Rat Trap Gap Campground And Trailhead

Open

The campground is typically open seasonally from late spring through fall, depending on snow conditions. Access via Forest Road 29N45 may be impassable during winter months. No reservations required; first-come, first-served.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited

Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Mount Shasta-McCloud Seasonal Area and Road Closure

The Forest Service is issuing a Forest Order to close an area and roads on the Mount Shasta and McCloud Ranger Districts during winter conditions to minimize natural resource damage and to maintain a safe area for winter recreation use.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

2026 fire restrictions lifted

Fire restrictions in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest are being lifted as of Oct. 2, 2026.

About

Rat Trap Gap Campground and Trailhead is a remote, primitive camping area situated at approximately 5,900 feet elevation in the Yolla Bolly Ranger District of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Tehama County, California. The campground serves as a primary access point for the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness, one of the original wilderness areas designated under the 1964 Wilderness Act. The campground offers several dispersed campsites with vault toilets but no potable water. Campers must bring all water needed for their stay. The site is particularly well-suited for equestrians and pack stock users, with corrals and hitching areas available for horses and mules. There is no fee to camp at this location. Access is via Forest Road 29N45 from California Highway 36, approximately 17 miles on a remote forest road. The road may be impassable during winter and early spring due to snow. This is a backcountry trailhead camping area best suited for self-sufficient campers preparing for wilderness trips.

Directions

From CA 36, turn southwest on Forest Road 29N45 and drive approximately 17 miles to reach the campground.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed —
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed —
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites —

Contact

Phone +1 (530) 628-5227

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

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