Closed
— Closed for the season due to snow. The campground typically opens around late May or end of June depending on snow melt and closes by early November. No reservations accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served when open.
About
Castle Lake Campground is a small, primitive Forest Service campground located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, nestled in a thick mixed conifer forest approximately a quarter mile below Castle Lake. The campground offers 6 first-come, first-served campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets are available, but campers must bring their own water as no potable water is provided on-site.
The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring Castle Lake, a pristine glacial cirque lake with dramatic granite cliffs and crystal-clear water. The lake is one of the most popular attractions in the Mount Shasta area, offering opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing, and flat-water kayaking. The west shore of the lake features a short, easy shoreline trail with accessible water access. Campers should note that the east side of the lake borders private property, and the traditional trail to Heart Lake and Little Castle Lake crosses posted private land with no legal public access.
This is a primitive camping experience with a 3-night maximum stay limit and no fees. The narrow access road and small sites make the campground unsuitable for large vehicles or trailers. The campground typically opens around late May or end of June depending on snow melt and closes by early November when winter snow returns.
Directions
From Mount Shasta city, head west on Lake Street over the freeway to the stop sign at Old Stage Road. Turn left (south) and drive a quarter mile to a fork in the road. Stay right at the fork and continue on W.A. Barr Road. In 2 miles you will cross the dam at Lake Siskiyou, then turn left onto Castle Lake Road. Drive the paved road 7 miles to the lake. Castle Lake Campground is located a quarter mile below the lake on the left (east) side of the road.
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