Shafter Campground
4.336 reviewsShafter Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
$10 per night for a single site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount, applicable only to the site physically occupied by the pass holder.
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About this campground
Nestled beside pristine meadows and the gentle waters of Butte Creek, Shafter Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. Here, towering Ponderosa pines and ancient junipers create a natural cathedral, while lucky campers at select sites wake to breathtaking views of Mt. Shasta's snow-crowned summit piercing the morning sky. Each thoughtfully spaced campsite ensures peaceful solitude, complete with traditional lantern posts that cast a warm glow as evening falls. The final 5-mile approach along a gravel road heightens the sense of adventure, leading you to this hidden gem at 4,300 feet. As you settle into this wild sanctuary, remember you're sharing the landscape with its original inhabitants—proper bear safety practices are essential. Pack your water supplies, as this primitive paradise operates without potable water, offering instead the authentic wilderness experience that draws adventurers seeking genuine connection with the untamed beauty of Northern California.
Shafter Campground is a small, rustic campground with 10 combined tent/RV sites, catering primarily to tent camping and smaller RVs.
Weather and SeasonsShafter Campground reveals its changing moods through the seasons, beginning with crisp, crystalline days when frost paints the meadows and temperatures dance below freezing. As spring unfolds into summer, the campground transforms into a temperate haven where comfortable days invite endless exploration and cool nights promise restful sleep under star-studded skies. The predominantly dry climate means you can count on clear weather for most of your stay, though early season visitors should pack layers for those invigorating mountain mornings.
ElevationPerched at 4,300 feet above sea level, Shafter Campground occupies that sweet spot where mountain air carries just enough bite to invigorate your senses without leaving you breathless. This elevation gifts visitors with cooler temperatures than the valleys below, creating perfect conditions for summer camping while offering spectacular vantage points for viewing the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where wildflower-studded meadows stretch toward the horizon, their seasonal blooms creating a ever-changing tapestry of color against the evergreen backdrop. The campground's natural carpet of soft grass and aromatic pine needles cushions every step, while overhead, majestic Ponderosa pines and weathered junipers provide dappled shade throughout the day. These gentle giants frame intimate camping spaces that feel worlds away from civilization, offering both shelter and a connection to the timeless rhythms of the forest.
Geological RegionShafter Campground sits at the fascinating intersection of high sage desert and pine forest ecosystems, where two distinct worlds merge in surprising harmony. Butte Creek meanders through this transitional landscape, its banks adorned with graceful willows that sway in the mountain breeze. This unique positioning creates a remarkable diversity of plant life, from the hardy sagebrush that speaks to the region's arid heritage to the lush meadow grasses and towering Ponderosa pines that thrive in the creek's life-giving presence. It's a geological crossroads where the sparse beauty of the high desert meets the verdant abundance of mountain forests.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are not available, and no other accessibility features are described.
Sites SizeSites are generally small, with some being tight for larger trailers as noted by user reviews.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between campsites is described as good by authoritative sources.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect campsites offer views of Mt. Shasta; consider these for better vistas.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day
Stay Limit
Camping limit of 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two vehicles per campsite, including trailers.
Groups
Group camping is not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground stretches out along Butte Creek and features a meadow dotted with sage and wildflowers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from the weekend before Memorial Day to October 15.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are not reservable, and all camping is on a walk-up basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides limited recreational activities but offers opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and observing plants. User reviews highlight birdwatching as a rewarding activity and mention limited water in the creek and meadow during certain times, affecting mosquito presence.
Fishing
Fishing is available at Butte Creek, which is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. User reviews advocate fishing early in the season as the creek may have reduced water flow later.Wildlife viewing
The campground offers wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly birding, which is highlighted positively in user reviews.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Some campsites provide fire rings; others include traditional Klamath ovens.
Hazards
General hazardsBear country practices are strongly encouraged. Some campsites come with grills, while others may not.
Active alertsSite currently closed. Opening season begins before Memorial Day.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available on-site, as confirmed by user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated next to Butte Creek, which is regularly stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Early season offers good fishing opportunities.
Common complaints'Doesn't seem to get much use,' according to some reviews. Lack of potable water, and nearby train tracks interrupt the tranquility.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Macdoel, CA, take US Rt. 97 south 4 miles to Shafter campground sign. Turn left at sign onto E. Bell Mtn. Rd. and go 2.2 miles to a 'T' intersection. Turn right onto Old State Hwy and go 5.2 miles to campground on right. NOTE: The last 5 miles are gravel.
The last 5 miles leading to the campground are on gravel roads.Nearby places
Macdoel (approx. 9 miles), Weed (approx. 28 miles)
Camper Reviews
4.3
6 reviews
Shafter Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise Shafter Campground for its tranquility, cleanliness, and affordability.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects mentioned include clean toilet facilities, good privacy between sites, scenic views including Mt. Shasta, birdwatching opportunities, and the novelty of nearby trains.
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include limited water availability in the creek and meadow, noise from passing trains (though noted as not disruptive), and difficulty maneuvering larger trailers.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Consider visiting early in the season for better water availability in the creek. Larger RVs and trailers may face challenges due to the size of the sites. Birdwatching enthusiasts should bring...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews highlight spring and early summer as the best times for fishing and enjoying wildflowers. Late season may bring reduced water flow in Butte Creek and fewer mosquitoes.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
"You're driving through the high sage and pine desert when out of nowhere there's a campground for no apparent reason...boy was it cool. There's a fascinating little creek running down through a...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites are somewhat level, with varying degrees of suitability for trailers. Some sites offer views of Mt. Shasta.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available, and no specific accessibility reviews are provided.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. User reviews do not elaborate further on pet-related experiences.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025