Established Camping
Hirz Bay Campground
Hirz Bay Campground, near Lakehead, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some good old-fashioned camping. Set within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, this campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, perfect for families and friends wanting to escape the hustle and bustle.
The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained bathrooms, which visitors appreciate. Many campers have enjoyed the ample shade provided by the surrounding trees, making it a comfortable place to relax during the day. As one reviewer noted, “The bathrooms were clean,” which is always a plus when you’re out in the wild.
For those who love water activities, there’s a trail leading down to the lake, although be prepared for a bit of a workout on the way back up. Campers have reported enjoying swimming and fishing in the area, with some even discovering secluded spots for a refreshing dip. Just keep an eye out for wildlife; bears have been spotted around the campground, so it’s wise to stay alert and secure your food.
With its beautiful forest setting and access to the lake, Hirz Bay Campground is a great choice for a summer getaway. Whether you’re planning a family trip or a weekend with friends, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation here.
Description
Overview
Hirz Bay Campground is nestled among Manzanita and oak trees on a hilltop overlooking the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake. The scenic location offers a variety of recreational activities, including a nearby boat ramp for water sports and a hiking trail.
Recreation
The nearest boat launch is about 1 mile away at Hirz Bay. Resorts on the lake have watercraft rentals and marinas with fuel. Popular water activities include power and non-motorized boating, fishing and water skiing. Lake Shasta offers excellent fishing for trout, catfish, Chinook salmon, crappie, bluegill, white sturgeon, brown bullhead and bass. Hikers can access the 2-mile Hirz Bay Trail from the campground.
Facilities
Each campsite contains a paved parking spur, a table, a bear-proof food locker and one fire ring. This campground has a pay phone, drinking water, flush toilets and an overflow parking area.
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.
Nearby Attractions
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.
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.
Location
Hirz Bay Campground is located in California
Directions
From Redding, CA, remain on I-5 to Gilman Road. (From the north, take Salt Creek exit to Gilman Road). Take Gilman Road east for 11 miles to entrance of Hirz Bay.
Address
Gilman Road Exit off of Interstate 5
Lakehead, CA 96051
Coordinates
40.8666667 N
122.2530556 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Detours Nearby
Girard Ridge Lookout
1 hr 26 min away
Mt. Shasta Area
2 hrs 2 min away
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
