Description
Nestled below pine trees on the gurgling banks of the Sacramento River, Riverside Campground has just 12 of the 76 developed campsites at Castle Crags State Park. All Riverside campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis though, making this spot a great option for last-minute excursions to the Crags or overnights on I-5 road trips. With $25 nightly fees, campsites come with picnic tables, fire rings, grills, food storage lockers, and restrooms. To find showers, you'll need to head to the larger Castle Crags Campground via a walking path that crosses a river on a pedestrian suspension bridge and tunnels under the highway. Riverside Campground is also just 20 minutes south of Mount Shasta and 40 minutes north of Shasta Lake. This seasonal campground typically closes from October 1 to May 1.
Tips for snagging a campsite reservation
When to go
Riverside Campground is closed for winter, typically operating from May 1 to September 31. Expect the campground to be full on summer weekends and holidays. Spring is often a lush and beautiful time in this part of Northern California, when rivers and waterfalls are flowing at full strength. Summer highs can reach the mid-90s, so bring sun protection and practice good hydration during this time.
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Fishing
You can catch and release trout in Castle Creek and the Sacramento River while staying at Riverside Campground (fishing license...Read more
Hiking
Twenty-eight miles of trails meander through the gorgeous Northern California wilderness near Riverside Campground. You can acc...Read more
Climbing
Interested in the supreme and unbeatable rock climbing options readily available to visitors to Castle Crags? The iconic granit...Read more
Snow sports
We’re talking about some serious elevation here, so the area definitely gets its fair share of snow during the winter months. B...Read more
Swimming
Swimming in the cold waters of the Sacramento River is a great way to cool down on a hot summer day, though no lifeguards are p...Read more
Wildlife watching
Riverside Campground visitors may spot coyotes, ringtails, black bears, and red-tailed hawks.
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Riverside Campground.
13 Reviews
I enjoyed this place very much! There's a river nearby the train tracks, the water is very cold but another river that feeds into it is pretty warm, it also has a cool swing. Hiking to the top of the Crags is awesome! At the top is an oasis of white stone/sand with beautiful green foliage. I would recommend going on the hike about two or three hours before the sun begins to set as that's about how long the hike takes (start 4 - 5 o'clock)
This looks great! Planning a memorial day weekend rafting trip on the Sacramento River, so this looks like a GREAT PLACE to camp out.
Awesome. They keep it well maintained, but you should get there earlier so you can have your pick of the nicer spots. Didn't realize that when we reserved our camp site we would get there, check in, then drive around to choose a site. We were late so by that time a lot of the good ones were filled up.
- Park
- Castle Crags State Park
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- (530) 235-2684
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 41.152° N, 122.31° W
- Unknown price
- Tent / RV / Trailer: 60 Sites (Up to 8 people per site)
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