Salt Creek Dispersed Area (Ca)
Salt Creek Dispersed Area (Ca)
$10.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates range between $10 for Picnic sites and $15 for Standard Nonelectric sites during the peak season (May 9th to September 11th).
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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$15.00
Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider530-275-8113
About this campground
Discover the untamed beauty of Salt Creek, where the Sacramento River meets the vast expanse of Shasta Lake. This dispersed shoreline camping area offers adventurers a chance to claim their own piece of paradise along the water's edge. During peak seasons, you'll find essential amenities including trash facilities and portable restrooms, while the rest of the year promises a more rustic, back-to-nature experience. With no designated sites, early arrivals secure the best spots overlooking the sparkling waters. The area welcomes vehicles of all types, and you can settle your stay through convenient Scan & Pay technology or traditional cash and check payments.
Salt Creek Dispersed Area primarily caters to dispersed camping, with no designated campsites or reservations required. First-come, first-serve policies apply.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Salt Creek into a sun-drenched haven where temperatures soar to a toasty 96°F during the day before cooling to a comfortable 67°F at night. Clear azure skies dominate the peak season, with rainfall becoming nothing more than a distant memory. These warm, dry conditions create perfect opportunities for swimming, boating, and lakeside lounging from dawn until the stars emerge.
ElevationPerched at 1,067 feet above sea level, Salt Creek offers a sweet spot where mountain air meets lake breezes, creating an ideal climate for outdoor enthusiasts seeking refuge from both lowland heat and high-altitude chill.
Natural Features and ScenerySalt Creek beckons from the shores of magnificent Lake Shasta, where 365 miles of pristine shoreline create endless opportunities for exploration. The landscape paints a dramatic picture with emerald waters framed by rugged mountains dressed in aromatic manzanita and towering evergreens. Wildlife thrives in this diverse ecosystem, where lucky visitors might spot deer grazing at dawn, eagles soaring overhead, or catch glimpses of the area's abundant bird life echoing through the forest canopy.
Geological RegionNestled within the majestic Shasta-Trinity National Forest along the Sacramento River Arm, Salt Creek showcases Northern California's geological diversity at its finest. Steep mountain slopes plunge toward the lake, their faces adorned with resilient manzanita bushes and stately evergreen forests. This remarkable landscape serves as a living sanctuary where diverse wildlife populations flourish amidst the dramatic terrain carved by ancient volcanic activity and shaped by the mighty Sacramento River.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features for disabled campers are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe area does not feature formal campsites; therefore, site sizes cannot be determined. However, some reviews suggest there are only two or three places to park without crowding.
Sites PrivacyThe dispersed nature of the campground provides limited privacy. As John Drain notes: 'There really are only two or three places to park without being on top of each other.'
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCamping near the shoreline provides scenic views but may expose campers to train noise. Sites closer to water are better for informal mooring activities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is immediate upon payment.
Check-out
Check-out is immediate upon vacating the site.
Stay Limit
Guests may stay for up to 14 days within the designated period
Guests Allowed Per Site
Varies, no specified capacity limit due to dispersed nature.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDispersed camping area with no formal site or loop structure.
Open and Closed SeasonMid-May to Mid-September with portable amenities available. Winter months (Mid-September to Mid-May) are pack in/pack out with no fees charged.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be processed via Recreation.gov and the mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable on a First Come - First Served basis. Payment must be done on-site either via Scan & Pay or Iron Ranger payment system.
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds, modifications, or cancellations permitted for Scan & Pay transactions. Refunds for emergency closures and cash/check payments require approval from facility management.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Activities you can enjoy
Campers at the Salt Creek Dispersed Area can enjoy a variety of water-based and other recreational activities. Highlights include fishing, informal boating opportunities, and water skiing, with the Shasta Lake area offering excellent conditions for these activities. Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime, as well as hiking nearby. Seasonal changes may impact water levels and the availability of certain activities.
Hiking
Limited information on specific hiking trails is available, but visitors can explore the surrounding areas given the proximity to Shasta-Trinity National Forest.Fishing
Lake Shasta offers fishing opportunities for trout, catfish, Chinook salmon, crappie, bluegill, white sturgeon, brown bullhead, and bass. This makes the area a prime destination for anglers.Swimming
Swimming is possible in Shasta Lake; however, there are no formal swimming areas or lifeguard services.Boating
Informal mooring is allowed when water levels are high. A public boat ramp is located approximately 6 miles away at Antlers.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant in the area, with deer frequently spotted around the campground, adding to the natural charm. LeeAnn Billings noted: 'Lots of deer roaming.'Winter Activities
The campground operates as a pack-in/pack-out facility in winter, with no specific winter activities mentioned.Water Sports
Water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, and other paddling activities are popular on Shasta Lake. Visitors describe the lake as a great venue for these water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Guests are encouraged to buy and burn firewood locally to prevent tree-killing pests.
Hazards
General hazardsPoison oak is abundant, and the area is frequented by bears and other wildlife. Guests should exercise caution when navigating muddy roads and be aware of train noise.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 73%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Closest emergency services are likely from Redding, which is approximately 20 miles away, including hospitals and police services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 9th, 2025 - September 11th, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash service is available during the in-season months. Visitors are reminded to place trash in provided cans and shut the lids after use. From mid-September to mid-May, this is a pack-in/pack-out facility with no trash services available.
Proximity to water featuresRight on the Sacramento River Arm of Shasta Lake. Informal mooring is allowed depending on water levels.
Common complaintsNoise from trains and ATVs late into the evening, limited parking spaces, and lack of designated sites.
Campground Map
Driving directionsGoing Northbound I-5 exit at the Gilman Rd exit. Take a left at the stop sign from the ramp. Turn right onto Salt Creek Rd/Gregory Creek Rd follow make a left onto Salt Creek Lodge Rd for about 1 mile. The dispersed area entrance will be on the right.
This area is accessible via I-5 Northbound with paved roads leading to Salt Creek Lodge Rd. However, some navigation challenges may occur due to limited signage.Nearby places
Redding (20 miles, approximately 25-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Closest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are likely available in Redding, 20 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.1
17 reviews

Salt Creek Dispersed Area (Ca) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide mixed feedback about Salt Creek Dispersed Area. Positive highlights include the peaceful and scenic environment, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and proximity to water sports activities. Negative feedback focuses on noise from nearby trains, lack of facilities, and occasional overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the area’s tranquility and scenic beauty. Kimberly Faith Mitchell described it as 'Very nice, beautiful, peaceful, and quaint place to camp for a day, week, or even longer!' The...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include noise from frequent trains and ATVs, as mentioned by Mike Weeks: 'ATV in the area like to play late into the evenings for a bit of obtrusive noises but settled down around 9-10...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers advise being prepared for a rugged experience, as facilities are minimal. A user noted: 'Self-contained units are best,' and others mentioned bringing supplies during the off-season due to...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is more crowded during peak summer months, with noise complaints from late arrivals. Winter sees fewer visitors but also lacks facilities.
Based on 17 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Very nice, beautiful, peaceful, and quaint place.' - Kimberly Faith Mitchell
- 'Two trains went by in 24 hours; not a big deal, peaceful and quiet.' - Darin Lesmeister
- 'If you love trains and...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are present, but John Drain observed that there are only two or three places to park without being on top of each other.
Based on 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility information is not noted by users.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific feedback about pet-specific amenities or experiences is provided.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025