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Nature
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Water

Established Camping

Sims Flat Campground

Sims Flat Campground, near Castella, California, is a cozy spot that offers a laid-back atmosphere right by the Sacramento River. It’s a great choice for a quick stop or a peaceful overnight stay, with clean facilities and a friendly vibe.

The campground features spacious sites that provide options for both sun and shade, making it comfortable no matter the weather. Visitors have mentioned the soothing sound of the river, which adds to the relaxing experience. As one camper noted, “The sound of the water was nice to sleep to,” highlighting the tranquil setting.

For those who enjoy a bit of exploration, there’s a paved walking path around the campground that shares the history of the area, along with access to the river for a refreshing dip—though getting in can be a bit tricky. If you’re up for it, there’s also a forest road nearby that offers a few miles of hiking.

While the trains passing by can be a bit noisy at night, many campers find the overall experience worth it. With its clean bathrooms and well-maintained grounds, Sims Flat is a solid choice for anyone looking to unwind in nature.

Description

National Forest

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Description : This campground is located alongside the Sacramento River at an elevation of 1600 feet. There are 19 sites with tables and fire-rings. Suitable for tents and mid-sized RVs or trailers. Flush toilets; piped water. 14 day limit. $15 per night. No reservations. Usually opens by last Saturday in April and closes Nov. 15th. Features : Historic location of Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the 1930s. Interpretive signs depict the camp and suspension bridge spanning the river built by the CCC. World renown fishing on a classic trout stream. Train buffs enjoy watching Union Pacific freight trains as they make their way through the canyon. Also popular with whitewater boaters during the high water of spring runoff.

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Location

Sims Flat Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Mt. Shasta city, take I-5 south approximately 20 miles to the Sims exit. Turn left under the freeway and drive another mile to the bridge that crosses the Sacramento River. The campground entrance is on the right, just past the bridge.

Coordinates

41.06200064 N
122.35900075 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2024

Fine for a night

Good for a quick stop over. Quiet and never crowded. Clean bathrooms. Right on the river with easy access to the 5.

Siteunknown
Month of VisitJuly
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Reviewed Jun. 2, 2023

Great stop

Very nice campground, sound of the water was nice to sleep to, bathrooms very clean and had toilet paper and working lights, very well maintained had a great stay!

Site9
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2022

Great Overnight Stop

This is a nice little campground along the Sacramento River. The sites are well spaced and, depending on your preferences, plenty of options in terms of full sun or shade. The campground was empty when we pulled in mid afternoon on a Thursday. In the morning there were two other sites that were occupied by tent campers.

Most sites would easily fit our 24’ RV. We chose site #4 as it offered ample shade in these over 100° temps. No leveling was required. Site # 17 was also nicely shaded and offered even more privacy.

There are several bathrooms, but cant attest to their condition. The one at the far end of the campsite looks relatively new.

There is a nice little paved walk around the campground with signs giving the history of the conservation core camp that was located here at one time. The path takes you along the river, but access is a little challenging if you want to get in to cool off. There is also a several mile out and back ‘hike’ along a forest road that begins near the entrance of the campground

The only cons for this campground would be the trains that pass by on the opposite site of the river. There were several during the night with whistles, rumbles, and screeching wheels. There is also some road noise. Other con would be the little gnat-like bugs that are determined to embed themselves in your tear ducts. The campground host sports mosquito net head wear so be warned!

Overall, a great little one or two night enroute stay campground.

Site4
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Sims Flat Campground by Lori T., September 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Sims Flat Campground by Lori T., September 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Sims Flat Campground by Lori T., September 9, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Feb. 28, 2020

Next to the river

Nice campsite just off of I-5 and on the south side of the Upper Sacramento river. The train will wake you up at least one time in the night however. Beautiful view of Mt. Shasta and a popular raft put in (experienced only- whitewater).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Sims Flat Campground?

    Sims Flat Campground allows vehicles up to 24 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Sims Flat Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Sims Flat Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Sims Flat Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Sims Flat Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Sims Flat Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is fair.