Castle Crags State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Located in Northern California, Castle Crags State Park offers a stunning landscape with waterfalls, towering pine trees, and craggy rock formations. It runs alongside the Castle Crags Wilderness Area, which features rock spires standing 6,000 feet in the air. The Pacific Crest Trail, which runs 2,650 miles between Mexico and Canada, passes through the park. One of the most notable structures in the park is a suspension bridge over the Sacramento River.
Nearby Cities:
Mount Shasta, CA
Dunsmuir, CA
Shasta Lake, CA
Castella, CA
Spring 31-64 F
Summer 46-85 F
Fall 30-77 F
Winter 26-52 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Castle Crags State Park
Campground Accommodations
Castle Crags Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 27 feet
Other amenities: Food locker, fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms with showers, amphitheater
Riverside Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 27 feet
Other amenities: Food locker, fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms
Castle Crags State Park Campground
Castle Crags State Park has 76 campsites that are each set up with a food locker, picnic table and fire ring. The campground has showers, flush toilets and drinking water near each site.
Since Castle Crags State Park is such a popular place, the campground typically fills up quickly, so here are a few other choices.
Railroad Park Resort
Located next to the peaceful Little Castle Creek at the bottom of magnificent Castle Crags, Railroad Park Resort is easy to get to by following Interstate 5 to exit 728 at Railroad Park Road. The resort is a 4-mile drive from Castle Crags State Park. It offers accommodations for up to 55-foot-long RVs. Here, you can wade in the creek, shop at the gift shop or relax and take in the scenery.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Cable TV, hot tub, game room, picnic tables, laundry facility
McCloud RV Resort
Located near Northern California's Cascade Range at the base of breathtaking Mount Shasta, McCloud RV Resort is a 22-mile drive from Castle Crags State Park. At this resort, you can take a stroll through the Shasta-Trinity National Forest or experience Siskiyou County's outstanding boating, fishing, hunting, hiking and relaxation.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: RV storage, on-site laundry, cable TV, picnic tables
Antlers RV Park & Campground
Located on picturesque Shasta Lake, Antlers RV Park & Campground is a 24-mile drive from Castle Crags State Park. In the park, you can participate in outdoor activities such as swimming, volleyball, basketball and hiking. Antlers Resort & Marina is next door where you can find boat-slip and watercraft rentals.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Cable TV, fire pit, picnic tables, laundry facility, convenience store
What to Do at
Castle Crags State Park
With its stunning combination of gorgeous trees, grand rock formations, and beautiful waterways, you could easily spend an enjoyable day simply admiring the natural beauty of Castle Crags State Park. However, this adventurer’s paradise also draws in rock climbers, bikers, and hikers from across California and beyond. From wilderness camping to stargazing and even exploring nearby Mt. Shasta and other points of interest, Castle Crags State Park is the perfect setting for a fun-filled getaway.
Inside Castle Crags State Park
Hiking – The way to get into the heart of the Crags' enormous granite formation is by hiking. The park offers 30 miles of trails that wind through the camping area and into the neighboring Castle Crags Wilderness. The 6-mile Castle Dome Trail takes you higher than the tree line; some say that it is the hardest trail they have ever hiked.
Fishing – The Sacramento River runs through Castle Crags State Park and is parallel to the highway. The river and nearby creek are stocked with wild trout for catch and release only. You would need a fishing license to fish in either of these places.
Picnicking – Under the highway is a tunnel and suspension bridge that lead to a picnic area. There are picnic tables, restrooms and drinking water nearby.
Rock climbing – If you have the equipment and are an experienced rock climber, you may enjoy the many rock-climbing routes. Some of the routes are harder and steeper than others, including the well-rated Cosmic Wall.
Swimming – When weather permits, swimming is allowed in the Sacramento River and Castle Creek. However, you must be cautious as there are no lifeguards on duty.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in many areas along the Sacramento River, including at Castle Crags State Park. This area of the river stands out as the only area that is stocked seasonally. You can fish for rainbow and steelhead trout, salmon, bass, and others.
Geocaching
There are numerous caches located throughout Castle Crags State Park. Many can be found along Castle Creek Road while others are close to trails and various points of interest. You can check out all of the cache locations through your geocaching app.
Nature Watching
The park’s landscapes teem with wildlife, including butterflies and even bears. As soon as you venture out of your RV in the morning, you may spot ravens, jays, falcons, eagles, and other birds in the trees and soaring overhead. The hiking trails are prime spots for nature watching.
Stargazing
While Castle Crags State Park is close to several small, rural towns, the bright lights of big cities are several hours away. The night sky over the park is filled with the sparkle of distant stars and planets, and you could even spot a few shooting stars during your trip if you’re lucky.
Flora and Fauna
In addition to being home to at least 300 species of wildflowers, the grounds are home to dogwoods, maples, oaks, pines, and others. Many birds native to the area, making the park a popular spot for birdwatchers. During your trip, keep an eye out to spot raccoons, wolves, frogs, turtles, snakes, lizards, mountain lions, bobcats, and others.
Hiking
Castle Crags State Park offers 28 miles of well-maintained hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Crags Trail is challenging, but the effort rewards you with breathtaking views. Other popular trails are Root Creek Trail, Bob’s Hat Trail, and the Upper Sacramento River Trail.
Swimming
The waters of the Sacramento River are cool year-round, making a swim the perfect way to refresh yourself after a long hike or significant climb at Castle Crags State Park. There are several access points throughout the park that are suitable for swimming.
Climbing
The many rock formations found throughout the park formed roughly 170 million years ago, and they are well-suited for climbing with difficulty levels ranging from 5.6 to 5.11. Some of the most popular climbs are the Ogre and the Cosmic Wall.
How to Get to
Castle Crags State Park
Castle Crags State Park is located on both sides of Interstate 35 between the towns of Dunsmuir and Castella, making it easy to reach. From the city of Redding, follow the interstate north to the exit for Castle Creek Road. Take a left on Castle Creek Road or continue following the frontage road to access the different sides of the park. From the city of Mt. Shasta, take the interstate south until you reach the Castle Creek Road exit.
By Car
Entering Castle Crags State Park
Parking is available at the Riverside Campground on the eastern side of the park. On the western side, parking is available at the Upper Loop, Lower Loop, and Little Loop of Castle Crags Campground. You can also park north of this camping area at the Vista Point Overlook. The daily entrance fee to Castle Crags State Park is $10. The senior rate is $9 per vehicle.
Castle Crags State Park Per Vehicle : $10.0
Castle Crags State Park Seniors : $9.0
Castle Crags State Park has frontage along the Sacramento River and borders the Castle Crags Wilderness Area, making it well-suited for fun on both land and water.
Frequently Asked Questions About Castle Crags State Park
While the park is open year-round, spring and summer warmer months are famous for wildlife viewing and rock climbing. Fishing, camping, and hiking can be enjoyed year-round.
The wildlife native to the parklands is diverse, including bears, bobcats, snakes, raccoons, turtles, lizards, and more. You could spot eagles, ravens, falcons, and other species in the skies and trees.
Of the 76 camping sites in the state park, only some are suitable for RV camping. All areas accommodate tent camping.
You are not required to reserve a camping spot in advance at Castle Crags State Park. However, a reservation is recommended because only some areas accommodate RVs. The camping fee is $25 per night.
Leashed dogs are permitted at the campgrounds, parking lots, and paved roads. Note that dogs are not allowed in the day-use areas or on the trails.
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