Toad Lake Campground

About

Toad Lake Campground sits at approximately 6,950 feet elevation in a broad alpine bowl surrounded by mixed conifer forest and meadows in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The campground features six primitive campsites along the stream about half a mile below Toad Lake outlet, with additional dispersed camping available near the lake inlet in the meadows. A vault toilet is provided, but campers must bring their own drinking water or filter from the lake. The lake is one of only two alpine lakes in the district reachable by passenger vehicle, though the final half-mile of Toad Lake Road (40N64) is very rocky and not recommended for low-clearance vehicles. From the old cabin site at the road's end, trail 5W05 leads up an old jeep road (no vehicles allowed) to reach the lake and campsites. Fishing is the primary draw, with brook, rainbow, and brown trout present in fair to excellent numbers depending on conditions. Fly fishing can be particularly productive. No motorized boats are permitted on the lake. The Pacific Crest Trail is accessible about 2 miles away via the Gumboot Trailhead, making this a good base for extended backcountry exploration.

Directions

From Mount Shasta City, take W.A. Barr Road to South Fork Road (Road 26). About 2.5 miles up Road 26, just past the concrete bridge, turn right onto road 41N53. After 0.5 miles, turn left onto road 40N64 (Toad Lake Road) and continue to the old cabin site. The last half mile is very rocky and not recommended for low-clearance vehicles. From the cabin site, walk trail 5W05 (old jeep road, no vehicles) about half a mile to the campground.