Mountainous airstreams near Red Bluff
Fish the Sacramento River and climb atop Mount Shasta on a camping trip near Red Bluff.
- Red Bluff
Popular camping styles for Red Bluff
Mountainous airstreams near Red Bluff guide
Overview
Red Bluff is surrounded on all sides by national forests, making it ripe for rustic camping adventures. To the east, Lassen National Forest brushes up against Lassen Volcanic National Park, which features miles of hiking trails traversing volcanic landscapes. To the north, Shasta-Trinity National Forest is home to the iconic Mount Shasta, with thrilling rock climbing opportunities next to dispersed campsites, RV campgrounds, and comfy cabin rentals. Closer to town, Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area offers riverside camping next to the Sacramento River for terrific steelhead trout and Chinook salmon fishing.
Where to go
Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area
Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area is only about a half-hour south of Red Bluff, offering reservable campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 31 feet in length. Covered in oak forest, the area is home to the yellow-billed cuckoo in summer and the bald eagle in winter. It also sits alongside the Sacramento River and has a boat launch for easy access to fishing, boating, and water sports. With hot showers, flush toilets, and picnic areas, the park’s on-site campground is comfortably equipped for small or large groups.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
For an otherworldly experience, explore the volcanic landscapes and geothermal features of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Steam and volcanic-gas vents called fumaroles can be found around many areas of the park. Big Boiler is the biggest of the bunch. Be careful, as steam temperatures can exceed 300°F. There are seven campgrounds in the park, including RV sites, group campsites, and even stock corrals for camping with pack animals. Next to the park is Lassen National Forest with campgrounds of its own as well as the renowned Subway Cave—a self-guided underground trail through a lava tube.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
California’s largest national forest, Shasta-Trinity spans over two-million acres and features over 6,000 miles of rivers and streams. Towering above the forest is Mount Shasta, rising to an elevation of 14,179 feet. Rock climbing and mountaineering are popular activities here, but reaching the summit of the prominent volcano is only for the most experienced of climbers. Both primitive and more developed campgrounds are available, including cabin rentals, RV camping, and dispersed camping for a quieter stay with fewer modern amenities.
When to go
Summer is the most popular time of year to go camping near Red Bluff. It is also the driest time of year for the region, with daytime temperatures ranging into the 100s. Summer is also the peak season for mosquitoes and other insects, especially near bodies of water. For milder temperatures, fewer insects, and less crowds, springtime may be preferable. The melting snow leads to more active waterfalls, and some of the biggest steelhead trout can be caught in February and March.
