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Shasta Trinity/Hirz Bay
Overview
Located within the vast Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Shasta Trinity/Hirz Bay offers a serene escape on the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake. This facility is known for its heavily forested setting, providing a mix of shade and sunlight for campers throughout the summer months. Unlike modern commercial resorts, this location focuses on providing a direct connection to the rugged beauty of Northern California. It is a premier destination for those looking to experience the scenic tranquility of one of the state's most iconic reservoirs without the distractions of city life.
Location & Surroundings
The campground is situated approximately twenty-five miles north of Redding near the town of Lakehead, California. Nestled on a peninsula, the site is surrounded by ponderosa pines and manzanita, offering a classic woodland atmosphere that feels miles away from civilization. The local topography provides diverse perspectives of the water, with some sites offering glimpses of the lake through the dense tree line. Its position on the McCloud Arm makes it a prime waterfront location, where the air is fresh and the wildlife, including bald eagles and deer, is frequently spotted by observant visitors.
Amenities & Park Features
As a Forest Service facility, Shasta Trinity/Hirz Bay provides a rustic experience focused on the essentials of outdoor living. The campground is designed for traditional camping and includes features such as:
- Paved parking spurs suitable for a variety of RV lengths.
- A picnic table and fire ring at every individual site.
- Convenient access to the Hirz Bay Boat Launch for easy lake entry.
While there are no utility hookups available, the park provides vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection services to ensure a comfortable stay in the wilderness.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw for most visitors is Shasta Lake, where travelers enjoy world-class fishing for trout, bass, and catfish. For those who prefer land-based adventures, the Hirz Mountain Lookout Trail offers a challenging hike with panoramic views of Mount Shasta and the surrounding wilderness. A short drive away, travelers can explore the Lake Shasta Caverns, a unique limestone cave system accessible by a scenic ferry ride. Additionally, the proximity to the McCloud River allows for excellent fly-fishing opportunities in a breathtaking canyon setting just north of the campground.
Who This Park Is Best For
Shasta Trinity/Hirz Bay is ideal for self-contained RVers who prioritize proximity to nature over luxury amenities and full hookups. It is a perfect fit for families and groups who enjoy water sports and want a basecamp close to the shoreline. Travelers seeking a quiet, rustic retreat will appreciate the lack of Wi-Fi and the natural soundscape of the forest. If you are looking for an authentic outdoor experience where the focus is on the stars, the trees, and the water, this destination will suit your travel style perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Anna Kay
Everything we wanted for a chill weekend by the lake. Easy, quick walk to the water from our site. Bathrooms close and flush toilets are clean. Check your site has a working bear box to lock everything up, and we had no bear encounters! Yellowjackets loved us when we opened food, but no stings.
Val Parker
Lovely campground. Very secluded, great view of the lake. Except tons of poison oak--everywhere in the campsites.
Ben Moore
Great quiet place, not too far off of I-5. I've stayed here twice, both times in April. The weather was great. Just make sure you use the provided bear lockers. The second time I stayed here, multiple camps left food or garbage out and a small black bear kept us up from about 2am to 4am. Don't be an amateur. All you have to do is read the signs that the campsite puts up.
Christie Contreras
We were in site 27. It is a double site and it is huge! 2 tables, fire pit and BBQ. Shade in the camp site all day. The bathrooms were clean and there was a water spigot outside of each bathroom with potable water. There is no camp host or any other staff on site so there are no fire wood sales there so grab wood before you head to camp. The staff that came through for daily maintenance was awesome and helped us find the best swimming holes. We did have middle of the night visits from a bear, but as long as you are using the bear box properly they just pass through. We had our dog with us and it was perfect for him as well. Amazing place. Quiet, beautiful, and well maintained.
j b
a fantastic and gorgeous location. really well maintained when it comes to their bathrooms (flushing & sinks) and trash cans… but holy bear. around 4am a black bear (maybe 500lbs?) came through our site and pulled on the bear box and kept it moving to check neighboring sites (which were vacant) only to come back shortly later for a few sniffs. this would’ve been less scary had we been in an RV buuuut tent camping + bear is not the vibe guys. it definitely smelled us and knew exactly where we were & we’re incredibly fortunate but of course we were terrified. i’d definitely come back with different equipment and plenty of mace and really wish there were more signs about the likelihood of bears in this area at this time. there were a handful of signs but so small and easy to get lost amid all the other super valuable information.