Antlers (Shasta Lake, Ca)

Star3.93
37 reviews
14358 Antlers Rd, Lakehead, CA, 96051, USA
Antlers (Shasta Lake, Ca)
$30.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates during peak season (May 9 - Sept 11) range from $30.00 to $60.00 per night for a standard nonelectric site. Additional fees include a...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$30.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
530-275-8113null

About this campground

Perched dramatically on a scenic bluff overlooking the shimmering Sacramento arm of Shasta Lake, Antlers Campground offers a perfect blend of accessibility and natural beauty. While the elevated position means you won't have direct lake access, you'll be rewarded with sweeping vistas that make morning coffee an unforgettable experience. A canopy of towering pines, stately oaks, and aromatic Manzanita creates intimate, shaded sites where privacy comes naturally. Just minutes from I-5, this beloved destination draws families and adventurers who appreciate the rare combination of convenience and wilderness escape.
Antlers Campground is suitable for both tent camping and RV camping. It does not offer primitive or glamping options.
Historical SignificanceAntlers Campground sits within the magnificent Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California's largest national forest and a testament to conservation efforts that have preserved this wilderness for generations. This vast protected landscape encompasses five pristine wilderness areas and hundreds of crystal-clear mountain lakes, each with its own story. The forest has served as a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts since its establishment, offering a glimpse into California's natural heritage and the enduring spirit of the American wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Northern California's diverse climate at Antlers. Summer days bring warmth that invites lazy afternoons in the shade, while evening temperatures drop just enough to make campfire gatherings comfortable and sleeping under the stars a dream. Spring transforms the campground into an angler's paradise, with perfect fishing conditions complemented by mild temperatures that make every outdoor activity more enjoyable. The seasonal shifts paint the landscape in ever-changing colors, from spring wildflowers to autumn's golden hues.
ElevationAt 1,067 feet above sea level, Antlers occupies a sweet spot in the Sierra foothills where mountain air meets lake country. This modest elevation creates a microclimate that visitors cherish—warm enough for comfortable camping, yet high enough to catch cooling breezes that transform hot summer days into pleasant evenings perfect for stargazing and storytelling around the campfire.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where dense forests of pine, oak, and Manzanita frame stunning views of Shasta Lake's sparkling waters. The campground's natural amphitheater showcases the surrounding mountains, their slopes painted in rich greens and earthy reds. Each campsite feels like its own private retreat, sheltered by nature's architecture. While exploring, keep an eye out for the abundant poison oak that thrives throughout the area—a reminder that this is truly wild country where nature sets the rules.
Geological RegionThe campground's dramatic bluff setting tells a geological story millions of years in the making. Positioned above the Sacramento arm of Shasta Lake, you'll find yourself surrounded by steep mountain walls clothed in evergreen forests and hardy Manzanita that clings to rocky slopes. On clear days, the majestic snow-capped peak of Mount Shasta dominates the northern horizon, a 14,179-foot volcanic giant that has watched over this region for millennia. This unique vantage point offers campers a front-row seat to one of California's most spectacular geological theaters.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content.
Sites SizeSome sites are spacious and can accommodate larger groups. A user remarked, "Some sites are very big."
Sites PrivacySites provide a mix of privacy levels. One user stated, "There is a good amount of privacy between campsites."
Total Campsites60 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites away from the bluff if concerned about cliff proximity. Sites near the perimeter offer more privacy and quieter experiences.
Best CampsitesSites near the perimeter are noted for privacy and scenic views. Site 037 praised for its layout and spacing.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
Reservations operate on a rolling 6-month basis with no specified maximum stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
  • Varies by site type
  • double sites accommodate more guests.
Groups
No specific group campsite information is mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites include picnic tables, food lockers, fire rings, grills, and tent pads. Double sites include two picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpens May 9, 2025, and closes October 31, 2025. Reservations start June 24, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available but policies may apply regarding refund requests and availability.
Cancellation PolicyRefund requests must be made no later than 14 days prior to scheduled arrival for a full refund (excluding Recreation.gov fees). Emergency closures allow full refunds. Refunds are not issued for naturally occurring events such as rain, smoke, or low lake levels.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including boating, fishing, and hiking. Shasta Lake is known for its diverse fish species and recreational opportunities. Interpretive programs, hosted nearby, add an educational aspect to the camping experience.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are excellent. Shasta Lake hosts diverse species, including rainbow trout, bass, and Chinook salmon. "Trout fishing is best during spring," while bass fishing is "good year-round," according to the official content.
Boating
"The Public Boat Launch is right next to the campground," supporting boating activities. However, users noted that the lake level can vary significantly, impacting boating access.
Cultural and Educational Programs
"Interpretive programs are hosted at the nearby amphitheater every weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day."
Water Sports
Water sports may be feasible given boating and lake activities, but no specific details are provided.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfires allowed within designated fire rings.
  • Quiet hours apply; specific times not mentioned.

Hazards

General hazardsFrequent poison oak. Bears require food safety precautions. Cliff adjacent to the campground poses a safety concern.
Active alertsBears frequent the area. Poison oak is prevalent throughout the campground.

Weather forecast

60
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Humidity: 58%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 1.6 mph

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Mainly clear

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Emergency services are located in Redding, CA, approximately 25 miles away. Contact number for emergencies related to the campground is 530-275-8113.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 9, 2025 - September 11, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available at every other campsite, but there is no recycling option, as stated by one user: "Would've been nice to have a box for recycling though."
Proximity to water featuresNo direct water access. Public boat ramp available 0.5 miles away.
Common complaintsNoise from nearby highway and train tracks. Lack of direct water access. Poison oak prevalent. Infrequent maintenance of restrooms reported.
HostCampground hosts are available but reviews suggest inconsistent management. Hosts sell firewood and provide information.

Campground Map

14358 Antlers Rd, Lakehead, CA, 96051, USA
Driving directionsAntlers Campground is located 25 miles north of Redding from I-5. Exit I-5 at the Lakeshore Drive/Antlers Road exit in the town of Lakehead, CA. From the end of the ramp, go east at the stop sign. Turn right on Antlers Road and go about 1 mile to the campground entrance on the right.
Easy access from I-5. The campground is right off the highway, which is convenient but can be noisy due to traffic and frequent trains.
Nearby places
Lakehead (1 mile, 5 minutes)
Redding (25 miles, 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available in Lakehead, CA, which offers restaurants, shopping, and the Antlers Privately Owned RV Park and Market (1 mile from the campground).

Camper Reviews

3.9
37 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Antlers (Shasta Lake, Ca) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews present a mixed picture, highlighting a scenic but imperfect camping experience. Common themes include proximity to I-5 and a nearby train, which generate noise, and the prevalence of poison oak. Campers appreciate the clean restrooms, spacious sites, and beautiful views when the lake level is high.
Review Summaries
Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

"Campground is very nice," "Well-maintained," "Clean bathrooms," "Spacious sites." Many users reported that it was a "beautiful and relaxing" experience, though not without minor issues.
Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

"No access to the water," "Train and freeway noise," "Poison oak at every campsite," "Camp host needs to be more attentive to site cleanliness," and "Lake levels being very low."
Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Bring earplugs if sensitive to noise," "Carry soap for restrooms," "Be cautious of poison oak," "Prepare for limited lake access and plan for alternate swimming or boating areas."
Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that spring and early summer offer the best experience due to higher lake levels and favorable weather. Late summer and early fall bring complaints about low water levels and extreme...
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Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice campground. Well defined spaces." "Train runs by the campground a few times a day." "We were on the lake side and there were a lot of mosquitoes." "Check your bear box before putting items...
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Based on 37 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 034: "Train noise kept my kids up most of the night." Campsite 037: "Very spacious and felt isolated." Campsite 059: "Large and far away from other campsites." Campsite 018: "Facilities were...
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Based on 37 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 37 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pets or pet policies were provided.
Based on 37 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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