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Shasta Lake in Northern California features a range of campground options from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks. The area includes established campgrounds like Beehive Point Shoreline Campground, which offers waterfront camping directly on the lake, and Shasta Campground, which accommodates both tent and RV campers. Several facilities provide boat-in access, allowing campers to reach shoreline sites directly from the water. Dispersed camping opportunities exist on nearby Bureau of Land Management lands, including Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed area, which offers free camping with minimal amenities. The Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area manages multiple campgrounds in the region with varying levels of development.
Seasonal water levels significantly impact camping experiences around Shasta Lake, with shoreline access changing throughout the year. Most developed campgrounds operate year-round, though some like Beehive Point Shoreline Campground are only open from mid-April through mid-September. Summer temperatures typically reach the 80s and 90s, making water access particularly valuable. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months when lakeside sites fill quickly. Road conditions to some shoreline and dispersed camping areas may require careful navigation, particularly for those towing trailers. One camper noted, "Beehive point offers camping right on the waters of Shasta Lake and has absolutely amazing views. The entrance is a little rutted so if you bring a trailer just be cautious."
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with many highlighting the views and direct lake access. Campgrounds in the area typically provide fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, while some offer additional amenities like showers, drinking water, and boat ramps. Several campgrounds feature both wooded and open sites, providing options for shade or solar access depending on preference. Privacy between sites varies significantly by location, with some offering spacious, well-separated sites and others placing campers in closer proximity. Campers frequently mention the quality of stargazing opportunities and the relative quiet of campgrounds despite their proximity to Redding. As one visitor described, "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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Also the water park next to the campground was closed"
from $50 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Management allowed us to park our truck in the empty space right next to our camper, which was super convenient. All hookups worked perfectly."
"Because it's the shoulder season, their were fewer people there, which allowed us to have more space... no one in adjacent sites."
"Our site had private water access and was a good distance from adjacent sites. I really can't say enough good things about my time here."
"There was an awesome creek right next to us. FYI there was no phone service at all until you get by the school."
"There's a newly built sunshaded playground for the kids, ultimate course on grounds and a small boat ramp nearby to Sac River for fishing access."
"Biggest downfall is the freeway is close by and it is therefore a little noisy."
"Campground Review: No matter where you find yourself on Shasta Lake you will be surrounded in houseboats and the beauty of the lake. On the way in (heading south on I-5 you will see Mt."
"Shasta Lake was nearby. I was very worried it would be full, but when we got to the dam, the guard said the campground had openings."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"I really love this small campground, especially this year when the lake is full. There's only 10-12 sites, bathrooms are clean. very quiet."
TravelerThe owners are very laid back. We reserved a spot with no money down. Spot was hard to find, but only because it was a new spot they had just opened up. Everyone around d us was very friendly. It is a “no frills” park, but was quiet even it was just off the road.
TravelerThis campground is very well-kept and clean. All site are paved and quite flat and most have a good usable area. The host did a great job keeping everything tidy. There are vault and flush toilets that are decent for public camping standards. Poison oak is pervasive in the undergrowth but again, the campground roads and sites are tidy and the poison oak does not encroach. Lake Shasta is not accessible from the campground for beach play making it less enjoyable unless you have a boat in the water. The freeway is within earshot along with a train (across the road) so noise is an issue at night. Bottom line: good for a pit stop or if you have a boat but not very enjoyable if you want to get into nature.
ScoutGreat site, bathroom across the road at Day Parking only side.
GuideJust stayed at this campground and my family and I couldn’t stop complimenting the site. It’s really convenient for not leaving the campground and having plenty to do. The falls are gorgeous, nice trails (with some that are toddler friendly which is helpful for us), they have the lake and a general store should you forget anything or feel like splurging.
Not a ton of bugs when we stayed which is nice and unexpected. I would of course still bring spray and candles but the mosquitos were mild.
The bathrooms were always clean with toilet paper. They are cleaned daily. They have coin operated showers for $1 for 2 coins. Each coin is 2 mins in the shower.
Wood is avaible on site to buy.
Beware of leaving your trash out since the chipmunks and birds are a bit aggressive to eat your scraps.
The site was flat with not a ton of roots or rocks which was great for us in our tent.
WiFi is inconsistent but there is a pay station near the ranger station to charge phones and use wifi.
TravelerSuper easy to find as it is right off of I-5. Employees/management were very friendly and helpful. I was not at the site for a long time--maybe 12 hours--but it was a perfect place to stop and rest on my way to Portland. It's 20 min from Redding, which has all the creature comforts--every food and drink and store you can imagine. It's also close to Shasta Lake, which I didn't have time to explore this time, sadly.
Restroom was super clean. Didn't use the shower, but it looked clean and safe. There is a small pool on site (didn't use) that looked well-maintained too.
I was there solo, and thankfully did not feel too nervous or scared.
There is also a store on site that has lots of snacks and drinks.
ScoutWe are new camping trailer owners and needed a spot to hook up and test everything out. Gentleman at the office was very friendly. We had spot 24 which was very easy to pull in and out. The pull through spaces are only $4 more per night. Nice outdoor cooking area directly across from our spot. We were only there about 5 hours so we didn’t see the other amenities. Some long-term campers there, but the park is clean and maintained. Not much shade but we would definitely return if we need a place for a night or two. We paid $59 out the door.
TravelerWay out of the way and worth it. There’s also tons of dispersed camping off the dirt roads. There is NO CELLPHONE RECEPTION, I used Starlink to add this so I don’t want anyone mislead.
GuideWe were recommended to come here after going to Douglas city and being turned away because of a burst pipe. The campground is primitive, no water and pit toilets. It’s was super warm, but the river was a nice way to cool down. The road to the campground seems like you’re going the wrong way, but keep going and you’ll find it. The camp host was a great guy who provided lots of facts regarding the area when we arrived. The spots aren’t super private but you still have some space in between. Highly recommend!
GuideClean, beautiful, accessible, and reasonably priced. Laundry (2.75), wifi, pool, and more. Would love to come back!
Shasta Lake spans 30,000 acres when full, with water levels fluctuating up to 200 feet throughout the year. The surrounding conifer forests create distinct microclimate zones, where summer temperatures often exceed 100°F at lower elevations while remaining cooler at higher elevations. Camping sites near Shasta Lake vary from open lakeside locations to sheltered forest settings, with significant terrain changes affecting site access and facilities.
Fishing at multiple coves: Jones Valley Inlet provides direct water access for shore fishing. "It's a well maintained site and it was nice and quiet. Some decently shaded areas as well," notes Cierra A. about Jones Valley Inlet Shoreline Campground.
Wildlife viewing from campsites: Early mornings at Peltier Bridge offer chances to spot local wildlife. "We were able to arrive at 9pm and still get a spot through recreation.gov. No running water. There were a lot of branches on the ground for us to be able to build a fire. Right next to a creek/river so great water sounds all night," shares Stephanie W. about Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground.
Creek swimming access: Find safe swimming spots at several creekside locations. "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," says Stacy L. about Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground.
Secluded creekside spots: Cline Gulch offers privacy along creek edges with natural shade. "My husband and I loved this place. It was a little bumpy ride but well worth it. It was super secluded and quiet. No one else drove by at all during the two days we stayed. There was an awesome creek right next to us," mentions Kevinae B. about Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed.
Off-season water access: Campers appreciate Beehive Point during quieter periods. "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. It was beautiful," shares Laura M. about Beehive Point Shoreline Campground.
Clean facilities in developed areas: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept 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. All around a great visit. Perfect spot if you are traveling with a pet," reports Jill P. about Mountain Gate RV Park.
Fire restrictions change seasonally: Always check current fire status before planning campfires. "Only one other group while we were there. Only gripe was the no fires sign posted which was a little confusing considering they sold firewood and charcoal at the camp store," notes Glyn P. about Oak Bottom Tent Campground.
Wildlife concerns: Ticks can be prevalent in certain areas, especially in spring and summer. "I had a perfect spot right by the river… easy to navigate with my 20' van, stunning, private, shady and green… I was about to write a 5 star review… but then my dog and I both got bitten by ticks - and we woke to find 8 other dead ticks in our bed," warns Hillary S. about Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed.
Proximity to shooting areas: Some dispersed camping zones overlap with hunting or target practice locations. "This is a popular shooting area because we saw a ton of ammunition casings as well as broken glass and clay pigeons and other items used for target practice. Oh, and we heard a bunch of gunshots in the middle of the night," cautions Laura M. about Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed.
Choose tent-only campgrounds for quieter stays: Oak Bottom prohibits RVs, creating a different camping experience. "Crowded, but secluded. Our site had private water access and was a good distance from adjacent sites. I really can't say enough good things about my time here. Would've stayed longer if I didn't have to get back to the real world," shares Matt T.
Plan for gear transportation at walk-in sites: Some shoreline sites require additional equipment. "Large site next to the shore. Short walk to swimming beach and showers. Kids loved it. Downside was having to haul our gear down a trail to get to our spot," explains Karen O. about Oak Bottom Tent Campground.
Check campground configuration before arriving: Understanding site layout prevents surprises. "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. They provide a wheelbarrow for hauling your stuff but it was pretty rough we missed that key point in our planning," advises Haley S.
Access road challenges: Several campgrounds have difficult entrances for larger vehicles. "About 45-60 minutes from Redding. Easy to locate. Road was just scrapped so it was in good condition. Found perfect site to feet from the river. No slot of other sites," reports Al L. about Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed.
Amenities vary significantly: RV parks offer different levels of hookups and facilities. "Full hookups in back in spot for $55. Mostly pull throughs in Park, which cost more. Shower, restrooms, dog park. Propane for sale here," notes jeanne A. about Redding RV Park.
Seasonal conditions affect accessibility: Road maintenance changes throughout the year. "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," explains Coleen B. about Redding RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find beach camping spots at Shasta Lake?
Jones Valley Inlet Shoreline Campground provides excellent beach camping opportunities at Shasta Lake with direct water access. Water levels can affect beach availability, so checking conditions before your trip is recommended. Another prime spot for beach camping is McCloud Bridge Campground, which features 14 sites including some double sites for larger groups. While water levels fluctuate seasonally, when normal, the campground offers walking distance access to the water, sometimes just a few hundred feet away. Facilities include clean bathrooms, water access, bear bins, fire rings, and trash cans, making it a comfortable option for beach camping enthusiasts.
Are there private campgrounds available at Shasta Lake?
Yes, several private campgrounds surround Shasta Lake. Lakehead Campground & RV Park offers a rustic, naturally pretty setting with simple amenities including a place to play pool. The quiet environment and proximity to the lake make it an attractive option. Lakeshore Villa RV Park is another private option in a good location adjacent to Shasta Lake, though it caters primarily to RVs. For those seeking private accommodations slightly further from the immediate lakeshore, Sacramento River RV Park provides long-term stay options with some spaces featuring private grassy areas maintained by management.
Where can I camp along the river at Shasta Lake?
For river camping near Shasta Lake, Trinity River (Ca) — Shasta Trinity National Forest offers beautiful sites situated directly alongside the Trinity River. This wooded campground costs around $10 per night and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and the Trinity Alps, creating a stunning backdrop for your river camping experience. Another option is Cline Gulch BLM Dispersed, which provides free camping opportunities with both drive-in and walk-in access points to explore riverfront areas. While technically not on Shasta Lake itself, these nearby river camping options offer the peaceful sound of flowing water and excellent fishing opportunities within the same general region.
What are the best campgrounds at Shasta Lake for tent camping?
For tent camping at Shasta Lake, Beehive Point Shoreline Campground offers excellent options with amazing views right on the water. It's rarely crowded, providing a peaceful experience with both beach and wooded sites depending on water levels. Another good option is Shasta Campground, where you'll be surrounded by the natural beauty of the lake while enjoying basic facilities. Both locations allow you to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery while providing the fundamentals needed for a comfortable tent camping experience. When water levels are normal, many shoreline campgrounds offer easy water access, making them ideal for those who want to combine tent camping with water activities.
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