Best Campgrounds near Mount Shasta, CA

Camping near Mount Shasta, California, offers a mix of stunning scenery and a variety of campgrounds to suit different tastes. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly spot, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the many trails around Mount Shasta. Campers love the access to trails leading to breathtaking views, like the hike to Heart Lake. One visitor mentioned, "The hike up to Heart Lake and Castle Peak is one of my favorites in the area!"
• Water Activities: Enjoy swimming, fishing, or kayaking at nearby lakes. One reviewer noted, "Great camping by the water. Easy to move about. Great for water sports powered or canoes and paddle boards."
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Cattle Camp Campground shared, "Chipmunks are cute and respectful. Very beautiful campground."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort said, "Tons of rules here, but can tell the campground is well maintained and nothing unreasonable."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Railroad Park Resort said, "All of the staff was friendly and super helpful."
• Scenic Views: The natural beauty of the area is a big draw. A camper at Castle Crags State Park Campground remarked, "The campground is right next to I-5, but the views are outstanding."

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A camper at Castle Crags State Park Campground mentioned, "Could see the trucks/cars from site #12. Freeway noise noted."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Beehive Point Shoreline Campground noted, "No hookups. No designated spots. Porta potties were just dropped off."
• First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, so arriving early is key. A camper at Castle Lake Campground advised, "If you want to secure a day spot on the lake's edge, plan on getting there first thing in the morning."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One camper at Mount Shasta City KOA said, "Kids love staying at KOA’s and it didn’t disappoint."
• Safety Precautions: Be aware of wildlife and teach kids about safety. A visitor at Cattle Camp Campground mentioned, "The campground was empty compared to Fowler’s just down the road. Lots of space between sites."
• Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Trailer Lane Campground noted, "The little bee traps do help. Overall the bees seem harmless but tough to explain that to a 5 yr old."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at McCloud RV Resort said, "The spaces in the 120’s were very small; your neighbor’s slide is in your space!"
• Water Pressure Caution: Be cautious with water pressure at some campgrounds. One visitor at McCloud RV Resort shared, "The water is great! Pure and cold. However, it is high pressure. It exploded our water hose!"
• Dumping Stations: Know where the nearest dumping stations are located. A camper at Mount Shasta City KOA mentioned, "Nice staff and easy check-in. Great stopover for a night."

Camping near Mount Shasta, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy!