234 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lakehead, California provides a range of camping experiences along the shores of Shasta Lake and throughout the surrounding Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Established campgrounds like Beehive Point Shoreline, Hirz Bay, and Ellery Creek offer access to the lake with varying levels of amenities. The area supports multiple accommodation types including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals at locations such as Lakehead Campground & RV Park and Shasta Lake RV Resort. Most campgrounds in this region are situated within wooded settings that provide shade and natural surroundings while maintaining proximity to water recreation.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability near Lakehead, with many campgrounds operating only from April through September. Hirz Bay Campground typically opens April 1st and closes September 30th, while Ellery Creek operates from mid-May to early September. Winter conditions and reduced visitation lead to closures at many sites during the off-season. Facilities vary considerably across the area, with some locations offering full hookups, showers, and dump stations, while others provide only basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas around the lake. A review noted, "This campground is situated near the Trinity Alps surrounded by beautiful mountains next to the Trinity River. It's a pretty amazing location."
Water access represents a primary draw for campers visiting the Lakehead area, with multiple campgrounds offering direct lake or river frontage. Beehive Point Shoreline Campground provides boat-in access options, allowing visitors to reach campsites directly from the water. Several campgrounds feature swimming areas, boat ramps, and fishing opportunities. The surrounding forest lands also support hiking and exploration beyond the immediate shoreline. Campers frequently mention the scenic mountain views and clear water as highlights of their stay. During periods of drought or low water levels, lake access points may require longer walks from some campgrounds. As one visitor observed, "The campground itself is wooded and very pretty," highlighting the natural setting that complements the water recreation opportunities 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."
"Found it to be nice, quiet, close to the highway buy not noisy. Office staff is very friendly and quick to answer phone/email inquiries."
"We're happy to welcome that property that is close to Lake Shasta & Mt Shasta. Set-up camp, go out and explore, then come back here for some rest. Check them out and leave them a review!"
from $30 - $500 / night
Check Availability"From our campsite we were able to walk to the trailhead and do the crags trail all the way to the top of the rocks. Would highly recommend this campground!"
"Oldest camping area is right next to I-5 (which was not there when the campground was built!). But there are newer camping sites farther away from I-5."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"The owner was very nice and got us situated right away. I will definitely be coming back!"
"I went traipsing around and found my way to Shasta Lake. If you do the same, watch out for poison oak!"
"The campground is about 30 mins from the highway, in beautiful forest and has easy access to the water. Campground was quiet, clean and empty when we were there."
"It took us 11 hours to drive there and even the little kids thought it was worth the drive. We had so much fun walking down to the lake fishing, swimming and playing with the dogs."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Small gas station within walking distance, and a small grocery store in driving distance. 1.5 miles off the highway. Big rigs welcome."
"I say that only because it was 4th of July weekend and there was a dirty bunch around us. But even with that the park crew was great and did the best to keep things up as much as they could."
"Really nice campground with access to the water. I was there in mid July so it was very hot, but there is enough shade that the camp site stayed fairly cool."
"Beautiful views from our campsite and easy access to water. It was super peaceful!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"At night, it was a little tough to fall asleep with trains running next to the campground and the highway noise, but other than heat and noise, we enjoyed it."
"It has all the amenities you need, along with a store, swimming pool, laundry facility, WiFi, bathrooms/showers, cabins, tent spaces, RV slots, easy access to the marina, boat launching service, boat rentals"
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Gas station right up the road and many access point to the lake"
GuideQuiet loop with bathrooms. 4 sites total including the hike & bike site. Lots of privacy and cover. Site 24 not level but not bad for a van. You do hear the highway and trains at night. Quick drive and walk to the Crags Vista.
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!
TravelerOriginally we were at Salt flats i believe and had a bad experience there and came here. It is stunning and very spacious, there are fire pits around also. I will say the road coming in is a bit treacherous but we made it in and found a nice spot.
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.
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.
Camping spots near Lakehead, California surround Shasta Lake at elevations ranging from 1,060 to 1,500 feet. Summer temperatures often exceed 95°F from June through August with overnight lows around 60°F. Water levels fluctuate dramatically throughout the year, affecting shoreline camping access and boat launch availability at most Lakehead campgrounds.
Fishing from shore: At Beehive Point Shoreline Campground, campers can access various fishing spots along the shoreline when water levels permit. "Easy to move about. Great for water sports powered or canoes and paddle boards," notes Paul T., who found the area convenient for multiple water activities.
Crag hiking: Located 30 minutes from Lakehead, Castle Crags State Park Campground offers challenging trails with significant elevation gain. "The top section of the trail is very exposed and there is no water, so make sure you bring enough. The trail is steep and requires a bit of scrambling over rocks," explains Michael I., who recommends starting early during summer months.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campers report bear sightings in the Lakehead camping areas, particularly at Hirz Bay Campground. "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," reports jojo B., who recommends bringing bear spray and using the provided bear boxes.
Off-season solitude: Many Lakehead area campgrounds empty out during fall and spring. "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," writes a visitor about Hirz Bay Campground.
Waterfront access: Direct lake access represents the main draw for many campers. "The campground itself is wooded and very pretty," and "we scored ourselves a really cool spot right along the water," notes Laura M. about her experience at Beehive Point, though she cautions about weekend crowds.
Basic amenities: Most campers appreciate the simplicity of Lakehead area campgrounds. "Bathrooms were clean and stocked with the necessities," reports Rebecca L. about Castle Crags State Park, while others mentioned appreciating the bear boxes, picnic tables, and flat camping spots throughout the area.
Transportation noise: Multiple campgrounds in the Lakehead area experience noise from nearby Interstate 5 and train tracks. "Several train pass each night and you will hear them," warns one camper about Castle Crags State Park. Another notes, "we had to sleep with earplugs to not hear traffic which is unnerving."
Wildlife concerns: Bear activity is frequently reported around Antlers RV Park and Campground, with one long-term visitor stating, "They got into the trash pretty regularly though. It was very evident in the morning when the cans would be knocked over and rummaged through."
Water level variability: Shoreline access changes dramatically based on season and drought 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," reports Laura M. about Beehive Point.
Safety precautions: When camping with children near Lakehead, be aware of specific hazards. "If you happen to have pets be cautious there is a lot of broken glass everywhere, my dog had several cuts on her pads," warns Rosa P. about Beehive Point Shoreline Campground.
Insect preparation: Pack bug spray for mosquitoes, particularly near water. "The mosquitoes were bad when the sun started to go down but wasn't a problem with a fire, thermacel and bug spray," shares Mandi W., who camped with children at Ellery Creek.
Timing considerations: School breaks significantly impact campground crowding. "We were incredibly happy this time around that the water levels were so high. It was beautiful. We scored ourselves a really cool spot right along the water on a Thursday afternoon...But. It was spring break. And just about an hour after we arrived, so did everyone else," shares Laura M.
Site selection: At Mountain Gate RV Park, RVers recommend specific site areas. "We're traveling in a 40ft RV for reference though they do also have tent spaces... The spaces are all in the woods with mostly shade, though there are some that get more sunlight than others," notes Adam.
Utility planning: RV hookup quality varies significantly among Lakehead area campgrounds. "Full hookups, wifi, cable, showers, laundry, etc. There's a cell tower on the way in to the campground. You can expect two to three bars of LTE from both AT&T and Verizon," reports a visitor about Antlers RV Park, making it suitable for digital nomads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lakehead, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lakehead, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 234 campgrounds and RV parks near Lakehead, CA and 20 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lakehead, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lakehead, CA is Beehive Point Shoreline Campground with a 4-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lakehead, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 free dispersed camping spots near Lakehead, CA.
What parks are near Lakehead, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Lakehead, CA that allow camping, notably Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
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