Salt Creek Dispersed Area
Closed
— Currently closed for winter. No facilities or fees during the winter season (mid-September to mid-May), operating as pack-in/pack-out dispersed camping. Reopens mid-May with portable toilets and trash service. First-come, first-served only.
About
Salt Creek Dispersed Area is located on the Sacramento River Arm of Shasta Lake within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This shoreline camping area has no designated campsites, allowing campers to choose their own spots along the water. During the operating season (typically mid-May to mid-September), the area provides portable toilets and trash service, with payment required via the Recreation.gov app or an iron ranger. Campers must physically occupy the site the same day they pay for it.
During winter months (mid-September to mid-May), Salt Creek operates as a true dispersed area with no facilities or fees, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all trash. The area sits at 1,067 feet elevation, surrounded by steep mountains covered in manzanita and evergreens, with views of snow-capped Mount Shasta in the distance.
The location offers access to Shasta Lake's 365 miles of shoreline and is popular for water sports when lake levels permit. Informal mooring is allowed if water levels are sufficient, though the nearest public boat ramp is approximately 6 miles away at Antlers. The lake provides excellent fishing opportunities for trout, catfish, Chinook salmon, crappie, bluegill, white sturgeon, brown bullhead, and bass. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area, and poison oak is common.
Directions
From I-5 northbound, exit at Gilman Road (20 miles north of Redding). Turn left at the stop sign, then right onto Salt Creek Road/Gregory Creek Road. Turn left onto Salt Creek Lodge Road and continue for about 1 mile. The dispersed area entrance will be on the right.
Nearby Campgrounds
