Jones Valley Inlet West Dispersed Area
Open
— Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Portable restrooms and trash service provided March 1 through October 31. Outside this period, it is pack-in, pack-out with no services and no fees. Camping below the high water mark is prohibited November 1 through March 1. During fire season, a valid California campfire permit is required.
About
Jones Valley Inlet West Dispersed Area sits along the Pit River Arm of Shasta Lake within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Unlike developed campgrounds, this is a true dispersed camping area without designated sites, allowing visitors to set up camp along the shoreline wherever space is available. The area operates on a strictly first-come, first-served basis, requiring campers to be physically present to claim and pay for their spot the same day.
During the peak season from March through October, the area provides portable restrooms and trash receptacles, making it more accessible for casual campers. Outside these months, the area reverts to pack-in, pack-out status with no services provided and no fees charged. A Forest Order prohibits camping below the high water mark in Jones Valley Cove between November 1st and March 1st.
The location offers excellent access to Lake Shasta's 365 miles of shoreline, with a public boat ramp approximately 1 mile away at Jones Valley. Informal mooring is permitted when water levels allow. The lake is renowned for water skiing, jet skiing, and fishing for trout, catfish, Chinook salmon, crappie, bluegill, white sturgeon, brown bullhead, and bass. The surrounding landscape features steep mountains covered in manzanita and evergreens, with snow-capped Mount Shasta visible in the distance.
Directions
Located 16 miles north of Redding. From I-5 northbound, take exit at Oasis Road. Turn right at the stop sign and follow for about 3 miles. Turn right onto Bear Mountain Road for about 5 miles, then turn left at the stop sign to stay on Bear Mountain Road. Turn right onto Jones Valley Road and follow to the dispersed area entrance on the left.
Nearby Campgrounds
