Bailey Cove

Star3.77
134 reviews
Shasta Caverns/OBrien Exit off I-5, Lakehead, CA 96051, USA

Quick Facts

1,067 ft

Price

$30 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Shasta Recreation Company 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
Bailey Cove
$30.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates range from $30 to $60 depending on the site type and season. An additional non-refundable $10 reservation fee applies for reservations...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$60.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530-275-8113
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What Campers Say

3.77

Mixed Reviews

Based on 134 reviews

91 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanlake

Some mention

noise

"Reviews are mixed, highlighting the convenient location and scenic beauty, but also noting noise from I-5, low water levels, and inconsistent restroom and water facilities. Some users praised the clean sites and privacy offered by certain spots."

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Campground Map

Shasta Caverns/OBrien Exit off I-5, Lakehead, CA 96051, USA

Bailey Cove

Shasta Caverns/OBrien Exit off I-5, Lakehead, CA 96051, USA

Driving directionsBailey Cove campground is located 15 miles north of Redding, CA. Take I-5 into O'Brien, CA. Exit Shasta Caverns Road to Bailey Cove entrance. (approximately 1 mile off I-5).
The access road is described as steep, narrow, and twisty, which may be challenging for less experienced drivers pulling trailers. "The one drawback is the access road which was steep, narrow, and twisty, someone without a lot of experience pulling trailers should avoid this campground."
Nearby places
Redding, CA (15 miles / approximately 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained from nearby Redding, CA, located about 15 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Bailey Cove

Bailey Cove experiences the full drama of Northern California's seasons, each bringing its own character to your camping experience. Summer arrives with intensity, painting the landscape in golden hues as temperatures climb well above 100°F during peak heat waves—perfect for those who live for lake swimming and early morning adventures. Winter transforms the campground into a quieter haven, with mild temperatures that make for comfortable camping without the summer crowds. The region's rainfall patterns and occasional drought years create an ever-changing canvas at the lake, with water levels that tell the story of California's climate in real time.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season; high temps and low lake levels have negatively impacted water activities in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fewer crowds and scenic fall character likely make fall pleasant; fewer direct data points.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring reviews are positive and opening begins in May; nicer water levels sometimes reported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground season begins May 9; generally closed to reservations during winter months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 9, 2025 - September 11, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season begins May 9, 2025. Reservations start June 24, 2025, and the reservable season closes September 11, 2025. After this date, sites become first-come, first-served.
  • Current Alerts: Current advisories include non-potable water and restroom closures. "There are signs that there is no potable water, all of the bathrooms are closed at the campground and boat launch."

About Bailey Cove

Tucked into the forested shores of Lake Shasta's scenic McCloud Arm, Bailey Cove Campground offers an intimate retreat where towering evergreens provide natural shade and shelter. This compact campground serves as your gateway to endless water adventures, with a convenient public boat ramp just moments away. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring hidden coves by kayak, or hiking the surrounding trails, Bailey Cove positions you perfectly for lake life. While the distant hum of the freeway occasionally reminds you of the outside world, and seasonal lake levels can vary with California's weather patterns, the campground remains a beloved basecamp for those seeking accessible waterfront camping without the crowds.
Bailey Cove Campground supports tent camping and RV camping without hookups. It does not offer primitive, group, or glamping options.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3PM
Check-out
2PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limits were not clearly specified in the authoritative sources.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Bailey Cove Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. The adjacent Bailey Cove Trail and Shasta Lake provide opportunities for outdoor exploration.
HikingThe 3-mile Bailey Cove Trail loops along the shoreline and is used for both hiking and mountain biking. It is known for scenic views.
FishingShasta Lake is popular among anglers, with a variety of fish species present. However, no specific types of fish are mentioned.
SwimmingSwimming is available in Shasta Lake, though users have noted that water levels can be low and access may be difficult at times.
BikingThe Bailey Cove Trail allows for mountain biking along its 3-mile scenic route.
BoatingAn adjacent public boat ramp allows for boating on Shasta Lake. Boat rentals are also available nearby.
Wildlife viewingThe area supports abundant wildlife, including osprey nests visible near the campground.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCommon hazards include poison oak, ticks, and bears. "Make sure you do thorough, nightly tick checks, they are prolific as well." Guests should also be cautious about steep shorelines when lake levels are low.
Active AlertsCurrent advisories include non-potable water and restroom closures. "There are signs that there is no potable water, all of the bathrooms are closed at the campground and boat launch."
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided at each site to store food securely.

Weather at Bailey Cove

Reviews

3.8
134 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Bailey Cove has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, highlighting the convenient location and scenic beauty, but also noting noise from I-5, low water levels, and inconsistent restroom and water facilities. Some users praised the clean sites and privacy offered by certain spots.
Review Summaries
Based on 134 reviews

What Campers Love

Convenient access from I-5, clean and well-maintained campsites, scenic views, and proximity to Shasta Lake are frequently praised. Users also mentioned the campground's small size and quiet...
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Based on 134 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include noise from I-5, low water levels in the lake, non-potable water, locked flush toilets during specific periods, and a lack of clarity about conditions on the campground's...
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Based on 134 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend site 1 or 7 for better privacy and reduced noise. Bringing potable water and earplugs for highway noise is also suggested.
Based on 134 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews mentioned high temperatures and low lake levels, impacting water access. Winter reviews highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere and ease of access for travel stops.
Based on 134 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This campground is perfect if you are needing a camp right off the I-5, very convenient." - The Displaced Southerner Jacob. "Get site 1 if you can...it's furthest from the highway." - TJ M-R....
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Based on 134 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 is noted for being furthest from the highway and quieter. Site 7 is praised for privacy and spaciousness. Site 3 and 4 drew complaints for being noisy or having unclear boundaries.
Based on 134 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features such as paved spurs and brick pavers are mentioned by official sources, but users did not specifically highlight accessibility in reviews.
Based on 134 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, though reviews do not provide detailed feedback on pet-specific features or policies.
Based on 134 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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