Deadlun Campground

Star4.24
37 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,700 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Shasta National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Deadlun Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site.
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
USFS
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 37 reviews

33 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lake

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Deadlun Campground

41.0618, -121.9749

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

Best Time to Camp at Deadlun Campground

While Deadlun Campground welcomes visitors throughout all four seasons, winter transforms this retreat into a snow-dusted wonderland that may challenge even the most determined explorers. Snow can limit access during the coldest months, making this a true year-round adventure where each season paints the landscape with its own dramatic palette.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Spring/summer called best for fishing and access; warm season recommended by reviewers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall likely offers good access and solitude; fewer explicit mentions than spring/summer in reviews.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring highlighted as peak fishing season and generally good access in reviews and descriptions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but snow can make access very difficult; reviewers report near-inaccessibility in snow.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Route 11 from Iron Canyon Reservoir heading North is closed just south of McCloud Lake.

About Deadlun Campground

Tucked away along the pristine shores of Iron Canyon Reservoir, Deadlun Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This hidden gem embraces its untamed character, where informal campsites nestle beneath towering mixed cedar and Douglas fir trees. Here, the rhythmic lapping of reservoir waters mingles with the whisper of wind through ancient branches, creating a sanctuary for those who prefer their camping with a side of solitude. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters or revving up for an exhilarating OHV adventure, Deadlun serves as your rustic basecamp for exploring the raw beauty of Northern California's backcountry.
Deadlun Campground is a remote and rustic camping area that primarily caters to tent campers. RVs and pull-through spots are not supported.
Advertisement

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.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingNearby trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail, offer hiking opportunities. Some users also mentioned scenic hikes to the reservoir.
FishingThe reservoir is stocked with large trout, and fishing is particularly good in the spring. Shoreline fishing is accessible due to the road circling the lake.
Wildlife viewingThe remote and natural setting provides opportunities for observing local wildlife.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country; insect repellent and toilet paper are recommended.
Active AlertsRoute 11 from Iron Canyon Reservoir heading North is closed just south of McCloud Lake.
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 Deadlun Campground

Reviews

4.2
37 reviews
Satisfactory
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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......
Show more
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...
Show more
Based on 37 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews were provided regarding accessibility for disabled visitors, though facilities appear limited in this regard.
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

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

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


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Deadlun Campground