Deadlun Campground

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No piped water available; campers must bring water or treat from the reservoir. Maximum 14-day stay limit.

About

Deadlun Campground is located at Iron Canyon Reservoir in Shasta-Trinity National Forest at an elevation of 2,700 feet. The 500-acre reservoir features 15 miles of densely forested shoreline and serves as an excellent base camp for fishing, OHV adventures, and exploring the surrounding backcountry. The campground offers 25-30 sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, all available on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees required. Fishing at Iron Canyon Reservoir can be excellent, with rainbow and brook trout present. The reservoir allows powerboats, rowboats, canoes, sailboats, and inflatable boats, but speedboats and water-skiing are prohibited. A boat ramp for small boats is available at nearby Hawkins Landing. Shallow lake levels make the reservoir ideal for smaller craft rather than large, deep-draft boats. A network of primitive roads and jeep trails radiates from the reservoir, offering challenging loop trips for high-clearance and 4-wheel drive vehicles, with routes leading toward Lake McCloud and Shasta Lake. Campers should come prepared: the campground has vault toilets but no piped water, so visitors must bring adequate drinking water or be prepared to treat water from the reservoir. The campground is accessible year-round, though the winding access road can be challenging and is shared with logging truck traffic. A maximum 14-day stay limit applies.

Directions

From Interstate 5, take Highway 299 East (exit 680) for 35 miles to Big Bend Road (County Road 7M11). Drive 17 miles on Big Bend Road to the town of Big Bend, then continue 5.5 miles to Iron Canyon Reservoir and Deadlun Campground. Caution advised due to winding roads and intermittent heavy logging truck traffic.

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