The best camping near Big Bend with snow sports

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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.

94% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

T3 Tent site on Chaparral Loop

1. Trailer Lane Campground

92%
(263)
38mi from Big Bend · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Weed, CA
Conveniently located along I-5 just south of the CA/OR border, we have 15 acres that are a mix of conifer forest and a chaparral hilltop with spectacular views of Mount Shasta. Our small, friendly campground offers clean, comfortable bathrooms with (free!) hot showers and a coin-op laundry room. Community fire pit and BBQ area, too! Minutes from world-class fishing, hiking, climbing, kayaking, skiing... all year long, it's an outdoorsman's paradise! Use us as your base camp for all your North State adventures! Did we mention we have barn cats, goats, chickens, and turkeys to watch, feed and pet? Fruit trees and wild blackberries. Walking trails through the forest, and the most perfect hilltop spot to kick back in our comfy Adirondacks with a glass of wine to stargaze.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$31
 / night
Juniper Spur Ranch

5. Juniper Spur Ranch

98%
(446)
40mi from Big Bend · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Weed, CA
Welcome to Juniper Spur Ranch! Directions: GPS Juniper Valley Spur....this is a short culdesac road with a road sign at the entrance off Juniper Valley Drive. There is a green pipe rail gate at the end. This gate has a combination lock. You will receive the current combination code 2 days before your arrival. If you are turning onto a dirt road without a sign....you are on the wrong road. Juniper Valley Spur is my short culdesac road with a road sign and a locked green pipe rail gate at the end. We have 3 RV sites available for campers to book. Please note that we do not have RV hookups for any of the sites. You will be parking on loose gravel and the sites are relatively flat. We can accommodate most RVs/trailers, if you are uncertain about the size just send me a message. There is a portapotty in the hay barn cleaned regularly and a water spigot for non-potable water uses. There is no shower available but you could wash off hands and feet if desired with the hose. Pets are allowed at campsites #2 and #3 only. These campsites are farthest from the horses and dogs. Please keep dogs on leash at all times. Our property offers a beautiful view of Mount Shasta. Nature lovers, extreme sports enthusiasts, family vacationers and retirees, can all enjoy the vast recreational opportunities this area has to offer. Lake Siskiyou is about 20 miles south and offers a wonderful 7-mile hiking trail around the entire lake.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$50
 / night
ShastaView

8. ShastaView

94%
(163)
36mi from Big Bend · 3 sites · Lodging · Weed, CA
Shasta View Campsites are part of a former 30,000 acre ranch that was split up into smaller parcels in the 1970's. It is comprised of 5 to 500 acre parcels. All these parcels are homesteads. There are no commercial or industrial areas on the Ranch. In 2005, I started looking for land in the Shasta area after falling in love with the Mountain and it's surrounding lakes. I have always known exactly what the land I would spend time on would look like. One day, in 2006, I was driving on the Hammond Ranch, again hoping I would find that place. I was driving my van, with my 2 kids and some of our friends, through a heavily wooded area. I made a left turn down a dusty dirt road and Eureka! I had found IT. I was at the top of a 60 acre meadow that had a full unobstructed view of Mt. Shasta, encircled by lenticular clouds. I told a friend of mine, who was at the time a realtor in the Shasta area, that I had found a piece of land that looks perfect to me. If, that is, it also had a creek on it. She did some searching around and found out that the land that is now Shasta View was in fact for sale. And, it had a creek on it. And it was comprised of some acreage in the meadow and some in the trees. This was everything I had wanted. I bought the land within the next 2 weeks. After camping on the land a few times, I started to understand where the best sites would be to build some structures. Because the meadow always has a certain amount of moisture to the ground, it is not suitable for building a structure. The good thing about that, is that nobody who owns land in that meadow will ever build there. We will only be looking at Mt. Shasta from that meadow. Never a building. The platform I built in the meadow offers on a chance to sleep under the stars. Billions of them. My property is only one of two that have old, large Cedar and Pine trees on it. It made perfect sense that I would be building a small house in those trees. While camping on this land, you will find exquisite beauty and solitude. Within 30 minutes, you will find Lake Siskiyou and Castle Lake for some of the finest swimming around. If you fish, the McCloud and the Sacramento rivers offer some of the best trout fishing in the state. There are two “Blue Ribbon” designated streams. The first is Upper Sacramento River. It starts as a trickle from the melting snows of Mt Shasta and by the time it reaches the area around the town of Dunsmuir which is just south of Shasta City, it is a true “Blue Ribbon” designated trout stream. The place to find all the ins and outs of fly fishing in this area is at the Ted Fay Fly Fishing shop in Dunsmuir. The second “Blue Ribbon” trout fishing is on the McCloud River. Historically some of the best trout fishing to be found. I have fished both these streams and always caught fish. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BEDDING IF YOU'LL BE SLEEPING IN THE TREEHOUSE. And need I say anything about hiking on Mt. Shasta?
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$140
 / night
Charcoal grills are provided for all cabins.

9. Lewiston Lake Getaway

100%
(33)
48mi from Big Bend · 3 sites · Lodging · Lewiston, CA
Originally a gold and quartz mine, Lakeview Terrace Resort was built by the Army Corp of Engineers to house the workers building the Trinity Dam in the 1960's.  Experience the rich history and tranquil setting of the Shasta Trinity National Forest!There is a reason some call Lewiston Lake the best-kept secret in California. Far less crowded than neighboring Trinity and nearby Shasta Lakes, Lewiston Lake is the ideal destination when you truly wish to get away from it all. Nestled hillside overlooking the peaceful Lewiston Lake, you will find Lakeview Terrace Resort serving up some of the best camping in Northern California. Large pool, open late spring through the hot months. Playground, Horseshoe pit, Restrooms with showers, Coin laundry, Wi-fi hotspot, Darts, croquet, badminton, ping pong, Fire pits, Amphitheatere. We offer many options for your Lewiston Lake camping adventure.Fully appointed cabin rentals with 1-5 bedrooms Full 30 and 50 amp RV hookups. We'd love to speak with you about your upcoming travel plans.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$195
 / night
Escape to the woods today

10. Cozy Log Cabin Near Lassen Park

100%
(39)
35mi from Big Bend · 1 site · Lodging · Shingletown, CA
Are you ready to unplug from the world and recharge in nature? This newly built two bedroom, two bath log cabin will help you do just that. You’ll reconnect with love ones since the cabin has NO WIFI but does have a wood burning stove and miles of trails to walk on just outside of the front door. The cabin is conveniently located just minutes from the north entrance of Lassen National Park. For entertainment, I have a TV (no cable)/DVD player with a selection of movies, board games, and reading material including a few books and magazines. There is timber land at the back of the property with plenty of trails to walk or ride a mountain bike (if you bring one). Lassen National Park is a short drive away. Also nearby is lake McCumber. I have a wood burning stove inside that you can use for a fire. Absolutely NO FIRES outside. There is a fire ban in effect, thank you for your cooperation and understanding. I have a propane BBQ outside that you can use, along with a picnic bench and other outside seating. I will provide a selection of tea, hot coco, coffee and oatmeal to get your day started. Be sure to bring food with you since the nearest grocery story is about 9 miles away. I will provide a basket of firewood to use during your stay, but it's a good idea to bring extra since it will go fast. Because you're in the forest, there is limited cell reception so please plan accordingly. I've found that Verizon has some signal while AT&T has none. Since it's meant to get away from it all, not having cell service might be a good thing. :) The master bedroom is on the entire loft floor so there isn't a lock or door that separates the main area downstairs. Just so you're aware. There is a door and lock on the guest bedroom downstairs. All you'll need to bring are your personal items, food for your stay, and extra firewood! Once booked, I will send more helpful tips and information for your stay a week prior to your check in date. Dogs - I allow dogs because I believe they are part of the family, but please notify me if you intend to bring your dog prior to your stay. If there is high wind in the forecast, the electric company, PG&E may turn the power off for safety reasons. They usually notify me a day in advance and I will let you know right away, but I wanted you to know that it might be a possibility during your stay. For Winter Guests: A 4 wheel drive vehicle or car with chains is HIGHLY recommended to travel to the cabin. The main road is paved but there will be snow/ice in the area. The driveway is a slight uphill and is not paved. Please be prepared for snow. ***Approved Shasta County Short Term Rental Permit #STR 20-0013***
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$215
 / night

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.

94% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

T3 Tent site on Chaparral Loop

1. Trailer Lane Campground

92%
(263)
38mi from Big Bend · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Weed, CA
Conveniently located along I-5 just south of the CA/OR border, we have 15 acres that are a mix of conifer forest and a chaparral hilltop with spectacular views of Mount Shasta. Our small, friendly campground offers clean, comfortable bathrooms with (free!) hot showers and a coin-op laundry room. Community fire pit and BBQ area, too! Minutes from world-class fishing, hiking, climbing, kayaking, skiing... all year long, it's an outdoorsman's paradise! Use us as your base camp for all your North State adventures! Did we mention we have barn cats, goats, chickens, and turkeys to watch, feed and pet? Fruit trees and wild blackberries. Walking trails through the forest, and the most perfect hilltop spot to kick back in our comfy Adirondacks with a glass of wine to stargaze.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$31
 / night
Juniper Spur Ranch

5. Juniper Spur Ranch

98%
(446)
40mi from Big Bend · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Weed, CA
Welcome to Juniper Spur Ranch! Directions: GPS Juniper Valley Spur....this is a short culdesac road with a road sign at the entrance off Juniper Valley Drive. There is a green pipe rail gate at the end. This gate has a combination lock. You will receive the current combination code 2 days before your arrival. If you are turning onto a dirt road without a sign....you are on the wrong road. Juniper Valley Spur is my short culdesac road with a road sign and a locked green pipe rail gate at the end. We have 3 RV sites available for campers to book. Please note that we do not have RV hookups for any of the sites. You will be parking on loose gravel and the sites are relatively flat. We can accommodate most RVs/trailers, if you are uncertain about the size just send me a message. There is a portapotty in the hay barn cleaned regularly and a water spigot for non-potable water uses. There is no shower available but you could wash off hands and feet if desired with the hose. Pets are allowed at campsites #2 and #3 only. These campsites are farthest from the horses and dogs. Please keep dogs on leash at all times. Our property offers a beautiful view of Mount Shasta. Nature lovers, extreme sports enthusiasts, family vacationers and retirees, can all enjoy the vast recreational opportunities this area has to offer. Lake Siskiyou is about 20 miles south and offers a wonderful 7-mile hiking trail around the entire lake.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$50
 / night
ShastaView

8. ShastaView

94%
(163)
36mi from Big Bend · 3 sites · Lodging · Weed, CA
Shasta View Campsites are part of a former 30,000 acre ranch that was split up into smaller parcels in the 1970's. It is comprised of 5 to 500 acre parcels. All these parcels are homesteads. There are no commercial or industrial areas on the Ranch. In 2005, I started looking for land in the Shasta area after falling in love with the Mountain and it's surrounding lakes. I have always known exactly what the land I would spend time on would look like. One day, in 2006, I was driving on the Hammond Ranch, again hoping I would find that place. I was driving my van, with my 2 kids and some of our friends, through a heavily wooded area. I made a left turn down a dusty dirt road and Eureka! I had found IT. I was at the top of a 60 acre meadow that had a full unobstructed view of Mt. Shasta, encircled by lenticular clouds. I told a friend of mine, who was at the time a realtor in the Shasta area, that I had found a piece of land that looks perfect to me. If, that is, it also had a creek on it. She did some searching around and found out that the land that is now Shasta View was in fact for sale. And, it had a creek on it. And it was comprised of some acreage in the meadow and some in the trees. This was everything I had wanted. I bought the land within the next 2 weeks. After camping on the land a few times, I started to understand where the best sites would be to build some structures. Because the meadow always has a certain amount of moisture to the ground, it is not suitable for building a structure. The good thing about that, is that nobody who owns land in that meadow will ever build there. We will only be looking at Mt. Shasta from that meadow. Never a building. The platform I built in the meadow offers on a chance to sleep under the stars. Billions of them. My property is only one of two that have old, large Cedar and Pine trees on it. It made perfect sense that I would be building a small house in those trees. While camping on this land, you will find exquisite beauty and solitude. Within 30 minutes, you will find Lake Siskiyou and Castle Lake for some of the finest swimming around. If you fish, the McCloud and the Sacramento rivers offer some of the best trout fishing in the state. There are two “Blue Ribbon” designated streams. The first is Upper Sacramento River. It starts as a trickle from the melting snows of Mt Shasta and by the time it reaches the area around the town of Dunsmuir which is just south of Shasta City, it is a true “Blue Ribbon” designated trout stream. The place to find all the ins and outs of fly fishing in this area is at the Ted Fay Fly Fishing shop in Dunsmuir. The second “Blue Ribbon” trout fishing is on the McCloud River. Historically some of the best trout fishing to be found. I have fished both these streams and always caught fish. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BEDDING IF YOU'LL BE SLEEPING IN THE TREEHOUSE. And need I say anything about hiking on Mt. Shasta?
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$140
 / night
Charcoal grills are provided for all cabins.

9. Lewiston Lake Getaway

100%
(33)
48mi from Big Bend · 3 sites · Lodging · Lewiston, CA
Originally a gold and quartz mine, Lakeview Terrace Resort was built by the Army Corp of Engineers to house the workers building the Trinity Dam in the 1960's.  Experience the rich history and tranquil setting of the Shasta Trinity National Forest!There is a reason some call Lewiston Lake the best-kept secret in California. Far less crowded than neighboring Trinity and nearby Shasta Lakes, Lewiston Lake is the ideal destination when you truly wish to get away from it all. Nestled hillside overlooking the peaceful Lewiston Lake, you will find Lakeview Terrace Resort serving up some of the best camping in Northern California. Large pool, open late spring through the hot months. Playground, Horseshoe pit, Restrooms with showers, Coin laundry, Wi-fi hotspot, Darts, croquet, badminton, ping pong, Fire pits, Amphitheatere. We offer many options for your Lewiston Lake camping adventure.Fully appointed cabin rentals with 1-5 bedrooms Full 30 and 50 amp RV hookups. We'd love to speak with you about your upcoming travel plans.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$195
 / night
Escape to the woods today

10. Cozy Log Cabin Near Lassen Park

100%
(39)
35mi from Big Bend · 1 site · Lodging · Shingletown, CA
Are you ready to unplug from the world and recharge in nature? This newly built two bedroom, two bath log cabin will help you do just that. You’ll reconnect with love ones since the cabin has NO WIFI but does have a wood burning stove and miles of trails to walk on just outside of the front door. The cabin is conveniently located just minutes from the north entrance of Lassen National Park. For entertainment, I have a TV (no cable)/DVD player with a selection of movies, board games, and reading material including a few books and magazines. There is timber land at the back of the property with plenty of trails to walk or ride a mountain bike (if you bring one). Lassen National Park is a short drive away. Also nearby is lake McCumber. I have a wood burning stove inside that you can use for a fire. Absolutely NO FIRES outside. There is a fire ban in effect, thank you for your cooperation and understanding. I have a propane BBQ outside that you can use, along with a picnic bench and other outside seating. I will provide a selection of tea, hot coco, coffee and oatmeal to get your day started. Be sure to bring food with you since the nearest grocery story is about 9 miles away. I will provide a basket of firewood to use during your stay, but it's a good idea to bring extra since it will go fast. Because you're in the forest, there is limited cell reception so please plan accordingly. I've found that Verizon has some signal while AT&T has none. Since it's meant to get away from it all, not having cell service might be a good thing. :) The master bedroom is on the entire loft floor so there isn't a lock or door that separates the main area downstairs. Just so you're aware. There is a door and lock on the guest bedroom downstairs. All you'll need to bring are your personal items, food for your stay, and extra firewood! Once booked, I will send more helpful tips and information for your stay a week prior to your check in date. Dogs - I allow dogs because I believe they are part of the family, but please notify me if you intend to bring your dog prior to your stay. If there is high wind in the forecast, the electric company, PG&E may turn the power off for safety reasons. They usually notify me a day in advance and I will let you know right away, but I wanted you to know that it might be a possibility during your stay. For Winter Guests: A 4 wheel drive vehicle or car with chains is HIGHLY recommended to travel to the cabin. The main road is paved but there will be snow/ice in the area. The driveway is a slight uphill and is not paved. Please be prepared for snow. ***Approved Shasta County Short Term Rental Permit #STR 20-0013***
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$215
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Big Bend with snow sports 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.