Best Tent Camping near Shasta Lake, CA
Searching for a tent camping spot near Shasta Lake? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Shasta Lake. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Shasta Lake, CA (59)
1. Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown, California8 Reviews•15 Photos•66 SavesOverview
Peltier Bridge is a tent-only campground. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a large bear-resistant storage locker, a metal fire pit with a swing-arm barbecue grill, and a lamp pole. The campsites share two vault toilets. For campsites 1, 2 and 3, park and walk approximately 25-35 feet to your site. Drinking water and electricity are not available. Due to a small parking area, towing vehicles is prohibited in this campground. This includes vehicles towing trailers and fifth wheels and vehicles towing pop-up campers. Motorhomes are not allowed in this campground. No overflow parking is available.
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.
Recreation
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.
Natural Features
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.
Nearby Attractions
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.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 246-1225.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$20 / night
2. Jones Valley Inlet Shoreline Campground
Bella Vista, California4 Reviews•6 Photos•36 SavesThis 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Toilets
4. Lower Salt Creek Shoreline Campground
Sugarloaf, California1 Review•2 Photos•148 SavesOpen May 15- Sept 11 with services. Campground is open during the off season with no facilities, no fees, pack it in, pack it out.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Dispersed
$15 / night
5. Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
French Gulch, California1 Review•6 Photos•12 SavesOverview
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.
Recreation
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.
Facilities
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.
Natural Features
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.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 246-1225.
Nearby Attractions
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.
- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Tent Cabin
- Picnic Table
$20 / night
6. Greens Creek Boat-in Campground
Sugarloaf, California1 Review•3 SavesGreens 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.
- Pets
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Sheep Camp Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown, California1 Review•1 Photo•9 SavesOverview
This tent-only campground is located in the center of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 17 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of Sacramento. Ponderosa pines and fir shade the campsites which have cliffside views of Brandy Creek. Nearby trails lead to a series of lovely waterfalls or into old-growth forest high on Shasta Bally Mountain. 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.
Recreation
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.
Natural Features
Tall pine and fir trees providing cooling shade make Sheep Camp 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.
Nearby Attractions
Brandy Creek Beach is located three and a half miles south of 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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 246-1225.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
$20 / night
8. Hirz Mountain Lookout
Lakehead, California1 Review•2 Photos•30 SavesOverview
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.
Recreation
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.
Natural Features
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).
- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
$100 / night
9. Deerlick Springs Campground
Platina, California2 Reviews•8 Photos•37 SavesInformation unavailable at this time.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
Recent Tent Reviews in Shasta Lake
541 Reviews of 59 Shasta Lake Campgrounds
- K
Kelly S.
Traveler
Marina RV Park
Super Hosts
Very basic sites, on the river. Hosts are super helpful and friendly, great for a short time.
- Linda G.
Scout
Trail In RV Park & Campground
I stayed in late october with a fire ban. After a week they liftrd it.
Syayed in #3. Kind of confusing to get a reservation. Couldnt buy a ticket at the visitors center. Online only. Once i figured it out it is easy. Once there i went hiking but something was missing THE CAMPFIRE. That was when i started having fun. This is a clean campsite that is only 9.4 miles to west redding.
- Linda G.Scout
Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
I can breathe here
I feel like nature is where i need to be. I love it here. Clean
- JJeff H.Scout
Railroad Park Resort
Wonderful campground
This campground has full hookups, a. WiFi that is good enough to stream and it’s not a parking lot, good for tents and rv’s
Kevin M.Scout
Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort
Lake Siskiyou RV Resort
I have frequented this RV campground several times over many years. It is sad to see it becoming run down. The once paved interior roads are now barely discernable dirt paths. They also have a fee for locking in your chosen campground site for an additional $35 fee?!?!? Once you have waited for a specific site/s to become available to reserve, under what circumstances would they deem it reasonable to move you to another site without your consent? I luckily did not (will not) pay the additional fee, and 90% of the campground was vacant the week I was there. That guaranteed reservation fee is just a scam to get more money out of you. The costs of the sites are not cheap to begin with.
- SSabrina V.
Guide
Dispersed Campsite near Castle Lake and Shasta
Easy find near Castle Lake
You’ll have to enter a dirt road to get down to this spot. There will be several sites, but small ones all along that dirt road. This site specifically is good for when camping with a Van or small trailer.
Alex H.Scout
Volcanic Country Camping & RV
Shower Code
Men’s shower code is 9271 as of 10/10/24 for all you stinky campers (myself included)
Tessa F.ScoutPeltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area
had a great time
so far my experience has been great we're camping out for 3 Days got campsite 6 , nice little spot next to the water, first night was peaceful there's no other people reserving any of the campsites so we got lucky, I would definitely recommend camping here however 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 I didn't see sites one two and three
- SStephanie I.Scout
Big Pine Dispersed Camping
Great Dispersed spots
Plenty of dispersed camping along the creek just south of Big Pine Campground. We found a could spots that our 38ft fifth wheel could fit, and many spots for smaller rigs. Water, dump, and trash are available at Old Station Visitor Information Center just north (RV sewer dump closes mid October)
Samuel H.Guide
Hobo Gulch Campground
Incredible!
Wow what a place, I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
The road although incredibly long and winding was well maintained and I’m pretty sure even a car could make it without issue.
The drive up was a whole experience in itself, reminded me of Last of The Mohicans, don’t slip!
I went during hunting season without realizing it, out of the 10 sites 7 where taken up by hunters, but I only saw one person my whole stay.
Greg N.Guide
Cave Campground
Best of the USFS
Flushing toilets, easy access, friendly host, gorgeous setting, level ground- can’t ask for any better at $8 a night (after interagency discount)!
Noel L.Guide
Mountain Gate RV Park
Nice campground
Well maintained and clean park. Actually has grass, not all gravel. Sites level. Nice pool and laundry room. One night stay and arrived late so did self check in...no password for bathrooms were given, so asked a neighbor for a password. One of the restrooms was shut down for repairs. Too pricy.
- TTamara H.Scout
Beehive Point Shoreline Campground
Not what I expected
We were the only ones there for the most part. Every night there would be a few cars that drive through, but they didn’t stay. Bring yellow jacket traps - there’s a reason it’s named beehive
Claire D.Scout
31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
Convenient dispersed site near Lassen
Same experience as the other reviews. Arrived late Friday night on Labor Day weekend and found a spot right at the beginning of the dirt road - coming from Redding direction, turned right off of 44 onto the dirt road then took the first right. The turnoff is on Google maps and was easy to find even in the dark. Nobody else around that we saw, even given the busy weekend! Agreed with others on the road noise but it was fine. Just a few minutes from Manzanita lake. Great find!
- TTara D.Traveler
Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort
Quiet, peaceful
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.
Casey B.Guide
Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed
A little sketchy and not much shade
The first spot you come across is super cute with little stone sculptures in the creek and a little shelter with carpet...and then you realize it's most likely a locals party zone and homeless camp. There was a trash pile, bags of potato chips...and potatoes.
The next spot was cleaner and near the water, but the circular "driveway" was tight and had very little space. This is where we stayed.
The rest of the spots weren't near water and were just open fields directly in the sun.
Michael O.TravelerLake Siskiyou Camp Resort
Large, clean & strict
Large space with tons of camp sites. I took camp spot 28 and had plenty of space behind me and around me. Tons of rules here, but can tell the camp ground is well maintained and nothing unreasonable. Friendly staff, shoutout to Fernanda 🤙🏽
- SSamuel T.Traveler
Trinity Lake KOA Holiday
Exactly what I needed!
I started my journey up at Shasta lake, but was driven out by bees. I sought several other locations but decided Trinity was a worthwhile shot. I quickly made an online reservation, paid the holding fee, got there 4 hours early because I needed to just land instead of driving aimlessly, and the staff was so accommodating! They allowed me to stay in the parking lot while my site was being prepared, and they even let me in an hour and half earlier than check in! My spot was easy and accessible, close to bathrooms and showers, near the front store which had everything I needed, including coffee, a short walk to the lake, and a view of stars you don’t see very often. I came for solitude, but found comfort in neighbors who have a mutual love and respect for these great outdoors. I even shared a meal with my neighbor! This is an incredible place and very well maintained grounds. Staff are driving around quite literally into the night hours keeping things clean. Thanks Trinity KAO Holiday! I will be seeing you again!
jojo B.Scout
Hirz Bay Campground
beautiful bear playground
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.
- SSamuel T.Traveler
Beehive Point Shoreline Campground
Bees!
It’s likely that the heat draws the bees out, so you may have a different experience other times of the year. The bees made this incredible location no longer worth it.
Angel B.ScoutBeehive Point Shoreline Campground
This place was aptly named
I didn't put two and two together. Woke up to the BIGGEST swarm of wasps circling our fireplace and trying to make a nest in our fender. Be very careful with putting all your cookware away and completely burn your used paper towels. We went during a no burn period, so we were out of luck and ran out of camp.
Monica C.Traveler
Sims Flat Campground
Fine for a night
Good for a quick stop over. Quiet and never crowded. Clean bathrooms. Right on the river with easy access to the 5.
- JJohn R.
LegendLake Siskiyou Camp Resort
Needs work.
Very large park. Does not look like any money has been invested in a long time. Lots of amenities but poor condition. 3 star because of full hookups. Worst marked loops ever.
- RRobert N.Guide
Red Fir Flat Group Campground
Across the street there’s camping
Dusty but nice
- RRobert N.Guide
Mount Shasta City KOA
Great place to rest
Well managed KOA.
- RRobert N.Guide
Christie Hill Basecamp
Dispersed camping
No water or outhouse. If you have a low clearance vehicles, pick your pins carefully.
- SSabrina J.Scout
Fowlers Campground
Great Little Campsite
My friends and I stopped here for a night before we go camping in the backcountry and it was great! Has a little fire pit, bear box and nice flat spots to put your tent.
Guide to Shasta Lake
Tent camping near Shasta Lake, California, offers a serene escape into nature with a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. From picturesque views to essential amenities, there's something for everyone.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy fishing and kayaking at the scenic Greens Creek Boat-in Campground, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of the creek.
- Explore hiking trails right from your site at Mary Smith Campground, perfect for those looking to connect with nature.
- Relax by the water and take in the stunning views at Jones Valley Inlet Shoreline Campground, a great spot for launching your boat or enjoying a peaceful day by the lake.
Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $35
- Experience the beauty of Lower Salt Creek Shoreline Campground, where camping is affordable and offers a peaceful waterfront experience.
- For a unique stay, check out Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground, which provides a primitive camping experience at no cost, perfect for those seeking solitude.
- If you're looking for a more developed site, Mary Smith Campground offers a well-maintained area for $35, complete with drinking water and toilets.
Tent campers should check out these features
- At Crystal Creek Primitive Campground, enjoy a secluded atmosphere with picnic tables and fire rings, ideal for a cozy camping experience.
- Hirz Mountain Lookout offers breathtaking views and a unique opportunity to stay in a fire tower, making it a memorable spot for adventurous campers.
- For those traveling with pets, Lower Salt Creek Shoreline Campground welcomes furry friends, ensuring everyone in the family can enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Shasta Lake, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Shasta Lake, 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 Shasta Lake, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 59 tent camping locations near Shasta Lake, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.