Cabin camping options near Bella Vista, California center around the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and Lake Shasta regions at elevations between 1,000-2,000 feet. The area experiences hot summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F from June through September with cooler nights around 50-60°F. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making most cabin accommodations seasonal with limited winter availability.
What to do
Fishing at McCloud Bridge: Located at the convergence of the McCloud River and Lake Shasta, this campground provides excellent fishing opportunities when water levels are sufficient. A day-use area is available for kayakers and paddleboarders who don't need overnight accommodations. "There is clean bathrooms, water, bear bins, and fire rings as well as trash cans! The fee is $25. There is no camp host so bring your own wood," notes a visitor to McCloud Bridge Campground.
Swimming at Lake Siskiyou: The distinctive blue-teal waters of Lake Siskiyou offer refreshing swimming options about 60 miles north of Bella Vista. The lake maintains a family-friendly swimming area with a sandy beach. "We found a rope swing hanging on a tree and tied up and did some rope swing fun into the lake. We also enjoyed a short drive up to Castle lake at a higher elevation a lot less people not much sand but really nice for a picnic lunch," shares one camper at Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort.
Waterfall viewing at Burney Falls: Located approximately 50 miles northeast of Bella Vista, this 129-foot waterfall flows year-round at 100 million gallons daily. The falls create natural cooling effects even during hot summer days. "The waterfalls are breathtaking, the lake is refreshing and the campground itself is relaxing and peaceful. The sites aren't super cramped, there is a general store, clean facilities, and even cool cabins if that's your thing," reports a visitor to McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground.
What campers like
Shade coverage during summer heat: Many campgrounds in the region feature mature tree canopies that provide essential shade during peak summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. "Very nice clean water. Camped right next to the water. The site is very busy get there early," notes a camper at Moore Creek Campground.
Clean facilities near glamping options: Guests appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities at several campgrounds offering glamping in Bella Vista, California and surrounding areas. "The amenities were exceptionally clean, and the sites themselves were tidy with all the necessary hookups. Free WiFi provided, and laundry room on site as well," mentions a reviewer at Boulder Creek RV Redding.
Lake proximity for cooling off: Many campsites offer direct lake access or short walking distances to water, particularly valued during hot summer months. "The campground was beautiful. Pretty close to the water, however, this year summer 2021 the water is very low. The camp ground offers bathrooms, bear boxes, very nice fire rings and clean water," reports a camper at Jones Inlet Campground.
What you should know
Bear activity is common: Several campgrounds report regular bear sightings and activity, particularly around trash containers. Proper food storage in designated bear boxes is essential. "The bears got into the trash pretty regularly though. It was very evident in the morning when the cans would be knocked over and rummaged through. It could be easily solved with some bear-proof trash cans," notes a visitor to Antlers RV Park and Campground.
Low water levels affect recreation: Lake Shasta water levels fluctuate significantly between seasons and drought years, potentially limiting water access at some campgrounds. "The water is low right now (may 2021) but, normally it would be walking distance to the water even a few 100 feet," explains a camper at McCloud Bridge.
Highway noise affects some sites: Campgrounds located near major highways experience significant traffic noise, especially those near Highway 89. "That night, the trucks on the adjacent highway were ridiculously loud. I think there was a particularly loud period from midnight to 1am, and then they started back up again around 5:30am," reports a camper at McArthur-Burney Falls.
Tips for camping with families
Arcade and activities at Lake Siskiyou: Families appreciate the additional entertainment options including an arcade, restaurant, and boat rentals. "It has a nice beach, boat ramp, party boat rentals, general store, restaurant, bar, arcade, laundry," mentions a long-time visitor to Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort.
Playground access at Boulder Creek: The property includes a play structure for children, providing additional entertainment beyond water activities. "The grounds were beautiful, and included a small waterfall & koi pond, and a play structure for the littles," notes a family who stayed at Boulder Creek RV Redding.
Self-contained cabins for easier family trips: Several glamping options near Bella Vista offer fully-equipped cabins that minimize packing requirements for families. "I stayed at the state park in a cabin for 2 nights... good amount of trails... the falls are not even far to get too maybe 5 minute walk," shares a visitor to McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park.
Tips from RVers
Level sites with full hookups: RVers report finding well-maintained, level sites at multiple campgrounds in the region. "Sites level and little road noise from highway. Bathrooms have separate shower/toilet rooms and are very clean," notes an RVer at Boulder Creek RV Redding.
Spacious RV sites at Mountain Gate: Located just north of Redding, this park provides larger-than-average sites with essential amenities. "We loved our stay. We felt safe and it's probably one of the most cleanest campground and facilities I've ever been to. Clean bathrooms, showers, zero trash around," shares an RVer at Mountain Gate RV Park.
Cell service varies significantly: Cellular connectivity fluctuates throughout the region, with some campgrounds offering stable connections while others have limited or no service. "Excellent Verizon signal. Very clean. The only negative was it appeared to be many long term residents," reports an RVer at Boulder Creek.
