Showing posts with label California. Show all posts
Showing posts with label California. Show all posts

Saturday, June 26, 2021

Camping by Geographical Areas






This page is provided as an index to assist you in locating some of the great camping places you will find located in Siskiyou County. Please click on each site of interest to view accurate pictures of the campgrounds, list of amenities, and general information as well as driving directions. It is hoped you will find this information helpful and enhance your stay in Siskiyou County. Please return or bookmark this blog as new information is added!

** Indicates that the campground is open year-round if roads are accessible.

Please also click the links on the right sidebar for things to do and see along the different routes!

Please be sure you check to be sure there are no fires in the area you are planning to camp!  You will need a campfire permit for most campsites in Siskiyou County.  They are free, ask any ranger.   Also, note that the National Forest Service Campgrounds (NFS) are often seasonal only.  During Covid-19 double-check that the campgrounds are open.

Camping along the I-5 Corridor:  From Dunsmuir, CA to the Oregon Border on Interstate 5, Siskiyou County, California.
Camping along Highway 96 (The State of Jefferson Highway)
From Interstate 5 along the Klamath River to the county line at Somes Bar, CA


Camping along Highway 97 (The Road Less Traveled...)
From the intersection of I-5 and 97 at Weed, California to the Oregon State Line


Camping along Highway 89 East and South East towards Lassen National Park. From Interstate 5 (near Mt. Shasta City) towards Lassen National Park East on Highway 89:


Camping in outlying Siskiyou County areas!

Click here for:  Views along the Scott River
Dispersed Camping in the National Forests: Much of the forest is available for dispersed camping. This is camping in areas that are not official campsites. To obtain information go to any Forest Ranger Station or stop in at the Klamath National Forest Headquarters in Yreka, California. While at a station pick up a California Campfire Permit while there ~ they are often good for the entire season and free of charge. Please check the National Forest website for information on "dispersed camping".

Oak Bottom Campground

 




 





Brief description:  Forest Service Campground near the Salmon River.  Handicap access.

Open Dates:  May to October

Number of Campsites:  26 sites.  Max RV length 25 ft.  Watch overhead branches.  26 sites are accessible according to the website, however, there are specially marked accessible sites.

Length of Stay:  Not posted.

Fees:  Self-registration.  $10 per night.  At the last visit, a campground host was available in the campground.  There are Reservable sites by calling 877-844-6777 or visiting www.recreation.gov 

Affiliation:  US Forest Service

Location/Address:  Approximately 2 miles east of Somes Bar on primary forest route 93. Good two-lane road.  Lat. 41’ 22’39”  Long. 123’ 27’ 01” 


Typical campsite at Oak Bottom


Elevation:  700 ft.

Contact Information: 
Six Rivers National Forest
1330 Bayshore Way
Eureka, CA  95501
(707) 442-1721

Amenities:
Vault Toilets
River nearby
Firepits
Potable Water
Bear proof waste receptacles 
Trees with some open areas
Picnic tables
Fishing
Swimming/wading in the river in summer
Whitewater in spring

General Description:  Campground is in a mixed conifer and hardwood forest setting.  Leveling might be required.  Local wildlife includes deer, mountain lions, fox, squirrel, and raccoon.  Fishing at nearby Salmon River.  At the last visit, the campground had a camp host and the campground was exceptionally clean as were the vault toilets, etc.  There is poison oak in the area.

Nearby Services:  (groceries, medical, etc.) The nearest towns for groceries and propane are in Somes Bar 2.5 miles away.  (Very limited, however.)  Nearest hospital in Arcata CA 86 miles.  No cell service with AT&T, but a phone may be available via the camp host or at Somes Bar.



Friday, June 25, 2021

Trail Creek Campground

 


Typical Site at Trail Creek Campground.






Brief description:  Forest Service Campground near trails and river.  Sites are gravel, as is 1/4 mile of road leading to campground.

Open Dates:  May to October

Number of Campsites:  12 sites.  Max RV length 20 ft.  Some sites may accommodate a larger rig, watch overhead branches.

Length of Stay:  14 days

Fees:  Self-registration.  $10 per night when last stayed

Affiliation:  US Forest Service

Location/Address:  Approximately 13 miles NE of Cecilville on primary forest route 93.  The best route for pulling a trailer is to travel to Callahan, California, and take the Callahan-Cecilville Road (Route 93) 16.6 miles to the Trail Creek Campground.  The campground is located ¼ mile off Route 93, a somewhat steep decline to the campground entrance.

Elevation:  4,700 ft.

Contact Information: 

 Klamath National Forest 

Supervisor's Office (Headquarters)

1711 South Main St

Yreka, CA 96097

(530) 863-3092


Amenities:

Vault Toilets

River nearby

Firepits ~ Check local restrictions before having a campfire, outdoor barbeque, or stove.  A free  
       California campfire permit is available online and at Ranger Stations.  Local requirements  may
       supersede permits.

Potable Water

Bear proof waste receptacles 

Trees with some open areas

Picnic tables

General Description:  Campground is in a mixed conifer setting, however, there are some nice places to park a small trailer or RV.  Leveling might be required.  Local wildlife includes deer, bears and birds.  Access to the Pacific Crest Trail is nearby.  Hiking into the Trinity Alps wilderness nearby.  Fishing in nearby Salmon River.

Nearby Services:  (groceries, medical, etc.) The nearest towns for groceries and fuel are Etna, Ft. Jones, and Yreka, CA. (approximately 30 miles)  Nearest emergency health services in Yreka, California is approximately 60 miles.  


Sunday, August 2, 2020

Quigley's Store & RV Park




















   Quigley's is Now Open!

Located right on the bank of the Klamath River one can find the historic Quigley's Store and RV Park!

As of 2020, there are new owners for Quigley's, and everything has been really improved!  Highly recommend you check it out, grab a beer sit on the deck, and enjoy the river!

While driving down the State of Jefferson Byway (California Hwy 96) one can find Quigley's Store and RV Park. This place is worth a stop even if you aren't ready to call it a day and find a place to camp. Walking inside the store is like a portal to the past, stepping on the oiled tongue and groove wooden floors, and a market that has a little bit of almost everything! The area was formerly visited by President Hoover as he was friends of the original owner, Willis Quigley. They also have a nice little Deli and great spot to eat out on the deck or cozy tables inside. One can find a light meal there for either Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner ~ if they are open food will be available. The summer months this place is frequently full, but still worth the stop.

If you are looking for a very casual, out of the way place to visit this might be just the ticket! Area attractions include the Klamath National Forest, not to mention the scenic Klamath River with fishing and rafting right at your doorstep. Nearby is a 9 hole golf course, a shooting range, and hunting in the area during appropriate seasons for bear, deer, turkey, and quail. Along the Klamath River, one can watch gold mining operations and learn the area's vast gold mining history.

The RV facilities include cable TV with hookups. There are laundry facilities, a horseshoe pit, a sandy beach along the river, with canoeing, rafting, and kayaking. Thirteen of the 20 RV sites are located along the river with access. The park has 20 amp electrical service, a comfort station, and the roads and sites are gravel. A typical site is 25' X 40' and can accommodate up to a 40' rig. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash.

Great tidbits of history can be found at Quigley's Store & RV Park small webpage, it is definitely worth a read!

Directions to Quigleys:
From Yreka travel approximately 8 miles North on Hwy 263 (Historic Hwy 99) until you cross the Klamath River Bridge and then turn left on Hwy 96 (The Jefferson State Byway) then travel 15 miles west. From Interstate-5, turn off at Collier's Rest Stop (North of Yreka) and travel west on Hwy 96 17 miles to Quigley's. The park is on the south side (Riverside) of Hwy 96.
Reservations can be made by calling: (530) 465-2224.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Gumboot Campground



Very brief description:   Primitive camping on the north side of a shallow alpine lake in an outlying area, but available by car.  Bring your own water. Poor signage in the area.  The campground itself no longer has an identifying sign as viewed in the photo below.  

Open Dates:  Depending on snow pack, Gumboot Campground is open from June to October.

Number of Campsites:  Six undeveloped sites with user made fire rings and some user made pathways.  Suitable for small trailers, campers and tents.  Max length of trailer 20 to 25 ft. but curves along the road can be tight and turnarounds will be minimal.  Parts of the road leading to the campground is in poor condition, although paved, and sections are very narrow.

Dispersed Camping:  There are a number of dispersed camping sites available for free camping as you travel the road west of the Lake Siskiyou once reaching the National Forest boundary as you head toward Gumboot Lake.  Many of these sites are right along the road; others are located on spur roads.  For detailed information on dispersed camping contact the Ranger Station or the website.
 
Length of Stay:  Length of stay is not posted, but likely 14 days.

Fees:  None.  Free.

Affiliation:  National Forest Service

Location/Address:  Gumboot Lake is approximately 16 miles from Mt. Shasta City on local roads.  From Mt. Shasta City at Interstate 5 take the Central Mt. Shasta exit and go West on West Ream Avenue.  Turn South on West Barr Road (Forest Route 26) towards Lake Siskiyou.  Follow West Barr Road and drive over Box Canyon Dam and drive past Lake Siskiyou.  Continue on the road and pass the entrance to Lake Siskiyou Campground.  From there continue along the same road and it will turn into Forest Route 40N26.  This road follows the canyon of the South Fork of the Sacramento River.  In places the road is very winding and narrow, drive carefully and watch for oncoming traffic and wildlife.  When you reach a fork in the road at about 15.5 miles look for a fork in the road, take the road to the left for ½ mile to Gumboot Lake.

Elevation:  Approximately 6,050 ft.
 Below is the parking and turn around area     
Contact Information
U. S. Forest Service
Mt. Shasta Ranger Station
204 West Alma
Mt. Shasta, CA  96067
(530) 926-4511

Amenities:
  • ·       Pit toilets
  • ·       User made fire rings
  • ·       Hiking
  • ·       Scenic


General Description:  Quiet and serene small alpine lake surrounded by a mixed conifer forest.  The lake sits in an open area with some grasses around.  A second, but smaller lake is nearby to the West.  A 2 mile drive from the lake is available to the Gumboot trail-head of the Pacific Crest Trail.  Views of Mt. Shasta and the Trinity Alps can be seen.  A 2 ½ mile (one way) hike south on the Pacific Crest Trail one can view and explore the Seven lakes Basin.  Some individuals have stated they can receive cell service in the open area by the lake, but it may be dependent on the carrier.  Most cell service is unavailable past Lake Siskiyou (about 10+ miles).

Nearby Services:  (groceries, medical, etc.)  Food, fuel, water, camping or hiking supplies are available in Mt. Shasta City. (16 miles)  Supplies are also available in nearby towns such as Weed, Yreka, or Dunsmuir. Nearest supplies would be in Mt. Shasta City.


Emergency:  Full service Emergency in Mt. Shasta at Mercy Medical Center (16 miles) and Yreka, at Fairchild Medical Center.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park and Campground







Brief description:   Somewhat remote snowmobile park that has a staging area for winter and is available for camping during the rest of the year.

Open Dates:  Estimated year round if road is open.

Number of Campsites:  No “official” campsites, large paved parking lot area available to park trailers and RV’s.

Length of Stay:  14 days unless otherwise approved.

Fees:  Free.
 
Road to Pilgrim Creek Area
Affiliation:  Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

Location/Address:  8 miles from McCloud, California.  From McCloud travel east on Hwy 89 for approximately 3 miles and turn left on Pilgrim Creek Road (Road #13).  Travel 5 miles on the paved road and the park will be on your left. 

Elevation:  Approximately 3,500 – 4,000 ft.

Contact Information:  Shasta-Trinity National Forest, McCloud Ranger Station, P.O. Box 1620, McCloud, Ca 96057
(530) 964-2184
 
Typical Parking Space for RV or Trailer
Amenities: 
  • Paved parking lot for trailer and RV camping
  • Vault Toilets
  • Warming hut
  • Ramp for unloading  snowmobiles
  • Trees
  • Groomed snowmobile trails ~ contact ranger station for details.

General Description:  Large paved parking area in somewhat remote area, but fully accessible by paved roads.  Could be a nice free spot to camp in RV or trailer overnight while traveling the area. 
 
The Warming Hut
 Nearby Services:  (groceries, medical, etc.)  Nearest services in McCloud approximately 8 miles away.  Nearest hospital or medical services in Mt. Shasta City approximately 23 miles.  

Monday, April 28, 2014

Idlewild Campground








Very brief description:  Campground is located along the North Fork of the Salmon River in medium to dense forest setting.  Nearby to Marble Mountain wilderness and Russian wilderness.


Open Dates:  May to October

Number of Campsites:  11 family campsites in tent camping area.  15 campsites in RV area.  Max spur 24’.  Watch for overhanging branches.  No hook-ups for power, water, or sewer.

Length of Stay:  14 days

Fees:  $10 per day at last report

Affiliation:  National Forest Service

Pets:  Dogs on leash only.

A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire outside the developed campground. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire.


Location/Address:  Idlewild Campground is located approximately 6 miles east of the small town Sawyers Bar on county route 1C01.  From Yreka, California (from Interstate 5) take the exit to Highway 3 going west towards Ft. Jones.  Travel through Ft. Jones to Etna, California.  At Etna divert from Highway 3 to Collier Lane to center of town.  Turn west on (Main St) Sawyers Bar Road.  Travel approximately 20 miles to Forest Route 41N37 the campground will be 1/10th of a mile.

Elevation:  2,500 ft.

Contact Information:
Klamath National Forest ~ Supervisor’s Office
1711 South Main Street
Yreka, CA  96097
(530) 842-6131

Amenities:
  • Drinking water in summer months
  • Vault toilets
  • Garbage service in summer
  • Campfire rings (be sure to check local ordinances for fire safety)
  • Gravel parking
  • River and stream fishing
  • Hiking ~ intermediate to difficult, Mulebridge trailhead is within 2 miles.
  • Backpacking ~ North Fork Trail to Marble Mountain Wilderness
  • Gold Panning on the Salmon River is regulated by the California Dept. of Fish and Game
  • Swimming and wading along the gravel bar of the North Fork of the Salmon River, water flow and temperature fluctuate with the seasons.


General Description:  In medium to dense forest area setting.  Near the North Fork of the Salmon River.  Supplies in Etna or possibly Sawyers Bar.  Campers may be allowed to gather firewood, inquire at nearest ranger station.  Deer, Bears, and birds are common to the area.


Nearby Services:  (groceries, medical, etc.)  Groceries in Etna approximately 20 miles; Callahan Emporium approximately 15 miles (minimum supplies); Ft. Jones approximately 25 miles; Yreka approximately 50 miles.  Full service in Yreka.   Nearest emergency medical services:  Scott Valley Rural Health Center, Etna (530) 467-5393; full service ER at Yreka, Fairchild Hospital.  (530) 841-6211. 

Friday, April 18, 2014

Red Bank Public Camp










Red Bank Public Campground
Near Forks of the Salmon and situated in a dense area of pine, Madrone and fir trees.  Campground sits adjacent to the North Fork of the Salmon River.

This campground is currently closed (June 2021)

Open Dates:  May - October

Number of Campsites:  5 campsites

Length of Stay:  14 days

Fees:  Free!

Affiliation:  National Forest Service

Location/Address:  Approximately 7 miles north east of Forks of Salmon on county route 1C01.  From Yreka, California drive on Hwy 3 to Fort Jones, California.  Continue on Hwy 3 to Etna, California. (*Part of this route is on a very narrow winding road with steep cliffs.) From Etna take Sawyers Bar Road and drive approximately 32 miles.  Campground will be on the left if traveling in west direction.  This campground can also be accessed from Happy Camp, California on Hwy 96.  From Happy Camp drive approximately 38 miles to Salmon River Road, continue for 17 miles to Sawyers Bar Road and drive 7 miles to campground.

Elevation: 2200 feet

Contact Information:
Klamath National Forest (Supervisor’s Office)
1711 South Main Street
Yreka, CA  96097
(530) 842-6131

Amenities:
  • River fishing, trout can be caught from the banks
  • Vault toilets at last visit were available

General Description:  Dispersed type camping.  No drinking water, no hookups, no showers.  Pack out garbage.  Beautiful scenery.  Deer, bears, and birds can be seen in this area.  No designated trails in area.  Out of the way camping.  Be sure to obtain a campfire permit before using a barbecue, campfire, or outside cooking device.

Nearby Services:  (groceries, medical, etc.)  Some groceries and fuel may be obtained at Forks of Salmon approximately 7 miles away.  Nearest full service fuel and groceries in Etna, Fort Jones, Yreka or Orleans, California.  Nearest full service medical and emergency services:  Scott Valley Rural Health Services, Etna, CA 26 miles; Curry General Hospital, Orick, CA 38 miles; Fairchild Hospital, Yreka, CA approximately 75 miles.






Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Dillon Campground








Dillon Campground

Elevation:  800 ft.

Number of campsites:  21

Affiliation:  National Forest Campground – Klamath National Forest – Ukonom Ranger District.

Open Dates:  May through October:  Maximum Stay, 14 days.

Location/address:  Located off of Highway 96 between the towns of Happy Camp and Somes Bar.  Sign well marked from road.

Contacts:  Klamath National Forest Headquarters
                    1711 South Main Street
                    Yreka, CA  96097
                    (530) 842-6131
         
                     Six RiversNational Forest
                     1330 Bayshore Way
                     Eureka, CA 95501
                    (707) 442-1721

                   Ukonom Ranger District
                   P. O. Box 410
                   Orleans, CA  95556
                   (530) 627-3291

Reservation information:  Campsites on a first come basis.


 Price for camping:  $10 - $20  Extra charges for more than one vehicle.  Day use available for reduced fee.

Amenities:
     

Wheel chair access
 
Vault toilets
·         Picnic
·         River Access
·         Water
·         Rafting
·         Hunting
·         Fishing
·         Mountain Bikes
·         Swimming -- River
·         Hiking


 General description:  Campground is located in forested area adjacent to Hiway 96.  Shaded area in trees and mountains alongside a stream.  The superb natural swimming hole is a popular place on hot summer days.  Trails near the campground.  Bear proof garbage containers at campground.  Poison oak in the area.  Campsites offer picnic tables and grills.



 Supplies, Medical Assistance, EtcGroceries and fuel possibly at Somes Bar or in the small town of Orleans.  Minimal supplies available 1 ½ to 6 miles, Hoopa 20 miles.  Full services in Yreka, 110 miles.  Full service ER in Yreka, 110 miles.  Full service medical in Arcata 40 miles west.



Sunday, July 21, 2013

Juanita Lake Campground










Photo of Juanita Lake
Copyright:  Hal Dill (used with permission)



Juanita Lake Campground
Along Hwy 97, near Macdoel

Brief description:  Campground set among fir trees with lake and mountain views.  Juanita Lake is a man made 55 acre lake regularly stocked with trout.  Bass and catfish are also caught at the lake.  There is a barrier free trail that circles the lake.

Open Dates:  May through October

Number of Campsites:  23 campsites with one double site  ~ 1  Large (50 person) group campsite.  Maximum spur 30 feet.    Group site is by reservation only. 

Length of Stay:  14 Days

Fees:  $15 per night, $20 per night for double site (#14) and $50 per night for Group Camping site.  Extra charges may occur for additional vehicles

Affiliation:  Klamath National Forest


Restrictions:  No motorized boats on the lake (no gas or electric motors).  Dogs must be on leash.  No ATV use.  No bicycles on the trails.

Location/Address:  Approximately 10 miles from Macdoel, California off of Hwy 97.  About 4 miles south of Macdoel look for Ball Mountain Road and go west approximately 3 miles to Forest Route 46N04, travel approximately 4 miles on Route 46N04 to campground.

Elevation:  Approx. 5100 feet.
           
Contact Information: 
           
Klamath National Forest Headquarters
1711 South Main Street
Yreka, CA  96097
(530) 842-6131

Amenities:
  • Fishing
  • Cleaning station for fish
  • Interpretive Site
  • Fishing jetties
  • Vault toilets
  • Tables and fire pit at each site
  • Drinking water
  • Large parking area

General Description:  A man made mountain lake, popular for fishing.  Nice camping area adjacent to the lake (not on the lake).  Mild days, medium usage.  Prepare for possible ticks and mosquitoes.  Deer and bobcats in area.   The lake remains at a fairly constant level, and the water in the lake is very cold year round.


Nearby Services:  Fuel, and groceries (minimal) about 8 miles in Mt. Hebron or 10 miles in Macdoel both very small towns.  Nearest medical facility would be in Klamath Falls, Oregon approximately 59 miles north on Hwy 97 or Mercy Medical Center in Mt. Shasta, CA south on Hwy 97 at 62 miles away.


Sunday, June 9, 2013

Hat Creek Campground






Hat Creek Campground







Brief description:  Nice campground at approximately the 4,400 ft level.  The campground follows the inviting Hat Creek, a haven for trout fly fisherpersons.

Open Dates:  April – October weather permitting.

Number of Campsites:  Over 70 single sites and 3 group sites.  Maximum spur about 20 feet.

Length of Stay:  14 days


Fees:  $16 per site.  Golden Age passport gives a 50% discount.

Affiliation:  National Forest Campground

Location/Address:  Located 26 miles from Burney, California one mile from Old Station along Hwy 89 near the intersection of State Route 44 and 89.

Elevation:  4,400 ft.

Contact Information:
Lassen National Forest
2550 Riverside Drive
Susanville, CA  96130
(530) 257-2151


Amenities:
  • World class trout fly fishing
  • Hiking
  • Near Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Picnic tables
  • Drinking water
  • Flush and vault toilets
  • *Due to swift current in Hat Creek swimming is discouraged
  • One mile from Subway Cave, a volcanic lava flow tunnel
 General Description:  Large campground in and among Ponderosa and Jeffery pines along the bank of Hat Creek.  The area is renowned for fly fishing in the swift, cold waters of Hat Creek.  Busy during the summer.  Accessible fishing access.  Near Lassen National Park.  


Nearby Services:  (groceries, medical, etc.)  Old Station Visitor’s Center is nearby.  Full service market at Burney, CA approximately 19 miles.  Nearest medical services at:
Mayers Memorial Hospital
43563 Highway 299 East

Fall River Mills, CA  96028

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Dusty Campground (Near Burney, CA)









Dusty Campground
Near Burney, California 
at Lake Britton


Brief description:  Campground set among pines on the bank of Lake Britton near McArthur-Burney Falls California State Park.

Open Dates:  May through September

Number of Campsites:  7 campsites ~ 2 may be used for groups, potable water according to     P. G & E.  No potable water according to the Forest Service.  Maximum spur 20 feet.  RVs up to 35 ft. may be accommodated in some spots according to P. G & E.  No reservations at this time.

Length of Stay:  14 Days 

Fees:  $8 per night.  Extra charges may occur for additional vehicles

Affiliation:  Lassen National Forest, but administered by P. G. & E.

Location/Address:  Located on the North Shore of Lake Britton along Hwy 89 just before crossing the bridge over the lake.  About 7 ½ miles north from the intersection of Highway 89 and Hwy 299.  Campground is located about ½ mile from Hwy 89 turn off along dirt road that parallels lake.

Elevation:  Approx. 2800 feet.
           
Contact Information:          
Lassen National Forest
2550 Riverside Drive
Susanville, CA  96130
(530) 257-2151


Amenities:
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Boating  (Boat launch nearby)
  • Water skiing
  • ADA toilets ~ vault
  • Vault toilets
  • Tables and fire pit at each site

General Description:  The campground is set among the shaded oak and pines along the bank of Lake Britton.  Warm in the summer and area can be very busy.  Popular with families and those with small boats. 



Nearby Services:  Fuel, and groceries about 13 miles available in Burney, a small town of about 3,000.  Nearest medical facility is in Fall River Mills about 16 miles Northeast on Hwy 299.
Mayers Memorial Hospital
43563 Highway 299 East
Fall River Mills, CA  96028
(530) 336-5511


Saturday, September 29, 2012

Castle Lake Camping






A beautiful high mountain lake awaits... Castle Lake, Siskiyou County, CA.

Affiliation:  National Forest Service Campground and Day Use Area



RV or Trailer site in Dispersed Camping Area  is located before the campground sign

Number of Campsites:  Listing of 6 - 8 single sites.  The camping near the lake can only accommodate tents and backpacking gear.  Must camp 1/2 mile back from the water's edge.  (One sign says camp 200 ft. from water's edge, others say 1/2 mile...) There is a large dispersed camping area suitable for RV's and trailers a short distance just off the road.

Campground is located just before the lake and day use area.

 Maximum Stay:  14 Days.  Open May to October, however with weather permitting the lake is often accessible in the winter, a popular ice fishing spot.  The maximum stay maybe only 3 days, that is the current posted information in 2016.

Price for camping:  No fee.
Typical campsite in campground area

Reservation information:  No reservation policy.  First come first served.

Contact information:  U. S. Forest Service, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California.

Mt. Shasta Ranger Station
204 West Alma
Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
(530) 926-4511

Campfire permits:  Be sure and inquire via Forest Service Station regarding campfire permits.  They may be needed for many areas even for a small barbecue.  Campfire permits are free.

Elevation:  Approx. 5,300 feet

General Description:  A beautiful high mountain lake accessible by fully paved road.  Nice trails surround the lake and it is a popular destination.  There is often ongoing research projects by Castle Lake Limnological Research Station affiliated with the University of California at Davis.   The lake area is approximately 47 acres.  Trails lead to the adjacent Castle Crags Wilderness Area.  The lake is accessed from Lake Siskiyou along a 7 - 8 mile paved road in good condition at last visit.  Driving up the road one will pass by Ney Springs and Faery Falls.  A parking area is adjacent to the lake along with pit toilets.  No water.  Wildlife in the area may include:  deer, bears, skunks, mountain lions, squirrels, birds of prey, river otter, garter snakes and other amphibians.

Amenities:

  • Bathrooms (Pit toilets, but newer type and clean at last visit)
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking, canoeing
  • Picnicking
  • Accessible to the Pacific Crest Trail from lake area
  • Swimming
  • In winter, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing
  • Early wildflower bloom in spring
Castle Shore Trail

Directions:  From Mt. Shasta City take the central exit #738 from Interstate 5 and head West on West Lake Street.  It will turn into Hatchery Lane at the first bend in the road.  At the first stop sign at the corner of Old Stage Road (at the Fish Hatchery and Sisson Museum) turn south (left).  Shortly there will be a Y in the road, bear right and head south on W A Barr Road.  You will follow the road around and go past the dam at Lake Siskiyou.  Shortly after the bridge across the dam look for the Castle Lake Road turn to the left (south).  The road will take you directly to Castle Lake.

Supplies:  Supplies are available in nearby towns such as Mt. Shasta City, Weed, Yreka, Dunsmuir.  Fuel available in Mt. Shasta City, Weed, Yreka, and Dunsmuir.  Nearest supplies would be in Mt. Shasta City.

Emergency:  Full service Emergency in Mt. Shasta at Mercy Medical Center and Yreka, at Fairchild Medical Center.