How much does camping cost at Ellery Creek?

Camping fees at Ellery Creek range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ellery Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Ellery Creek accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ellery Creek before I book?

Yes! Ellery Creek has 12 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 Ellery Creek?

Ellery Creek is open April 01 to September 09. 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 Ellery Creek?

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

How many campsites does Ellery Creek have?

Ellery Creek has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ellery Creek?

Pets are not allowed at Ellery Creek. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Ellery Creek?

Ellery Creek offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ellery Creek?

Popular activities at Ellery Creek include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ellery Creek

Q: Can I have a campfire at Ellery Creek?

Fire policies at Ellery Creek: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.98

67 reviews

Gilman Road Exit off I-5

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,067 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Shasta Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,067 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Shasta Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Ellery Creek

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Scan & Pay Single: $30.00; Single Site: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-275-8113

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Ellery Creek

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Campground Map

Gilman Road Exit off I-5

Ellery Creek

Gilman Road Exit off I-5

Nearby places

Lakehead (21 miles), Redding (approx. 16 miles to Gilman Road exit and 16 miles east to the campground).

Weather at Ellery Creek

Current alerts(8)

Average maximum trailer size is 30 feet
Click here for further information on this campground
Click here for more information about Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Poison oak is abundant throughout the forest

Best Time to Camp at Ellery Creek

Best season: spring. Spring at Ellery Creek offers the best balance of mild weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and nights in the 40s–50s°F), higher lake levels for boating and fishing, and abundant wildflowers and songbird activity along the McCloud Arm. Water-based activities—launching small boats, fishing from shore or watercraft, and early-season swimming—are at their peak as the reservoir refills and crowds are lower than mid-summer, though holiday weekends can still be busy. Expect a d Peak months: May, June, April, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring described as best: moderate temps, wildflowers, higher lake levels for boating/fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to September 09. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 9 through September 11, 2025. Walk-ins are allowed from April 1 to September 10.

About Ellery Creek

Ellery Creek sits in the foothills of Shasta-Trinity National Forest along the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake, operated by Shasta Recreation Company. This small campground offers shaded tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors fish from shore or launch small boats, and spring brings the best conditions with mild temperatures, higher lake levels, and active wildlife.

The campground is tailored for tent and small trailer camping, with no electric or water hookups. It is popular among boating enthusiasts due to its lakeside location.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring at Ellery Creek offers the best balance of mild weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and nights in the 40s–50s°F), higher lake levels for boating and fishing, and abundant wildflowers and songbird activity along the McCloud Arm. Water-based activities—launching small boats, fishing from shore or watercraft, and early-season swimming—are at their peak as the reservoir refills and crowds are lower than mid-summer, though holiday weekends can still be busy. Expect a d Peak months: May, June, April, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1067 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySteep mountainsides covered in manzanita and evergreen forests slope down to Shasta Lake's shoreline. Deciduous trees shade most campsites. Wildlife is abundant throughout the campground and surrounding forest. On clear days, Mount Shasta's volcanic peak rises on the horizon. The McCloud Arm of the reservoir provides the main scenic draw, especially from lower terraced sites with direct water views.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available on-site. The campground caters exclusively to tent and small trailer camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-out

2:00 PM

Stay Limit

No maximum stay limit specified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum number of guests per site not clearly stated.

Groups

No group-specific sites or accommodations were mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Site SizeSites are designed to accommodate small trailers and tents. Some users noted that certain sites felt small, with difficulty fitting seven people as described.

PrivacyPrivacy levels range from fair to good, with some sites more secluded and others open or near the roadway.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose lakeside sites for better views and avoid sites near the road for privacy issues. Sites #1 and #2 are suitable for multiple tents, and #7 offers seclusion.

Best CampsitesSite 12 gets praise for views and water proximity. Site 7 offers more seclusion and shade. Some lakeside sites are highly sought after, so book early if you want direct water access.

Need help booking Ellery Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The Ellery Creek Campground offers a range of essential facilities for campers. Each campsite includes picnic tables, fire rings with grills, food lockers, paved parking spurs, and tent pads. There are two sets of vault toilets and water spigots dispersed across the campground. However, it lacks showers and electric/water hookups, making it less suitable for RVs requiring hookups. Shade is provided by deciduous trees, and the sites offer varying levels of privacy, ranging from fair to good based on their location within the campground.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ellery Creek offers diverse recreational opportunities centered around its lakeside location. Popular activities include boating, fishing, and water sports like jet skiing and water skiing. Informal mooring is permitted when water levels allow, and anglers can enjoy fishing for various fish species. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, while the proximity to Lake Shasta Caverns and Hirz Mountain Lookout provides additional attractions.

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at each site for food storage, protecting campers from wildlife interactions.

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.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities exist but have been described as inadequate, with trash often overflowing and causing inconvenience to campers.

Cell CoverageUser reviews indicate the campground lacks cell connectivity, contributing to its appeal as a remote, back-to-nature experience.

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

4.0

67 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Ellery Creek has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, user reviews are mixed, with an average campground-specific sentiment rating of 3.84. Positive aspects include the scenic location, abundant wildlife, and suitability for water-based activities. However, common complaints involve poor maintenance, mosquito infestations, and the lack of on-site management.

Review Summaries

Based on 67 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the beautiful views, access to water activities, and the shaded campsites. Quotes like "a favorite campground of ours" and "very pleasant camping experience" reflect the general appeal.

Based on 67 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes mosquito and insect issues, poor maintenance (e.g., overflowing trash, unclean restrooms), and lack of cell service. One reviewer noted, "Bathrooms were dirty. Trash cans...

Based on 67 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 12 is highlighted as remarkable but noted for bee activity. Sites 15-18 received praise for their location and shade, while sites near the road (e.g., 8) were criticized for lack of privacy.

Based on 67 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing mosquito repellent, bear spray, and locking up food in bear-proof lockers. Some users recommend booking early to secure lakeside sites and being cautious of poison oak and...

Based on 67 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular but bring challenges like high temperatures and mosquito infestations. Spring is noted for its moderate temperatures but may still have bugs.

Based on 67 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Camp site 12 is remarkable! Water is low, lots of bees in the morning." "We really love coming here. The place is so quiet." "Bathrooms are clean. We always stay in campsite 1/2, they connect and...

Based on 67 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressed accessibility for disabled campers.

Based on 67 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed experiences: one user noted the campground is dog-friendly, while another highlighted issues with unattended barking dogs.

Based on 67 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want water access in the Shasta Lake foothills with shaded sites and spring wildflower season.

Skip if

You need flush toilets, hookups, or a quiet setting away from boat traffic and road noise.

Nearby Campgrounds

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3.8

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Pine Point (Shasta Lake, Ca)

Gilman Road Exit off of Interstate 5, Lakehead, CA 96051, USA

Pine Point sits on Shasta Lake in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest foothills near Lakehead. Operated by Shasta Recreation Company, this small campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for fishing and boating access on the lake, with a central gathering area and lake views that appeal to groups.