Tent camping near Weed, California offers primitive dispersed sites ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 feet elevation in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Most camping areas become accessible in late spring when snow melt clears forest roads, typically remaining open until late October or early November when winter conditions return. Summer temperatures range from 45°F at night to 85°F during day at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing in mountain lakes: At Castle Lake Dispersed Camping, campers can access fishing opportunities throughout summer months. A camper noted, "About 15 min off the I-5 and climbing most of the way. High and dry. Great view of Shasta Mtn."
Swimming in Siskiyou Lake: Located 10 minutes from Mount Shasta area camping spots, Siskiyou Lake provides excellent swimming conditions. One camper at Castle Lake recommended, "If you camp here check out Siskiyou Lake right down the way to swim it was THE best view of Shasta and the most mellow and perfect swimming conditions!"
Hiking historic trails: Near Ah-Di-Na Campground, campers can explore remnants of the area's past. "There is a historic trail that takes you on a tour of the old resort. River access leads to a pebble beach and there are deep pockets of water for fishing," writes one reviewer.
What campers like
Off-grid seclusion: Toad Lake area offers limited cellphone service and genuine wilderness camping. A reviewer at Toad Lake Campground observed, "Toad Lake is a pristine mountain lake accessible only via a long, rough, and rocky single lane dirt road (Toad Lake Road 40N64). Take this road only if you have a 4x4 or AWD vehicle with suitable clearance."
Late-season access: Many tent camping areas remain usable into autumn, even when higher elevations receive early snow. As one Castle Lake camper reported in mid-May, "The lake campsites are still closed midMay. This worked out for a goal to see Mt. Shasta."
Natural camp configurations: Most dispersed camping areas offer flexible setup options. At Castle Lake, a camper shared, "great spot! i got in with a lil mazda, tho i did turn back from some of the lower section. it's a pull off to the left when going TO castle lake. spots splintering off along the main road."
What you should know
Water availability: No potable water exists at most dispersed camping areas, requiring visitors to bring sufficient supplies. At Gumboot Lake Campground, expect similar conditions to other primitive sites with no treated water sources from June through October.
Access challenges: Many tent camping areas require appropriate vehicles to reach. "The drive down from McCloud lake is along a dirt forestry road. It's steep and rocky, lots of loose debris and some hairy areas that require higher clearance. A compact crossover will make it but a family sedan will not," reports one Ah-Di-Na camper.
Weather variations: Temperature swings between day and night can exceed 40 degrees, requiring appropriate sleeping gear. When climbing Mount Shasta, one camper experienced "temperature on the mountain ranges from 80*+ at the base to below 30* up top with heavy winds."
Tips for camping with families
Shower facilities: For longer stays with children, Etna City Park offers shower facilities requiring tokens purchased at Ray's Market nearby. A camper notes, "The shower room is clean. I was the first to use it that particular day and the water was cold, until the very end. Every hiker after that had hot water."
Sound considerations: Sound travels efficiently across mountain lakes, affecting tent site selection. Campers at multiple locations report conversations carrying across water, making lakeside sites less private during busy periods.
Fire regulations: Current fire restrictions change throughout camping season depending on conditions. May and June typically allow campfires while July through October often implement fire bans, requiring camp stoves for cooking.
Tips from RVers
Tent-focused areas: Most primitive camping near Weed accommodates tents rather than RVs. At LOGE Mt Shasta, an exception exists where some RV parking with limited hookups may be available. A reviewer noted, "We parked our rented Cabana van of 19'8" back-in to the wooden cubicles and therefore had a reasonably private space with 2 Adirondack chairs and a picnic table."
Road condition awareness: Forest service roads accessing camping areas often contain hazards for larger vehicles. "Drive SLOWLY. The jagged rocks can shred up a tire in a hot second," warns an Ah-Di-Na camper who navigated the access road.
Turnaround limitations: Many narrow mountain roads lack adequate turnaround space for longer vehicles. When attempting to reach Castle Lake with a small trailer, one camper reported, "I made it down with my Tacoma and a 12ft travel trailer but it was a stretch. Super easy to get in, but took a long time to turn around and get back out."
