1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent camping near Yreka ranges from free Forest Service sites to mountain campgrounds with creek access and views of Mount Shasta. Several campgrounds such as Mount Ashland, Beaver Creek, and Martins Dairy offer tent-specific sites with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Mount Ashland Campground provides free tent camping with scenic views of Mount Shasta, while Beaver Creek Campground offers a remote forest setting approximately 30 minutes west of Interstate 5.
Most tent sites in the region feature basic amenities including picnic tables and fire pits, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds, but many lack running water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Several campgrounds like Beaver Creek operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. The camping season typically runs from June through October for higher elevation sites, with snow often limiting access during winter and spring months. Mount Ashland's tent campsites are primarily suited for smaller tents, with limited level ground available and parking options that may require walking to reach tent pads.
Higher elevation tent campsites near Yreka offer opportunities for solitude, with sites like Mount Ashland providing spectacular mountain views, particularly of Mount Shasta, making them popular despite challenging access roads. Many tent campsites are positioned near creeks or small lakes, providing natural water sources for filtering and cooling off during summer months. Areas farther from Interstate 5 tend to offer greater privacy and quieter surroundings, with fewer visitors and more primitive conditions. According to one visitor, "The creek running along the campground was perfect for an afternoon splash when it gets hot and provides a nice ambiance at night." Tent campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, as mountain sites can experience significant temperature drops and high winds, particularly at higher elevations.
"Shasta in the distance and mountains for days! It’s pretty high up therefore there’s usually really cold wind, keep that in mind for sleeping and fires."
"I was there this past weekend, and while I saw a lot of folks driving through (to the summit, to Grouse Gap, maybe to other destinations), there were few people camping."
"Nice campground in remote location 4 miles north of Hwy 96. Limited amenities: campground has one vault toilet, with a picnic table, and fire ring at most of the campsites. No fee to camp here."
"It’s free to stay here, but there is no water or camp host. Plenty of firewood laying around if you need it. Bring an ax or a chainsaw, I’m sure the forest service won’t mind the help."
"The trail is moderate difficulty but could be done in 2-wheel drive just fine; If you pull-off right away."
"All sorts of wildlife loves to visit, even deer. The camp is surrounded by a barbed wire fence to keep cows out, I’m assuming. There are cattle guards at both entrances of the site as well. "
"This is a well-maintained city park that is friendly to tent camping. They ask for a $5 fee. Shower tokens can be purchased at Ray's Market, located a few blocks away."
"This is almost a, “I don’t wanna share with others” kind of a spot. One of the first most breath-taking spots we’ve found with views of Mount Shasta."
"Castle Lake Campground was full so we went back down toward town and found this turnoff 0.7 miles from the campground. Maybe 5- 10 spots in here."
"We just finished a backpacking trip in marble valley and sky high lakes area, both accessible about 5+ miles from the Lovers Camp Trailhead. It was absolutely beautiful!"
"This site is primarily a trailhead for backpackers and hunters heading into the Marble Mountain wilderness. You lose all cell service a couple miles before arriving at the campground."
"We're new to the van life, having lived mostly overseas, and are not RV-oriented, so we've been a little careful about choosing sites with adequate peacefulness, space and privacy."
"The covered camping and the cabin style rooms are both fantastic - clean area , and very friendly staff"
TravelerThe north side of Mount Shasta in the Trinity national Forest at these GPS coordinates 41.52034° N, 122.24421° W. Boondocking off of dirt roads and Open land. No facilities, just beautiful views and peaceful. Update— there is a freight train that runs frequently through this area approximately 5 miles away., So at times the peacefulness is broken by the sound of the train whistle.
RangerQuiet, fcfs, self check-in envelops at the entrance. Vault toilets (2) and a hand water pump. Direct access to MTB trails and short drive to the town.
GuideWe stayed two nights here and were able to walk to the Apple harvest festival across the street. You are definitely packed in here but the park is really nice. We stayed in spot 29.
These spots seem to have shade all day long: 25-34 47-70
Spots we saw that we would like to stay in next time: 18, 19, 83A, 113
Also good: 80-83 and 105-113
36-47 have no shade in the afternoon/early evening
The bathrooms were old but clean. I wish the outdoor cooking facilities were better maintained. I’m not quite sure they are usable, but my husband says they are.
We definitely will return to this Park. I appreciate the tight ship they run. We let them know that our cable box was broken when we arrived, and even though we don’t use the cable, they had somebody there within five minutes to fix it. Strict 10pm quiet rule, which I also appreciated. Some highway noise, but it was not that bad. The little town of McCloud is so very cute and easily walkable. We recommend Sage for a fancy dinner.
TravelerI showed up for a first come first served site. It wasn’t clear when I drove in that you can look at the dates on the reservation tags and use the site if you’re between days it is reserved. Nice shady wooded campground right next to the river with easy access to a gorgeous trail.
TravelerThe campground sits right on the river and even though it is near the road, there is not much traffic. At night it was super quiet. The camp host was friendly and the bathrooms were clean and there is a nice trail along the river.
TravelerIt's a beautiful camp, but there is a conflict between their (gov run) website information and in park board. Some sights are first come first serve, but some can be reserved online, but aren't marked, so there can be a reservation for a first come first serve spot. I've been there three times, the last wasn't bad, but twice the above issues caused inconvenience to my camp. Still a beautiful place, though
LegendSpent 3 nights here while going to the Shakespeare festival in Ashland. Overlooking Emigrant lake which was pretty low. Recommend trying to book sites 1-14 as there is shade trees. Sites were level but water and electric was towards the front of the site and our hook ups are at the back of the trailer so we weren’t able to back into as far as we would have liked but it worked showers and bath were clean and hot water.
RangerAsphalt paved roads / sites appear relatively new. 10% occupied on Friday night in early October. Very quiet except for occasional birds and honking geese. Very dark at night with stars. Get shower code from Host at entrance station. Most sites close to level but used blocks to fine-tune. Site pavement a little narrow but all wheels fit for 24' Class C dually. Nice Views but water Very low this time of year.
GuideThe access is right off of hwy 97, the gravel road is fine for low clearance vehicles, and the campsites are just off of the gravel road. Be prepared for getting fine sand everywhere. There are nice views of Mt. Shasta and options for open sky or shaded areas to choose from. Traffic is minimal but you will hear a train at least once a day or night.
Tent camping near Yreka offers sites at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 7,000 feet throughout the Klamath National Forest and nearby mountain ranges. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F at night to 85°F during day at higher elevations, with significant cooling after sunset even during July and August. Most dispersed sites require campers to travel at least 15-30 minutes from main highways on forest roads.
Swimming in alpine lakes: Castle Lake Dispersed Camping provides easy access to cool mountain water during summer months. One camper noted, "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!" Most swimming areas lack lifeguards or designated beaches, so bring water shoes for rocky entries.
Mountain biking trails: Mount Ashland Campground offers direct access to multiple trail systems. A visitor shared, "Pit toilets. No water. Hiking. Mountain biking. Watch out for the chipmunks. Free." The Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby, making this area popular with both day riders and through-hikers.
Fishing for trout: Nearby lakes stock rainbow trout throughout summer. According to one Applegate Lake visitor, "Weather was perfect and the lake water level was great. It's got a great beach area for kids to swim and play. Full of huge trout." California fishing licenses required for most water bodies near Yreka, with some lakes having catch limits.
Mountain views: The panoramic vistas of Mount Shasta dominate the landscape from many camping areas. At Castle Lake Dispersed Camping, campers appreciate the natural scenery: "Road dips down but rutted and I'm low clearance so can't tell what's down there. I'm in the only pullout off the side of the road before it dips. Awesome view."
Creek access: Many camping areas feature running water access for cooling off. One camper at Beaver Creek Campground mentioned: "Nice river running right next to the camp to cool off in and a wading pool has been made. Close to the road but little or no traffic." Creeks typically flow strongest in June and gradually diminish through September.
Solitude at primitive sites: Toad Lake Campground provides a remote experience for those willing to make the journey: "Toad Lake is a pristine mountain lake accessible only via a long, rough, and rocky single lane dirt road... A short 15 minute hike takes you to the lake, where there is 2 picnic tables and a fire pit." Most primitive sites lack formal boundaries, allowing campers to spread out.
Limited water sources: Most tent camping sites require bringing your own supply. At Martins Dairy Campground, facilities are minimal but functional: "They offer day use, horse use, and overnight use. The overnight use has 6 available spots at $10/day which is a deal given that the sites are ample with awesome picnic benches and fire pits."
Rough access roads: Many campsites require driving on unpaved forest roads. A Castle Lake visitor warned: "About 15 min off the I-5 and climbing most of the way. High and dry. Great view of Shasta Mtn. 8 or more still available for higher clearance vehicle."
Weather variability: Temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night are common. One Mount Ashland camper noted: "The sunsets are GORGEOUS and stargazing is amazing but it is WINDY and I mean, drops 20 degrees windy, rocks the van windy." Pack warm sleeping bags even for summer camping.
Swimming holes: Applegate Lake offers safe water access with gradual entry points: "It's got a great beach area for kids to swim and play." The lake maintains relatively consistent water levels throughout summer, unlike some smaller water bodies that diminish by August.
Playground access: Etna City Park combines basic tent camping with town amenities: "It's a rather small park. Tent camping is ok. There's a playground and restrooms... We didn't use it but heard there is a community pool for free public use."
Small lake exploration: Squaw Lakes provides a manageable size for younger children: "This is truly an Oregon gem. Swimming, non-motorized boating, fishing, hiking, trail cycling, you name it, this place has it." Rental boats are sometimes available from campground hosts during peak season.
Leveling challenges: Many tent sites near Yreka work poorly for larger vehicles. One Mount Ashland visitor explained: "This campground is really only set up for tent campers. The place to park for vehicles is far from level. Even with camper jacks I was sleeping at an angle."
Pull-offs for small rigs: LOGE Mt Shasta offers designated spots for smaller vehicles: "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." Most forest service sites limit vehicle size to under 22 feet.
Limited turnaround space: Forest roads often lack adequate turnaround areas for larger vehicles. A Castle Lake camper advised: "I would probably not recommend with a trailer. 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. Anything bigger than and you're probably stuck."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Yreka, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Yreka, CA is Mount Ashland Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Yreka, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 53 tent camping locations near Yreka, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
