Salt Creek Dispersed Area

About

Salt Creek Dispersed Area is a primitive shoreline camping destination on the Sacramento River Arm of Shasta Lake within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Located 20 miles north of Redding off I-5, this dispersed area offers no designated sites but provides ample space for camping along the lakeshore. The area operates on a first-come, first-served basis with same-day occupancy required; no advance reservations are accepted. During the summer season (typically mid-May to mid-September), portable toilets and trash service are provided, with overnight fees of $17 per night. Visitors can pay via the Recreation.gov app using Scan & Pay or at the on-site Iron Ranger with cash or check. Winter months (mid-September to mid-May) operate as pack-in/pack-out with no facilities and no fees. The area is popular for water-based recreation including water skiing and jet skiing. A public boat ramp is located approximately 6 miles away at Antlers (water level dependent), with informal mooring allowed when levels permit. Lake Shasta offers excellent fishing for trout, catfish, Chinook salmon, crappie, bluegill, white sturgeon, brown bullhead, and bass.

Directions

From I-5 northbound, 20 miles north of Redding, exit at Gilman Rd. Take a left at the stop sign from the ramp. Turn right onto Salt Creek Rd/Gregory Creek Rd, then make a left onto Salt Creek Lodge Rd for about 1 mile. The dispersed area entrance will be on the right.