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Shasta Trinity/Hirz Bay
Overview
Overview
Hirz Bay Campground, situated within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, offers a classic, rustic outdoor experience on the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, this destination focuses on immersing visitors in the natural beauty of Northern California rather than providing high-end resort luxuries. It provides a quiet, forested retreat for those seeking to disconnect, making it a scenic destination for campers who enjoy the raw, unfiltered charm of the wilderness.
Location & Surroundings
Located near Lakehead, California, Hirz Bay sits at an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet. The campground is tucked away amidst a canopy of pine and oak trees, offering panoramic lake views and a peaceful atmosphere. Its position on the McCloud Arm provides direct access to the water, while the surrounding Shasta-Trinity National Forest creates a mountainous backdrop. The remote location ensures a quieter environment compared to busier, more developed sections of the Shasta Lake reservoir.
Amenities & Park Features
The facilities at Hirz Bay are designed to support a traditional camping experience. Visitors will find vault toilets and potable water spigots distributed throughout the campground. Each site includes a picnic table, a fire ring, and a pedestal grill. While the campground does not offer electric or sewer hookups, it provides ample space for tents and small to medium-sized RVs. Being a back-to-nature facility, it encourages travelers to be self-sufficient during their stay.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Water-based recreation is the primary draw for guests visiting the McCloud Arm. Boating, fishing, and swimming are easily accessible via the nearby boat ramp. Beyond the water, the region offers numerous hiking trails that wind through the national forest, providing opportunities for birdwatching and photography. For those interested in geological history, the famous Lake Shasta Caverns are reachable by boat, offering a unique adventure that complements the tranquility of the campground.
Who This Park Is Best For
Hirz Bay is an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and families who prefer rustic camping over full-service RV parks. It is particularly well-suited for those traveling with boats, as the proximity to the water is a significant advantage. If you value silence, starlit nights, and a chance to truly unplug from the modern world, this forest service site provides a memorable and authentic connection to the Shasta-Trinity landscape.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
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.