Explore Shasta Lake
Shasta Lake is a home for truly diverse recreational pursuits. From fishing alongside Bald Eagles to exploring its many coves and arms, no trip need ever be the same.
If you’re looking for truly unique overnight experiences, Shasta offers the chance to stay in a Yurt and a one-of-a-kind opportunity to sleep in the Hirz Mountain Lookout Station. If you need help picking a campground, we’ve got you covered. Anglers and water sport enthusiasts may want to visit our boating section.
At full pool, Shasta Lake offers 365 miles of shoreline and stores over 4.5 million acre feet of water (that’s 148,262,205,000 gallons if you're scoring at home), more than any other man-made lake in California. Travelers that drive past it on I-5 may get the impression that they're seeing multiple separate lakes, due to Shasta Lake's many coves and the spread of its four arms (called Sacramento, McCloud, Squaw Creek, and Pit). Different parts of the lake are better suited to certain recreational pursuits.
Use the following list to help you decide
which part of Shasta Lake you’d like to visit:
Lakehead Area
Due to the variety of services (including grocery stores) and activities available nearby, and its close proximity to I-5, the Lakehead Area is a good choice for the first time visitor.
Salt Creek Area
Close to I-5, but more isolated from services than Lakehead, Salt Creek can often offer a quieter and less hectic experience.
Gilman Road/McCloud Arm Area
Perfect for the boater who wants a relaxing stay plus the ability to store their boat in the lake overnight (thanks to the gently sloping shoreline). You’ll need to bring all the supplies you’ll need as there aren’t many stores nearby.
O’Brien Area
Similar to the Lakehead Area in its proximity to services, the O’Brien Area also offers central access to all of the lake’s unique regions.
Jones Valley Area
This is where you’ll want to visit if you’re after some of the best Bass fishing in California (plus you’ll be competing against Bald Eagles and Osprey). There’s also some good spots to be found for water sport enthusiasts and the many coves mean there’s plenty of seclusion for each activity. Stores and restaurants can be found on your drive in. Shoreline camping on the Jones Valley inlet is allowed between March 1 – October 31. Please click here for more information.
Shasta Dam Area
You won’t find camping here, but there are launch ramps will get you on the water at the joining of the Sacramento and Pit Rivers. Lodging and other services are available nearby.