The Forest Service campgrounds around Shasta Lake are typically rustic, with amenities limited to vault toilets and drinking water, though a few, such as the Antlers and Bailey Cove campgrounds, have flush toilets. None of the campgrounds have electrical hookups. They do, however, provide shady, secluded campsites with lots of privacy a stone's throw from the lake. The Antlers, Bailey Cove, Ellery Creek, Hirz Bay and Lakeshore East campgrounds accommodate RVs up to 30 feet, and all campgrounds around the lake allow tent camping. You can reserve a site online through Recreation.gov; unreserved campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival.
Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted throughout most of Shasta-Trinity National Forest, including the Shasta Lake area, except in developed campgrounds and areas within a quarter mile of the high-water mark. Backcountry campers can hike into the forest using the extensive trail system, choosing any suitable site to pitch their tent overnight. You are responsible for carrying in all necessary supplies and leaving no trace of your presence when you leave. Potable drinking water is generally not available outside developed campgrounds and recreation areas, and water from springs and streams must be treated or filtered before drinking. The Forest Service also operates boat-in campgrounds at Arbuckle Flat, Gooseneck Cove, Ski Island and Green's Creek, with tent sites accessible only from the water.
Campers in search of a few more modern amenities can find them at several campgrounds and RV parks, most of them around Shasta Lake's easternmost Sacramento River arm. The Shasta Lake RV Resort & Campground has 50 RV sites with full sewer, water and 50-amp electrical hookups, along with 19 secluded tent sites. The RV sites can accommodate vehicles up to 60 feet long. The park also has modern restrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi access, a laundry room and on-site camp store. Nearby Lakehead Campground and RV Park provides a similar roster of amenities, with around campsites ranging from full-hookup RV sites to tent sites that have electrical access. Reservations at both commercial campgrounds are available through their respective websites.
Shasta Lake affords an abundance of recreational opportunities to keep you busy while you camp. The lake has a well-deserved reputation as one of California's best fishing lakes, and with a current California fishing license you can catch largemouth bass, rainbow trout and numerous other species. Fishing regulations and licensing information is available through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. Boating is also popular on the lake; you can choose a Forest Service boat ramp or one of the privately owned marinas as your starting point. Shasta-Trinity National Forest also has trails and terrain for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, rock climbing and cross-country skiing.
