Searching for a tent campsite near Lakehead? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Lakehead, California's most popular destinations.
This tent-only campground is located in the southeast corner of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 13.5 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of Sacramento. Clear Creek flows past the campground, making it a popular spot for fly fishing. The camp is shaded by alders and large canyon live oaks. The cool, clear waters of Whiskeytown Lake provide endless water activities. The picturesque mountain setting and extensive forested backcountry offer ample opportunities for hiking and biking.
During the summer heat, swimming, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding and water skiing are popular on the 3,200 acre lake. Year round, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, gold panning, fishing and picnicking attract visitors. Hunting is allowed in the appropriate season.
Tall trees providing cooling shade make Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground a relaxing retreat. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is located where the Klamath Mountains, Cascade and Coast Mountain Ranges, and the Sacramento Valley meet, creating a wide variety of wildlife and landscapes.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 246-1225.
Brandy Creek Beach is located three and a half miles from the campground and features sandy beaches, a large swimming area, picnicking and barbecuing facilities. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, there are showers, a store with food and supplies and rentals of paddle boards and kayaks.
$20 / night
This facility is used on an "as needed basis" by the Shasta Recreation Company (Concessionaire to the Forest Service). There are 8 camping sites that can accomodate a trailer with an average max. size of 16'. All sites have a picnic table, campfire ring, and an unpaved parking spur.
Open May 15- Sept 11 with services. Campground is open during the off season with no facilities, no fees, pack it in, pack it out.
$15 / night
The McCloud River Wintu tribe held Hirz Mountain in reverence and had a name for it in their own language. But it was a white miner, Henry Hirz, who gave the mountain its modern name. Hirz was a gold miner who lived on Hirz Creek in the 1860s and was one of the earliest white men in the McCloud River country. When the lookout was built, it was originally a structure that sat on the ground. The mountain was a strategic location for detecting fires because it had a direct view into the headwaters of the McCloud River and most of its tributaries. In 1937, the Forest Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) rebuilt the Hirz Mountain Lookout cabin and included a garage and outhouse. It was one of the last CCC-era lookouts to be built. In 1949, a steel tower was added, constructed of a steel K-brace tower that stands 20 feet above ground level. Coming here is not for the faint of heart. The access road is rocky and steep with limited visibility - high clearance vehicles are recommended - and the last quarter-mile must be traversed on foot. Those who make the journey are rewarded with unforgettable views of the landscape by day and the stars at night.
The main recreational activities at Hirz Mountain Lookout are sightseeing and stargazing, and this is an ideal setting for those with a passion for photography. Visitors may want to bring binoculars to go birding and wildlife watching. There are also opportunities to hike, mountain bike and hunt in the area.
This lookout tower sits atop Hirz Mountain at an elevation of 3,540 feet, offering 360-degree views of Mt. Shasta's snow-laced peak to the north, Mt. Lassen to the southeast and the gray limestone exposures of Hirz Mountain itself. The narrow blue-green ribbon of the McCloud River Arm winds past the east side of Hirz Mountain, extending north and south as far as the eye can see. Visitors to Hirz Mountain Lookout are advised to use caution, as rattlesnakes and bears frequent the area (click here for information on bear safety).
$110 / night
Greens Creek is one of four boat-access only campgrounds on Shasta lake. Located on the McCloud Arm of the lake, this facility is popular with those visitors who want to get away from the crowds. Whether or not the access is difficult varies depending on the current lake level. There are vault toilets and no piped water. This is a pack it in, pack it out facility.
Located on the flanks of California’s most magical peak, LOGE Mt. Shasta is your ultimate adventure outpost! Come to summit the mountain or get after it with the many outdoor activities that Mt. Shasta are has to offer- bike, hike, ski, raft, fish- the list goes on! Our BRAND NEW covered campsites and camp bathrooms are perfect to get your camping fix but also enjoy all the radness the property has to offer including a shared kitchen and free use of our Traeger Grills. Start and end your day with coffee and brews at The Finlandia Cafe located on site. From on-site gear rentals to fire pits and free live music, LOGE Mt. Shasta delivers a welcoming outdoor-adventure-focused experience.
From the website: Located on the Lower McCloud River at an elevation of 2300 feet, this remote campground has 16 sites with tables and fire rings, flush toilets, and drinking water. The dirt access road from Lake McCloud is very rough and rocky. Low clearance vehicles, trailers, and RVs are not advised. 14 day limit. $10 per night. No reservations. Features: This campground is situated on an historic site used by Native American tribes and various land owners over the years, including the families of Whittier, Fitzhugh, and William Randolph Hearst. Visitors can explore and identify the remains of several buildings, foundations, rock walls, and an orchard that still produces fruit. The Lower McCloud River is a world renown native trout fishery which makes this camp a favorite for anglers. California Fish and Game regulations for this section of river allow only the use of artificial lures with barbless hooks. According to local lore the site's name is derived from the first two initials of the first names of the three daughters of one of the previous owners. It is pronounced "Uhdeenuh". One word, soft 'A' hard 'E'. The water is potable
$10 / night
The dirt access road from Lake McCloud is very rough and rocky. Low clearance vehicles, trailers, and RVs are not advised.
This tent-only campground is located in the northwest corner of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 19 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of Sacramento. Crystal Creek flows alongside each campsite. The campground stays relatively cool due to the creek and to the shade given by a canopy of fir, maple and pine. Three nearby trails lead to lovely waterfalls. The cool, clear waters of Whiskeytown Lake provide endless water activities. The picturesque mountain setting and extensive forested backcountry offer ample opportunities for hiking and biking.
During the summer heat, swimming, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding and water skiing are popular on the 3,200 acre lake. Year round, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, gold panning, fishing and picnicking attract visitors. Hunting is allowed in the appropriate season.
The heavy forest canopy and burbling year-round creek make Crystal Creek Primitive Campground an ideal location for a peaceful retreat. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is located where the Klamath Mountains, Cascade and Coast Mountain Ranges, and the Sacramento Valley meet, creating a wide variety of wildlife and landscapes.
The Tower House Historic District is located within the recreation area less than five miles from Crystal Creek Primitive Campground. Learn about the California Gold Rush history of the area by strolling among the historic buildings, water ditches, and a former gold mine, or by panning for gold or attending an interpretive program at the site. Oak Bottom is located eight miles from the campground and features beaches, lakeside picnicking, and a full-service marina with boat rentals.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 246-1225.
$20 / night
Guide
We camped in a tent, but most others were in RVs. It was very rowdy and loud at night but the campgrounds are in a good location next to Shasta Lake.
Guide
Big parking lot picnic benches and one group tent site
Traveler
So pretty. Did the normal tent camping which is nice at the upper campsites, got a paddle board and pretty much had the whole lake to ourselves
Legend
I loved this campground! Would go back in a heartbeat. This was the first KOA I've ever stayed in, and I was worried it would be too cheesy/boring (in comparison to the forest/state/national park ones I tend to love), but it was totally fun.
Pros: Lots of clean bathrooms, warm swimming pool, lots to do including a whole forested area with swings, a fort, etc., games, ping pong, decent sized sites. Close to the entrance to Lassen Park.
Cons: Some tent sites were better than others. My favorite tent sites were T6. T7, T8 and especially T13.
Traveler
Stayed in a tent site for some car camping. The sites are well spaced out and offer a lot of privacy. Tons of amenities. Showers are free!
Scout
Beautiful spot at the foot of Mt. Shasta! Lovely little town I’ve stayed here twice now once in April and once in august. They have four tent camping sites with electric hookup and fancy seating among many other types of sites
Traveler
Loved listening to the creek while falling asleep, lots of shade and the staff was friendly. Sites are nicely spread apart #8 #9 being the best that were open. not rv accessible tent sites
Guide
, but it appears as though the folks in their RVs were happy as could be so I would say for tent camping if you’re actually camping, not so much but in an RV it’s probably fine anyway, the people were very nice and took care of us
ScoutNice, lots of amenities. Minus one star because of the cold shower that should have been hot. Other than that, the beach is nice, the tent sites are nice. A bit bustling busy during the summer, great for kids
GuideCute town and peaceful campground. Clean bathrooms and showers. Pool, game room, shuffle board, basketball court and off leash dog park. Lots of trees in the sites great for hammocking (in the tent sites). I would definitely stay here again.
Traveler
Great little park. Lots of shade and green grass, good management, Clean restrooms and well kept grounds. Close to river and lakes for boating and fishing. There is a great area for tent camping or a place to dry camp with your RV just below the main RV park. There are targets set up for bow hunters in the pines below the park.
Our 35 foot fifth wheel easily navigated the space.
TravelerTruly and amazing place! I’m looking forward to going back after Covid. We met our family half way and wanted a campground we could all find easily. It’s a bit pricey but for the convenience it was well worth it! Tent sites are huge and so is the campground! We stayed pretty far away from the beach and we were all by ourselves! Might try some of the dispersed camping in the area and use the campground day use and store next time?
Guide
I did not camp overnight here, but spent the day sitting with my laptop in the soft grass under a big shady tree. This is a well-maintained city park that is friendly to tent camping. They ask for a $5 fee. Shower tokens can be purchased at Ray's Market, located a few blocks away. Restrooms are open to the public. There is a charging station and hiker's box that was full of good stuff. They have a nice picnic shelter and plenty of space to enjoy. The town has nice restaurants and cafes all in walking distance.
Traveler
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. Depending on the water level real estate on the beach can get tight, but there are spots off the beach that are wooded. You can tent camp or bring your travel trailer. The entrance is a little rutted so if you bring a trailer just be cautious. the beach has a ton of drift wood for fires, we have yet to bring our own. There are some small stores and boat launches near by.
Legend
General: There are tent sites, partial hookups, and full hookup sites, as well as cabins and cabooses that can accommodate either couples or families. It was pouring when we were there, so we opted to stay in a caboose! There is also a dining car
Site Quality: The camping sites are nestled among the trees; some are pull-throughs and others are back-in (mostly the tent sites). Most of the sites appeared level, but not all of them (beware of Site 34). The pull-throughs in the center are less private (but I believe these are the ones with full hookups). The best sites in my opinion are the ones that back up to Little Castle Creek. Especially after a good rain, you can be lulled to sleep by the sound of the rushing creek!
Bathhouse: Keypad entry so I was not able to see the inside (we stayed in a caboose and therefore did not have entry). There are showers and also a very nice laundry facility.
Activities: There is a pool in season and also a hot tub that was open when we were there. It is covered but it was cold and rainy, so we didn’t try it out. There is a short hike at nearby Hedge Creek Falls and you are close to Mount Shasta.
We stayed here 25 years ago in a caboose with our daughters, and it was nice to see the place has been kept up nicely. We would definitely return and stay in the campground next time (weather permitting).
TravelerWe spent a full week here and enjoyed it immensely. Our tent site was large and spacious and even when full, the campground was quiet and peaceful. The hosts were very attentive to the needs of everyone staying there. We had one night during which a nearby, private property had some dogs that barked all night. We reported this concern the next morning, after which the hosts contacted the neighboring individuals and the dogs were quite for the remainder of our stay. The bathrooms and showers were always clean and well maintained. We will definitely stay there again.
Guide
Spent a 3 night camping trip staying here. While it is mainly an RV park, it does have some tent camping. There is a central bathroom that is clean. One trouble that we did have one night was the door to the women's bathroom was broken and no one could get in. There is a small lake in the middle of the lot where people can have catch and release fishing. There is a small store and restaurant, but we didn't get anything there. Many of the RVs seem to have been there for some time, every one was very friendly. The camp site had electric and water nearby with a fire grill.
Traveler
The RV/tent sites are all well designed with good separation. Most of the campsites have nice views of the mountains that surround the lake. Some walk-in campsites are located close to the lake. It appears that a lot of the walkways and facilities are designed to accommodate people in wheelchairs or people with walkers. It looks like everything is maintained at a higher standard than I've seen at most Forest Service campgrounds. The 7-mile-long winding access road is narrow with a sharp drop-off on one side. It can be a little nerve-racking to negotiate with 2-way traffic.
Scout
The first time we saw Trailer Lane it took our breath away. 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.
We've spent the past 2 years updating and upgrading the campground, adding tent sites and a camp store, unlimited Starlink WiFi, game courts, glamping units, community fire pit, gardens and hobby farm... our guests really seem to be loving the homey atmosphere and say that it's the perfect place to stop & stay a while. We hope that you do too! -Karen & Jay
ScoutI decided to go on a last minute solo trip and called this places for a one night reservation. Next time I definitely want to stay longer. It’s a great family spot and there were lots of dogs and kids running around. The tent camping spots are far enough from people and you don’t feel like you’re on top of each other. You can choose if you want to glamp or camp here, so it’s also a good place if you have friends that don’t like dirt but want to be around pine trees.
One thing I will warn is google maps did tell me to turn too early and I was wondering around a neighborhood for a little bit. You turn right off of 44 to get to the site.
Traveler
We absolutely loved our 3 days here tent camping in a grass covered site. We lucked out as there was a cancellation for the group site just minutes before we checked in. And we jumped at the chance to spread out! I will say we looked all over at each site and there were dirt sites in the pines that would have been nice too but once you have camped in the grass nothing else compares! Barefoot and clean! Amazing. The staff! Awesome! Very helpful and fun. Bathrooms and showers were clean and everything worked. Their little section of Hat Creek is beautiful. I didn't catch a thing but at least I wasn't working! I haven't covered it all but you get the idea! Get out there and get your social distancing on folks!!
Cheers!
Legend
The falls sell the place. They are beautiful. The PCT trail goes right by on the opposite bank. Great fishing upstream from the falls. Great fun at Lake Britton.
BUT this is one busy crowded campground. It is large (many sites) has cabins, a visitor center and a store. So for me a tent camper this can feel like a freeway. So go in the off season - spring and fall. All the camping areas are not open then, but there are no crowds.
For tents some of the sites are open and not very private - meant for RVs. But you can hunt down a decent tent site. They have all the amenities here.
Beyond the falls and beyond the lake there is lots of hiking here. Hiking up the stream is magical. There are fall colors to enjoy, especially around Lake Britton. You can even strick out for the subway cave or Lassen or Mcloud from this central location.
ScoutThis campground was the favorite of the trip. The tent sites are well spaced, the check-in process was quick and you got to speak to someone to get a map and ask any questions too. The store had everything you could've possibly forgotten, along with soft serve ice cream. The bar/restaurant had live music until 10pm. The lake and marina was a short walk. And the campground was located near the cutest downtown area of Mount Shasta. If you want dinner in town, check out Yak's for the best burger ever! This resort is great for groups, saw a lot of groups that were there for at least a week. Lots of bear activity warnings, but I didn't have any issues. Bathrooms and showers were pretty clean, nice and hot with good water pressure. Would absolutely stay here again!
Scout
oh wow what a fantastic and gorgeous location. really well maintained when it comes to their bathrooms (flushing & sinks) and trash cans… but holy bear. around 4am a black bear (maybe 500lbs?) came through our site and pulled on the bear box and kept it moving to check neighboring sites (which were vacant) only to come back shortly later for a few sniffs. this would’ve been less scary had we been in an RV buuuut tent camping + bear is not the vibe guys. it definitely smelled us and knew exactly where we were & we’re incredibly fortunate but of course we were terrified. i’d definitely come back with different equipment and plenty of mace and really wish there were more signs about the likelihood of bears in this area at this time. there were a handful of signs but so small and easy to get lost amid all the other super valuable information.
Traveler
When I'm up in Mt. Shasta this is where I camp. It's easy for both vanlife and tent camping as well as car camping.
I hesitate to tell anyone about this place because it's one of the less expensive campgrounds in the state, has a group camp, and the sites are far enough apart to offer some privacy. It's very basic. No showers. But there are vault toilets. The running water comes down the mountain in the form of a creek, and there is a water pump at the well for those who would rather not test their constitution with the stream.
The elevation is not as high as Panther Meadows and the access to the camp at McBride is easier.
Deer wander through the campground and sometimes visit the tents.
Bring everything you need or plan on running into town (about seven miles) to go shopping or out for meals. It's about another seven or eight miles to the Old Ski Bowl trail head where both campers and locals gather to watch the sun rise or set over the mountains.
Scout
The campground is pretty good, but I was shocked by the lack of camping etiqette from our fellow campers. In particular there was just a lot of noise- generators running loud and at all hours. Thankfully, the camp hostess was great and mostly got it under control.
Given how hot it gets up there I'd have liked there to be a little more shade. The sites on the perimeter of the campground are better than those in the center. While I generally like campsites close to the river, those set against the hill seem to provide a little more shade and privacy. The exception are the couple near the end of the loop where the campsites are closer to the river and set away from the road- best for those tent camping.
It was a nice place, though a long 4.5 hour drive for us. We had spotty access with AT&T.
Guide
The sites are varied here. You have tent sites and RV sites and all are spacious. I didn’t feel like I was on top of my neighbors at any point. Each site did have a fire pit and picnic table though not all sites had near boxes. Mine did not so I kept all my stuff locked away in my car.
Lots of good options for hammock hanging.
There are sites closer to the shoreline and others that are a bit more of a walking distance. Some are reserved sites but they also had some first come first serve. I drove up on a Friday afternoon and was able to find a great FF spot.
When I went the water level was low as they drain Trinity Lake into Whsikey Town but it was still pretty. Plenty of kayakers, paddle boarders, and jet skiers on the lake. Not overly crowded though.
Tent camping near Lakehead, California, offers a serene escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lakehead, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lakehead, CA is Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lakehead, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 51 tent camping locations near Lakehead, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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