Riverside Campground

Star0
2 reviews
41.149078, -122.318016
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,600 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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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
Riverside Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The fee for Riverside Campground is $15 per night, payable upon self-registration.
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

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Reserve California
Provider
(530) 235-2684interp@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

Most mentioned

viewswater

Some mention

reservation

"User reviews highlight the scenic beauty of the Riverside Campground and its proximity to the Sacramento River as key advantages. "The pedestrian suspension bridge is a unique feature that campers love.""

Read all reviews

Campground Map

41.149078, -122.318016

Riverside Campground

41.149078, -122.318016

Driving directionsThe park's entrance is located six miles south of Dunsmuir along I-5. Exit 724 and follow signs to 20022 Castle Creek Road, Castella, CA 96017.
The park is located along Interstate 5, providing paved access. Seasonal factors such as snow may affect accessibility during winter months.
Nearby places
Dunsmuir, 6 miles
Mount Shasta, 14 miles
Shasta Lake, 21 miles.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Dunsmuir, which is 6 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Riverside Campground

Experience the dramatic beauty of four distinct seasons at Riverside Campground. Summer days bask in golden sunshine with temperatures soaring above 90°F, perfect for river activities and warm evening campfires. Winter transforms the landscape into a crisp wonderland, with temperatures occasionally dropping to a brisk 20°F, creating magical frost-kissed mornings. The ever-changing mountain weather makes layered clothing your best companion throughout the year, allowing you to adapt from cool mornings to warm afternoons with ease.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season; swimming and river activities thrive with warm daytime temps >90°F.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall offers cooler weather and layered clothing advice; fewer peak-season services.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers (rare orchids) and good weather make spring appealing for activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but winter is less favorable; cooler temperatures and fewer campers noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Mid-May to mid-September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservations are available mid-May to mid-September; walk-in only from mid-September through mid-May.
  • Current Alerts: As of August 2023, construction may lead to intermittent closures in the Root Creek Basin area.

About Riverside Campground

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.
The Riverside Campground offers a mix of developed camping options suitable for families, RVs, and tent campers.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is flexible but requires payment verification upon self-registration.
Check-out
Check-out time is officially noon.
Stay Limit
Official policy allows up to 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

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

Activities you can enjoy

Castle Crags State Park offers a range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and nature and wildlife viewing. The Riverside Campground provides easy access to the Sacramento River and its scenic surroundings.
HikingCastle Crags State Park boasts 28 miles of hiking trails, including the challenging Crags Trail and accessible trails like Vista Point Trail and Root Creek Trail. "The Pacific Crest Trail winds through the park as well."
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.
FishingLicensed anglers may catch and release trout in Castle Creek and Sacramento River. Fishing regulations need to be reviewed at www.dfg.ca.gov.
SwimmingSwimming is available in the Sacramento River, making it a refreshing activity during warmer months.
Wildlife viewingThe park provides excellent opportunities for nature and wildlife viewing. "Black bears seek berries, and mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes hunt in higher elevations." Other animals spotted include pileated woodpeckers, American dippers, osprey, and western bluebirds.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive campfire programs are held during the summer months, offering educational insights into the area.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear activity, as improper food storage may lead to citations. Wildlife encounters are possible.
Active AlertsAs of August 2023, construction may lead to intermittent closures in the Root Creek Basin area.
Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant food lockers are available at no extra charge.

Weather at Riverside Campground

Reviews

0.0
2 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Riverside Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty of the Riverside Campground and its proximity to the Sacramento River as key advantages. "The pedestrian suspension bridge is a unique feature that campers love."
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the availability of amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water. "Scenic views and accessibility to the Sacramento River are highly appreciated by campers."
Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users have indicated issues with noise during quiet hours and the presence of bears necessitating strict food storage protocols.
Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend using bear-proof lockers and arriving early for first-come-first-serve reservations during peak seasons. "Be prepared for walk-in camping during off-peak periods."
Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter months may be less favorable for camping due to cooler temperatures, while spring and summer are preferred for outdoor activities. "Layered clothing is advised during fall and winter."
Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The Riverside Campground has a peaceful ambiance with the Sacramento River flowing nearby." "The pedestrian suspension bridge is a fun experience for families."
Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews praise campsites #4, #5, #7, and #11 within the Riverside Campground for their proximity to scenic views.
Based on 2 reviews

Accessibility Features

"Campsite #13 is accessible, and the trails leading to Vista Point and Root Creek provide good options for visitors with mobility challenges."
Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Users appreciate that dogs are allowed in campgrounds but emphasize the restriction of not taking them on hiking trails.
Based on 2 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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