Sims Flat Campground

Star4.39
139 reviews
204 West Alma Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
FishingSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,600 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Seasonally open from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mount Shasta Ranger Station site

Official Website
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Sims Flat Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single site fee is $15 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders get a 50% discount applicable only to the campsite occupied by...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
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

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USFS
Provider
530-926-4511
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What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 139 reviews

123 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

noisetrain

"User reviews highlight the campground's historical charm, scenic beauty, and affordability but frequently mention train noise as a drawback. Opinions vary on privacy, cleanliness, and accessibility, with many praising the site's maintenance."

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Campground Map

204 West Alma Mt. Shasta, CA 96067

Sims Flat Campground

204 West Alma Mt. Shasta, CA 96067

Driving directionsFrom Mt. Shasta city, take I-5 south approximately 20 miles to the Sims exit. Turn left under the freeway and drive another mile to the bridge that crosses the Sacramento River. The campground entrance is on the right, just past the bridge. Alternatively, from Dunsmuir, CA, take I-5 south 10 miles to Simms Rd. (Exit 718). Take Exit 718 and turn left at stop sign onto Simms Rd. Follow Simms Rd. south 0.7 miles to campground.
The campground is easily accessible via paved roads from I-5, with clear signage and no noted seasonal closures or challenging terrain.
Nearby places
Mt. Shasta: 20 miles (~25 minutes)
Dunsmuir: 10 miles (~15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest market is noted to be expensive but has good burritos and a reasonable selection of groceries, including fruits. Visitors should carry extra cash to support local businesses.

Best Time to Camp at Sims Flat Campground

Experience nature's full palette as the seasons transform Sims Flat from a snow-dusted winter wonderland to a sun-drenched summer paradise. During the prime camping months, temperatures dance between a crisp 32°F at dawn to a comfortable 66°F by afternoon, creating perfect conditions for both cozy campfire mornings and refreshing river afternoons. Summer visitors are rewarded with endless blue skies and warm, dry days ideal for water adventures and starlit evenings.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for swimming and fishing; many positive summer reviews and activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fewer visitors and quieter periods in fall; scenic views remain strong into autumn.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wild sweet peas and good flows; opens Apr 15 with active fishing and fresh scenery.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed (seasonal) in winter; only limited day use possible.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Late April through mid-November.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Seasonally open from April 15 through November 15.
  • Current Alerts: Restrooms closed for the season; portable outhouses available. Water system shut off due to funding restraints; potable water unavailable.

About Sims Flat Campground

Step into living history at Sims Flat Campground, where 19 riverside campsites beckon along the pristine Sacramento River in the heart of Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This cherished destination, born from the hands of Civilian Conservation Corps workers in the 1930s, invites you to cross their original suspension bridge and discover interpretive signs that tell the story of America's conservation legacy. Whether you're casting a line for native trout, navigating exhilarating whitewater rapids, or watching the historic trains rumble past, Sims Flat offers an authentic slice of Northern California's outdoor heritage.
Sims Flat Campground offers opportunities for tent camping and mid-sized RVs/trailers. Group camping, cabin lodging, and glamping are not supported.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Sims Flat Campground offers a range of activities, particularly fishing, historical exploration, and proximity to whitewater rafting. Historical enthusiasts can admire the steel suspension bridge built by the CCC in 1933. Anglers enjoy fishing in the Sacramento River and Hazel Creek. Reviews highlight proximity to nature and scenic beauty but note challenges like train noise.
HikingThe Riverside Trail (0.2 miles) is available for hiking. Some reviews describe trails leading to old sawmills and historic CCC sites, offering opportunities for exploration.
FishingFishing is a major highlight, particularly for trout in the Sacramento River. User reviews frequently praise the fishing opportunities, such as 'Great fishing!' and 'Right on the Sacramento River for good fishing.'
SwimmingThe river is described as great for swimming, with several entry points. Users mention 'Beautiful river access for swimming' and recommend following trails to find swimming spots.
BoatingA rafting put-in is located near/across the river from the campground, suitable for non-motorized boating activities during spring runoff.
Wildlife viewingWildlife encounters include sightings of California Mountain Kingsnakes and wasps near the metal footbridge. One user provides a tip for distinguishing non-venomous kingsnakes from venomous coral snakes.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive signs depict the history of the CCC camp and its construction of the suspension bridge.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include trains passing with loud horns, aggressive wasps near the metal footbridge, non-venomous snakes (California Mountain Kingsnake spotted), poison oak, and occasional bear activity.
Active AlertsRestrooms closed for the season; portable outhouses available. Water system shut off due to funding restraints; potable water unavailable.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Sims Flat Campground

Reviews

4.4
139 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Sims Flat Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's historical charm, scenic beauty, and affordability but frequently mention train noise as a drawback. Opinions vary on privacy, cleanliness, and accessibility, with many praising the site's maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 139 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms, proximity to the Sacramento River for fishing and swimming, historical significance, and affordable rates. One user describes the campsite as 'legit pretty excellent with the...
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Based on 139 reviews

Common Concerns

Constant train noise, occasional theft of items, aggressive wasps, and seasonal wildlife encounters. One user warns about 'opportunistic bandits' stealing chairs, while another mentions 'AGGRESSIVE...
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Based on 139 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs to mitigate train noise, secure belongings due to reports of theft, and use trails to discover scenic spots along the river. Flashlights and batteries are recommended for nighttime...
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Based on 139 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention swimming and fishing as highlights, while fall sees fewer visitors and offers quieter periods. Winter access is limited to day use due to the campground's closure.
Based on 139 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great camp ground. Lots of space. Free wood. Trains passed by at 3:14 and 4:15 AM. Part of the ambiance!' - Robin Main 2. 'Great low-key campground. This campground is well cared for: the sites...
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Based on 139 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #2 near a drinking water faucet was reported to have bear feces. Site #8 is close to clean bathrooms. Privacy and openness vary across sites.
Based on 139 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available, but specific user experiences were not mentioned.
Based on 139 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash not longer than six feet.
Based on 139 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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