How much does camping cost at Deadlun Campground?

Camping fees at Deadlun Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Deadlun Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Deadlun Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are free and first come, first served.

Can I see photos of campsites at Deadlun Campground before I book?

Yes! Deadlun Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Deadlun Campground?

Deadlun Campground is open Year-round.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Deadlun Campground?

Deadlun Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Deadlun Campground?

Fire policies at Deadlun Campground: Fire pits available at most sites.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Deadlun Campground have?

Deadlun Campground has 24 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Deadlun Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Deadlun Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Deadlun Campground?

Deadlun Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Deadlun Campground?

Popular activities at Deadlun Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Deadlun Campground

4.05

37 reviews

Top 10% in CASpring

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds California

Quick Facts

2,700 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,700 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Deadlun Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Deadlun Campground

41.0618, -121.9749

Nearby supplies

Groceries, bait/tackle, and gasoline are available in the town of Big Bend.

Driving directionsFrom Round Mountain, CA, take State Rt. 299 east 5.2 miles to Big Bend Rd. Turn left onto Big Bend Rd. and go 17.6 miles to a 'T' intersection and Iron Canyon Reservoir sign. Turn left onto Forest Rt. 11 and go 4.7 miles to a 'Y' intersection. Bear left and go 0.7 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

Forest Rt. 11 begins just north of Big Bend, CA and is paved, single-lane with turnouts and full of potholes.

Weather at Deadlun Campground

Current alert: Route 11 from Iron Canyon Reservoir heading North is closed just south of McCloud Lake.

Best Time to Camp at Deadlun Campground

Spring is the sweet spot. Daytime temps run 55–75°F, nights drop to 35–45°F. Snowmelt raises the reservoir, improving trout fishing and boat launch access. Wildflowers bloom and migratory birds move through. Trails see less traffic than summer, and facilities are open before fire season and late-summer heat hit. Winter brings snow that can block access entirely. Users report ice and downed trees making the road impassable.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Described as the 'sweet spot'—snowmelt improves trout fishing, wildflowers and bird migration.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Year-round.

About Deadlun Campground

Deadlun Campground sits on the edge of Iron Canyon Reservoir at 2,700 feet elevation in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The 24 informal sites accommodate tents and smaller vehicles under mixed cedar and Douglas fir. It's free, remote, and often uncrowded. Cell service doesn't exist here.

Deadlun Campground is a remote and rustic camping area that primarily caters to tent campers. RVs and pull-through spots are not supported.

Weather and SeasonsSpring is the sweet spot. Daytime temps run 55–75°F, nights drop to 35–45°F. Snowmelt raises the reservoir, improving trout fishing and boat launch access. Wildflowers bloom and migratory birds move through. Trails see less traffic than summer, and facilities are open before fire season and late-summer heat hit. Winter brings snow that can block access entirely. Users report ice and downed trees making the road impassable.

ElevationPerched at 2,700 feet above sea level, Deadlun Campground offers a refreshing escape from valley heat. This sweet-spot elevation delivers crisp mountain air and naturally cool temperatures that transform summer nights into perfect sleeping weather, while spring and fall days remain comfortably mild for outdoor exploration.

Natural Features and SceneryIron Canyon Reservoir spans 500 acres with 15 miles of forested shoreline. The campground occupies the water's edge, where volcanic ridges and ancient forests frame the reservoir. Cedar and Douglas fir provide overhead cover. The Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby. The terrain is rugged, shaped by California's volcanic and tectonic activity.

Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic mountain terrain of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Deadlun Campground sits at the edge of Iron Canyon Reservoir in a region where volcanic peaks meet ancient forests. This rugged landscape tells the story of California's tumultuous geological past, where tectonic forces and volcanic activity sculpted a playground of ridges, canyons, and crystal-clear mountain lakes.

Scenic Views"Great little campsite with pit toilets clean and quiet beautiful trees everywhere!" (Rachel Anderson, user review)

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging accommodations are not available. This area is strictly for camping.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 days.

Groups

Group camping sites are not explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites follow a single loop but the spacing is informal and somewhat clustered. Privacy between sites is limited. One user notes the sites are "placed weird," so don't expect a standard campground grid.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are free and first come, first served.

AccessibilityAccessibility features for disabled visitors are limited. There are no wheelchair-accessible toilets or infrastructure mentioned.

Site SizeSites are informal and appear to accommodate standard-sized setups for tents or smaller vehicles.

PrivacySites are somewhat informal, slightly clustered, and may lack significant privacy.

Total Campsites24 campsites

Recommended SitesSites under mixed cedar and Douglas fir offer privacy and shade.

Amenities available

Deadlun Campground offers essential amenities amidst a natural, remote setting. Restrooms are available, but potable water is not provided, so visitors must bring their own. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, and most have fire rings (22 out of 24 sites). The sites operate on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy, emphasizing visitor responsibility. The campground's remote wilderness atmosphere is noted, but its facilities are simplistic.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground and surrounding area provide opportunities for a range of outdoor activities, such as OHV trail exploration, fishing, and hiking. The natural reservoir and trails make it a popular choice for adventurers looking for solitude.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country; insect repellent and toilet paper are recommended.

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

37 reviews

Satisfactory

Deadlun Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Deadlun Campground's remote location, natural beauty, and suitability for those seeking solitude. Some users appreciate the lack of crowding and the reservoir's fishing opportunities, while others point out the under-maintained facilities and challenging access roads.

Review Summaries

Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the campground's seclusion, free access, and scenic surroundings. "Beautiful free campground with close by lake with great fishing" is a common sentiment.

Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Several reviews point to under-maintained facilities, particularly the vault toilets, and difficulties with road conditions, especially after rain or during winter. "Not a bad campground, a bit run...

Based on 37 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews frequently praise the reservoir's proximity and the fishing opportunities available at the campground. However, site conditions, such as uneven terrain and road conditions, receive mixed...

Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and supplies, including insect repellent and toilet paper. Winter adventurers should prepare for significant access challenges, including ice and downed trees.

Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter access is highly challenging, with one user stating, 'The campground is virtually inaccessible during snow season.' Spring and summer are noted as the best times for fishing and enjoying the...

Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

'If you want to get away from the crowds and be out in the woods, but not hours from civilization, this is a great campground.' - Wez So_N_So. 'The road up to the campground entrance is fine, but......

Based on 37 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, but no specific reviews address pet-related features or experiences.

Based on 37 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Spring trout anglers will get the most out of this place: the reservoir is stocked, snowmelt raises water levels, the boat ramp is usable for small craft, and shoreline access is easy. It's first-come, free, and rarely crowded.

Skip if

No potable water means hauling everything in, the vault toilets have drawn consistent complaints about upkeep, sites are awkwardly spaced with little privacy, and the dirt access road gets rough after rain. RVs aren't suitable here.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.5

(40)

Hawkins Landing Campground

Hawkins Landing Campground sits on the forested shore of Iron Canyon Reservoir northwest of Burney, a PG&E-operated site with 10 campsites at $10 per night. The campground has a boat ramp, sandy beach, and direct water access for fishing and swimming. The approach from Big Bend involves a rough 6-mile road with large potholes that reviewers warn can be hard on RVs and boat trailers.

Deadlun Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Deadlun Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Deadlun Campground

Best Time to Camp at Deadlun Campground

Planning Tips

About Deadlun Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Directions

Plan a trip to Deadlun Campground

Best Time to Camp at Deadlun Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews