Cattle Camp Campground

FIELD OFFICE: 14538 Wonderland Blvd., REDDING, CA, 96019, USA

Perched high above the wilderness at 3,540 feet, Hirz Mountain Lookout beckons to those seeking an extraordinary escape from the ordinary. This isn't your typical drive-up campground—reaching this historic fire lookout demands determination and a spirit of adventure. Your journey begins on rugged, rocky roads that test even the most capable high-clearance vehicles, culminating in a quarter-mile hike that leads you to one of Northern California's most spectacular camping experiences. Built in 1937 and enhanced with a steel tower in 1949, this piece of living history rewards intrepid travelers with panoramic 360-degree vistas that stretch from horizon to horizon. By day, watch eagles soar past at eye level; by night, witness the Milky Way unfold in all its glory, far from the glow of city lights.

Gilman Road Exit off I-5

Perched on terraced hillsides along the scenic McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake, Ellery Creek Campground beckons water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. From the lower campsites, wake up to sweeping lake vistas, while select upper sites offer glimpses of California's largest reservoir through the trees. When water levels cooperate, boaters treasure this spot for its informal mooring areas, making it a coveted basecamp for aquatic adventures.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Tucked away in the forested hills east of Shasta Lake, Madrone Campground offers an intimate escape with just 10 secluded campsites. This hidden gem draws nature lovers seeking respite beneath a canopy of towering trees, where dappled sunlight filters through dense foliage and the sounds of civilization fade into memory. As autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a favored basecamp for hunters drawn to the surrounding wilderness, adding a rustic charm to this already authentic outdoor experience.

Gilman Road Exit off of Interstate 5, Lakehead, CA 96051, USA

Nestled along the sparkling waters of Shasta Lake's McCloud Arm, Pine Point Campground beckons group adventurers to gather beneath towering evergreens in the heart of Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This thoughtfully designed group camping haven features 14 spacious sites, each equipped with everything your crew needs for the perfect outdoor escape—from sturdy picnic tables for memorable meals to crackling fire rings for evening storytelling. Convenient paved parking spurs, dedicated tent pads, and secure bear boxes ensure your stay is both comfortable and wildlife-safe in this pristine wilderness setting.

14538 Wonderland Blvd, Redding, CA 96003

Tucked away on the pristine McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake, McCloud Bridge Campground offers an intimate escape with 14 thoughtfully spaced campsites that bring you right to the water's edge when the lake reaches full pool. This remote hideaway features 11 single sites and 3 spacious double sites, each equipped with sturdy picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and secure bear lockers. With roomy 35-foot back-in spaces, vault toilets, and fresh water spigots throughout, you'll find everything needed for a comfortable stay—except cell service, which makes this the perfect place to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature's rhythms.

Bureau of Land Management, Applegate Field Office, 708 West 12th Street, Alturas, CA 96101, USA

Nestled along the banks of the pristine Pit River, this intimate eight-site campground offers an authentic wilderness experience without sacrificing essential amenities. Each thoughtfully positioned campsite comes equipped with a sturdy picnic table, fire ring, and barbecue pit, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. The campground features two fully accessible restrooms and maintains a clean, welcoming environment with regular trash removal service. Adventure seekers will appreciate the convenient kayak launch ramp, while anglers can cast their lines from the wheelchair-accessible fishing pier. Though the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach without potable water, visitors find this adds to the authentic outdoor experience—just remember to bring your own supply.

24898 Highway 89, Burney, CA 96013

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Headwaters Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience. This primitive environmental camping area serves as your gateway to some of Northern California's most breathtaking natural wonders, including the magnificent Burney Falls and the sparkling waters of Lake Britton. Here, the modern world fades away as you immerse yourself in a landscape where scenic trails wind through ancient forests and the only soundtrack is nature's symphony.

: Dusty Campground, Eagle Mountain Lane

Nestled beneath a canopy of ancient oaks and towering pines, Dusty Campground offers a tranquil retreat on the pristine north shore of Lake Britton. This hidden gem, thoughtfully managed by PG&E, has earned a devoted following among those seeking an authentic escape from the everyday. Visitors consistently praise its peaceful atmosphere, secluded setting, and budget-friendly approach to outdoor adventure—making it an ideal basecamp for families and solo travelers alike who value serenity over spectacle.

24898 Highway 89, Burney, CA 96013

Perched above the thundering cascade of Burney Falls, Rim Campground welcomes adventurers to a world where pristine wilderness meets modern comfort. Here, spacious campsites nestle among towering pines, offering front-row seats to nature's grand performance. Whether you're launching a kayak onto the crystalline waters of Lake Britton at dawn or following woodland trails to hidden viewpoints, this gateway to adventure provides the perfect basecamp. Clean, well-maintained facilities and thoughtfully designed sites ensure your focus remains on the breathtaking surroundings rather than camping logistics.

204 West Alma Mt. Shasta, CA 96067

Step into living history at Sims Flat Campground, where 19 riverside campsites beckon along the pristine Sacramento River in the heart of Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This cherished destination, born from the hands of Civilian Conservation Corps workers in the 1930s, invites you to cross their original suspension bridge and discover interpretive signs that tell the story of America's conservation legacy. Whether you're casting a line for native trout, navigating exhilarating whitewater rapids, or watching the historic trains rumble past, Sims Flat offers an authentic slice of Northern California's outdoor heritage.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Tucked away along the pristine shores of Iron Canyon Reservoir, Deadlun Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This hidden gem embraces its untamed character, where informal campsites nestle beneath towering mixed cedar and Douglas fir trees. Here, the rhythmic lapping of reservoir waters mingles with the whisper of wind through ancient branches, creating a sanctuary for those who prefer their camping with a side of solitude. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters or revving up for an exhilarating OHV adventure, Deadlun serves as your rustic basecamp for exploring the raw beauty of Northern California's backcountry.

2019 Forest Road McCloud, CA 96057

Tucked away along the pristine waters of the Lower McCloud River, AhDiNa Campground offers a peaceful retreat where history whispers through the trees. This hidden gem features 16 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings under the stars. Modern amenities including flush toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Anglers from around the globe journey here to cast their lines in what many consider one of the world's premier native trout fisheries, where crystal-clear waters hold the promise of unforgettable catches.

PO BOX 1620, MCCLOUD, CA, 96057, USA

Perched high above the Sacramento River Canyon, Girard Ridge Lookout beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This 1931 fire lookout tower, lovingly preserved by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, offers visitors a chance to step back in time while soaking in some of California's most breathtaking mountain panoramas. From your rustic cabin in the sky, watch as Mount Shasta's snow-capped peak catches the first light of dawn and Castle Crags glow amber at sunset. With no electricity or running water, this remote sanctuary promises star-filled nights and the profound silence only found in wild places.

41.149078, -122.318016

Nestled along the banks of the majestic Sacramento River, Riverside Campground invites you to experience the serenity of Northern California's wilderness. This intimate retreat features 12 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with essential amenities including sturdy picnic tables, secure food lockers to protect your provisions from curious wildlife, and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Modern restrooms and fresh drinking water stations are conveniently located throughout the grounds, ensuring comfort during your seasonal escape to nature.

20022 Castle Creek Road, Castella, CA 96017

Tucked beneath towering granite spires just off Interstate 5, Castle Crags Campground offers 76 well-appointed campsites where modern comfort meets ancient wilderness. Each site comes equipped with picnic tables, secure food lockers, fire rings, and access to flush toilets and hot showers. While the distant hum of highway traffic reminds you civilization isn't far away, the majestic presence of Mount Shasta and miles of beckoning trails quickly transport you into California's wild heart.

20022 Castle Creek Road, Castella, CA 96017, USA

Nestled beneath towering granite spires, Castle Crags State Park invites you to choose your perfect basecamp for adventure. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of environmental campsites or the convenience of developed sites, each spot comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, bear-resistant food lockers, and fire rings for those magical evening gatherings. Modern restrooms and refreshing hot showers are just a short walk away, ensuring comfort meets wilderness in perfect harmony.

P.O. Box 1620, McCloud, CA, 96057, USA

Tucked away in the heart of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Camp 4 Group Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience along the pristine Upper McCloud River. This secluded group site beckons adventurers seeking a back-to-basics camping experience, where towering pines whisper overhead and the river's gentle melody provides nature's soundtrack. Perfect for family reunions, scout troops, or friends gathering under the stars, this primitive campground serves as your gateway to exploring one of Northern California's most spectacular river corridors.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gather your favorite people at Camp 4 Group Campsite, where up to 35 adventurers can create lasting memories together in the heart of nature. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes groups with everything needed for the perfect outdoor gathering – spacious picnic tables for shared meals under towering trees, crackling fire pits for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and regular garbage collection that lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with friends and family.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Tucked away in a hushed cathedral of mixed conifers, Castle Lake Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape just a quarter-mile below its namesake glacial jewel. This intimate primitive campground features six thoughtfully spaced sites, each equipped with sturdy tables and fire rings where evening stories unfold beneath towering trees. While vault toilets provide basic comfort, adventurers should come prepared with their own water supply, embracing the self-sufficient spirit of backcountry camping. The narrow, winding approach road keeps this hidden gem exclusive to smaller vehicles, preserving its peaceful atmosphere. Free and operating on a first-come, first-served basis, the campground welcomes visitors from late May through early November, depending on winter's grip. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: morning hikes along forest trails, afternoon swims in crystal-clear alpine waters, quiet fishing from granite shores, or peaceful paddle strokes across the mirror-like lake surface.

PO Box 1620

Discover your perfect basecamp at Fowlers Campground, where the gentle shade of mixed conifers and ancient oaks creates a natural sanctuary on Mt. Shasta's eastern slopes. This thoughtfully designed campground offers modern comforts with paved parking spurs, fresh running water, and clean vault restrooms, all while maintaining its authentic connection to the wilderness. Just minutes away, the legendary McCloud River cascades through a series of spectacular waterfalls, drawing adventurers and nature lovers to this coveted destination where mountain majesty meets riverside serenity.

2019 Forest Road McCloud, CA 96057

Tucked away along the pristine Upper McCloud River, Algoma Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This intimate, undeveloped gem features just 8 dispersed sites where the gentle murmur of the river provides nature's soundtrack. As the northern terminus of the spectacular 15-mile McCloud River Trail, Algoma rewards hikers and adventurers with a peaceful riverside haven. While amenities are purposefully minimal—just a vault toilet graces this rustic retreat—the absence of crowds and the presence of untamed natural beauty more than compensate. Bring your own water and camping essentials to fully embrace this back-to-basics experience.

204 West Alma Street

Tucked away at 6,400 feet on Mount Shasta's southern slopes, Red Fir Flat Group Campground offers a serene escape for those seeking tranquility among towering Shasta red firs. This hidden gem has become a sanctuary for meditation and retreat groups drawn to its profound sense of solitude and spiritual connection with nature. Far from the crowds, this peaceful forest haven invites groups to disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other beneath a canopy of ancient trees.

McBride Springs Campground, Mt. Shasta, CA

Nestled on the enchanting lower slopes of Mt. Shasta, McBride Springs Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just 10 thoughtfully spaced campsites. This hidden gem welcomes tent campers and small RV adventurers seeking a tranquil mountain retreat. Each site comes equipped with classic camping amenities including sturdy picnic tables and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings. While the campground features vault toilets and a charming hand-pump water spigot that adds to the authentic outdoor experience, remember to bring your water filter or be prepared to boil the crystal-clear spring water before drinking.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Perched at a breathtaking 7,500 feet on the majestic slopes of Mt. Shasta, Panther Meadows Campground offers adventurers a rare opportunity to camp near the timberline in California's most iconic volcanic peak. This remote walk-in sanctuary features 15 intimate sites, each equipped with tables and fire rings, where campers can experience the raw beauty of the high country. With only a vault toilet and no water facilities, visitors must come prepared with their own water supply or purification equipment for the nearby mountain streams. This free, first-come-first-served haven operates on a unique 3-day annual limit, ensuring that its pristine sub-alpine meadows remain unspoiled for all who make the journey to this extraordinary elevation.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Modoc National Forest

Nestled in the heart of the Medicine Lake Highlands, Payne Springs Campground offers adventurers a gateway to one of California's most dramatic volcanic landscapes. This hidden gem sits along the stunning Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway, where ancient lava flows have sculpted a terrain unlike anywhere else in the state. Just a short drive away, the mysterious underground world of Lava Beds National Monument beckons with its labyrinth of lava tube caves, while above ground, the Highland's unique ecosystem creates an otherworldly camping experience that feels far removed from civilization.

Modoc National Forest

Tucked away in the serene wilderness just southeast of Medicine Lake, Blanche Lake Campground offers adventurers a peaceful retreat from the crowds. This hidden gem provides the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion, where the only sounds you'll hear are rustling pine needles and gentle lapping waves. The campground features essential vault toilet facilities, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing basic comforts.

P.O. BOX 1620

Perched high above the volcanic wonderland of Medicine Lake Highlands, Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This charming 14x14 wooden cabin, weathered by nearly a century of mountain seasons since its 1920s construction, serves as your window to some of California's most spectacular volcanic scenery. From this lofty outpost, the giants of the Cascade Range reveal themselves in stunning clarity—Mt. Shasta's snow-capped majesty to the west, Mt. Lassen's volcanic dome to the south, and Oregon's Mt. McLoughlin piercing the northern horizon. True to its rustic heritage, the lookout embraces simplicity: no running water, electricity, or modern conveniences disturb the profound connection with nature. Visitors should come prepared with all necessary supplies and note that the final 4-mile stretch of access road presents a rugged challenge unsuitable for RVs and trailers.

MODOC NATIONAL FOREST, DOUBLEHEAD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE, 49870 HIGHWAY 139, Tulelake, CA, 96134, USA

Discover a mountain paradise where four distinct campgrounds embrace the pristine shores of Medicine Lake, deep within the enchanting Modoc National Forest. Here, families gather beneath towering pines to create memories around crackling campfires, while days unfold with endless adventures—from morning swims in crystal-clear waters to sunset hikes along volcanic ridges. Whether you arrive with a tent or RV, you'll find your perfect basecamp among sites that balance rustic charm with essential amenities like vault toilets and drinking water. While the area maintains its wild character with occasionally temperamental facilities, the authentic outdoor experience and breathtaking natural beauty more than compensate for any minor inconveniences.

null

Tucked away just a mile from Headquarters Campground, Schonchin Springs offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude in the Medicine Lake area. This hidden gem serves as a tranquil overflow option when neighboring campgrounds reach capacity, providing visitors with an intimate connection to the pristine wilderness. Here, the sounds of nature replace the bustle of busier sites, creating an ideal setting for campers who prefer a more secluded outdoor experience.

PO Box 1620

Discover your perfect basecamp at Fowlers Campground, where the gentle shade of mixed conifers and ancient oaks creates a natural sanctuary on Mt. Shasta's eastern slopes. This thoughtfully designed campground offers modern comforts with paved parking spurs, fresh running water, and clean vault restrooms, all while maintaining its authentic connection to the wilderness. Just minutes away, the legendary McCloud River cascades through a series of spectacular waterfalls, drawing adventurers and nature lovers to this coveted destination where mountain majesty meets riverside serenity.

P.O. Box 1620, McCloud, CA, 96057, USA

Tucked away in the heart of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Camp 4 Group Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience along the pristine Upper McCloud River. This secluded group site beckons adventurers seeking a back-to-basics camping experience, where towering pines whisper overhead and the river's gentle melody provides nature's soundtrack. Perfect for family reunions, scout troops, or friends gathering under the stars, this primitive campground serves as your gateway to exploring one of Northern California's most spectacular river corridors.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gather your favorite people at Camp 4 Group Campsite, where up to 35 adventurers can create lasting memories together in the heart of nature. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes groups with everything needed for the perfect outdoor gathering – spacious picnic tables for shared meals under towering trees, crackling fire pits for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and regular garbage collection that lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with friends and family.

McBride Springs Campground, Mt. Shasta, CA

Nestled on the enchanting lower slopes of Mt. Shasta, McBride Springs Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just 10 thoughtfully spaced campsites. This hidden gem welcomes tent campers and small RV adventurers seeking a tranquil mountain retreat. Each site comes equipped with classic camping amenities including sturdy picnic tables and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings. While the campground features vault toilets and a charming hand-pump water spigot that adds to the authentic outdoor experience, remember to bring your water filter or be prepared to boil the crystal-clear spring water before drinking.

20022 Castle Creek Road, Castella, CA 96017

Tucked beneath towering granite spires just off Interstate 5, Castle Crags Campground offers 76 well-appointed campsites where modern comfort meets ancient wilderness. Each site comes equipped with picnic tables, secure food lockers, fire rings, and access to flush toilets and hot showers. While the distant hum of highway traffic reminds you civilization isn't far away, the majestic presence of Mount Shasta and miles of beckoning trails quickly transport you into California's wild heart.

2019 Forest Road McCloud, CA 96057

Tucked away along the pristine waters of the Lower McCloud River, AhDiNa Campground offers a peaceful retreat where history whispers through the trees. This hidden gem features 16 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings under the stars. Modern amenities including flush toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Anglers from around the globe journey here to cast their lines in what many consider one of the world's premier native trout fisheries, where crystal-clear waters hold the promise of unforgettable catches.