Preacher Meadow Campground- Shasta-Trinity National Forest

We went to Preacher Meadow for a short trip in June '08. Although the name might make you think of a place so awe-inspiring that you would shout to the heavens, it did not quite live up to that expectation. Don't get me wrong- it was definitely pretty.  The campground itself is nice- sites are not too crowded, good combo of shade and sun. It is not very far off Highway 3, so the sites overlooking the river would be the most quiet. The campground sits above the river, but the only access we could see was extremely steep- not safe for the kids to attempt. We drove up the road just a few miles and found a relatively calm spot for the kids to play in the river. And while there is no hiking from the campground, there are trails within relatively close driving distance. Trinity Lake is close by as well, but the lake level was so low that it seemed an unattractive option for swimming.