Best Campgrounds near Mount Shasta, CA

Mount Shasta in Northern California presents various camping opportunities ranging from established campgrounds to primitive dispersed sites. 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.

Best Camping Sites Near Mount Shasta, California (215)

    1. Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort

    34 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 926-2618

    "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. "

    "How fantastic the whole Mount Shasta region is at this time of year. No mosquitoes! The Lake was crowded this week but the water was clean and great for swimming."

    2. Mount Shasta City KOA Holiday

    17 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 926-4029

    $66 - $149 / night

    "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."

    3. Trailer Lane Campground

    20 Reviews
    Weed, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 214-0010

    $30 - $60 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge & Campground was Railroad Park Resort

    16 Reviews
    Castella, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 235-0420

    $45 - $69 / 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. "

    5. Castle Crags State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Castella, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 235-2684

    $25 / 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."

    6. Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta

    9 Reviews
    Mount Shasta, CA
    5 miles

    "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 Campground

    9 Reviews
    Dunsmuir, CA
    7 miles
    Website

    "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. "

    8. Friendly RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Weed, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 938-2805

    "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. "

    9. Castle Lake Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Dunsmuir, CA
    6 miles

    "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."

    "This spot is great, plenty of space, quiet, great views of Mount Shasta, easy to access."

    10. McCloud RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    McCloud, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 964-2252

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Mount Shasta, CA

538 Reviews of 215 Mount Shasta Campgrounds


  • Alice P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    red fir campground

    Beautiful spot near Shasta

    Arrived here in my van late at night around 1:30am and easily found a spot a few hundred feet off the road. There were plenty of other cars around and someone pulled in right next to us at some point in the morning, but everyone was quiet and respectful. You can hear traffic from the road. Cell phone service is good.

    I happily woke up the morning to perfect weather and beautiful woods & scenery. I’d definitely stay here again.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Rail Line Dispersed Site

    Quiet and convenient

    Easy to locate. Dirt is very soft making it difficult to drive off the beaten path without an all wheel drive. All season tires were a plus with our rear wheel drive sprinter van. It’s at the Western foot of Shasta. Great views.

  • marcus K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Trailer Lane Campground

    Ok Site

    Nice little campground just off the highway. We made reservations late in the day and arrived after dark. Email said to check “porch” for info but when we arrived it was not clear where to check in or find info. Not a big deal but we could not get bathroom codes til next day when another camper shared them.

    Keep in mind that its close to the highway and yes, road noise is quite loud. We turned on our fan and that blocked most of it. Fine stop for the night.

  • marcus K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort

    Nice but crazy smokey from campfires

    Checked in on a saturday night and got an RV campsite. The map showed the aote as being close to the water but uou ate actually quite a ways and cant even really see it.

    Site included a table and fire ring. Relatively spacious. Bathrooms not far and clean.

    On a down side, campground was super smokey. Felt like we were in the middle of a fire. Ugh. Would have tried to move if we were not so tired.

  • Kathleen M.
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Castle Lake Campground

    Quiet and beautiful!

    I loved my 2 nights at Castle Lake Campground.  I was the only one in the 6 campsites until late the first night. When I left, 4 sites had been used. I went in off season so it was quiet. No water, bring your own. But the sites are large and private and the trees are beautiful. All the downed firewood has been picked, but if you go up to the overflow parking area at the lake, there is a lot of downed wood there.

    There is a small creek that runs behind the campground that you can hear quietly running.

    The lake is a short walk up the hill (or drive) and has a couple of short hikes and a longer hike. Very popular. The lake is crystal clear and very serene. 

    The pit toilets are clean and there are bear proof trash cans. Of my 3 campsites on this trip, this one was the best.

  • Marie D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge & Campground was Railroad Park Resort

    Nice campground

    Easy access to the highway without the noise. There is a dining railcar restaurant, camp host is great. We came in on a Thursday no reservation and had no problem snagging a roomy spot for our 30' towing a Jeep. Great in the woods feel with full hookups. Highly recommended. Bears are common in this area.

  • N
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Upper Sand Flat

    very cliffy

    checked out the spot and too much cliffage around this. maybe better across the road there’s an obvious dirt road that goes into the forest.

  • M
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Klamath National Forest Orr Lake Campground

    Great little campground with nice views of Mt. Shasta

    I've had my eye on this little spot for a while now and finally got a chance to check it out for an overnight stay. I love this place! Nice and quiet and clean. Great views all around. Picnic benches, fire rings and the coolest BBQ I've ever seen in a campground. It does have a pit toilet but no water or electric. Going to have to come back and stay longer next time!

  • M
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Algoma Campground

    Nice quiet stop along the McCloud River

    I first camped here back in the 80's and loved it back then. Time has changed the area but not this peaceful little gem of a campground. No amenities except one pit toilet. The McCloud river runs right through the middle of the campground so the fishing is amazing! There are about 10 camp spots and plenty of dispersed sites available up the dirt road. 2 thumbs up!


Guide to Mount Shasta

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!

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.