Within Shasta National Forest, Ellery Creek Campground provides access to Shasta Lake through a forested setting that accommodates RVs up to 40 feet. The US Forest Service manages this established campground, which operates from mid-May through early September at $30 per night. Campers can reach sites by driving in, walking in, or arriving by boat, though the access road can present challenges.
The campground sits near both creek and lake water, though water levels fluctuate seasonally. "Water access is pretty messy/muddy (water levels were low)," notes Jen S., who recommends bringing water floats to navigate the sticky mud during low-water periods. Bear boxes, restrooms, drinking water, and trash service support camping operations. The forested terrain provides shade, which campers appreciate during hot summer months.
Wildlife sightings include deer and rattlesnakes, requiring leash supervision for dogs. Mosquitoes become active near the water at night. Cell service remains unavailable for miles, and no stores operate between the freeway exit and the campground. Several nearby options include Pine Point less than a mile northwest and McCloud Bridge Campground to the north.
Reservations help secure sites during busy summer periods, particularly in June when crowds peak. The campground works well for campers comfortable with limited connectivity and seasonal water access variations.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsEllery Creek is located in California near Lakehead
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-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- 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
