2022, this car show event is now called the
This event is a Classic Car Show & Shine in McCloud CA. All vehicles thru 1969 are invited. Golf, Lunches, BBQ & more. Poker Run, Ladies Poker Walk in town, awards & raffle prizes.
Held in downtown @ Hoo Hoo Park
McCloud, California 96057
Annual event; August
Join old-fashioned fun in the sun all weekend in the Shasta area! McCloud’s Main Street Parade, vendor’s booths, nightly dance w/live music, baseball tournament, children’s events, horseshoe tournament, logging competitions, food, family games.
2022 marks the 75th anniversary for this event!
Annual event; July
530-964-2718
McCloud California holds a late May fair on Main Street; Mushroom Vendors, Wine Tasting, Special Mushroom Delicacies, Cooking Demonstrations, Music, Live Bands & BBQ
2 day event held every Memorial Day weekend, the McCloud Mushroom, Music & Wine Festival celebrates the proliferation of wild mushroom hunting that occurs every spring in Shasta National Forest
Annual event; May
530-964-2341
Lakehead on Lake Shasta is the place for this annual fishing derby.
Annual event; October
800-953-4432
530-238-2170
Carr Fire 2018: some portions of this lake, shore, roads and trails may be closed due to the recent wildfire
The large, level, paved campground is right on the north shore of Whiskeytown Lake, on Hwy 299 – E of Redding CA
101 walk-in campsites
22 RV sites
elevation 1200′
Group Camping can be reserved at
Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area
3 group camping sites with excellent views of the lake and mountains, on the northeastern shore of Whiskeytown Lake.
nearby towns:
And by golly, there is another
elevation 700′
26 sites
No electricity, water or sewer hookups
Six Rivers National Forest – Oak Bottom Campground loops around a forested hillside with large trees providing ample shading for multiple sites within the campground. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.
Located off the main highway, on a side road, with the epic Salmon River! This NFS campground is popular with whitewater enthusiasts in the spring. Rafters, kayakers. Many challenging rapids ranging from Class 3 to 5 are available. Swimming is also popular in the summer and numerous river access areas are a short drive or walk from the campground.
McCloud Creek becomes McCloud River a few miles downstream from this small camp. Aspen grove, one lane bridge, dirt back roads, river hiking trail.
NOTE: This campground is NOT near the waterfalls, and it’s a 10 mile long hike to reach them.
Park that chair in the creek and relax all day long.
• Elevation: 3,800′
• Number of Sites: 8
• Vehicle Accessibility: RV 24′ max (trailers not advised)
• Toilet: Vault
• Piped Water: No
• Campsites Reservation: No
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Season: May – October
• Trailheads: McCloud River Trail
• Operated By: NFS
• Closest Town: McCloud, CA
From McCloud @ Highway 89: Drive 13+ miles (east), past CalTrans warehouse.
The turnoff for Algoma (Stouts Meadow) is NOT SIGNED. Rangers recommend turning at the cross country skier sign, but that sign is so small and faded, you can barely even see it. The paved road intersection is the only one around, so it is hard to miss (if driving under 50 mph). Turn right off the highway, and drive 1 mile to the campground at bridge.
Only two campsites on north side of bridge, and the rest are on the other side of the river. Algoma Bridge may be closed in 2020, so you can park and walk across to reach the campsites. Call ahead to find out current conditions.
California Camping Rentals: Outdoor gear rentals in California are more common in big cities with large retailers and harder to find in specific, small towns on the back roads. Plan ahead trying to rent gear. Recreation destinations such as Joshua Tree, Mammoth & Bishop might have rental shops, but finding a rental store in an unfamiliar area could be ‘just chancing it’.
Be sure, before you go.
DanaMite has revised this handy list for your wilderness vacation planning, recreational equipment and rental needs.
2020 UPDATE: Recently deleted 4 shops on this page, so don’t be surprised if more gear rental shops vanish.
(listed from south to north)
RENTAL SHOPS online
There are many reason people rent gear. Tourists or vacationers passing through, wanting to experience a non-hotel night outdoors; Beginner backpackers wanting to try out equipment before committing to a big purchase; College students on an impromptu road trip; Novice cross country snow skiers; Doggy now packs in his own food & water too.
A new concept now being delivered is online gear rental, from camping to fly fishing. Seriously. They can ship you quality rental gear, and you can use it, test it, review it, all hands-on, out in the field. These 2 players in the West both ship nationwide. Imagine what else the web will rent in the future?
alphabetically listed; cross reference by lake or campground name. reservations may be accepted for certain locations; follow links.
Most of the lake campgrounds listed below are traditional style campgrounds with easy access: paved driveways, toilets, tables, maybe piped water. Various agencies manage these park campsites and additional links are provided.
Some of the campgrounds may be more primitive than others, with long dirt road access, gravel driveways, and minimal facilities. This list includes a wide range of lakes, from reservable group camps, to private RV resorts to back road beauties. Even a few campgrounds without fees!
Higher elevation locations close-up for the seasonal winter snow, which can last from NOV-MAY (or later, depending on snowmelt).
Each lake camp is different, so know what is available at the location before you get out there. Many spots do not have a boat ramp. Some lakes do not allow swimming. Some might be 4×4 access only, w/ hairy granite rock road, 12 miles long. If you require a general store within walking distance, then get the maps out, follow links and make sure.
ACORN CAMPGROUND
New Hogan Lake, Valley Springs, Stockton CA
ALMANOR CAMPGROUND
Lake Almanor, Westwood, Chester, California
ANTELOPE LAKE – Plumas NF, Indian Valley, Greenville, CA
Anthony Chabot Park
Lake Chabot Campground
East Bay San Francisco, Oakland, Alameda, CA
ANTLERS RV CAMPGROUND
Lake Shasta, Lakehead, O’Brien CA, Interstate 5
ASPEN GROUP CAMP
Jackson Meadow Reservoir, Tahoe NF, Truckee, California
ASPEN GROVE CAMPGROUND
Eagle Lake, Lassen NF, Susanville, California
ASPEN HOLLOW GROUP CAMP
Sequoia, Kings Canyon National Park, Hume Lake
AUBURN SRA BOAT-IN CAMPING
Auburn State Recreation Area, Gold Country
Folsom Lake, American Arm, Auburn, CA
BAILEY COVE CAMPGROUND
Lake Shasta, California
BASS LAKE – Sierra National Forest, South of Yosemite NP
BEAR RIVER GROUP CAMP
Lower Bear Reservoir, Eldorado National Forest
BENBOW LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA
Mendocino Benbow Lake, NorCal Redwoods US 101
BERGER CAMPGROUND
Packer Lake @ Lakes Basin Recreation Area, Yuba River, North Gold Country California; Sierra City, Downieville CA
BIG COVE CAMPGROUND
Frenchman Lake, Feather River, Plumas NF, Portola CA
BIG SILVER GROUP CAMP
Union Valley Reservoir, US Hwy 50, Placerville, Gold Country
BLACK BUTTE LAKE – North Sac Valley, NorCal
BLACK OAK CAMPGROUND
Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, Eldorado NF
East of Georgetown, CA
BLACKROCK RESERVOIR
North fork of Kings River, Sierra NF
Western Sierra Nevada
BLUE LAKES, South of Lake Tahoe
PGE Campgrounds @ Carson Pass, Hwy 88
BLUE LAKE DISPERSED CAMPGROUND
i80 Donner Pass, Truckee, CA
PGE Campground, first come
4×4 roads and hike-in access only 
BOCA RESERVOIR – Tahoe NF, Truckee, California
BOULDER GULCH CAMPGROUND
Kern Canyon, Lake Isabella, California
BOWMAN LAKE (5665′ elev)
Tahoe National Forest, N of Donner Pass
BRANNAN ISLAND STATE RECREATION AREA
Sacramento River @ California Delta, Lodi CA
BUCKS LAKE – North Sierra, Plumas National Forest
BURNEY FALLS STATE PARK CAMPGROUND
Lake Britton SRA, Burney, California
BUSHAY CAMPGROUND
Lake Mendocino, California
BUTT VALLEY Reservoir – PG&E Campgrounds
West of Lake Almanor
BUTTE LAKE – Lassen Volcanic National Park 
CARR LAKE CAMPGROUND
North of Donner Pass, Tahoe NF
hike-in camp sites
Castaic Lake RV Park
North Los Angeles County, Castiac, CA Interstate 5
CHEKAKA CAMPGROUND
Lake Mendocino, Wine Country California, US Hwy 101
CHERRY LAKE (wildfire 2013)
West of Yosemite NP
CHILCOOT CAMPGROUND
South of Frenchman Lake, East Plumas NF, Feather River, Portola CA
Chowchilla Recreation Area
Eastman Lake, Central Valley, Fresno CA
CHRISTIE CAMPGROUND
Eagle Lake, south shore; Plumas NF, Susanville, California
CLEAR LAKE SP – Wine Country, California
CODORNIZ RECREATION AREA
Eastman Lake, San Joaquin Valley, Central Valley
COLLEGE CAMPGROUND
Huntington Lake, Western Sierra Nevada
CONVICT LAKE CAMPGROUND
Eastern Sierra, US Hwy 395, Mammoth Lakes
COTTONWOOD SPRINGS CAMPGROUND
Frenchman Lake, Feather River, North Sierra Nevada
COURTRIGHT RESERVOIR 
Le Conte Divide, John Muir Wilderness
Sierra NF, Western Sierra Nevada
CROWLEY LAKE
Eastern Sierra, South of Mammoth Lakes
CRYSTAL LAKE
Angeles National Forest, Azusa, CA
DE VALLE LAKE SRA
Central Valley Reservoir
D.L. BLISS SP
DL BLISS CAMPGROUND
DL Bliss State Park, Lake Tahoe, California
DINKEY CREEK
Dinkey Creek CA; near Dinkey Lakes Wilderness Area
Sierra NF, south of Shaver Lake CA
DONNER STATE PARK
Donner Lake, Sierra Nevada, Donner Pass, Tahoe NF, Truckee, CA
EAGLE LAKE – Lassen NF, Susanville, California
EASTMAN LAKE – California Central Valley, Fresno CA
CAMP EDISON @ SHAVER
EDISON CAMPGROUND
California Edison Campground
@ Shaver Lake, CA, Western Sierra
ELLERY CREEK
McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake, California
EMERALD BAY SP
South Lake Tahoe California
FALLEN LEAF CAMPGROUND
South Lake Tahoe California
FASHODA CAMPGROUND
Union Valley Reservoir, Mid-Sierra, ElDorado NF
FAUCHERIE GROUP CAMP
Faucherie Lake, Donner Pass Area, Tahoe NF, Truckee, California
FAWN CAMPGROUND
Trinity Alps Highway 3, NorCal, Trinity Lake CA
FIR COVE CAMPGROUND
Ruth Lake, Mad River CA @ Hwy 36, Six River NF
FISH LAKE CAMPGROUND
Hwy 96, Six River National Forest, Orleans CA
FLORENCE LAKE
Sierra National Forest
FOLSOM LAKE SRA
Folsom State Recreation Area, Sacramento CA
FORKS CAMPGROUND
Bass Lake, Sierra NF, South Yosemite
FREMONT CAMPGROUND
near Lake Cachuma, Santa Barbara Camping
FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR – American River
FRENCHMAN LAKE – Plumas NF, Feather River, Portola CA
FULLER LAKE
Donner Pass, Tahoe NF
No more Campground; Day Use Only
see – RUCKER LAKE for camping
GLORY HOLE RECREATION AREA
GLORY HOLE CAMPGROUND
New Melones Reservoir
Angels Camp, California Gold Country
GOLD LAKE, CALIFORNIA
Lakes Basin Recaretion Area, Northern Sierra
GREEN VALLEY CAMPGROUND
Green Valley Lake, Big Bear Lake Area, San Bernardino NF
GRIZZLY CAMPGROUND
Lake Davis, Plumas National Forest, Portola CA
LAKE HAVASU
Colorado River @ California – Arizona border
HAYWARD FLAT
Trinity Lake, NorCal Highway 3, Weaverville CA
LAKE HEMET
Idyllwild, CA – RV Camping, Southern California
HETCH HETCHY RESERVOIR
NPS Campground, West of Yosemite NP
HIGHLANDS LAKES
Ebbetts Pass Hwy 4, Sierra Nevada
HORSE CREEK
Lake Kaweah, South Sequoia National Park, Three Rivers CA
HUME LAKE – Kings Canyon & Sequoia NP, Hume Lake
HUNGRY GULCH CAMPGROUND
Lake Isabella, Kern River, Kernville CA
HUNTINGTON LAKE – Western Sierra Nevada
HUTCHINS CAMPGROUND
Bucks Lake, CA, Plumas National Forest
ICE HOUSE CAMPGROUND
Ice House Reservoir, US Hwy 50, El Dorado NF
INDEPENDENCE LAKE 6949′
N of Donner Pass; N of Truckee, CA
ISLAND PARK CAMPGROUND
Pine Flat Reservoir, Kings River, Sierra NF
JACKSON FLAT GROUP CAMP
Jackson Lake, Angeles NF, Wrightwood CA
JACKSON MEADOWS Reservoir – Tahoe NF, Truckee
JUANITA LAKE GROUP CAMP
near Butte Valley Wildlife Area, Klamath NF, Weed CA
JUNE LAKE CAMPGROUND
June Lake Loop, Hwy 158, June Lake, CA Eastern Sierra
JUNIPER LAKE – Lassen Volcanic NP
KASPIAN CAMPGROUND
hiking trail to Barker Peak @ Lake Tahoe CA
LAKE KAWEAH
just outside Sequoia NP, Three Rivers, CA
KIDD LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND
i80 Donner Pass @ Soda Springs, CA
kayak, canoe, hike-in camp sites
KINGS BEACH SRA
State Recreation Area Lake Tahoe CA
LAKE ALMANOR – Northern Sierra Nevada
LAKE BERRYESSA – Wine Country California
LAKE BRITTON – Burney Falls Park
LAKE CACHUMA – Santa Barbara Mountains
LAKE DAVIS – Plumas National Forest, Portola, CA 
LAKE EDISON – Sierra NF, John Muir Wilderness
LAKE ISABELLA – Kern River, South Sierra Nevada
LAKE MENDOCINO – North Wine Country CA, US Hwy 101
LAKE MOJAVE
Lake Mohave National Recreation Area
Colorado River 4×4 Camping, AZ, CA, NV
LAKE OROVILLE SRA
Oroville Lake State Recreation Area
Loafer Creek, Equestrian Camp, Feather River Oroville CA
LAKE PERRIS SRA
Inland Empire, Southern California
LAKE PILLSBURY
Mendocino NF, N of Ukiah, CA
LAKE SONOMA – Wine Country California, Geyserville
LAKE SPAULDING
PG&E Campground, Donner Pass, Interstate 80
LAKE TAHOE – Sierra Nevada Mountains
LAKE VALLEY Reservoir
Donner Pass, Tahoe NF
LAKES BASIN CAMPGROUND
Lakes Basin Recreation Area, North Gold Country
LAKESHORE EAST
Shasta Lake, Northern California
LAKESIDE CAMPGROUND
Prosser Reservoir, OHV Camping, Truckee, California
LEWIS CAMPGROUND
French Meadows Reservoir, American River, W of Lake Tahoe
LIBERTY GLEN CAMPGROUND
Lake Sonoma, Wine Country California
LIGHTNING TREE CAMPGROUND
Lake Davis, Plumas National Forest, Susanville, California
LINDSEY LAKE CAMPGROUND
North of i80 Donner Pass, Tahoe NF
LODGEPOLE CAMPGROUND
Lake Valley Reservoir
i80 Donner Pass, Tahoe NF
LOGGER FLAT CAMPGROUND
near Hume Lake, near Sequoia & Kings National Parks 
LONE ROCK
Antelope Lake, Plumas NF, Indian Valley, Greenville, CA
LONG POINT
Antelope Lake, Plumas NF, Indian Valley, Greenville, CA
LOON LAKE CAMPGROUND
ElDorado NF High Country, Georgetown, CA
LOON LAKE CHALET
ElDorado NF High Country, Georgetown, CA
LOS ALAMOS CAMPGROUND
Pyramid Lake, North Los Angeles, Interstate 5
(no campgrounds on the lakeshore)
LOWER TWIN LAKES
Twin Lakes CA, BRIDGEPORT, Eastern Sierra
LUNDY LAKE CAMPGROUND
Eastern Sierra, East of Yosemite NP
LUPINE CAMPGROUND
Bass Lake, Sierra NF, South Yosemite
MAMMOTH POOL RESERVOIR – Sierra NF, South of Yosemite NP
MANZANITA LAKE – Lassen Volcanic NP
MARY SMITH CAMPGROUND
Lewiston Lake, Trinity River, Lewiston CA
MEADOW LAKE CAMPGROUND
i80 Donner Pass, Truckee, CA
PGE Campground, high clearance vehicles only
MEEKS BAY CAMPGROUND
Lake Tahoe California, west shore
LAKE MENDOCINO
Lake Campground Mendocino, Ukiah CA, US Hwy 101
MERRILL CAMPGROUND
Eagle Lake Recreation Area, Susanville CA
MESA CAMPGROUND
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, Cajon Pass L.A.
MILLERTON LAKE SRA
Millerton Lake Campground, Fresno CA
MODESTO RESERVOIR REGIONAL PARK
Western Sierra Foothills, Modesto, Merced, Central Valley
MONO LAKE, CALIFORNIA
Eastern Sierra, US Hwy 395 @ Lee Vining, CA
NELSON POINT
Shasta Lake, Northern California
NEVADA BEACH CAMPGROUND
Lake Tahoe, south shore @ Nevada state line, US Hwy 50
NEW BULLARDS BAR RESERVOIR
Hwy 49, North Gold Country
NEW HOGAN LAKE – Valley Springs, Gold Country
NEW MELONES Reservoir – Angels Camp, Gold Country
NORTH FORK CAMPGROUND
Bass Lake, Sierra National Forest, Yosemite South
NORTH SHORE
Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino National Forest
OAK KNOLL CAMPGROUND
New Hogan Reservoir, San Andreas, Gold Country
OAK SHORES
Lake Berryessa, RV Camping in Wine Country
OH RIDGE
June Lake, California, Eastern Sierra
PACKER LAKE
North Sierra Nevada, Lakes Basin Recreation Area
PAHA CAMPGROUND
Twin Lakes, Bridgeport CA, Eastern Sierra
PARADISE COVE
Lake Isabella, Kern River California
LAKE PILLSBURY
Mendocino National Forest, N of Ukiah, CA
PINECREST LAKE
Sonora Pass, Hwy 108, Stanislaus National Forest
PINE FLAT RESERVOIR – Kings River, Sierra NF
PINE POINT
Shasta Lake, Shasta National Forest
PIONEER POINT
Lake Isabella, Kern River, South Sierra
PROSSER Reservoir – Truckee Camping w/ OHV Trails
PYRAMID LAKE – North Los Angeles, Interstate 5
(no campground on the lakeshore)
ROUND VALLEY Reservoir
North Sierra @ Indian Valley, Greenville, CA
RUCKER LAKE CAMPGROUND
i80 Donner Pass, Tahoe NF
RUTH LAKE – Mad River, Six River NF
SAGE HILL
Lake Cachuma, Santa Barbara Mountains
SALTON SEA SRA
Salton Sea State Recreation Area, Imperial Valley Desert
SAN LUIS RESERVOIR SRA
Central California, Interstate 5 @ Hwy 152
SARDINE LAKE
Lakes Basin Recreation Area, North Gold Country
SHASTA LAKE – Northern California
SILVER LAKE @ BUCKS
Plumas NF w/ dirt road, Bucks Lake Wilderness & PCT
SILVER LAKE @ CARSON
Carson Pass – Hwy 88, El Dorado NF, Markleeville CA
SILVER LAKE @ JUNE
June Lake Loop – Hwy 158, Eastern Sierra
SILVER LAKE @ LASSEN
Lassn NF, E of Lassen Volcanic National Park
SILVERWOOD LAKE SRA
Cajon Pass, San Bernardino NF, Southern California
SNAG LAKE
North Sierra Nevada, Lakes Basin Recreation Area
SNAKE LAKE CAMPGROUND
Plumas NF, in between Bucks Lake and Quincy, CA
SOUTH SHORE CAMPGROUND
Lower Bear River Reservoir, El Dorado National Forest
SPAULDING LAKE CAMPGROUND
i80 (freeway close) Donner Pass, Tahoe NF
STONY GORGE Reservoir – North Valley
LAKE SUCCESS
Tule River, Porterville, CA
SUGAR PINE POINT SP
Lake Tahoe California, west shore
SUGAR PINE Reservoir
American River, Tahoe National Forest
NE of Foresthill, CA
SUGARLOAF RIDGE SP
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Santa Rosa, Wine Country
SUMMIT LAKE – Lassen Volcanic National Park
SUNSET CAMPGROUND
Union Valley Reservoir, El Dorado NF, US Hwy 50
SWEETWATER CAMPGROUND
Mammoth Pool Reservoir, Sierra NF, North Fork CA
TAHOE SRA Campground
Tahoe State Recreation Area, Lake Tahoe California
TANNERY GULCH
Trinity Lake, Shasta Trinity NF
TRIMMER CAMPGROUND
Pine Flat Reservoir, Kings River, Sierra National Forest
Trinity KOA Kampground
Trinity Lake, Hwy 3, Northern California
TRINITY LAKE – Shasta Trinity NF, Weaverville CA
TROUT CREEK CAMPGROUND
Lake Pillsbury, Mendocino National Forest
TRUMBULL LAKE
Virginia Lakes, US Hwy 395, Eastern Sierra
TURLOCK LAKE SRA
Turlock Lake State Recreation Area, Central Valley
TUTTLETOWN RECREATION AREA
New Melones Reservoir, Angels Camp, Gold Country
TWIN LAKES – Eastern Sierra, Bridgeport CA
%
12,232 acres
Northern California Mountains
South of Dunsmuir, CA
Interstate 5
exit #724 – Castella
About an hour north of Redding, you can see those impressive peaks off to the left above the lush forest. Way up off the west side of I-5, lies a hiking paradise of scenic lakes, waterfalls and wildflowers. Opposite the freeway from Mount Shasta; Just south of Lake Siskiyou.
Castle Crags Wilderness neighbors the Castle Crags State Park, which is surrounded by Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This area is named for 6,000′ tall glacier-polished peaks and pointed crags. Due to their relatively low elevation, year-round recreation, hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing are popular spring through fall. Snowshoeing near Castle Lake is excellent.
Castle Crags State Park
530-235-2684
Castle Crags State Park Campground
76 developed campsites
6 environmental campsites
Max Camper Length: 27′
Max Trailer Length: 21′
28 miles of hiking trails (2.7 mi access trail to Castle Crags Wilderness)
The Pacific Crest Trail also passes through the park.
Dogs not allowed on park trails.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Mount Shasta Ranger District
204 West Alma
Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
530-926-4511
regional history: The northwest area contains the largest glacial cirque, Castle Lake, which is near where the Modoc War’s 1855 Battle of Castle Crags took place. Now a historical landmark, the battle was fought on a ridge saddle between the lake and what is known as Battle Rock. The Wintu tribe inhabited the area, they called the crags the Abode of the Devil and the Spanish explorers called it Castle del Diablo (Castle of the Devil.) read more on wiki
nearby towns –
Trinity Wilderness trailhead locations –
trailheads from Highway 3:
trailheads from Highway 299:
trailheads from Highway 96:
trailheads from north @ Salmon River, Cecilville Rd #1C02:
Lakes & Waterfalls in the Trinity Alps region –
Canyon Creek Falls
Trinity Lake
Josephine Lake
Hidden Lake
Caribou Lake
Lost Lake
Grizzly Lake
Sapphire Lake
Papoose Lake
Emerald Lake
Conway Lake
Barker Lake
Foster Lake
Boulder Lake
Cecil Lake
Lion Lake
Ward Lake
Mirror Lake
Long Gulch Lake
Trail Gulch Lake
Fox Creek Lake
Red Cap Lake
East Boulder Lake
Middle Boulder Lake
Big Boulder Lake
Big Bear Lake
Big East Fork Lake
Little Bear Lake
Canyon Creek Lakes
REI rents gear!