Dispersed camping opportunities spread throughout Shasta Lake's shoreline near Lakehead, California. The region sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 95°F during July and August. Winter camping remains available at select sites with temperatures typically ranging from 30-60°F between November and March.
What to do
Water recreation access: Beehive Point Shoreline Campground offers multiple water entry points for boating and swimming. "Easy to move about. Great for water sports powered or canoes and paddle boards," notes one camper at Beehive Point Shoreline Campground.
Creek exploration: Ellery Creek provides sheltered water areas when lake levels are low. "Water access is pretty messy/muddy (water levels were low). Water floats of some sort are a good idea to avoid the sticky dense mud," advises a camper who visited in mid-July.
Mountain hiking: Castle Crags State Park features distinctive granite formations with connecting trails. "The hike from the campground to the view of Shasta, Lassen, and Castle Crags was moderately difficult but relatively short and well worth the view," states a visitor at Castle Crags State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning or evening hours provide best opportunities for deer sightings at campgrounds. "We stayed here as a backup since another site was closed. Good amenities, clean, bathrooms available as well. Enjoyed my stay and would stay again! Also saw some deer and ended the night with a great view!"
What campers like
Natural shade coverage: Hirz Bay Campground features wooded sites that protect from summer heat. "This campground is inland, not close to the lake. you can walk down from the campground thru the wood, but it's a steep hill going down, and it's coming back up is a pain," notes a camper at Hirz Bay Campground.
Seasonal quiet periods: Weekday camping during spring or fall typically results in less crowded conditions. "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. So we were incredibly happy this time around that the water levels were so high."
Train car lodging: Railroad Park Resort provides unique alternatives to traditional camping options. "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," explains a visitor at Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge & Campground.
Pool amenities: Several campgrounds maintain swimming pools for use when lake conditions aren't ideal. "The rest of the park might be wonderful - converted train cars and cabooses, cabins, and a small motel - but the rv portion sort of felt like the red-headed stepchild."
What you should know
Bear activity: Multiple campgrounds report bear encounters, particularly after dark. "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," warns a camper at Lakehead Campground & RV Park.
Train noise: Railway lines near some campgrounds create periodic noise disturbances overnight. "Despite the 100 degree temps in August, there is a trail down to the lake and we were able to swim to cool off. The campground was basically empty. Our site was a good size and we had shade."
Fluctuating water levels: Lake access can vary significantly between seasons and drought years. "This is an off-season review. Late October 2020. Pros: No one else here on a Friday night, easy to find, dispersed camping, no fee, some cell service. Cons: absolutely no services (they remove porta potty and trash after high season), water level in lake VERY low."
Cellular coverage limitations: Service varies dramatically between providers and locations. "The ATT phone was able to browse the internet and stream video, the Verizon phone could only send texts with an occasional notification coming through. With the cell booster on the Verizon phone had full LTE bars and could stream, download, etc."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for privacy: Upper Loop at Castle Crags provides better noise insulation from highway. "The Upper Loop is fairly densely wooded so sites don't seem as on top of each other as other campgrounds. I have not personally stayed in Little Loop before, but with just four sites it seems like it could be nice and quiet."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Lakehead: Antlers RV Park and Campground offers designated pet areas with water access. "Nice place, kid friendly and for the most part very clean. I say that only because it was 4th of July weekend and there was a dirty bunch around us," notes a visitor at Antlers RV Park and Campground.
Shoulder season timing: Early May provides better site availability with moderate temperatures. "We stayed here for 4 nights mid week in early May and mostly had the whole place to ourselves. There were a few day use visitors, and 2 neighbors who stayed one night each. Overall a very quiet and peaceful place."
Glass hazard awareness: Several shoreline areas contain broken glass requiring protective footwear. "This place is a hidden gem! Super close to i5 and east to find. There's tons of campgrounds and plenty of open space to camp where you want. Fairly flat in most areas but can definitely be hard to get deep into the site without 4 wheel drive."
Tips from RVers
Mountain Gate access: Easy highway connectivity with minimal road noise. "We loved our stay. We felt safe and it's probably one of the most cleanest campground and facilities I've ever been to. Clean bathrooms, showers, zero trash around," shares a visitor at Mountain Gate RV Park.
Site spacing considerations: RV lots at Shasta Lake RV Resort feature minimal privacy between units. "My wife and I planned to camp here with other family; however we packed up just after setting up and made reservations elsewhere. The camp sites have limited shade so if you like baking in heat then disregard this review."
Off-season availability: Many dog-friendly lakeside campgrounds near Lakehead maintain winter accessibility with reduced amenities. "There was a sign on the boards stating that it is currently off season and there are no fees and no services. Not sure when the season begins and what services are offered, but in early May there were no garbage bins or toilets."
