Camping options near Gazelle, California range from established facilities to dispersed sites in the Klamath National Forest. Located at approximately 2,800 feet elevation in Siskiyou County, this region experiences warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The area has numerous small waterways and sits within 20 miles of Mount Shasta, creating varied camping microclimates between forest-dense areas and open meadows.
What to do
Mountain lake access: Castle Lake Dispersed Camping offers proximity to both Castle Lake and Mount Shasta views. A camper notes, "You can hear the river running, and has a nice view of Mount Shasta," though "the toilets up at Castle Lake are still covered in snow and inaccessible" during spring months.
Fishing opportunities: Trailer Lane Campground provides river access for anglers. One visitor mentions it's the "perfect place for fishing or gold panning" while another appreciated the "connection to nature" and wildlife viewing, including "baby gosling and many different type of birds."
Swimming spots: Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort features a beach area for swimming. A camper shared, "We took 2 small children in a rented camper and went to this lake... short walk with our water toys to the nice sandy beach and lake." Some visitors also "rented kayaks" and others found "a rope swing hanging on a tree and tied up and did some rope swing fun into the lake."
Hiking trails: The area surrounding McBride Springs Campground connects to several hiking routes. A visitor mentioned "The campsite itself was a short walk from a few great hike. The Muir Acsencion was the one we took." Another camper noted its proximity to "Old Ski Bowl trail head where both campers and locals gather to watch the sun rise or set over the mountains."
What campers like
Year-round accessibility: Some campgrounds remain open through winter. Mount Shasta City KOA Holiday operates year-round, with one camper stating, "We've stayed at this campground twice now. Each time was in the summer and for only one night each time. We thought the spots were nice. There was lots of shade offered by the many trees."
Natural water features: Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta offers proximity to swimming areas. A camper mentioned, "It was a like 10 minute drive to the lake which is what makes this spot so worth it!" Another noted, "Keep going on the road keeping in mind that you are trying to get to exact coordinates listed which are accurate."
Pet-friendly policies: Most campgrounds welcome pets with varying rules. Waiiaka RV Park provides dedicated pet areas, with a reviewer noting, "My dogs did love the dog run area, it wasn't too bad, nice for them to stretch out & run around a bit & it wasn't filled with dog poop."
Camp hosts: Several sites have attentive staff that enhance the camping experience. One camper at Trailer Lane Campground mentioned, "Jay and Karen are very friendly and helpful. The vibe is cozy and tucked away in the forest. With a golf course down the street and amazing views of Mt Shasta, Weed is a hidden gem."
What you should know
Seasonal water availability: Some campgrounds have limited water during dry periods. At McBride Springs Campground, a visitor noted "There is no water right now because the spring/well is dried up. There are fire rings on about 1/2 the camp cites. Bathrooms are close but, kinda gross."
Access road challenges: Some dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. At Castle Lake Dispersed Camping, a camper reported, "I would probably not recommend with a trailer. I made it down with my Tacoma and a 12ft travel trailer but it was a stretch. Super easy to get in, but took a long time to turn around and get back out."
Crowding concerns: Popular sites fill quickly in peak season. One Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort visitor explained, "We love it here. However, it's super popular and we only go in the off season due to too many people booking in advance."
Campfire regulations: Fire rules vary by site and season. At Kangaroo Lake Campground, fires are generally permitted in designated rings, but one visitor at a nearby dispersed site noted, "I don't think you can do fires right now and there wasn't too many options of where to stay."
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility options: Kangaroo Lake Campground provides facilities for all ability levels. A visitor observed, "It appears that a lot of the walkways and facilities are designed to accommodate people in wheelchairs or people with walkers. It looks like everything is maintained at a higher standard than I've seen at most Forest Service campgrounds."
Recreation amenities: Some campgrounds offer additional activities beyond natural features. At Trailer Lane Campground, a family noted the site "has some outdoor games, a small dog park, and a community fire pit. And visiting the goats and chickens was definitely a bonus!"
Child-friendly lakes: Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort offers gentle water entry points. A visitor shared, "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."
Pet-friendly camping with kids: When camping with both children and pets near Gazelle, consider proximity to veterinary services. The Mount Shasta City KOA Holiday maintains a dog park and is located near town services, with one camper noting its "extremely convenient" location near "I-5 and Hwy 97."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Trailer Lane Campground provides level spaces for larger vehicles. A camper in a 43-foot motorhome reported, "Yes, the sites are mostly dirt and rock but our site was level and that is a big plus!! We could hear some traffic noise but not a problem for us."
Overnight options: Friendly RV Park works well for brief stays. A visitor stated, "The park is perfect for a short stay and we will make this a regular stop on our route," while another mentioned it's "convenient for our drive down California" with "roomy and woodsy" sites.
Hookup availability: Various campgrounds offer different utility connections. A visitor to Waiiaka RV Park noted, "This RV campground is totally adequate for a one night pull in and early departure... The staff were very friendly and the utility hook up section clean and well maintained."
