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Riverside Campground

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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

All Riverside campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.

Arriving early can be key to scoring a campsite—checkout time is at noon.

If you can't find a site at Riverside Campground, there may still be options across the river at Castle Crags Campground.

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.

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12 ratings · 3 reviews

Chad P.recommends

October 28, 2018

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)

Ben S.

March 12, 2018

This looks great! Planning a memorial day weekend rafting trip on the Sacramento River, so this looks like a GREAT PLACE to camp out.

Nicole S.recommends

August 24, 2017

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.

Other campgrounds in Castle Crags State Park

Lippencott Environmental Camp

In Riverside Campground

Flume Environmental Camp

In Riverside Campground

Enroute

In Riverside Campground

Castle Crags Campground

1 site In Riverside Campground

from

$30

/ night

Your guide to camping in Riverside Campground

Overview

Fishing

You can catch and release trout in Castle Creek and the Sacramento River while staying at Riverside Campground (fishing license required). There are many places along the park's trails and river where you can stop off for quiet fishing.

Hiking

Twenty-eight miles of trails meander through the gorgeous Northern California wilderness near Riverside Campground. You can access the start of the Indian Creek Nature Loop, Bob’s Hat Trail, and Vista Point Trail by following the River Trail from the campground to the Castle Crag Campground. The Pacific Crest Trail also cuts through the state park. We also recommend the ever-beautiful Crags Trail, as well as the more strenuous (but unbelievably rewarding) Castle Dome, a 6-mile hike.

Climbing

Interested in the supreme and unbeatable rock climbing options readily available to visitors to Castle Crags? The iconic granite spires of Castle Crags are a famous NorCal trad and sport climbing destination. Scrambling and general rock exploration is possible on most hiking trails, as the park's granite structures offer nearly unlimited climbing potential. The most popular route taken among climbers, the Cosmic Wall, has been praised by many cragsmen and cragswomen alike. Many other routes can also be found, with difficulties ranging from 5.6 through 5.11—just know that the approach to most climbing routes requires at least one hour of uphill hiking.

Snow sports

We’re talking about some serious elevation here, so the area definitely gets its fair share of snow during the winter months. But, look on the bright side--the park is open all year and offers some great winter sport opportunities. Visitors can snowshoe and ski to their hearts desire within the confines of the State Park, and it is a very common activity among adventurers in the area.

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 posted. A smattering of swimming holes sit along the river—check out the River Trail, or, for a local favorite, stop off at t Castle Creek’s mile marker 2.