Established Camping
Ellery Creek
Ellery Creek, near Lakehead, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This campground offers a laid-back vibe with access to the beautiful McCloud Creek, making it a great choice for both tent and RV camping.
The amenities here include clean bathrooms, bear boxes, and drinking water, which campers appreciate. One visitor mentioned, “Good amenities, clean, bathrooms available as well,” highlighting the well-kept facilities that make your stay comfortable. While there are no electric hookups or showers, the natural setting more than makes up for it, with plenty of shade to keep you cool during those hot summer days.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the area is perfect for exploring. You can enjoy peaceful views from your campsite and take advantage of the water access, although some campers noted that the water can get a bit muddy. Keep an eye out for wildlife; deer sightings are a bonus! Just remember to plan ahead since there are no stores nearby once you leave the freeway.
Ellery Creek is open from mid-May to early September, making it an ideal summer getaway. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or enjoy a quiet night under the stars, this campground has a lot to offer.
Description
Overview
Ellery Creek is located on the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake. The campground is terraced, providing views of the lake from all of the lower sites and some of the upper sites. At certain water levels, boats can be moored on the shore within sight of the campground, making Ellery Creek a very popular place to camp among boaters.
Recreation
A public boat ramp is located approximately 4 miles away at Hirz Bay, but informal mooring is allowed at Ellery Creek if the water levels are sufficient. This area is popular for water skiing and jet skiing. Lake Shasta offers excellent fishing for trout, catfish, Chinook salmon, crappie, bluegill, white sturgeon, brown bullhead and bass.
Facilities
Each site offers fair to good privacy and sufficient shade provided by the deciduous trees in the campground. There are two sets of vault toilets and water spigots throughout the camp. Each site has lockers for food, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, paved parking spurs and tent pads. There are no showers available or electric/water hookups for trailers. All sites at this campground can accommodate small trailers as well as tents.
Natural Features
Shasta-Trinity is the largest national forest in California with a diverse landscape encompassing five wilderness areas, hundreds of mountain lakes and 6,278 miles of streams and rivers. Lake Shasta sits at an elevation of 1,067 feet, with 365 miles of shoreline punctuated by steep mountains blanketed in manzanita and evergreens. A snow-capped Mount Shasta, the second-tallest mountain in the Cascade Range, looms in the distance. Lakeside sites at Ellery Creek offer excellent views and access to the water. Wildlife is abundant in the area.
Nearby Attractions
The Lake Shasta Caverns are also located on the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake in an area know as the Grey Rocks. Tours are given daily at this privately owned facility. The nearby Hirz Mountain Lookout offers panoramic views of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen and the surrounding area at an elevation of 3,500 feet. The nearest store is 21 miles away in Lakehead.
Fee Info
If the reservation was made through recreation.gov please call 1-877-444-6777 to make a refund request. Refunds must be requested no later than 14 days before your scheduled arrival date for a full refund (excluding recreation.gov fees). Reservation Fee: For some facilities, an additional reservation fee is charged. This additional non-refundable fee is $10.00 for the call center and online reservations. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for cash payments will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. For cash or check refunds please call us at 530-275-8113. Please Note! Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure the Recreation.gov will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates and sites (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be canceled and all fees paid will be refunded. Refunds for Naturally Occurring Events: Refunds will not be issued for naturally occurring events like rain, snow, wind, smoke, extreme temperature, low lake level, etc. If you are requesting a refund for a walk-up site, please contact the host on-site or call us 530-275-8113. All refunds must be approved and issued through our office or processed though Recreation.gov.
Reservation Info
Reservation season is May 13 - Sept 15 through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) @ recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Location
Ellery Creek is located in California
Directions
From Redding, California: Take I-5 to Gilman Road. From the north take the Salt Creek exit to Gilman Road. Go east for 16 miles to the campground entrance (located on the right hand side of the road between Moore Creek and Pine Point Campgrounds). \*The Map Driving Route link gives directions to mail office, not the campground.
Address
Gilman Road Exit off I-5
Lakehead, CA 96051
Coordinates
40.9158333 N
122.2408333 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Detours Nearby
Girard Ridge Lookout
1 hr 44 min away
Mt. Shasta Area
2 hrs 20 min away
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
