Shasta National Forest manages McBride Springs Campground on the slopes of Mount Shasta, where 14 drive-in sites sit among conifers at an elevation lower than nearby Panther Meadows, making the access road more manageable than some alternatives higher on the mountain. The road through the campground is paved, and sites include fire rings with grates, picnic tables, and bear boxes, though not every site has all three. It runs on a first-come, first-served basis with a self-pay kiosk and no reservations required.
Water availability here is worth researching before arrival. The campground has both a hand-pump well and a small creek fed by spring runoff, but at least one reviewer noted the well ran dry during a spring visit. Vault toilets are on-site, and cleanliness has been inconsistent across visits. Deer move through the sites regularly. T-Mobile users have reported solid reception, which is useful for campers who need to stay connected. RVs are limited to 16 feet.
The town of Mount Shasta sits roughly seven miles from the campground, close enough for resupply runs or a meal out. Anna O. sums up the setup concisely: "first come, no reservations." Campers looking for more options in the area can browse campgrounds around Mount Shasta or check nearby sites like Sand Flat Wild Camping for dispersed alternatives. McBride Springs suits campers who want a low-cost base with basic amenities and room to explore the mountain on their own terms.
Description
Description : Situated on the lower slopes of Mt. Shasta at an elevation of 5000 feet, this popular campground has 12 sites with tables and fire rings, suitable for tents and small RV's. Vault toilets and water available. 7 day limit. $10 per night. No reservations. Usually opens by Memorial Day weekend and closes near the end of October. Conveniently located on Mt. Shasta and only a few minutes from I-5, services and supplies. A miniature spring-fed seasonal creek flows through the campground, and a hand operated pump provides well water. _ Special note : In 2009 a root disease was discovered in the campground that affected all of the white fir trees, killing some and infecting others. These hazardous trees were removed in early 2011 to allow the campground to be reopened for use. A major effort by the Forest Service to clean up the debris and replant non-affected native species in the campground occured throughout the spring of this year. Although the area has been temporarily impacted, in time nature will restore this popular campground to pristine conditions._
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMcbride Springs Campground is located in California near Mount Shasta
Directions
From the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station, head east on Alma Street (towards the mountain). Cross the railroad tracks and turn right at the signal onto Mt. Shasta Blvd. Continue two blocks to the next signal at Lake Street and turn left. Stay on Lake Street. You will climb a hill and veer to the left. You are now on Everitt Memorial Highway. Stay on this road through the four way stop, past the school (on the right) and over the railroad tracks. You will leave town and begin driving up the mountain. In 4 miles there will be a sign for McBride Springs Campground.
Coordinates
41.35168333 N
122.28355036 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 7/31/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/31/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/31/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 7/31/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/31/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/31/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 11 min from Redding, CA
- 3 hrs 36 min from Medford, OR
- 4 hrs 3 min from Grants Pass, OR
