Shafter Campground

Star4.23
15 reviews

Quick Facts

4,300 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open from the weeken...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Klamath National Forest site

Official Website
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Shafter Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$10 per night for a single site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount, applicable only to the site physically...
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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

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What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 15 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacycleansites

Some mention

train

"User reviews generally praise Shafter Campground for its tranquility, cleanliness, and affordability."

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Campground Map

Shafter Campground

41.7104, -121.9808

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)

Best Time to Camp at Shafter Campground

Shafter 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 15; summer offers wildflowers, fishing and pleasant weather.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into October but late season sees reduced creek flow and fewer services/wildlife activity.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring and early summer highlighted for wildflowers and fishing; campground opens late spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 15–Memorial Day; winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open from the weekend before Memorial Day to October 15.
  • Current Alerts: Site currently closed. Opening season begins before Memorial Day.

About Shafter 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.
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Check-in
Open 24 hours/day
Stay Limit
Camping limit of 14 days.

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.
FishingFishing 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 viewingThe campground offers wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly birding, which is highlighted positively in user reviews.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear country practices are strongly encouraged. Some campsites come with grills, while others may not.
Active AlertsSite currently closed. Opening season begins before Memorial Day.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Shafter Campground

Reviews

4.2
15 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Shafter Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise Shafter Campground for its tranquility, cleanliness, and affordability.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 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 15 reviews

Common 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 15 reviews

Pro 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...
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Based on 15 reviews

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 15 reviews

Camper 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...
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Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are somewhat level, with varying degrees of suitability for trailers. Some sites offer views of Mt. Shasta.
Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available, and no specific accessibility reviews are provided.
Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. User reviews do not elaborate further on pet-related experiences.
Based on 15 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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