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Established Camping

Toad Lake Campground

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Toad Lake Campground is located near Mount Shasta in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The area features forested terrain with nearby lakes and mountain views. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Visitors can explore Mount Shasta and Castle Crags State Park, both offering hiking and scenic vistas.

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Location

Toad Lake Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

41.2835295 N
122.49164427 W

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Connectivity

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Mt. Shasta Area

Mt. Shasta Area

51 min away

Castle Lake Campground

Castle Lake Campground

1 hr 9 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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5.0

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1 Review

Reviewed Jul. 25, 2021

Quiet and Pristine

🌲🐸 If you’re reading this review, do your part to keep this lake pristine and quiet.

Toad Lake is a pristine mountain lake accessible only via a long, rough, and rocky single lane dirt road (Toad Lake Road 40N64). Take this road only is you have a 4x4 or AWD vehicle with suitable clearance and are comfortable driving on such mountain roads, there are very few places to turn around. The road is very rough, so expect to bounce around for about 1.5 hours while traveling at an average speed of 5mph. There are several unmarked forks while driving in - be sure to stay on the road that looks the smoothest and you’ll make it there fine. At the end of the road is a small parking lot with an information sign that sits at the trailhead to the lake. A short 15 minute hike (it would be hard to bring an ice chest) takes you the lake, where there is 2 picnic tables and a fire pit. DO NOT USE THE FIRE PIT - fires are not allowed and it is an illegal fire ring. Bring a gas stove to heat your food instead. The lake itself is small and surrounded with life! Beautiful flowers are everywhere. This is a very fragile ecosystem so please tread carefully. Be respectful to nature and your fellow campers. When we were there, there were four other groups dispersed camping around the lake. Sound carries very easily, so normal level conversations can be heard all the way across the lake. Please be quiet and conscious while you are here. There are no bear boxes, so make sure you bring a bear canister to keep your food (and the bears) safe. We carried one of our inflatable kayaks up the trail and to the lake. It was difficult but well worth it, it was such a peaceful ride. I would love to go back to Toad Lake. I highly recommend it, but only if you have a sturdy vehicle and are willing to keep this place pristine.

Month of VisitJuly
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Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Toad Lake Campground?

Toad Lake Campground is a primitive camping area with minimal amenities, emphasizing a true wilderness experience. The campground focuses on preserving the pristine natural environment rather than providing facilities. Expect no running water, electricity, or developed sites. Campers should pack in all supplies and pack out all trash. The remote location offers solitude and direct access to the lake, making it ideal for those seeking an authentic backcountry camping experience.

Where is Toad Lake Campground located in California?

Toad Lake Campground is located in Northern California near Mt. Shasta. The campground sits at a pristine mountain lake in the Trinity Alps region. To reach it, you'll need to navigate Toad Lake Road (40N64), which is a long, rough, single-lane dirt road requiring 4x4 or AWD vehicles with good clearance. The remote location offers stunning alpine scenery and isolation from crowds.

How do I access the Toad Lake trailhead from the campground?

The Toad Lake trailhead is essentially at the campground, making access extremely convenient for hikers. Once you've reached the campground via the challenging Toad Lake Road (40N64), you're already at the trailhead. From there, various hiking trails connect to the surrounding wilderness areas. Be prepared with proper navigation tools as trails may not be heavily marked in this remote area. The trailhead provides access to explore the scenic Trinity Alps region.