I hadn't been to Shasta-Trinity National Forest since...college. The last time I was there I was in a bikini, driving our rented houseboat with a spatula in my hand and screaming "20 second keg stands for everyone tonight!" I had a completely different perspective of Shasta at this time. Preloaded keg stands can really shift what you see.
18 years later, Ryan and I traveled back. I left the spatula, keg and three kids at home. I was acutely aware of the tranquility of these forests on this trip. They were thick with Ponderosa Pine and the sun was warm all weekend which set off the trees' fragrance. The air felt fresh on my body. Fern leaves brushed against my legs when I walked off the main path.
I thought the terrain was perfect for every kind of camping until I looked closer and saw poison oak. Left, right, everywhere: massive clusters of poison oak. I went from a peaceful nature girl to total freak out mode. You'd think there were land mines by the way I stepped gingerly around the campsites. The beauty and hiking of the area keeps this National Forest high on my list. But you better believe the level of poison oak threat is high.
Within each campground description, I've linked the Campgrounds 360 correlating webpage. Here you can see the respective to-scale map, 360 photo tour and accurate directions based on our personalized drop pin.
1. Best Locals Camping - Bridge Camp Campground
Bridge Camp is set off the main highway, about 3.5 miles through a narrow dirt road. Once you arrive you'll be surrounded by tall pines and hear the rushing of the Stuart Fork River.
This campground is unique for many reasons (click here to read the full review). The main draw to this camp is that it is situated at the trailhead for one of the most popular backpacking trails (The Stuart Fork Trail) to the Trinity Alps Wilderness. If you like backpacking, it's a 25-mile hike with high ratings. Check it out at All Trails.
Click here to see our 360-degree site photos and camp map.
2. Best Tent Camping on Shasta Lake - McCloud Bridge
McCloud Bridge Campground is situated at the north end of the McCloud arm of Lake Shasta. It's just 600 ft down from the McCloud Bridge. Campers rave about this location being the best spot on the lake for shore fishing. The camp has a heavy draw for hikers, mushroom hunters, and car campers as well. Click here for my full review wherein I'll give you my favorite sites and tell you what people are saying in their personal reviews.
3. Best RV Camping - Ellery Creek
Ellery Creek is located on the upper McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake with Ellery Creek passing through as it empties into Lake Shasta. This photo is taken of the 5 RV slots at the front-most end of the camp. Walking up the terraced camp, you'll find a mix of tent and more private trailer/RV sites as well. If you're thinking this camp might be right for you, click here to read my full review and definitely look at our 360 photos and to-scale site map before you go by clicking here.
4. Best Group Camping - Dekkas Rock
Dekkas Rock Campground is ideal for groups (of up to 60 people) because of the amenities available and proximity to The Hirz Bay boat launch. It is well shaded and extremely private as its' set on a large flat peninsula. Campers will have beautiful views and easy access to Lake Shasta as well. Click here to read my full review and get my recommendations of some unique things to bring if you camp here.
5. Best Fly Fishing Camp - Douglas City Campground
This campground is tucked down in a narrow valley along a stretch of the main Trinity River. Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, Oaks and Madrone trees root on the sides of the canyon. You can walk right out from your site to the Trinity River for some of the best fly fishing (salmon and steelhead mid-August through winter) in the state.
My full review (which includes some unique day trip ideas in the area) can be read by clicking here. The 360 photo tour and to-scale site map can be seen by clicking here.
6. Best Boaters Camping - Hirz Bay Campground
This campground is on a point at the entrance to Hirz Bay which is where the McCloud Arm has its' main boat launch. All of the campgrounds are clean and newly renovated which makes finding a place for your tent and gear really simple. Many of the sites do vary in size though, so make sure you check out our map and photos.
Click here for my full review on this campground.
** Full reviews of all campgrounds listed will be up on the blog site by the first week of August. But for now, we're headed to Mammoth for a family camping trip!