The Shasta-Trinity National Forest, located just north of Redding, is the largest forest in California, according to the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. This National Forest includes mountain elevations ranging from 1,000 to more than 14,000 feet, hundreds of spectacular mountain lakes, including Shasta Lake, and more than 6,000 streams and rivers. It can take days for to cover this kind of ground and camping is just the way to do it.
Fishing
Shasta Lake fish include rainbow trout, Chinook salmon, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. The fish are plentiful in the areas where the streams and rivers meet the lake, including the McCloud Bridge. The Shasta Lake RV Resort and Campground is located about 30 minutes north of Redding and is equipped with 50 RV campsites and 19 tent campsites. The campground offers a private boat dock, a playground and a grocery store.
Hiking
Whether you intend a day of hiking or backpack wilderness hiking in the Shasta Lake area, you can find a campsite to fit your needs. The Pacific Crest Trail and the South Fork National Recreation Trail are both located near a campsite. The Mount Shasta Wilderness offers challenging backpack hiking with an elevation at just over 14,000 feet at its peak.
Climbing
You can go rock climbing in the Castle Crags Wilderness, which is in the Mount Shasta area. United State Department of Agriculture Forest Service rates these large granite cliffs a difficult climb. Campsites are spread out in this area. Sites can be found off spur roads and next to Gumboot Lake.
Boating
Boat-in campgrounds are available near Shasta Lake. Greens Creek Campground is one of four campgrounds where you can gain access only by your boat. Greens Creek offers nine primitive campsites with vault toilets and no piped-in water--you will need to bring your own drinking water. The Ski Island Campground is a boat-in campground on the Pit Arm area of the lake. Ski Island offers 23 campsites with vault toilets, but water. The Hirz Bay Campground is on the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake. The campground is equipped with restrooms and is located near the public Hirz Bay boat ramp. You can use a motorized or non-motorized boat at this area.
Off-Road Vehicle Camping
Campgrounds in the area also cater to off-road vehicles. The Chappie-Shasta OHV Staging Area and the Shasta Day Use area near Shasta Campground offer 22 campsites. These campsites allow for a maximum trailer length of 30 feet and include a picnic table, fire ring and paved parking. The area includes 250 miles of road for off-road vehicles.
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