Campgrounds near Redding, CA range from riverside RV resorts to primitive tent sites within the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. The Sacramento River corridor offers multiple camping options like Sacramento River RV Park and JGW RV Park, both providing riverfront sites with hookups. Mountain Gate RV Park and Boulder Creek RV Redding support various accommodation types including cabins and glamping opportunities alongside traditional RV camping. For tent campers seeking more natural settings, Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground offers a less developed alternative within reach of city services.
Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100 degrees in this Northern California region, making many campgrounds busiest during spring and fall when conditions are more moderate. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though amenities like pools may close seasonally. Several campgrounds offer shade trees along the Sacramento River, providing relief during hot months. Water clarity can be an issue at some riverside locations, with one camper noting: "Water does seem cloudy so be sure to run it before you hook up. I have had to clear out my faucet filter twice."
Riverfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the Redding area, with multiple reviewers highlighting water access as a key feature. The Sacramento River provides scenic views and recreational opportunities from several campgrounds. RV parks in the region typically maintain clean facilities with varying levels of amenities. As one visitor to JGW RV Park noted, "Nice river spot, full hookup. It was hot (it is summer Redding). Level site not crowded space." Most campgrounds near Interstate 5 provide convenient overnight stops for travelers, though highway noise affects some locations. Campgrounds with full hookups, showers, and laundry facilities are abundant in the immediate Redding area, while more rustic camping experiences require travel to surrounding public lands and recreation areas. Redding camping options are particularly popular during milder seasons when outdoor activities along the Sacramento River are most enjoyable.
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"The fenced dog park was another huge plus and gave our dog room to run around."
"we were traveling from the Fresno area to the Redding area. We stopped here well after they had closed. The late night check in was easy. "
$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."
"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!"
"Only downside was the highway noise."
$50 - $70 / night
"Also the water park next to the campground was closed"
"We 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."
"It was hot (it is summer Redding). Leval site not crowded space. Will stay again."
"This RV Park is right off the 5 in Redding. There’s a small dog run fir some off-leash time. Clean bathrooms with showers. Some long term residents and some travelers. Everyone was quiet and friendly."
"Management allowed us to park our truck in the empty space right next to our camper, which was super convenient. All hookups worked perfectly."
"Also super easy to get to from Redding. We had an inquisitive fox which was cool and there were a few feral cats which was not cool. Only one other group while we were there."
"Because it's the shoulder season, their were fewer people there, which allowed us to have more space... no one in adjacent sites."
"However outside of the park is a shady neighborhood."
"There is a train track close by, so expect some train horns. We would definitely go back when visiting family in the area."
"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."
ScoutPerfect location right along the beautiful McCloud River and just a short distance from Lower McCloud Falls. The campsite was comfortable, and the campground was clean and well-maintained. A great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area!
GuideSuch a beautiful spot next to the river. The trees were gorgeous and perfect for setting up our hammock. Falling asleep to the water was a bonus. Only downfall was the bugs but that’s to be expected. The sites were clean with fire pits too. Definitely would go back
TravelerWe noticed there were a few people when we stopped but at first it was no big deal, this wasn't the first time camping with others. But as the sun was starting to set more people showed up, fireworks were going off, music was getting louder and we had to leave as we were not going to get any sleep.
GuideWe stayed in our self-contained rig for a night and it was easy, clean, and affordable.
RangerAfter several nights of free dispersed camping, we decided to spoil ourselves with a paid lakeside campsite for the showers, amenities, and fire pits. Our stay cost about $50, plus an additional $10 fee for our dog.
The biggest downside is that the RV area is essentially just a parking lot. It’s completely exposed, with little to no shade, and can be windy and quite hot when the sun is out. The beach itself is nice, and there’s a boat launch if that’s what you’re coming for.
We were disappointed to learn that the showers are not included and require an additional fee. We didn’t check the exact cost, but it wasn’t worth it to us, and we ended up rinsing off in the lake instead. The fire pits and covered pavilions are available in the day-use area and are only a short walk from the parking lot, but they are not located directly at the RV sites. Also worth noting: dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Amenities include an RV dump station, potable water fill, restrooms, and showers. Access is easy, with paved roads and large, accessible parking areas.
One other thing to be aware of is that you still need a National Park pass in addition to paying for the campsite.
Overall, I’d recommend this more as a day-use destination or for travelers in larger RVs who want convenient amenities. If you’re overlanding or traveling in a truck camper, there are better and more scenic options available nearby.
RangerBeing right off the main road and so close to Lassen, this spot almost felt too good to be true. Sure enough, there were established fire pits, although I’m fairly certain there is a burn ban for much of the year. I didn’t want to risk it, so I skipped even using a Solo Stove.
This is a decent overnight spot, but not really a destination in itself. We spent the day exploring the nearby Manzanita Lake picnic area and driving the scenic road through Lassen, including the Bumpass Mountain area, before returning after dark to spend the night.
The campsite itself isn’t anything particularly special, but it serves its purpose well as a quick and easy overnight stop. The sites are tucked back among the pines and feel reasonably secluded.
In dry conditions, I think most two-wheel-drive vehicles would be fine getting here. The gravel road has some fairly deep ruts in places, but the campsites are located very close to the road, so there isn’t much driving required once you arrive.
Starlink worked surprisingly well, even with the surrounding pine trees.
There are no amenities here—no water, toilets, trash service, or hookups—but Lassen National Park is just a short drive away if you need facilities during the day.
Overall, it’s a convenient and quiet overnight stop for anyone exploring the Lassen area.
RangerWe visited in early June, and you could tell the season was starting to pick up. There were several RVs, trailers, cars, and groups of people coming and going throughout our stay. Thankfully, everyone was friendly and respectful, creating a great atmosphere.
At first, I thought the campsite would be too close to Interstate 5, but once you make the drive in, the highway noise becomes minimal. You can barely hear it. The area feels fairly secluded, although the parking lot itself is very open and doesn’t offer much privacy from neighboring campers.
Having bathrooms and trash service was a fantastic amenity and something I’m not always used to finding at spots like this. There is some tree cover, but by early June the daytime sun was already getting quite warm. Fortunately, the evenings cooled off nicely and were very comfortable.
The bugs were a little bad during our stay, but our Thermacell handled them well. Starlink worked great, and there was enough sun exposure for solid solar charging during the day.
Access is easy, with paved roads nearly the entire way.
I’m giving this spot four stars. It’s a comfortable and convenient place to stay, but the immediate views aren’t particularly spectacular. However, a short walk from camp rewards you with some beautiful prairie-style scenery that is well worth exploring.
RangerWe arrived late after dark and found the area to be quite far off the beaten path. It was another overnight stop for us while traveling through the area.
We located the designated spot, but the signage was confusing. There were numerous signs stating “No Camping” and “Day Use Only,” even though there were established fire pits present. It was difficult to tell whether the specific area we were in allowed overnight stays while the surrounding area did not.
The river was nice, and the area itself is pretty. However, the road leading to the site is rough and best suited for 4x4 vehicles. There is also a fairly steep downhill section to reach the parking area.
One positive was the solitude. We didn’t see a single vehicle pass by during our entire stay, so it was very peaceful and quiet throughout the night.
I’m giving this location one star, not because of the scenery, but because of the confusing camping regulations. If the camping situation had been clearly marked, I would probably rate it two or three stars. Stay at your own risk and verify the rules for yourself before spending the night.
There are no hookups, no water, and no amenities. At least from the spot where we stayed, there wasn’t even a maintained trail down to the river.
GuideThe area has a lot to offer in terms of hiking and river based activities, ie fishing and kayaking. The river trail is beautiful. The campground facilities (toilets and showers) are basic and ok. Water was warm (after a minute of waiting). Some sites are very small, but generally not too close together. A few great sites across the river at first come first served area. The BIG downer is the noise from Highway 5 and the train which sounds its horn 5 or six times as it passes though each night (4 or more passes). Even with ear plugs it was tough to sleep inside an insulated van.
Redding sits at the northern end of California's Sacramento Valley, where the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges converge. Most campsites near Redding, California range between 500-1,100 feet elevation, with summer temperatures typically highest from July through September. Winter camping remains viable with mild temperatures compared to higher-elevation locations, though seasonal facility closures affect availability at certain campgrounds.
Lakeside activities at Whiskeytown Lake: Oak Bottom Tent Campground provides direct access to swimming, fishing, and boating on Whiskeytown Lake. "Large site next to the shore. Short walk to swimming beach and showers. Kids loved it," notes Karen O., though she mentions the downside of "having to haul our gear down a trail to get to our spot."
Riverside relaxation: JGW RV Park features riverside sites with full hookups along the Sacramento River. "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," writes Paula B.
Explore creek ecosystems: Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground offers access to creek exploration with nine well-spaced sites. "So far my experience has been great we're camping out for 3 Days got campsite 6, nice little spot next to the water," reports Tessa F., who adds that "sites four and five are directly next to each other six is separate 7 8 and 9 are a little more secluded in the back."
Secluded shoreline spots: Beehive Point Shoreline Campground provides dispersed camping along the lake with minimal development. "We stayed on a Thursday night until Friday morning and there were only a few other people there, we couldn't see any of them from our spot so we felt totally isolated," explains Mandi W.
Clean facilities: Mountain Gate RV Park maintains exceptionally clean grounds and amenities. "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 Jill P.
Seasonal advantages: Camping outside peak summer months offers significantly more solitude. Laura M. reports about Beehive Point: "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."
Water level fluctuations: Lake and river levels can vary dramatically by season. "The water is really, really low at this time. It is possible to climb down to the water, and there is a boat ramp a bit further up, so there were boats in the water when we were here," notes Laura M. about Beehive Point in May.
Primitive camping logistics: Some campgrounds lack amenities most urban campers expect. Lily S. advises about Peltier Bridge: "You can only buy the pass online so make sure you get it ahead of time." She adds that despite being close to Redding, there were "no highway or 'civilization' sounds at night."
Fire restrictions: Boulder Creek RV Redding and several other campgrounds prohibit campfires. "Mid-July, 114 degrees and their pool is closed!!! At $90+ per night expect better," warns Lisa L., highlighting the importance of confirming which amenities will be available during extreme heat periods.
Pool access limitations: Several RV parks with pools have seasonal or unexpected closures. John R. notes about Boulder Creek: "Excellent Verizon signal. Very clean. The only negative was it appeared to be many long term residents. Also the water park next to the campground was closed."
Hidden tent camping options: Oak Bottom requires campers to transport gear to sites without vehicle access. One camper reports: "Oopsies. Did NOT know this was walk in only campground. We camp out of our 4Runner and ended up having to buy a tent and haul everything into our site."
Best spots for kids: Look for shoreline sites with shallow water access. At Peltier Bridge, Stacy L. recommends: "There's like 9 or so sites all pretty far apart. The creek is super beautiful. It was really hot during the day like 90s but site #9 is shady and the river is freezing so it's easy to stay cool."
Highway noise considerations: Many Redding area campgrounds experience highway noise due to proximity to I-5. Rich J. notes about Sacramento River RV Park: "Easy to make a reservation, pool and exercise room, clean and updated bathrooms. Biggest downfall is the freeway is close by and it is therefore a little noisy."
Water quality issues: Test water before connecting to RV systems. Paula B. warns about JGW RV Park: "Water does seem cloudy so be sure to run it before you hook up. I have had to clear out my faucet filter twice."
After-hours check-in: For late arrivals, several parks offer self-check-in options. Sue L. shares about Sacramento River RV Park: "We stopped here well after they had closed. The late night check in was easy. The map they provided to pick out a spot was easy to read, the instruction were clear and concise."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Redding, CA?
Redding offers excellent camping options within easy driving distance. Oak Bottom Tent Campground in Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is highly recommended for its stunning views, cleanliness, and convenient access from Redding. For a more rustic experience, Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground offers clean, spacious sites with spots #6, 8, and 9 being particularly desirable. Both are within 30 minutes of Redding. For those willing to venture a bit further, Manzanita Lake Campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Trinity River Campground in Shasta Trinity National Forest provide beautiful mountain settings about an hour from town.
Are there any lakeside camping options around Redding?
Manzanita Lake Campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park offers beautiful lakeside camping about an hour from Redding. This well-maintained campground provides easy access to swimming, fishing, and paddling on the scenic lake. For those seeking waterfront sites closer to Redding, Beehive Point Shoreline Campground near Lakehead offers both drive-in and boat-in access to Shasta Lake. Water enthusiasts will also appreciate the camping options along the Trinity River, where several campsites provide direct access to the water for swimming and fishing opportunities within a picturesque mountain setting.
Are there RV campgrounds available near Redding, CA?
Yes, Redding has several RV-friendly campgrounds. Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort is about 30 minutes from Redding on well-maintained rural roads, easily accessible for travel trailers and RVs. The resort features a well-stocked store and is perfect for those seeking a nearby getaway. Antlers RV Park and Campground accommodates large RVs up to 40 feet and offers extended stays. Additional options include Mountain Gate RV Park, Sacramento River RV Park, and Marina RV Park, all offering full hookups and amenities specifically designed for RV travelers within close proximity to Redding.
Can I find tent camping sites near Redding, California?
Tent campers have excellent options near Redding. 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping offers free camping just off Highway 44 and is easily accessible even during busy holiday weekends. For a more developed experience, Madrone Campground provides a secluded tent camping environment, though it requires navigating about an hour of windy dirt roads with no running water (bring your own). Primitive tent camping is also available at Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed area with riverside sites about 45-60 minutes from Redding. Most campgrounds around Redding accommodate tents, but these options are particularly well-suited for tent campers seeking both convenience and natural beauty.
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