The best beach camping near Big Bend

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On the outskirts of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, in the shadow of Chalk Mountain and Bald Peak, lies Big Bend and its glorious wilderness. Set in Shasta County along the Pit River (the longest tributary to the Sacramento River), Big Bend is named for the dramatic change of direction that occurs in the river exactly in that spot. Majestic Cascade Mountains and wide-open, scenic, high-desert vistas await all around with camping, backpacking, boating, and day hiking opportunities. Not to mention, Big Bend and the surrounding region are hotbeds (pun intended) for natural hot springs. Mount Shasta, Lassen National Volcanic Park, and Castle Crags State Park all await within a two-hour drive.

99% (354)

Top-rated campgrounds

Swimming hole up Kosk Creek. "Deliciously cool" on a hot day.

2. Camp Stoney Meadows

100%
(353)
3mi from Big Bend · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Big Bend, CA
Our 120 remote acres are adjacent to Shasta Trinity National Forest in the beautiful Cascade Range between Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta in Northern California. It's a working ranch with tree farms, animals, hydroelectric power, sawmill, gardens, orchards, creeks, springs, trails, and our camp alongside Kosk Creek. We're 54 miles from Redding off of 299E, (about 1-1/2 hour drive). DO NOT TAKE ROAD 11 FROM THE NORTH, IT IS CLOSED! PIease try to ignore the "car art" in the Pit River Tribe's Rancheria as you're coming here. Drive right through it, it's no reflection on us. The last mile or so of the road here can be pretty rough, but on arrival, you'll know it's worth the trip! No Cell phone service available here, so it's the perfect opportunity to unplug. We do have a land line up at the house in case of an emergency. Also, if you really need it, WiFi is available at the house.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Lakehouse In-Law Unit

6. Lakehouse In-Law Unit

42mi from Big Bend · 1 site · Lodging · Weed, CA
Lakehouse In-Law Unit — Cozy Waterfront Retreat by Mt. Shasta Relax in this private, fully furnished in-law unit tucked into a lakeside property on the northern slopes of Mount Shasta. Designed for comfort and ease in nature, it’s a welcoming home-away-from-home for up to 4 guests. 🛏️ Inside & Amenities • One bedroom plus a loft, with two beds and a futon • Kitchenette with essentials to prepare light meals • Living area for lounging and relaxing • Full bathroom with shower and toiletries • Fenced yard for privacy and outdoor enjoyment • Pets allowed — bring your furry friend along • Utilities included: potable water, toilets, and showers 🌿 Experience & Location • Direct access to the lake — ideal for fishing, paddling, or lakeside walks • Wildlife viewing and quiet moments under the stars • Within reach of regional trails, natural beauty, and mountain vistas • No campfires allowed — the priority is preserving the serenity of the surroundings ℹ️ Guest Notes • The exact address is shared post-booking to protect privacy • Perfect for couples, small families, or friends seeking a nature escape with creature comforts • Bring your own food, supplies, and anything you need for lake activities
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$118
 / night
Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort

8. Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort

29mi from Big Bend · 249 sites · Mount Shasta City, CA
Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort stands out as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Shasta and the stunning Shasta Trinity National Forest. Nestled on the southwest side of Lake Siskiyou, this campground provides a unique blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal getaway for families and nature lovers alike. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including cozy rustic tent sites, fully equipped RV sites, retro trailers, and comfortable cabins or houses. The resort is packed with activities to keep everyone entertained, featuring scenic hiking trails, beach rentals, and a thrilling inflatable water park known as the Splash Zone. For those looking to unwind, the Lake Sis Bar & Grille offers delicious dining options. Whether you prefer quiet fishing moments on the dock, quality family time on the lake, or simply relaxing on your cabin deck, Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors.

On the outskirts of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, in the shadow of Chalk Mountain and Bald Peak, lies Big Bend and its glorious wilderness. Set in Shasta County along the Pit River (the longest tributary to the Sacramento River), Big Bend is named for the dramatic change of direction that occurs in the river exactly in that spot. Majestic Cascade Mountains and wide-open, scenic, high-desert vistas await all around with camping, backpacking, boating, and day hiking opportunities. Not to mention, Big Bend and the surrounding region are hotbeds (pun intended) for natural hot springs. Mount Shasta, Lassen National Volcanic Park, and Castle Crags State Park all await within a two-hour drive.

99% (354)

Top-rated campgrounds

Swimming hole up Kosk Creek. "Deliciously cool" on a hot day.

2. Camp Stoney Meadows

100%
(353)
3mi from Big Bend · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Big Bend, CA
Our 120 remote acres are adjacent to Shasta Trinity National Forest in the beautiful Cascade Range between Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta in Northern California. It's a working ranch with tree farms, animals, hydroelectric power, sawmill, gardens, orchards, creeks, springs, trails, and our camp alongside Kosk Creek. We're 54 miles from Redding off of 299E, (about 1-1/2 hour drive). DO NOT TAKE ROAD 11 FROM THE NORTH, IT IS CLOSED! PIease try to ignore the "car art" in the Pit River Tribe's Rancheria as you're coming here. Drive right through it, it's no reflection on us. The last mile or so of the road here can be pretty rough, but on arrival, you'll know it's worth the trip! No Cell phone service available here, so it's the perfect opportunity to unplug. We do have a land line up at the house in case of an emergency. Also, if you really need it, WiFi is available at the house.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Lakehouse In-Law Unit

6. Lakehouse In-Law Unit

42mi from Big Bend · 1 site · Lodging · Weed, CA
Lakehouse In-Law Unit — Cozy Waterfront Retreat by Mt. Shasta Relax in this private, fully furnished in-law unit tucked into a lakeside property on the northern slopes of Mount Shasta. Designed for comfort and ease in nature, it’s a welcoming home-away-from-home for up to 4 guests. 🛏️ Inside & Amenities • One bedroom plus a loft, with two beds and a futon • Kitchenette with essentials to prepare light meals • Living area for lounging and relaxing • Full bathroom with shower and toiletries • Fenced yard for privacy and outdoor enjoyment • Pets allowed — bring your furry friend along • Utilities included: potable water, toilets, and showers 🌿 Experience & Location • Direct access to the lake — ideal for fishing, paddling, or lakeside walks • Wildlife viewing and quiet moments under the stars • Within reach of regional trails, natural beauty, and mountain vistas • No campfires allowed — the priority is preserving the serenity of the surroundings ℹ️ Guest Notes • The exact address is shared post-booking to protect privacy • Perfect for couples, small families, or friends seeking a nature escape with creature comforts • Bring your own food, supplies, and anything you need for lake activities
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$118
 / night
Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort

8. Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort

29mi from Big Bend · 249 sites · Mount Shasta City, CA
Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort stands out as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Shasta and the stunning Shasta Trinity National Forest. Nestled on the southwest side of Lake Siskiyou, this campground provides a unique blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal getaway for families and nature lovers alike. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including cozy rustic tent sites, fully equipped RV sites, retro trailers, and comfortable cabins or houses. The resort is packed with activities to keep everyone entertained, featuring scenic hiking trails, beach rentals, and a thrilling inflatable water park known as the Splash Zone. For those looking to unwind, the Lake Sis Bar & Grille offers delicious dining options. Whether you prefer quiet fishing moments on the dock, quality family time on the lake, or simply relaxing on your cabin deck, Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors.

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The best beach camping near Big Bend guide

Where to go

Natural hot springs

Big Bend is quite literally a hotbed for natural hot springs, with several st along the Pit River. While there’s no guarantee if or when any particular hot spring will be open, the adventurous can certainly find a spot of their own.

National and state parks

If you’re already in the Big Bend area of Shasta County, Lassen National Volcanic Park, Castle Crags State Park, and Burney Falls are all within a two-hour drive and worth the trek for an incredible camping trip. Hike above 10,000 feet on Mt. Brokeoff or Mt. Lassen in Lassen National Park, make your way up the rough-but-beautiful rock “crags” at Castle Crags, or unwind next to the picturesque natural waterfalls in Burney, enjoying the scenic drives along the way.

Iron Canyon Reservoir

Beyond the Pit River, the Iron Canyon Reservoir sits near Big Bend and offers both canoeing and float tubing. In addition to dispersed camping, there are two designated campgrounds as well: Deadlun Campground and Hawkins Landing Campground.

When to go

Big Bend sits at approximately 1,700 feet above sea level, so while it gets cold in winter, it’s unlikely you’ll be snowed in. Its nearby destinations like Lassen and Mount Shasta, however, put visitors above treeline with the potential to be in need of tire chains fast. In mountain ranges such as the Cascades and Sierra Nevada, trekking is typically safest between Memorial Day and Labor Day for favorable weather and clear roads. Campgrounds in this area’s popular locations are most difficult to obtain in the summertime and over holiday weekends, so it’s best to book in advance online.