Flume Environmental Campground
04 reviews20022 Castle Creek Road, Castella, CA 96017, USA
Flume Environmental Campground
$35.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$50.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $35 to $50 depending on the season and site type. Additional vehicle charges may apply.
About this campground
Nestled beneath towering granite spires, Castle Crags State Park invites you to choose your perfect basecamp for adventure. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of environmental campsites or the convenience of developed sites, each spot comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, bear-resistant food lockers, and fire rings for those magical evening gatherings. Modern restrooms and refreshing hot showers are just a short walk away, ensuring comfort meets wilderness in perfect harmony.
Flume Environmental Campground provides primitive camping opportunities within Castle Crags State Park, focusing on low-impact experiences.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of the Okwanuchu Shasta people, who called these sacred crags home for countless generations. The land whispers stories of their deep connection to these granite sentinels. A somber reminder of frontier conflicts stands preserved within the park—a marked battle site that bears witness to the tragic encounters between indigenous tribes and arriving settlers, forever etched into the landscape's memory.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal shifts that paint this mountain landscape in ever-changing colors. Summer days invite you to bask in warm sunshine with temperatures climbing above 90°F, perfect for swimming and hiking. Spring brings wildflower blooms and comfortable exploring weather. When winter arrives, the mercury plunges to the low 20s°F, transforming the crags into a crystalline wonderland of frost and occasional snow.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,500 feet above sea level, this mountain sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from valley heat. The crisp, thin air invigorates your senses while panoramic vistas stretch endlessly before you, revealing layer upon layer of mountain ridges disappearing into the horizon. Here, closer to the clouds, every sunrise and sunset becomes a spectacular light show across the peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be awestruck by nature's architectural masterpiece—dramatic granite spires that pierce the sky like ancient castle turrets, their surfaces polished smooth by millennia of wind and weather. Dense forests of pine and fir create a fragrant canopy overhead, while the life-giving Sacramento River carves its way through lush riparian corridors below. Keep your camera ready for encounters with the park's wild residents: majestic black bears foraging for berries, elusive mountain lions padding silently through shadows, playful bobcats, and the distinctive drumming of pileated woodpeckers echoing through the trees.
Geological RegionMarvel at the 6,000-foot granite spires that give Castle Crags its name—ancient sentinels sculpted by glaciers and born from the earth's fiery depths 170 million years ago. This geological wonderland showcases nature's diversity through distinct ecosystems: montane hardwood-coniferous forests where oak meets pine, vibrant riparian zones teeming with life along waterways, and rugged montane chaparral clinging to sun-baked slopes. Each habitat tells its own story of adaptation and survival in this dramatic vertical landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCampsite #13 is designated accessible, with nearby restroom and shower facilities usable for individuals with disabilities. The park also features accessible trails such as Vista Point Trail and Root Creek Trail.
Sites SizeNo specific campsite size descriptions are provided for Flume Environmental Campground.
Sites PrivacyNo detailed information provided on the level of privacy at Flume Environmental Campground.
Total Campsites76 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect sites in loops for better privacy; riverside sites offer proximity to water features.
Best CampsitesHighly rated sites include #14, 15, 26, 36, 40, 48, 50, 54, and 64 for main camping; #4, 5, 7, and 11 for Riverside Campground.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum occupancy of 8 people per site.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Eight guests permitted per campsite.
Groups
No group camping site details are provided for Flume Environmental Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are organized in loops, with sections offering varying degrees of privacy and proximity to park amenities.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Walk-in camping is offered from mid-September through mid-May on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at www.parks.ca.gov or by calling (800) 444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during the off-season (mid-September through mid-May). Sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made through the reservation system. Specific penalty information is not provided.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Castle Crags State Park offers numerous activities such as hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and cultural programs. While activities specific to Flume Environmental Campground are not highlighted, its location within the park allows campers access to these options.
Hiking
The park features 28 miles of hiking trails, including the accessible Vista Point and Root Creek trails, which offer flat terrain with occasional moderate slopes. Other trails, like the challenging Crags Trail, lead to breathtaking views at the base of Castle Dome.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in Castle Creek and the Sacramento River, offering catch-and-release opportunities primarily for trout.Swimming
Swimming areas are available in the Sacramento River, but details specific to Flume Environmental Campground are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The park provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, with species like mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, red-tailed hawks, and pileated woodpeckers commonly seen by visitors.Cultural and Educational Programs
Summer interpretive campfire programs are held at Castle Crags State Park, emphasizing cultural and natural history.Winter Activities
Castle Crags State Park offers limited winter activities, such as hiking during colder months, but specific details are not provided.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not explicitly mentioned as available in Castle Crags State Park.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in established fire rings. Firewood can be purchased at the entrance station.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 8 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBears are a frequent concern; bear lockers must be utilized for food storage. Wildfire danger is high in summer.
Active alertsRoot Creek Basin closure from August 21, 2023, to November 1, 2023, for construction and improvements.
Weather forecast
97
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 14%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available at nearby Dunsmuir (6 miles). For emergencies, call 911. The park office can be reached at (530) 235-2684.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season occurs from mid-May to mid-September.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned at Flume Environmental Campground, but trash disposal is emphasized across Castle Crags State Park as part of bear safety guidelines.
Proximity to water featuresThe Sacramento River runs through the park with multiple fishing and recreation access points.
Common complaintsSome reviewers mention poor cell phone reception and occasional overcrowding during peak season.
HostPark rangers verify payment onsite during walk-in camping periods.
Campground Map
20022 Castle Creek Road, Castella, CA 96017, USA
Driving directionsCastle Crags State Park is located six miles south of Dunsmuir or 48 miles north of Redding along I-5; exit 724.
The park is accessed via paved major roads and is located off Interstate 5. The road quality to the campground is suitable for RVs and trailers up to specified maximum lengths. Seasonal accessibility may vary.Nearby places
Dunsmuir (6 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Mount Shasta (14 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Shasta Lake (21 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Redding (48 miles, approximately 45 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Fuel, groceries, and camping supplies can be sourced from Dunsmuir (6 miles away). Larger supply centers are available in Mount Shasta (14 miles).
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Flume Environmental Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Flume Environmental Campground are sparse, as most comments reflect general experiences within Castle Crags State Park.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors praise the accessible trails like Vista Point Trail and Root Creek Trail. Wildlife viewing is frequently highlighted, with campers appreciating the diverse species in the park.
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some visitors mention the lack of detailed signage and limited cell phone service in the park overall.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing layered clothing for variable weather and utilizing bear-proof lockers to avoid fines for improper food storage.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are favored for camping due to warm temperatures and longer daylight hours, while spring and fall provide cooler, scenic conditions. Winter sees reduced accessibility and colder...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The trails are well-maintained and offer stunning views of Mount Shasta and Castle Dome." "Wildlife sightings added a magical touch to our camping experience." "Come prepared with bear-proof storage...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific comments for Flume Environmental Campground are not explicitly detailed.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
Campsite #13 is noted for accessibility, with proximity to usable restroom and shower facilities.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but restricted from trails and day-use areas, which some visitors found inconvenient.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025