Amy W.
Traveler
TravelerGumboot Campground
Peaceful pond
Small pond, lots of flys. But very peaceful. People floating in their floats on the water. Lots of chipmunks for the dog to chase. There is a pit toilet, pretty decent shape
Camping near Castella, CA
232 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds near Castella, California range from established state park facilities to dispersed camping options. Castle Crags State Park Campground serves as a central camping area, featuring drive-in sites for tents and RVs with essential amenities like drinking water, toilets, and fire rings. Several dispersed camping locations exist near Castle Lake, offering primitive camping experiences with fewer amenities but greater privacy. The region includes unique accommodation options such as the historic Girard Ridge Lookout cabin and Railroad Park Resort, which features converted train cars along with traditional camping sites.
Road access varies significantly between campground options near Castella. Most established campgrounds maintain reasonable access roads suitable for standard vehicles, while dispersed camping areas and the Girard Ridge Lookout require high-clearance vehicles to navigate rougher forest service roads. Seasonal closures affect availability, with most campgrounds operating primarily between April and October. Castle Lake dispersed camping areas typically close during winter months due to snow conditions. Permits and reservations are recommended, particularly during summer months when campgrounds reach capacity. "Although you do feel like you are way off the beaten path when you are there, do put your gear away each night and day and lock the door to the lookout and your car as day hikers do come up to the lookout," noted one visitor regarding the Girard Ridge Lookout.
Campers consistently mention the proximity to Interstate 5 as both a convenience and a drawback. The sound of highway traffic and passing trains affects sites at Castle Crags State Park, especially in the lower loop campground. A visitor remarked that "Sites 39-63 are the farthest from the freeway noise." Several campgrounds provide access to natural features like the Sacramento River and hiking trails to viewpoints of the iconic Castle Crags formations and Mount Shasta. Wildlife sightings, including bears, are frequently reported, requiring proper food storage. Campgrounds with river access tend to receive higher ratings, with many visitors appreciating the opportunity to fish or cool off during summer months. The area's mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from basic tent sites to RV hookups and specialized accommodations.
Best Campgrounds near Castella (232)
1. Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort
"The beach is sectioned off for social distancing. The camp sites are in the tall pine trees just steps away from the lake. I come back every year! Swimming in the lake is great!"
"I have been to many lakes in northern California but nothing as perfect as this place. I accidentally booked a spot here at Siskiyou but meant to go to lake Shasta and boy was luck on my side!!!"
2. Castle Crags State Park Campground
"From our campsite we were able to walk to the trailhead and do the crags trail all the way to the top of the rocks. Would highly recommend this campground!"
"Oldest camping area is right next to I-5 (which was not there when the campground was built!). But there are newer camping sites farther away from I-5."
from $25 / night
Check Availability3. Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge & Campground was Railroad Park Resort
"The RV Campground is beautiful and surrounded by trees and a creek that flows behind the main RV parking area. Check in is easy. We booked ⁷online and the RV was ready for us."
"We stayed here twice on a trip from central California to Washington. All of the staff was friendly and super helpful. The campsite was very clean and quiet. Beautiful scenery and easy to get to."
from $45 - $69 / night
Check Availability4. Mount Shasta City KOA Holiday
"For once a KOA not next to a freeway. Off the beaten path for a change. Nice grounds. I'm in a basic cabin. It's basic. No ac just a ceiling fan. Nice small queen bed with linens."
"Nothing fancy schmancy, but roomy and woodsy, and convenient for our drive down California. :) highly recommend!"
from $66 - $149 / night
Check Availability5. Castle Lake Campground
"This is a great little campground located right near a beautiful lake and some great hiking."
"Years ago you could camp right on the lake in primitive walk in spots, now that is not allowed. "
6. Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta
"We stayed here exiting and entering CA. Exactly what we were looking for our one nighters. Lake Siskiyou is super close and was warm enough for a quick dip before hitting the road."
"We did not hear any other campers even though there were at least 2 nearby. Google will try to get you to the coordinates but doesn’t know about the existence of the final dirt road to get you there."
7. Castle Lake Dispersed Camping
"Lots of spots tucked away to park next to, and even more tent spots you can walk to hidden just off the drivable areas. Saw about 5 people camping around us, mostly in cars with tents and some vans."
"Cannot hear water the other person mentioned but also haven't walked down the road yet. 3 or 4 rigs down close by. I am in a level spot but nowhere to walk except road from here. Again, great view."
8. McCloud RV Resort
"Great walk with the dog. Little town of McCloud is cute!"
"We enjoyed the pizza and beer at the little micro-brewery at the entrance to the park. They are no longer brewing their own beer and they hope to sell the place soon. Pizza was excellent."
9. Sims Flat Campground
"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."
"Right on the river with easy access to the 5."
10. Trailer Lane Campground
"The tent only section is nicely tucked away from the RV sites. Nice for a campervan, but no hookups. Great views of Shasta and the cheapest option in Weed, it seems."
"First of all, a quaint little park tucked into a wooded valley in Weed, CA.(just north of Mt. Shasta)."
from $30 - $60 / night
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Recent Camping Photos near Castella, CA
152 Photos of 232 Castella Campgrounds
Zack R.
Castle Crags State Park Campground
Michael I.
Girard Ridge Lookout
Michael
Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge & Campground was Railroad Park Resort
erin O.
Castle Lake Campground
Victoria B.
Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta
Stephanie S.
Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort
Sarah L.
Siskiyou Beach and Camp
Adam A.
W A Barr rd nearby Middle Fork Sacramento river dispersed camping
Jami M.
The Healing Place
Stephanie Z.
LOGE Mt Shasta
Therese L.
Ah-Di-Na Campground
heather
McCloud RV Resort
Recent Reviews near Castella, CA
621 Reviews of 232 Castella Campgrounds
- NNicole V.
GuideCastle Crags State Park Campground
Little Loop
Quiet loop with bathrooms. 4 sites total including the hike & bike site. Lots of privacy and cover. Site 24 not level but not bad for a van. You do hear the highway and trains at night. Quick drive and walk to the Crags Vista.
- jjenny W.
ScoutFowlers Campground
Wonferful campground
Perfect location right along the beautiful McCloud River and just a short distance from Lower McCloud Falls. The campsite was comfortable, and the campground was clean and well-maintained. A great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area!
Kelly I.GuideSand Flat Wild Camping
Absolutely beautiful!
Originally we were at Salt flats i believe and had a bad experience there and came here. It is stunning and very spacious, there are fire pits around also. I will say the road coming in is a bit treacherous but we made it in and found a nice spot.
- Kelly I.Guide
Lower Salt Creek Shoreline Campground
Not for a quiet camper
We noticed there were a few people when we stopped but at first it was no big deal, this wasn't the first time camping with others. But as the sun was starting to set more people showed up, fireworks were going off, music was getting louder and we had to leave as we were not going to get any sleep.
Grant M.
RangerOak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
Ok, but a little disappointing.
After several nights of free dispersed camping, we decided to spoil ourselves with a paid lakeside campsite for the showers, amenities, and fire pits. Our stay cost about $50, plus an additional $10 fee for our dog.
The biggest downside is that the RV area is essentially just a parking lot. It’s completely exposed, with little to no shade, and can be windy and quite hot when the sun is out. The beach itself is nice, and there’s a boat launch if that’s what you’re coming for.
We were disappointed to learn that the showers are not included and require an additional fee. We didn’t check the exact cost, but it wasn’t worth it to us, and we ended up rinsing off in the lake instead. The fire pits and covered pavilions are available in the day-use area and are only a short walk from the parking lot, but they are not located directly at the RV sites. Also worth noting: dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Amenities include an RV dump station, potable water fill, restrooms, and showers. Access is easy, with paved roads and large, accessible parking areas.
One other thing to be aware of is that you still need a National Park pass in addition to paying for the campsite.
Overall, I’d recommend this more as a day-use destination or for travelers in larger RVs who want convenient amenities. If you’re overlanding or traveling in a truck camper, there are better and more scenic options available nearby.
- Grant M.Ranger
Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed
No Camping, Day Use Only
We arrived late after dark and found the area to be quite far off the beaten path. It was another overnight stop for us while traveling through the area.
We located the designated spot, but the signage was confusing. There were numerous signs stating “No Camping” and “Day Use Only,” even though there were established fire pits present. It was difficult to tell whether the specific area we were in allowed overnight stays while the surrounding area did not.
The river was nice, and the area itself is pretty. However, the road leading to the site is rough and best suited for 4x4 vehicles. There is also a fairly steep downhill section to reach the parking area.
One positive was the solitude. We didn’t see a single vehicle pass by during our entire stay, so it was very peaceful and quiet throughout the night.
I’m giving this location one star, not because of the scenery, but because of the confusing camping regulations. If the camping situation had been clearly marked, I would probably rate it two or three stars. Stay at your own risk and verify the rules for yourself before spending the night.
There are no hookups, no water, and no amenities. At least from the spot where we stayed, there wasn’t even a maintained trail down to the river.
- FFelix S.Guide
Castle Crags State Park Campground
Good stop over
The area has a lot to offer in terms of hiking and river based activities, ie fishing and kayaking. The river trail is beautiful. The campground facilities (toilets and showers) are basic and ok. Water was warm (after a minute of waiting). Some sites are very small, but generally not too close together. A few great sites across the river at first come first served area. The BIG downer is the noise from Highway 5 and the train which sounds its horn 5 or six times as it passes though each night (4 or more passes). Even with ear plugs it was tough to sleep inside an insulated van.
- GGeorge E.Traveler
Mount Shasta Nordic Center
Boondocking adjacent to the Nordic Center
This not glamorous stop over! It is boondock spot near a ski center. It is free and there is a place for a trailer or camper of almost any size or combo. I guess a determined tent camper could locate off the road. Campfires are optional depending on the season. The turn off is located about half way between Mt Shasta and McCloud and about 3 miles up from Hwy 89. The road is paved well enough. The location is in the vicinity of Trinity Alps, Mt Shasta and McCloud River Falls (which is pretty cool). I would use it again as a stop over.
Guide to Castella
The Sacramento River forms the backbone of camping options near Castella, California, where elevations range from 2,000-5,000 feet throughout the region. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during day and drop to 45-55°F at night. Most campgrounds within 15 miles of Castella operate from April through October, with limited winter availability due to snowfall at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking to Heart Lake: From Castle Lake Campground, take the 2-mile trail to Heart Lake for views of Mount Shasta. "The hike up to Heart Lake and Castle Peak is one of my favorites in the area! On a clear day, you can see some of the mountains in Oregon!" notes Laurel H.
Swimming at Lake Siskiyou: Drive 20 minutes from Castella to Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort for swimming and boat rentals. "We rented kayaks one day and the next we rented a pontoon boat and our friends joined us. We found a rope swing hanging on a tree and tied up and did some rope swing fun into the lake," shares Margo A.
Train watching: Camp near the tracks at Sims Flat Campground where you can watch trains pass along the Sacramento River canyon. "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," advises Jodi S.
What campers like
River access: Many campsites near Castella feature direct river access for cooling off during summer months. "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," reports Hannah about Sims Flat Campground.
Privacy between sites: Upper loop at Castle Crags State Park Campground offers more separation between sites. "The Upper Loop is fairly densely wooded so sites don't seem as on top of each other as other campgrounds. I have not personally stayed in Little Loop before, but with just four sites it seems like it could be nice and quiet," shares Michael I.
Converted train car lodging: For a unique stay, Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge & Campground offers train cabooses converted into hotel rooms. "Great resort. Guests have the option of bringing their own RV, staying in a tent, or lodging in train cars that have been converted into hotel rooms. Large pool on site, along with a rustic restaurant with great steaks!" explains Daniel D.
What you should know
Train noise: Railroads run through the canyon alongside I-5 and affect most campgrounds in the area. "Several train pass each night and you will hear them. Even if you sleep like a bear you will likely hear the train. This isn't as much of an issue in the Upper Loop, and I imagine Little Loop, but campers in the Lower Loop and Riverside Campground should definitely be aware of this," advises a camper.
Bear activity: Bears frequent campsites throughout the region. "On our last trip a mom and two cubs were walking just 50 feet north of us in site 52 when the two cubs decided to come closer for a look. They got within about 10 feet of us and the picnic table before mom called them back," reports a visitor at Castle Crags State Park.
Limited cell service: Cell coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. Some sites have no service while others maintain good connections. "We have t-mobile and we did not have a signal on the campgrounds/resort, but as soon as you get on the I-5 signal picks back up," notes Julia P. about McCloud RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Castle Lake dispersed camping: For a free alternative to established campgrounds, try the dispersed sites near Castle Lake. "We came in off season so it was quiet. No water, bring your own. But the sites are large and private and the trees are beautiful. There is a small creek that runs behind the campground that you can hear quietly running," shares Kathleen M. about dispersed campsites near Castle Lake.
Kid-friendly swimming: Lake Siskiyou offers a sandy beach area ideal for children. "We took 2 small children in a rented camper and went to this lake on a recommendation from friends in Mt. Shasta. We were not disappointed! They were plenty of trees in the campground everybody was friendly, short walk with our water toys to the nice sandy beach and lake," says Margo A.
Campground activities: Several sites offer organized recreation options. "Large pool on site, along with a rustic restaurant with great steaks!" mentions Daniel D. about Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge & Campground, while Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort features "a nice beach, boat ramp, party boat rentals, general store, restaurant, bar, arcade, laundry," according to Stephanie C.
Tips from RVers
Higher sites offer less noise: For RVers concerned about highway and train noise, select upper campground loops. "Sites 39-63 are the farthest from the freeway noise," advises a visitor to Castle Crags State Park.
Watch your water pressure: Some campgrounds have unusually high water pressure. "The water is great! Pure and cold. However, it is high pressure. It exploded our water hose! After that we learned to place our pressure regulator valve right on the faucet," warns Steven H. about McCloud RV Resort.
Reservations essential: Most RV sites fill quickly, especially during summer. "We were more than happy to escape the 110' temps down in the valley. The campground was cramped as it was the 4th of July holiday. Sites are really packed together! Best advice: book this at least 2 months in advance," recommends Steven H.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Castella, CA?
What camping is available near Castella, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Castella, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 232 campgrounds and RV parks near Castella, CA and 19 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Castella, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Castella, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Castella, CA is Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort with a 4.5-star rating from 33 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Castella, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Castella, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Castella, CA.
What parks are near Castella, CA?
What parks are near Castella, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Castella, CA that allow camping, notably Klamath National Forest and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
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