1 campground with availability this weekend
Camping near Mount Shasta, CA spans full-service RV parks, tent sites, cabins, and free dispersed camping in Northern California. The area includes Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort, offering tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping options at the base of Mount Shasta. Mount Shasta City KOA Holiday provides year-round camping with full hookup sites, cabins, and tent camping within walking distance of town. Several dispersed camping areas can be found near Castle Lake, providing free primitive camping options for those seeking a more rustic experience.
Camping availability in the Mount Shasta region follows seasonal patterns, with most developed campgrounds operating from April through October. Winter snow and spring melt impact accessibility, particularly at higher elevations. Castle Crags State Park remains open year-round but with limited winter facilities. Travelers should be prepared for temperature fluctuations, as nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer months. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer periods, especially in dispersed camping areas. According to one visitor, "It's about 2 miles from the I5, which eliminates road noise, while still being an excellent overnight stop."
Campers consistently mention the scenic qualities of the Mount Shasta area, with views of the mountain available from many camping locations. The developed campgrounds provide amenities like showers, electricity, and recreation facilities, while dispersed sites offer more solitude but require self-sufficiency. Mount Shasta City KOA features "lots of trees for shade, solid fire ring, polite staff" and serves as "a great location for exploring the Mount Shasta area." Several reviews highlight the region's cooler temperatures compared to surrounding areas, making it a refreshing summer destination. Visitors appreciate the proximity to hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities, with Castle Lake dispersed camping offering direct access to alpine lake swimming and hiking.
"The campground is tucked into the Forrest. You have full hookups and a fairly level place to park in the dirt amongst the trees."
"There are numerous spaces and you can really get far away from people if you'd like to- as the bulk of them stay nearest the water. "
"Great black berry picking through out the campsite and a short walk to Mount Shasta city down town area.
It fills up fast so it's best to make reservations.""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."
from $66 - $149 / night
"Nice walk up to the tent sites for epic view of Mount Shasta. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Fun bonus to visit the goats and chickens."
"A quaint little old campground tucked into the forests of Siskiyou County, with the most spectacular views of Mount Shasta from its chaparral covered hilltop, we felt like we had found a hidden gem."
Available this weekend
from $30 - $60 / night
"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
"This is a great campground, and the locals will tell you all about the history of the railroad and the pushers for the trains to climb mount Shasta."
"There is a short hike at nearby Hedge Creek Falls and you are close to Mount Shasta. "
from $45 - $69 / night
"One of the first most breath-taking spots we’ve found with views of Mount Shasta. This place was so good, we had go back for several days just to stay. This is a stay a week worthy place."
"As of May 31st there isn’t access to some areas as there is snow blocking the way, some areas are wet from the snow that has already melted."
"Great location and spacious. Gorgeous Views Of Mount Shasta. Within Walking Distance To Restaurants And Convenience Store. Clean And Remodeled Restrooms/Showers. New Pet Areas"
"We had requested a pull-through and at first I was a little disappointed to find that our spot was right next to the entry road. "
from $40 / night
"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."
"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. "
"Quiet, fcfs, self check-in envelops at the entrance. Vault toilets (2) and a hand water pump. Direct access to MTB trails and short drive to the town."
"The surrounding area is beautiful, and the town is nearby."
from $10 / night
TravelerThe north side of Mount Shasta in the Trinity national Forest at these GPS coordinates 41.52034° N, 122.24421° W. Boondocking off of dirt roads and Open land. No facilities, just beautiful views and peaceful. Update— there is a freight train that runs frequently through this area approximately 5 miles away., So at times the peacefulness is broken by the sound of the train whistle.
ScoutHelpful staff and nice sites
RangerHere are the correct coordinates: 40°46'48.5"N 123°07'43.7"W It sits 1 hr and 15 mins from Redding
RangerQuiet, fcfs, self check-in envelops at the entrance. Vault toilets (2) and a hand water pump. Direct access to MTB trails and short drive to the town.
TravelerWe did work for the new owners they were just awesome to say the least. Looking forward to staying with them as guest next time around.
TravelerWe camped in the rv campground and it was basically just a parking lot. The price was decent ($30 a night) but we had to pay for a park pass on top of that ($25 for a week). They had showers, but they cost a quarter per minute. The lake was nice, but it was a bit of a walk from the rv parking.
GuideWe stayed two nights here and were able to walk to the Apple harvest festival across the street. You are definitely packed in here but the park is really nice. We stayed in spot 29.
These spots seem to have shade all day long: 25-34 47-70
Spots we saw that we would like to stay in next time: 18, 19, 83A, 113
Also good: 80-83 and 105-113
36-47 have no shade in the afternoon/early evening
The bathrooms were old but clean. I wish the outdoor cooking facilities were better maintained. I’m not quite sure they are usable, but my husband says they are.
We definitely will return to this Park. I appreciate the tight ship they run. We let them know that our cable box was broken when we arrived, and even though we don’t use the cable, they had somebody there within five minutes to fix it. Strict 10pm quiet rule, which I also appreciated. Some highway noise, but it was not that bad. The little town of McCloud is so very cute and easily walkable. We recommend Sage for a fancy dinner.
TravelerI showed up for a first come first served site. It wasn’t clear when I drove in that you can look at the dates on the reservation tags and use the site if you’re between days it is reserved. Nice shady wooded campground right next to the river with easy access to a gorgeous trail.
TravelerIt's a beautiful camp, but there is a conflict between their (gov run) website information and in park board. Some sights are first come first serve, but some can be reserved online, but aren't marked, so there can be a reservation for a first come first serve spot. I've been there three times, the last wasn't bad, but twice the above issues caused inconvenience to my camp. Still a beautiful place, though
Mount Shasta camping options extend beyond traditional sites to include unique settings at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 5,800 feet. The Sacramento River headwaters originate near Mount Shasta, creating numerous waterways through the surrounding forests. Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common even in summer months, making layered clothing essential for campers throughout the season.
Fishing at mountain lakes: Castle Lake offers excellent alpine fishing opportunities in crystal-clear waters. "The lake is crystal clear and very serene" with "direct access to alpine lake swimming and hiking," according to a visitor at Castle Lake Campground.
Train-themed exploration: The area's railroad history provides unique camping experiences. "There is a teeny store with some basic supplies and snack foods, and ice and wood available for purchase, wifi advertised, as well as a swimming pool" at Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge & Campground, where "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."
Hiking to viewpoints: Multiple trails provide views of both Mount Shasta and surrounding landmarks. "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!" shares a camper who stayed at Castle Lake Campground.
Secluded forest settings: Dispersed camping areas offer privacy while maintaining accessibility. At Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta, campers appreciate that "it's a dirt road but not bad at all. You have to keep going pasta where it takes you on google maps until you see a dirt road turnoff on the right."
Wildlife sightings: The Mount Shasta region supports diverse wildlife visible from campsites. "Have seen deer and bears here," notes one camper who visited Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort. Another mentioned "We took 2 small children in a rented camper and went to this lake in a recommendation from friends in Mt. Shasta... we were not disappointed!"
Waterway access: Creeks and streams run through many campgrounds, providing natural water features. At McCloud RV Resort, "a stream runs through the park (kids played in). Really enjoyable and we have been here before and had to return."
Bear safety requirements: Bears are active throughout the Mount Shasta area. "I am not aware of any bad bear encounters where people or bears have been injured, but you may want to check with the ranger station about bringing bear spray," advises a camper at Castle Crags State Park Campground.
Road noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience highway sounds. "The campground is RIGHT next to I5 so be prepared for noise," notes a Castle Crags visitor, while another mentions that "being close to the freeway you can here traffic but it honestly wasnt too loud."
Limited site availability: Small campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. Castle Lake Campground has "only 6 sites on the campground and we were lucky and got the last one available. It's a perfect amount of space between campsites, and it's free. 3 night maximum."
Kid-friendly water features: Shallow streams provide safe play areas for children. A visitor to McCloud RV Resort mentioned "A stream that runs through the park (kids played in)" and "a good size pond. Clean well kept park with plenty of amenities."
Family activity options: Multi-generational activities can be found throughout the area. At Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort, "there was tons of people there fishing, hiking, paddling, taking pics... We've been coming here for years."
Secure sites for children: Choose campgrounds with appropriate facilities for young campers. "This is a neat little mountain campground with a nice little lake" that's "great for families" according to reviews from Mount Shasta camping locations.
RV size considerations: Narrow roads limit access for larger rigs at some locations. "Tight turns in our 43' motorhome with toad," reports a camper at Trailer Lane Campground, though "our site was level and that is a big plus!!"
Hookup variations: Water pressure can be challenging at some campgrounds. "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 an RVer who visited McCloud RV Resort.
Pull-through site availability: Limited pull-through sites book quickly during peak season. "Our packet was waiting for us when we arrived, our pull through site was level and the owners were very nice. The park is perfect for a short stay and we will make this a regular stop on our route," reports a visitor to Trailer Lane Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best camping spots near Mount Shasta?
The Mount Shasta area offers excellent camping options with stunning views. Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort stands out with spacious sites, forest surroundings, and amenities including a lakeside water park, making it perfect for families. The clean swimming lake serves as an ideal base for exploring the Mount Shasta wilderness. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Castle Lake Dispersed Camping provides quiet surroundings with magnificent Mount Shasta views. While some areas may be inaccessible during snow season, there are plenty of spots for tents and vehicles just off drivable areas. Other notable options include Sand Flat Wild Camping with its sacred atmosphere and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park for waterfall enthusiasts.
Is RV camping available at Mount Shasta?
Yes, Mount Shasta offers several excellent RV camping options. Friendly RV Park provides spacious sites with gorgeous Mount Shasta views, clean remodeled restrooms/showers, and convenient walking distance to restaurants and stores. The park is particularly beautiful in fall and offers easy pull-through sites. Mount Shasta City KOA Holiday is another excellent choice for RVers, offering well-maintained facilities and good-sized campsites while remaining peaceful despite having numerous amenities. For those exploring the broader area, McCloud RV Resort near McCloud provides full hookups and big-rig-friendly spaces. Most RV parks in the region are open year-round, though winter access may be weather-dependent.
What amenities are available at McBride Springs Campground near Mount Shasta?
While specific recent reviews for McBride Springs Campground aren't available, this Forest Service campground typically offers basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and potable water during the main season (usually late spring through fall). The campground features approximately 10 sites situated in a forested setting with some sites that can accommodate smaller RVs and trailers, though no hookups are available. For those seeking more amenities, nearby alternatives include Trailer Lane Campground, a quaint, well-maintained option, or McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground which offers flush toilets and showers. Always check current conditions before visiting as amenities may change seasonally.
Do I need reservations for Mount Shasta campgrounds?
Reservations are highly recommended for most developed campgrounds around Mount Shasta, especially during the peak summer season (June-September). Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort becomes particularly crowded during summer months, making advance booking essential. For RV accommodations, places like Friendly RV Park also fill up quickly during the high season. However, dispersed camping options such as Sand Flat Wild Camping and Castle Lake Dispersed Camping operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. National Forest campgrounds in the area typically have a mix of reservable and first-come sites. During off-peak seasons (late fall through early spring), finding spots without reservations becomes easier, though weather conditions may limit accessibility.
Keep Exploring
