The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Shasta. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Shasta, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
$20 / night
". #6, 8, and 9 probably your best bets if they are open. 4 and 5 are right next to the entrance. There's a small narrow dirt road, but easily doable even in a loaded down sedan."
"Just me and one friend stayed overnight, very nice area, creek right next to spots. A little bit of a walk to the bathroom though."
"It’s nice for a stop over or a couple of weeks while exploring the Shasta area."
"Close to the mountain for skiing. Close to the lake for skiing. Nancy the manager was extremely helpful! We found this to have an old fashioned touch. Garbage facilities close by!"
$50 - $70 / night
"Also the water park next to the campground was closed"
"Because it's the shoulder season, their were fewer people there, which allowed us to have more space... no one in adjacent sites."
"Our site had private water access and was a good distance from adjacent sites. I really can't say enough good things about my time here."
"We stopped on the way up to Shasta. You don’t need ground clearance or 4wd to get there. Lots of space, there will certainly be a place for you when you pull in."
"There was an awesome creek right next to us. FYI there was no phone service at all until you get by the school."
"Management allowed us to park our truck in the empty space right next to our camper, which was super convenient. All hookups worked perfectly."
$20 / night
"The best site is SC14 because it has its own beach entry cove to the lake and it is large and shady."
$20 / night
"Beehive point offers camping right on the waters of Shasta Lake and has absolutely amazing views. We have been up there a few times and it has rarely been busy."
"We stayed here a few years ago and the water was so low that we literally could not reach it, even after a long walk down, it just became too rocky."
"There's a newly built sunshaded playground for the kids, ultimate course on grounds and a small boat ramp nearby to Sac River for fishing access."
"Biggest downfall is the freeway is close by and it is therefore a little noisy."
GuideSimple but beautiful campground. Use Recreation.gov to reserve a site. If you dont have reservation you still need to log into the site to claim a spot. Fortunately there is wifi at the visitor center (not at the park store).
Keep in mind that there is no water available. Need to bring your own.
Also, no cell service but campground is sparsely tree covered. We were able to use Starlink just fine at our site.
Lots of hiking nearby.
GuideChecked 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.
ScoutWe like this place in Redding. We have a 24’ motorhome and get spots on the river. It’s very nice to sit and look at river. Big grassy area to walk dog and enjoy river under shade. Reasonable price. Nice staff. Water does seem cloudy so be sure to run it before you hook up. I have had to clear out my faucet filter twice.
ScoutI 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.
GuideEasy 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.
LegendJust staying one night on my way to Nevada but this is an easy location with decent cell service and a clean bathroom and garbage receptacles in a hiking and equestrian area
GuidePost creek guard station was awesome. The views were amazing, especially the star gazing. Took Tedoc rd going in. Long, dirt, rocky rd not recommended for passenger vehicles. Our transit connect was fine, but slow going, just enough clearance. The cabin was pretty clean. Someone left their garbage. It's a pack in 0ack out kinda place. Water is gravity feed for a flushing toilet and dish washing water. (Non-potable) nearby spring was great for filtering or the 1/4 mile down to creek and swimming hole. There are 2 new full size mattresses and a 2 burner Coleman stove. Recommend just bringing all your own gear and consider it like a camping trip, w/ bonus flush toilet. The drive out was smooth. Took service rd 30. Dirt for a short bit, then paved all the way to hwy 36. Definitely be going back, and hitting some of the hiking trails.
GuideThis is just a gravel parking lot, but it's quiet, peaceful, and about a 2 min walk from the river. Several horse and hiking trails start from here. There's a pit toilet, garbage, and recycling. We enjoyed our stay for one night, but I wouldn't want to stay here for more than a few days. It was roasting in August; the river was a nice way to cool off.
ScoutThis campground has a lot of live ins: there animals are not well behaved, barked most of the night, stray cats wandering around bothering our animals. We made reservations and reserved a campsite number, was not told we had to pay $25 more to reserve a site, they put us in the site I requested not to have, the excuse was the computer rearranged the campsite. Asked to speak to management who never appeared and lady at desk was rude.
Camping near Shasta, California, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique vibe.
Camping near Shasta, California, offers a variety of experiences, from peaceful lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds. Just be sure to plan ahead and know what to expect!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best times of year to go camping in Shasta?
The best time to camp in Shasta is late spring through early fall (May to October). Summer (June-August) offers warm temperatures perfect for enjoying water activities, but this is also the busiest period. Castle Lake Campground is particularly popular during summer months, so arrive early to secure a spot. Fall brings beautiful colors and fewer crowds, making September-October ideal for a more peaceful experience. Castle Crags State Park Campground remains a fantastic option into the fall months with its scenic trails and impressive rock formations. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, but many campgrounds close seasonally, and snow may limit accessibility to higher-elevation sites.
What are the best campgrounds in Shasta, California?
Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort stands out as a top option with spacious sites, beautiful forest surroundings, and convenient amenities including flush toilets, showers, a café, and water equipment rentals. Many campers consider it one of northern California's most perfect lake destinations. For those seeking stunning mountain views, Castle Lake Dispersed Camping offers a quieter, more remote experience with plenty of space and excellent views of Mount Shasta. Other excellent options include Castle Crags State Park for its hiking trails and natural beauty, and LOGE Mt Shasta for those wanting more amenities like WiFi and a coffee shop.
Do I need reservations for camping at Shasta Lake?
Reservations are highly recommended for camping at Shasta Lake, especially during peak season (summer months). Lakeshore Villa RV Park and other developed campgrounds around the lake can fill up quickly. For those seeking alternatives, Trail In RV Park & Campground offers camping options close to the lake and also recommends securing reservations ahead of time. Some dispersed camping areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but these also fill quickly during summer weekends. Plan to book several months ahead for holiday weekends and at least a few weeks in advance for regular summer stays.
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