How much does camping cost at Castle Crags Campground?

Camping fees at Castle Crags Campground range from $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Castle Crags Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Castle Crags Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Castle Crags Campground before I book?

Yes! Castle Crags Campground has 19 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Castle Crags Campground?

Castle Crags Campground is open Peak season dates run from mid-May through mid-September.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Castle Crags Campground?

Yes, Castle Crags Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Castle Crags Campground?

Cell phone service at Castle Crags Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Castle Crags Campground have?

Castle Crags Campground has 76 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Castle Crags Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Castle Crags Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Castle Crags Campground?

Castle Crags Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Castle Crags Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Castle Crags Campground?

Fire policies at Castle Crags Campground: Fires are allowed only in established fire rings. Firewood can be purchased at the entrance station, and gathering wood is prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.96

71 reviews

20022 Castle Creek Road, Castella, CA 96017

Top 11% in CAFall

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Fall Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,136 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

76 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,136 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

76 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Castle Crags Campground

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are $25 per night for all sites. Additional fees include $8 per firewood bundle. Parking fees may be charged for extra vehicles.

Standard Site Fee$25.00

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Reserve California

Provider

(530) 235-2684interp@parks.ca.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

20022 Castle Creek Road, Castella, CA 96017

Castle Crags Campground

20022 Castle Creek Road, Castella, CA 96017

Nearby places

Dunsmuir (6 miles, 10 min), Redding (48 miles, 45 min), Mount Shasta (14 miles, 20 min)

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies can be found in Dunsmuir (6 miles away). Firewood is available for purchase at the park entrance station.

Weather at Castle Crags Campground

Current alert: Closures are in effect for the Root Creek Basin trails until November 1, 2023, due to construction.

Best Time to Camp at Castle Crags Campground

Fall delivers the sweet spot. Daytime highs run mid-50s to mid-70s, nights drop into the 30s and 40s. Trails dry out, streams stay scenic but manageable, and the riparian hardwoods show autumn color against the granite. Fewer crowds than summer, less wildfire smoke risk than late summer. Summer can push above 90°F during the day, good for early starts and creek swims. Winter nights drop into the low 20s. Pack layers year-round.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Described as the 'sweet spot' with dry trails, pleasant temps and fall color; top recommended season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates run from mid-May through mid-September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Castle Crags Campground is open year-round. From mid-September to mid-May, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

About Castle Crags Campground

Castle Crags Campground sits at 2,136 feet beneath glacier-polished granite spires, offering 76 campsites with picnic tables, bear lockers, fire rings, and hot showers. Sites run $25 per night and accommodate both tents and RVs. The campground's biggest tradeoff is honest: Interstate 5 and a nearby rail line create persistent noise, especially in the lower loops.

Castle Crags Campground offers tent camping, RV sites, and an accessible campsite. Riverside Campground provides seasonal, first-come, first-served sites.

Historical Significance

The Okwanuchu Shasta people considered these peaks spiritually significant long before the 1855 Battle of Castle Crags, when Modoc, Wintu, and Shasta tribes fought encroaching settlers here. The site is now a California Historical Landmark.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the sweet spot. Daytime highs run mid-50s to mid-70s, nights drop into the 30s and 40s. Trails dry out, streams stay scenic but manageable, and the riparian hardwoods show autumn color against the granite. Fewer crowds than summer, less wildfire smoke risk than late summer. Summer can push above 90°F during the day, good for early starts and creek swims. Winter nights drop into the low 20s. Pack layers year-round.

ElevationThe park's dramatic topography creates a vertical playground where campers can choose their altitude adventure. From the campground's moderate elevation, the landscape climbs skyward to Castle Dome's impressive 6,000-foot summit, offering everything from gentle riverside strolls to heart-pumping peak ascents.

Natural Features and SceneryThe granite spires of Castle Crags rise sharply from montane forests, part of the Klamath Mountains uplift shaped over millions of years. Castle Dome anchors the skyline, its polished surfaces catching light above a mix of coniferous forest and riparian corridors. The park supports two endemic species: Castle Crags harebell and Castle Crags ivesia, found nowhere else. Black bears, mountain lions, and pileated woodpeckers inhabit the mixed hardwood-conifer forest that blankets the lower slopes. Creeks cut through the terrain, lined with lush vegetation that contrasts with the exposed granite above.

Geological RegionRising from the Cascade Sector of the Northern Buttes District, Castle Crags showcases nature's sculptural mastery. These glacier-polished granite spires, part of the greater Klamath Mountains uplift, tell a story written in stone over millions of years. The iconic Castle Dome and its neighboring peaks stand as monuments to the powerful forces that shaped Northern California, where montane forests meet riparian meadows in a stunning geological tapestry that continues to captivate geologists and casual observers alike.

Scenic ViewsViews include dramatic sights of Castle Crags, Mount Shasta, and Gray Rocks, accessible from trails such as Vista Point Trail.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is mentioned for the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesInterpretive campfire programs are held during the summer months, providing educational opportunities.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is 2:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out time is 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 consecutive nights per reservation.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Eight people allowed per family campsite.

Groups

Group camping sites are not described.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThree loops: Lower (1-19), Upper (39-64), and Riverside (1-12). Sites are large and level, able to handle trailers and camper vans. Upper loop sites offer more spacing and buffer from the highway.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via www.parks.ca.gov or by calling (800) 444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is offered during off-peak seasons (mid-September to mid-May). Sites may remain open late into the evening due to lower crowds.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are applicable via the reservation system at www.parks.ca.gov or by calling (800) 444-7275.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible features such as campsite #13 and accessible trails (Vista Point Trail and Root Creek Trail). Amenities like parking and restrooms have been designed for accessibility.

Site SizeCampground sites are described as large, level, and able to accommodate trailers and camper vans. Users noted varying levels of site maintenance.

PrivacySites vary in privacy, with upper loop sites offering more seclusion from highway noise compared to lower loop sites.

Total Campsites76 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid lower loop sites (1-19) due to proximity to I-5. Upper loop sites offer quieter options.

Best CampsitesUpper loop sites (39-64) get you farther from I-5 noise. Reviewers call out 40, 48, 50, 54, and 64 as particularly good. Riverside sites 4, 5, 7, and 11 put you near water but closer to the highway. Lower loop sites 14, 15, 26, and 36 are large and level but take the brunt of traffic sound.

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Amenities available

Castle Crags Campground offers a variety of amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, clean drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Shower facilities are temporarily free, with unlimited hot water, according to one user review. Drinking water and garbage disposal points are conveniently located throughout the campground. Pets are allowed but must be leashed and kept under control. Firewood is available for purchase at $8 per bundle.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers access to various recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and nature viewing. Interpretive campfire programs are held during the summer, and picnicking areas are available along the Sacramento River.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include proximity to I-5 and a nearby rail line, causing significant noise throughout the day and night. Wildlife like bears requires strict food storage practices.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at all campsites and are mandatory for food storage.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only in established fire rings. Firewood can be purchased at the entrance station, and gathering wood is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are reachable by calling 9-1-1. The nearest hospital is in Mount Shasta City (14 miles away). Police assistance and ranger station support are available within the park.

Trash & RecyclingGarbage disposal points are conveniently located throughout the campground, with bear-proof lockers provided to prevent wildlife disturbances.

Water FeaturesThe Sacramento River flows through the park, providing fishing opportunities and scenic views.

Camp HostThe campground hosts are described as friendly and helpful, offering assistance with maneuvering vehicles and providing information.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available, although its reliability is not explicitly discussed in the data.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

71 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Castle Crags Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Castle Crags Campground provide mixed feedback. Many appreciate the cleanliness, convenient amenities, and scenic hiking trails. However, proximity to I-5 and a nearby train line results in frequent complaints about noise, especially in the lower loops.

Review Summaries

Based on 71 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews highlight the clean amenities, large campsites, accessible features, and beautiful hiking trails. Hot showers and heated bathrooms are especially appreciated.

Based on 71 reviews

Common Concerns

Road and train noise are frequently mentioned, particularly for sites in the lower loop. Bugs such as mosquitoes and ants, unleveled tent pads, and occasional maintenance issues are also cited.

Based on 71 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites in the upper loop (e.g., 40, 48, 50, 54, 64) are preferred due to reduced noise and better maintenance. Sites in the lower loop (e.g., 13, 14-17) are criticized for proximity to the freeway and...

Based on 71 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend staying in the upper loop for reduced noise, bringing bug spray for mosquitoes and ants, and avoiding tent camping in lower loop sites due to noise.

Based on 71 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and fall reviews highlight mosquito prevalence and road noise as challenges but praise the hiking opportunities and clean facilities. Winter camping is quieter but may involve maneuvering...

Based on 71 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful hikes. No view from anywhere lower down and also there’s a LOT of road noise.' - Hailey Toews 2. 'The amenities were clean and the shower was temporarily free with unlimited hot water.'...

Based on 71 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campsite #13 is specifically noted as accessible, with nearby accessible restrooms and parking. Trails such as Vista Point and Root Creek are accessible and equipped with benches and interpretive...

Based on 71 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. User reviews do not highlight specific pet-friendly features but note compliance with leash policies.

Based on 71 reviews

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Go if

Fall weekenders who grab an upper loop site (40, 48, 50, or 64) get the most out of this place: cooler temps, autumn color against the granite, fewer crowds, and enough buffer from the highway to actually sleep.

Skip if

Light sleepers should know the highway and train noise runs all night on the lower loops, sites 14-17 draw the most complaints. If road noise ends your trip, no amount of scenery fixes that.

Nearby Campgrounds

41.149078, -122.318016

Riverside Campground sits along the Sacramento River in Castle Crags State Park, offering 12 sites at $15/night. Each site accommodates up to eight people with one or two vehicle spaces, fire rings, picnic tables, and bear lockers. The campground has both flush and vault toilets, potable water, and showers. A pedestrian suspension bridge connects campers to the river.