nature photography, wildlife observation, and simply soaking in the California wilderness. Sunrise and sunset from various vantage points along the rim create memorable moments that draw visitors back year after year. This is the kind of destination that appeals to travelers seeking authentic outdoor experiences, whether you're a seasoned RV camper or someone discovering the joys of camping for the first time. The region attracts visitors from across California and beyond who appreciate natural beauty and want to disconnect from daily routines while staying connected to everything the forest provides.
4.3

Rating

75

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Alturas is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

California weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Alturas.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Alturas. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Red Tail Rim Trail South Trailhead/Campground Reviews

Sign in to Review
G
Darren Woodworth

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Darren Woodworth

Amazing experience just an hour away from Nevada City. Great swimming and hiking trails around the Reservoir. Drove through Colfax route on our way home to see the difference in drive time. Way steeper and some narrow roads. Probably not ideal for towing a trailer. Drove it once with my Avalanche and dirt bikes

G
Darren Woodworth

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Darren Woodworth

Amazing experience just an hour away from Nevada City. Great swimming and hiking trails around the Reservoir. Drove through Colfax route on our way home to see the difference in drive time. Way steeper and some narrow roads. Probably not ideal for towing a trailer. Drove it once with my Avalanche and dirt bikes

G
Darren Woodworth

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Darren Woodworth

Amazing experience just an hour away from Nevada City. Great swimming and hiking trails around the Reservoir. Drove through Colfax route on our way home to see the difference in drive time. Way steeper and some narrow roads. Probably not ideal for towing a trailer. Drove it once with my Avalanche and dirt bikes

G
Darren Woodworth

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Darren Woodworth

Amazing experience just an hour away from Nevada City. Great swimming and hiking trails around the Reservoir. Drove through Colfax route on our way home to see the difference in drive time. Way steeper and some narrow roads. Probably not ideal for towing a trailer. Drove it once with my Avalanche and dirt bikes

G
Diego Salas

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Diego Salas

Honestly? We loved it. Very well maintained campground with plenty of shade and very clean bathrooms. We (a group of 6 adults, 2 kids, and 2 dogs) stayed here for 2 nights and had an amazing time. Very close access to the lake, which we took advantage of to go hang out at the shoreline and do some stand up paddling. There is a review saying that sound travels across the campground, and that's def... Honestly? We loved it. Very well maintained campground with plenty of shade and very clean bathrooms. We (a group of 6 adults, 2 kids, and 2 dogs) stayed here for 2 nights and had an amazing time. Very close access to the lake, which we took advantage of to go hang out at the shoreline and do some stand up paddling. There is a review saying that sound travels across the campground, and that's definitely true. But we found our neighbors to be very polite. Our spot (27) was a bit smaller than advertised. We fit 3 tents but one of them was definitely slanted.

G
Diego Salas

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Diego Salas

Honestly? We loved it. Very well maintained campground with plenty of shade and very clean bathrooms. We (a group of 6 adults, 2 kids, and 2 dogs) stayed here for 2 nights and had an amazing time. Very close access to the lake, which we took advantage of to go hang out at the shoreline and do some stand up paddling. There is a review saying that sound travels across the campground, and that's def... Honestly? We loved it. Very well maintained campground with plenty of shade and very clean bathrooms. We (a group of 6 adults, 2 kids, and 2 dogs) stayed here for 2 nights and had an amazing time. Very close access to the lake, which we took advantage of to go hang out at the shoreline and do some stand up paddling. There is a review saying that sound travels across the campground, and that's definitely true. But we found our neighbors to be very polite. Our spot (27) was a bit smaller than advertised. We fit 3 tents but one of them was definitely slanted.

G
Diego Salas

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Diego Salas

Honestly? We loved it. Very well maintained campground with plenty of shade and very clean bathrooms. We (a group of 6 adults, 2 kids, and 2 dogs) stayed here for 2 nights and had an amazing time. Very close access to the lake, which we took advantage of to go hang out at the shoreline and do some stand up paddling. There is a review saying that sound travels across the campground, and that's def... Honestly? We loved it. Very well maintained campground with plenty of shade and very clean bathrooms. We (a group of 6 adults, 2 kids, and 2 dogs) stayed here for 2 nights and had an amazing time. Very close access to the lake, which we took advantage of to go hang out at the shoreline and do some stand up paddling. There is a review saying that sound travels across the campground, and that's definitely true. But we found our neighbors to be very polite. Our spot (27) was a bit smaller than advertised. We fit 3 tents but one of them was definitely slanted.

G
Diego Salas

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Diego Salas

Honestly? We loved it. Very well maintained campground with plenty of shade and very clean bathrooms. We (a group of 6 adults, 2 kids, and 2 dogs) stayed here for 2 nights and had an amazing time. Very close access to the lake, which we took advantage of to go hang out at the shoreline and do some stand up paddling. There is a review saying that sound travels across the campground, and that's def... Honestly? We loved it. Very well maintained campground with plenty of shade and very clean bathrooms. We (a group of 6 adults, 2 kids, and 2 dogs) stayed here for 2 nights and had an amazing time. Very close access to the lake, which we took advantage of to go hang out at the shoreline and do some stand up paddling. There is a review saying that sound travels across the campground, and that's definitely true. But we found our neighbors to be very polite. Our spot (27) was a bit smaller than advertised. We fit 3 tents but one of them was definitely slanted.

G
Logan

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Logan

Beautiful campground and reservoir. Not super crowded when we went. One campsite fit 12 of us but you have to be pretty quiet or the whole campground can hear you. Voice really carries. Quiet time at 10pm, outhouse bathrooms available. Very good and not too expensive.

G
Logan

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Logan

Beautiful campground and reservoir. Not super crowded when we went. One campsite fit 12 of us but you have to be pretty quiet or the whole campground can hear you. Voice really carries. Quiet time at 10pm, outhouse bathrooms available. Very good and not too expensive.

G
Logan

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Logan

Beautiful campground and reservoir. Not super crowded when we went. One campsite fit 12 of us but you have to be pretty quiet or the whole campground can hear you. Voice really carries. Quiet time at 10pm, outhouse bathrooms available. Very good and not too expensive.

G
Logan

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Logan

Beautiful campground and reservoir. Not super crowded when we went. One campsite fit 12 of us but you have to be pretty quiet or the whole campground can hear you. Voice really carries. Quiet time at 10pm, outhouse bathrooms available. Very good and not too expensive.

G
Davin Jahns

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Davin Jahns

I've camped here twice now and Sugar Pine hasn't let me down yet. Absolutely gorgeous lake with crystal clear water, surrounded by pristine Sierra pine forest. What a hidden gem! Swimming spots all around the lake; you're pretty much guaranteed to find a secluded spot to enjoy the perfect water temps. On our second day we walked the 4-5 mile semi-paved path around the lake and it was magical. Eve... I've camped here twice now and Sugar Pine hasn't let me down yet. Absolutely gorgeous lake with crystal clear water, surrounded by pristine Sierra pine forest. What a hidden gem! Swimming spots all around the lake; you're pretty much guaranteed to find a secluded spot to enjoy the perfect water temps. On our second day we walked the 4-5 mile semi-paved path around the lake and it was magical. Every turn offered more breathtaking scenery and hidden swimming holes. I highly recommend this fairly easy hike. The dog loved it, too. Smells galore. My only complaint was the trashy people in the campsite next to ours who left garbage by the lake and all around their campsite. Not that that kind of behavior should be acceptable anywhere, but I really can't imagine coming to a place like Sugar Pine and not respecting the natural beauty and the other people who come there to enjoy it. Really sad. Sugar Pine: 10/10 Humanity: 3/10

G
Davin Jahns

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Davin Jahns

I've camped here twice now and Sugar Pine hasn't let me down yet. Absolutely gorgeous lake with crystal clear water, surrounded by pristine Sierra pine forest. What a hidden gem! Swimming spots all around the lake; you're pretty much guaranteed to find a secluded spot to enjoy the perfect water temps. On our second day we walked the 4-5 mile semi-paved path around the lake and it was magical. Eve... I've camped here twice now and Sugar Pine hasn't let me down yet. Absolutely gorgeous lake with crystal clear water, surrounded by pristine Sierra pine forest. What a hidden gem! Swimming spots all around the lake; you're pretty much guaranteed to find a secluded spot to enjoy the perfect water temps. On our second day we walked the 4-5 mile semi-paved path around the lake and it was magical. Every turn offered more breathtaking scenery and hidden swimming holes. I highly recommend this fairly easy hike. The dog loved it, too. Smells galore. My only complaint was the trashy people in the campsite next to ours who left garbage by the lake and all around their campsite. Not that that kind of behavior should be acceptable anywhere, but I really can't imagine coming to a place like Sugar Pine and not respecting the natural beauty and the other people who come there to enjoy it. Really sad. Sugar Pine: 10/10 Humanity: 3/10

G
Davin Jahns

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Davin Jahns

I've camped here twice now and Sugar Pine hasn't let me down yet. Absolutely gorgeous lake with crystal clear water, surrounded by pristine Sierra pine forest. What a hidden gem! Swimming spots all around the lake; you're pretty much guaranteed to find a secluded spot to enjoy the perfect water temps. On our second day we walked the 4-5 mile semi-paved path around the lake and it was magical. Eve... I've camped here twice now and Sugar Pine hasn't let me down yet. Absolutely gorgeous lake with crystal clear water, surrounded by pristine Sierra pine forest. What a hidden gem! Swimming spots all around the lake; you're pretty much guaranteed to find a secluded spot to enjoy the perfect water temps. On our second day we walked the 4-5 mile semi-paved path around the lake and it was magical. Every turn offered more breathtaking scenery and hidden swimming holes. I highly recommend this fairly easy hike. The dog loved it, too. Smells galore. My only complaint was the trashy people in the campsite next to ours who left garbage by the lake and all around their campsite. Not that that kind of behavior should be acceptable anywhere, but I really can't imagine coming to a place like Sugar Pine and not respecting the natural beauty and the other people who come there to enjoy it. Really sad. Sugar Pine: 10/10 Humanity: 3/10

G
Davin Jahns

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Davin Jahns

I've camped here twice now and Sugar Pine hasn't let me down yet. Absolutely gorgeous lake with crystal clear water, surrounded by pristine Sierra pine forest. What a hidden gem! Swimming spots all around the lake; you're pretty much guaranteed to find a secluded spot to enjoy the perfect water temps. On our second day we walked the 4-5 mile semi-paved path around the lake and it was magical. Eve... I've camped here twice now and Sugar Pine hasn't let me down yet. Absolutely gorgeous lake with crystal clear water, surrounded by pristine Sierra pine forest. What a hidden gem! Swimming spots all around the lake; you're pretty much guaranteed to find a secluded spot to enjoy the perfect water temps. On our second day we walked the 4-5 mile semi-paved path around the lake and it was magical. Every turn offered more breathtaking scenery and hidden swimming holes. I highly recommend this fairly easy hike. The dog loved it, too. Smells galore. My only complaint was the trashy people in the campsite next to ours who left garbage by the lake and all around their campsite. Not that that kind of behavior should be acceptable anywhere, but I really can't imagine coming to a place like Sugar Pine and not respecting the natural beauty and the other people who come there to enjoy it. Really sad. Sugar Pine: 10/10 Humanity: 3/10

G
Angela Smith

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Angela Smith

We loved our stay but want to warn future campers: 1. If you’re coming from Sacramento, make sure you take exit 121 to go through Foresthill and DO NOT take exit 133, which is the first route on google maps. One is a nice easy road and the other is a narrow road with hairpin turns and a sheer drop off. 2. Site 27 is NOT suitable as a group site. The only reason it’s listed as a group is for the ex... We loved our stay but want to warn future campers: 1. If you’re coming from Sacramento, make sure you take exit 121 to go through Foresthill and DO NOT take exit 133, which is the first route on google maps. One is a nice easy road and the other is a narrow road with hairpin turns and a sheer drop off. 2. Site 27 is NOT suitable as a group site. The only reason it’s listed as a group is for the extra parking slip. There’s only one suitable space to pitch a large tent and barely any room to sit around the fire. Site 26 on the other hand has a ton of space, albeit not enough parking. We had 11 people there with room for more. Fortunately we had both sites reserved for the weekend. Oh - would also benefit from some Yellowjacket traps. We hung two and caught a couple dozen over the two-night stay. Bathrooms were cleaned regularly and we didn’t smell them outside (and we were literally right next door). 3. Day use parking at the lake fills up quick so go early and bring $5 cash to drop in the slot. Water was clean and refreshing. Will definitely return in the future.

G
Angela Smith

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Angela Smith

We loved our stay but want to warn future campers: 1. If you’re coming from Sacramento, make sure you take exit 121 to go through Foresthill and DO NOT take exit 133, which is the first route on google maps. One is a nice easy road and the other is a narrow road with hairpin turns and a sheer drop off. 2. Site 27 is NOT suitable as a group site. The only reason it’s listed as a group is for the ex... We loved our stay but want to warn future campers: 1. If you’re coming from Sacramento, make sure you take exit 121 to go through Foresthill and DO NOT take exit 133, which is the first route on google maps. One is a nice easy road and the other is a narrow road with hairpin turns and a sheer drop off. 2. Site 27 is NOT suitable as a group site. The only reason it’s listed as a group is for the extra parking slip. There’s only one suitable space to pitch a large tent and barely any room to sit around the fire. Site 26 on the other hand has a ton of space, albeit not enough parking. We had 11 people there with room for more. Fortunately we had both sites reserved for the weekend. Oh - would also benefit from some Yellowjacket traps. We hung two and caught a couple dozen over the two-night stay. Bathrooms were cleaned regularly and we didn’t smell them outside (and we were literally right next door). 3. Day use parking at the lake fills up quick so go early and bring $5 cash to drop in the slot. Water was clean and refreshing. Will definitely return in the future.

G
Angela Smith

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Angela Smith

We loved our stay but want to warn future campers: 1. If you’re coming from Sacramento, make sure you take exit 121 to go through Foresthill and DO NOT take exit 133, which is the first route on google maps. One is a nice easy road and the other is a narrow road with hairpin turns and a sheer drop off. 2. Site 27 is NOT suitable as a group site. The only reason it’s listed as a group is for the ex... We loved our stay but want to warn future campers: 1. If you’re coming from Sacramento, make sure you take exit 121 to go through Foresthill and DO NOT take exit 133, which is the first route on google maps. One is a nice easy road and the other is a narrow road with hairpin turns and a sheer drop off. 2. Site 27 is NOT suitable as a group site. The only reason it’s listed as a group is for the extra parking slip. There’s only one suitable space to pitch a large tent and barely any room to sit around the fire. Site 26 on the other hand has a ton of space, albeit not enough parking. We had 11 people there with room for more. Fortunately we had both sites reserved for the weekend. Oh - would also benefit from some Yellowjacket traps. We hung two and caught a couple dozen over the two-night stay. Bathrooms were cleaned regularly and we didn’t smell them outside (and we were literally right next door). 3. Day use parking at the lake fills up quick so go early and bring $5 cash to drop in the slot. Water was clean and refreshing. Will definitely return in the future.

G
Angela Smith

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Angela Smith

We loved our stay but want to warn future campers: 1. If you’re coming from Sacramento, make sure you take exit 121 to go through Foresthill and DO NOT take exit 133, which is the first route on google maps. One is a nice easy road and the other is a narrow road with hairpin turns and a sheer drop off. 2. Site 27 is NOT suitable as a group site. The only reason it’s listed as a group is for the ex... We loved our stay but want to warn future campers: 1. If you’re coming from Sacramento, make sure you take exit 121 to go through Foresthill and DO NOT take exit 133, which is the first route on google maps. One is a nice easy road and the other is a narrow road with hairpin turns and a sheer drop off. 2. Site 27 is NOT suitable as a group site. The only reason it’s listed as a group is for the extra parking slip. There’s only one suitable space to pitch a large tent and barely any room to sit around the fire. Site 26 on the other hand has a ton of space, albeit not enough parking. We had 11 people there with room for more. Fortunately we had both sites reserved for the weekend. Oh - would also benefit from some Yellowjacket traps. We hung two and caught a couple dozen over the two-night stay. Bathrooms were cleaned regularly and we didn’t smell them outside (and we were literally right next door). 3. Day use parking at the lake fills up quick so go early and bring $5 cash to drop in the slot. Water was clean and refreshing. Will definitely return in the future.

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