Castle Crags Campground

Star3.99
71 reviews
20022 Castle Creek Road, Castella, CA 96017

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

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
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
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Reserve California
Provider
(530) 235-2684interp@parks.ca.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.99

Mixed Reviews

Based on 71 reviews

49 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowershiking

Some mention

noisemosquitoestrain

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

20022 Castle Creek Road, Castella, CA 96017

Castle Crags Campground

20022 Castle Creek Road, Castella, CA 96017

Driving directionsCastle Crags State Park is located 6 miles south of Dunsmuir or 48 miles north of Redding along I-5; exit 724. The entrance station is clearly marked.
Road access is paved and available year-round. However, the park is close to I-5, which contributes to noticeable noise at the campground. There is no seasonal closure for roads.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Castle Crags Campground

Castle Crags experiences dramatic seasonal shifts that paint the landscape in ever-changing colors. Summer days can soar above 90°F, perfect for early morning hikes and afternoon swims, while winter nights plunge into the low 20s, transforming the granite peaks into a crystalline wonderland. Smart visitors pack layers year-round, ready for mountain weather's mercurial moods.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season: great trails and programs but heat, mosquitoes and road noise noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews praise hiking and cleanliness; cooler weather and scenery are positives.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers trails and wild corridors; seasonal bugs and variable weather reported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round and quieter in winter, though winter access/conditions can be challenging.

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

About Castle Crags Campground

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

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.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

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.
HikingCastle Crags State Park features 28 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Crags Trail leading to Castle Dome, offering breathtaking views. Accessible trails like the Vista Point Trail and Root Creek Trail provide options for all skill levels.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is permitted in the Sacramento River and Castle Creek. Licensed anglers can catch and release trout. The river is within walking distance from the campground.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is popular, with species such as black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, and birds like pileated woodpeckers and osprey commonly seen in the park.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive campfire programs are held during the summer months, providing educational opportunities.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

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.
Active AlertsClosures are in effect for the Root Creek Basin trails until November 1, 2023, due to construction.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at all campsites and are mandatory for food storage.

Weather at Castle Crags Campground

Reviews

4.0
71 reviews
Mixed 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

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...
Show more
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.'...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Castle Crags Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Castle Crags SP
Castle Crags Campground