Lower Jones Valley (Ca)
Lower Jones Valley (Ca)
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates are $30 per night for standard non-electric sites during peak season.
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$30.00
Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider530-275-8113
About this campground
Tucked away on the scenic Pit River Arm of Shasta Lake, Lower Jones Valley Campground offers an intimate escape with just 11 sites nestled among the pines. This hidden gem features 9 single sites and 2 double sites perfect for families or groups, all equipped with essential amenities including trash service, vault toilets, and fresh potable water. The first-come, first-serve policy adds to the adventure, with convenient Scan & Pay or traditional Iron Ranger payment stations making your arrival seamless.
Lower Jones Valley Campground caters primarily to tent and RV campers, offering 9 single sites and 2 double sites.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living piece of California's conservation legacy at Lower Jones Valley, nestled within the storied Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This protected landscape tells the tale of California's commitment to preserving its natural treasures, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have found solace and adventure among these ancient forests and pristine waters.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of Northern California's mountain climate at Lower Jones Valley, where temperatures dance between crisp 37°F mornings and comfortable 51°F afternoons. The campground basks in partial sunshine with 45.7% clear skies, creating a perfect balance of sun and shade beneath the forest canopy. While winter brings refreshing rains that nourish the surrounding wilderness, late spring and early summer emerge as the golden seasons for camping, when wildflowers bloom and the lake sparkles under warm sunshine.
ElevationPerched at 1,067 feet above sea level, Lower Jones Valley Campground offers the perfect elevation sweet spot where mountain majesty meets comfortable camping. This moderate altitude delivers refreshingly cool temperatures and breathtaking vantage points, allowing you to wake up to panoramic mountain views while enjoying the accessibility that lower elevations provide.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where steep mountains draped in aromatic manzanita and towering evergreens create a natural amphitheater around your campsite. The shimmering waters of Shasta Lake stretch before you, while the iconic silhouette of Mount Shasta dominates the horizon. Wildlife thrives in this diverse ecosystem – keep your eyes peeled for deer browsing at dawn, eagles soaring overhead, and the occasional black bear foraging in the distance.
Geological RegionLower Jones Valley Campground sits within the magnificent Shasta-Trinity National Forest, a geological wonderland encompassing five pristine wilderness areas and over 6,278 miles of rushing rivers and crystalline streams. Positioned at 1,067 feet on the Pit River Arm of Shasta Lake, the campground serves as your gateway to exploring hundreds of hidden mountain lakes and dramatic volcanic landscapes that define this remarkable corner of Northern California.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not discussed in the source material.
Sites SizeThe campground offers 9 single sites and 2 double sites, with an average back-in size of 30 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe source does not provide specific information about site privacy.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors recommend camping during low lake levels for quieter experience. Some reviews suggest bringing extra water and cleaning supplies.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites highlighted as best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not explicitly mentioned.
Check-out
Not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
Not specified in authoritative sources.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not explicitly mentioned.
Groups
No details about group camping or site capacities are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 9 single sites and 2 double sites with an average back-in length of 30'.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025. First-come, first-serve availability during June 20-21, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, including the app's Scan & Pay feature.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during June 20-21, 2025 with no advance reservations permitted.
Cancellation PolicyScan and Pay: No refunds, modifications, or cancellations allowed. Refunds for cash/check payments must be approved by facility management.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lower Jones Valley Campground offers various recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and water skiing on Shasta Lake. A boat ramp is located approximately 1 mile away, making it convenient for water-based activities.
Fishing
Lake Shasta provides fishing opportunities for species like trout, catfish, Chinook salmon, crappie, bluegill, white sturgeon, brown bullhead, and bass.Boating
Boating is a popular activity, with a public boat ramp located about 1 mile away. Water skiing and jet skiing are common activities.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, as noted in the official description of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. However, no specific details on species or viewing locations are given.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not discussed for this campground.Water Sports
Water skiing, jet skiing, paddle boating, and canoeing are listed among the water sports available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed within fire pits; users must bring adequate water as campground water may not be available.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPoison oak is abundant. Visitors are advised to buy local firewood to protect against tree-killing pests.
Active alertsNone explicitly mentioned.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Oct 11
Saturday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are likely located in Redding, 15 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash service is available, but user reviews highlight issues: 'they don't take out the trash so it just piles up.' Campers are advised to 'place trash inside cans and close lid after use.'
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the Pit River Arm of Shasta Lake. A public boat ramp is 1 mile away; lake levels and water quality vary seasonally.
Common complaintsFrequent user complaints about lack of water, insufficient bathroom maintenance, noise disturbances during high lake levels, and trash accumulation.
HostNo details provided.
Campground Map
Driving directionsGoing Northbound I-5 exit at the Oasis Road exit. Take a right at the stop sign from the ramp follow road for about 3 miles. Turn right onto Bear Mountain Rd for about 5 miles, turn left at the stop sign to stay on Bear Mtn Rd. Turn right onto Jones Valley Rd follow to the campground entrance on the left.
Located 15 miles north of Redding from I-5. Road conditions described as paved roads, though seasonal weather may affect accessibility.Nearby places
Redding (15 miles, approximately 20-25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel are best found in Redding, approximately 15 miles away.
Camper Reviews
3.9
11 reviews

Lower Jones Valley (Ca) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.0 for campground-specific experiences. While some visitors appreciated the location and activities, others criticized the lack of maintenance and water availability.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors praised the proximity to Shasta Lake and described it as a 'great place to camp and boat.' Other positive comments include 'nice campground by the lake' and 'family had a great time.'
Based on 11 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include inconsistent bathroom cleanliness ('they don't clean the bathrooms very often'), loud nights ('very loud at night with parties and cars burning out'), and water shortages ('no...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing extra water due to inconsistent availability and toilet paper for the vault toilets. A user noted: 'bring bathroom cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and extra trash bags.'
Based on 11 reviewsSeasonal Insights
When the lake levels are low, the campground is quieter and less crowded, as noted by a user: 'the best time to camp there is when the lake is low.' High lake levels attract noisy crowds.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'If you go to this campsite bring bathroom cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and extra trash bags.'
- 'Very loud at night with parties and cars burning out.'
- 'Family had a great time. Even with no...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific information, such as the best or worst sites, is not provided.
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews were found.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews about pet-related experiences are available.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025