Castle Lake Campground

Star3.73
61 reviews
Peace & QuietSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,282 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Usually opens by lat...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service 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 Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are charged for this campground; it is free to use.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.73

Mixed Reviews

Based on 61 reviews

81 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyhikinglake

"Castle Lake Campground is generally well-received for its picturesque location, proximity to recreational activities, and secluded campsites. However, some complaints include the lack of water and poorly maintained vault toilets."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Castle Lake Campground

41.2357, -122.3790

Driving directionsFrom Mt. Shasta city, head west on Lake Street over the freeway and to the stop sign at Old Stage Road. Turn left (south) and drive 1/4 mile to a fork in the road. Stay to the right at the fork and continue on this road (W.A. Barr Road). In 2 miles you will cross the dam at Lake Siskiyou and then you will see the turnoff for Castle Lake. Turn left and drive the paved road 7 miles to the lake. Castle Lake Campground is located 1/4 mile below the lake on the left (east) side of the road.
Not recommended for large vehicles or trailers due to narrow roadways and rough terrain within the campground itself. "Loved the campground but hated the road up to it" (Amy Rivera, user review). Roads are paved to the lake but rough beyond that.

Best Time to Camp at Castle Lake Campground

Castle Lake's dramatic seasonal transformation creates distinct camping experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the landscape in deep, pristine snow, closing access until late spring's warming touch. Summer arrives with brilliant sunshine and temperatures that can soar surprisingly high for this mountain setting. As one recent visitor, Austin Johnson, discovered during an intense heat wave: 'The lake water was perfect, kept us cool during the 100-110 degree heat wave that weekend.' These refreshing waters become nature's perfect antidote to summer's occasional intensity, while crisp autumn mornings remind visitors to pack layers for cool mountain evenings.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Peak season: summer offers lake access, swimming, kayaking and hiking; reviewers recommend summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Accessible into early November; pleasant temperatures and scenery make fall a very good season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens by late May depending on snowmelt; late spring can be good but early spring access is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site typically closed in winter due to snow; access limited until late spring.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Likely from June to September based on review comments and weather suitability.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Usually opens by late May depending on snow melt and closes by early November due to snow.
  • Current Alerts: Potential seasonal snow closures.

About Castle Lake Campground

Tucked away in a hushed cathedral of mixed conifers, Castle Lake Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape just a quarter-mile below its namesake glacial jewel. This intimate primitive campground features six thoughtfully spaced sites, each equipped with sturdy tables and fire rings where evening stories unfold beneath towering trees. While vault toilets provide basic comfort, adventurers should come prepared with their own water supply, embracing the self-sufficient spirit of backcountry camping. The narrow, winding approach road keeps this hidden gem exclusive to smaller vehicles, preserving its peaceful atmosphere. Free and operating on a first-come, first-served basis, the campground welcomes visitors from late May through early November, depending on winter's grip. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: morning hikes along forest trails, afternoon swims in crystal-clear alpine waters, quiet fishing from granite shores, or peaceful paddle strokes across the mirror-like lake surface.
Castle Lake Campground offers primitive camping with no reservations required. It is first-come, first-served and includes space for tent camping.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not Applicable
Check-out
Not Applicable
Stay Limit
3-night limit

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Castle Lake Campground offers various recreational activities, including hiking, swimming, fishing, and flat-water kayaking. Visitors also enjoy the picturesque setting of the glacial cirque lake.
HikingThe campground is near several hiking trails, including the short and easy Shoreline Trail. A user noted that 'The hike to Heart Lake was awesome with breathtaking views of Mt. Shasta and Black Butte.' However, it should be noted that some trails cross private property where access is prohibited.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Castle Lake, which is described as 'a pristine glacial cirque lake with clear water.'
SwimmingSwimming in Castle Lake is a frequent activity for visitors, with one reviewer mentioning that 'The lake water was perfect, kept us cool during the 100-110 degree heat wave.'
BoatingFlat-water kayaking is a favorite activity at Castle Lake.
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGuests should note the presence of rough roads within the campground and lack of cell service. "Roads were fairly rough within the campground itself, but passable. No Verizon cell signal" (Scott Blackson, user review).
Active AlertsPotential seasonal snow closures.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Castle Lake Campground

Reviews

3.7
61 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Castle Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Castle Lake Campground is generally well-received for its picturesque location, proximity to recreational activities, and secluded campsites. However, some complaints include the lack of water and poorly maintained vault toilets.
Review Summaries
Based on 61 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the campground's privacy, scenic surroundings, and proximity to Castle Lake and hiking trails. 'Walking distance to a pristine lake in the mountains' and 'One of the best camping...
Show more
Based on 61 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include the rough access road, lack of potable water, and poorly maintained bathrooms. 'No fresh water available' and 'The road up to it' were negatives mentioned by users.
Based on 61 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure one of the six campsites, especially on weekends. Bring your own water and supplies for a self-sufficient stay.
Based on 61 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is best visited in summer and early fall when temperatures are moderate and the lake is accessible. Late June offers pleasant lake conditions despite occasional heat waves.
Based on 61 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The lake water was perfect, kept us cool during the 100-110 degree heat wave.' 2. 'Enough space for two cars and two tents. Walking distance from Castle lake and a bunch of hiking trails.' 3....
Show more
Based on 61 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users frequently noted the limited availability of sites, with only six campsites available. One user remarked, 'I felt lucky to have 1 of the 6 campsites.' Another review mentioned that 'Sites are...
Show more
Based on 61 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

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


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Castle Lake Campground