Lakehead, California sits at an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet along the northern shores of Shasta Lake in Shasta County. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional snowfall. Campsites near Lakehead typically offer wooded settings with natural shade during summer months when water levels in Shasta Lake can drop significantly due to seasonal drawdown.
What to do
Fishing at nearby lakes: Lewiston Lake is less than 10 minutes from Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort and offers excellent fishing opportunities. "We fished Lewiston lake less than 10 min. away and Whiskeytown Lake about 20-25 min. away with great luck," reports one camper who stayed for a week.
River access: The Trinity River provides additional water recreation options within walking distance of some campgrounds. At Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, "Just around the corner from the campground (walking distance) is access to the river. The whole family enjoyed dipping in when it's warm outside."
Target practice: Some campgrounds offer unique recreational amenities beyond water activities. "There are targets set up for bow hunters in the pines below the park," notes a visitor to Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, mentioning the dedicated area for archery enthusiasts.
What campers like
Natural water features: McCloud RV Resort offers unique water features on property. "A stream that runs through the park (kids played in). Really enjoyable and we have been here before and had to return," writes one visitor who appreciated the built-in entertainment for children.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness ranks high on camper priority lists. At Mountain Gate RV Park, visitors noted "Super clean & quiet" conditions with "Clean bathrooms, showers, zero trash around. All around a great visit. Perfect spot if you are traveling with a pet."
Evening quiet: Despite proximity to major roadways, many campgrounds maintain peaceful evening environments. "It was very evident in the morning when the cans would be knocked over and rummaged through. It could be easily solved with some bear-proof trash cans. Not really a big deal and it didn't have any effect on our stay," reported a camper at Antlers RV Park and Campground.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Bears frequent some campgrounds in the region. "The bears. Its wasn't an issue of them bothering us, we only physically saw them one time in four weeks. They got into the trash pretty regularly though," warned a camper at Antlers RV Park and Campground who stayed for a month.
Site spacing: RV sites vary significantly in size and privacy between parks. "The spaces are all in the woods with mostly shade, though there are some that get more sunlight than others. The RV spaces are large and offer more privacy than most campgrounds," noted a visitor at Antlers RV Park.
Water pressure issues: Some parks have unusually high water pressure. At McCloud RV Resort, one camper warned: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Natural streams provide built-in entertainment for children. "The micro-canal that runs through it was great for our lab. He just loved tramping in and out," noted a McCloud RV Resort visitor, highlighting a feature equally enjoyed by children and pets.
Park amenities: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities beyond standard camping amenities. "They have a little store/burger spot which is very convenient next to the pool area," mentioned a camper at Lakehead Campground & RV Park, appreciating the on-site food options and swimming.
Quiet time enforcement: Parents appreciate parks that maintain evening quiet hours. "They do enforce quiet time which is great," observed a visitor at Antlers RV Park and Campground, noting staff commitment to ensuring peaceful sleeping conditions for families.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Be prepared with adequate leveling equipment for some parks. At Redding RV Park, a reviewer noted the convenient "Full hookups in back in spot for $55. Mostly pull throughs in Park, which cost more," indicating potential cost savings for those willing to take back-in sites.
Self-service options: Some parks accommodate late arrivals with self-check-in processes. A Mountain Gate RV Park visitor appreciated that when "arrived late so did self check in...no password for bathrooms were given, so asked a neighbor for a password," suggesting communication with fellow campers can help navigate after-hours arrivals.
Utility management: RVers should come prepared with pressure regulators and proper hookup equipment. "Management allowed us to park our truck in the empty space right next to our camper, which was super convenient. All hookups worked perfectly," noted a Redding RV Park visitor who appreciated the flexible parking arrangements for tow vehicles.
