Gooseneck Cove Boat-In Campground
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Gooseneck Cove Boat-In Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
No fee is charged for camping at Gooseneck Cove Boat-In Campground.
About this campground
Escape the crowds and discover your own private paradise at Gooseneck Cove Boat-In Campground, where adventure begins the moment you leave the dock. Tucked away on the upper Sacramento arm of Shasta Lake within the majestic Shasta-Trinity National Forest, this secluded gem offers the ultimate off-the-grid experience. Your boat is your ticket to freedom at this pristine campground, where basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables blend seamlessly with untouched nature. Without piped water or modern distractions, you'll find yourself immersed in the raw beauty of Northern California's wilderness. Open around the clock and completely free, Gooseneck Cove operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a leave-no-trace philosophy that helps preserve its unspoiled character for fellow adventurers.
Gooseneck Cove Boat-In Campground is primarily designed for dispersed camping accessible only by boat. It does not support RV camping or glamping options.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons at Gooseneck Cove, each offering its own unique charm. Winter brings crisp, refreshing days with temperatures hovering between 50-55°F, perfect for peaceful solitude when occasional rain showers create a mystical atmosphere across the lake. As spring awakens the forest, temperatures climb and wildflowers begin their colorful display. Summer transforms the cove into a sun-drenched haven, with temperatures soaring between 85-100°F under brilliantly clear skies – ideal conditions for swimming, fishing, and soaking up endless sunshine. Fall paints the surrounding forests in warm hues as temperatures moderate, creating perfect camping weather for those seeking tranquility before winter's return.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryGooseneck Cove reveals itself as a hidden sanctuary where crystal-clear waters meet verdant forests in perfect harmony. The campground's waterfront location on Shasta Lake's sprawling freshwater reservoir creates an ever-changing canvas of reflections, from mirror-like morning stillness to sunset's golden dance across the waves. Towering pines and oaks provide natural shade and frame spectacular views of the lake's deep blue expanse. As one enchanted visitor noted, this is 'a really cool spot' that captures the essence of wilderness camping – a peaceful retreat where the gentle lapping of waves and rustling of leaves through ancient trees create nature's own symphony. The surrounding Shasta-Trinity National Forest extends the adventure beyond your campsite, offering endless opportunities for exploration.
Geological RegionNestled along the upper Sacramento arm of magnificent Shasta Lake, Gooseneck Cove occupies a stunning geological setting where ancient forests meet modern engineering. This section of California's largest reservoir showcases the dramatic interplay between water and land, with hidden coves, dramatic shorelines, and densely forested hillsides that tell the story of both natural history and human ingenuity. The surrounding Shasta-Trinity National Forest provides a spectacular backdrop of diverse ecosystems, from oak woodlands to coniferous forests, all thriving in this unique meeting point of mountain and water.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeSite sizes are not detailed in the authoritative sources.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of sites are not explicitly stated.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesHouseboat visitors recommended camping in the actual campground as an alternative to staying on the lake.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
Group camping details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; the site operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in Availability"This is a pack it in, pack it out facility." Walk-up availability is implied.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camping at Gooseneck Cove Boat-In Campground is centered around water-based activities, with boating (both motorized and non-motorized) being the primary recreational options.
Boating
Boating is a major activity at this campground, with both motorized and non-motorized options highlighted in the authoritative sources.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.Water Sports
Water activities are emphasized, including motorized and non-motorized boating.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but they must follow "pack it in, pack it out" guidelines.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water is available, requiring campers to bring their own. Smoke from campfires may drift and affect nearby areas, as noted by Amber Sparks' user review.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
105
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 13%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to adhere to a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, meaning trash and recycling facilities are not provided on-site.
Proximity to water featuresShasta Lake surrounds the campground, providing easy access for boating and fishing activities.
Common complaints"The smoke from campfires at the campground traveled down to us in the houseboat." User reviews highlight this as a concern.
Hostnull
Campground Map
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Driving directionsThis is a boat access-only campground located on the Sacramento Arm of Shasta Lake.
"Gooseneck Cove is one of four boat-access only campgrounds on Shasta Lake. Located on the upper Sacramento arm of the lake, this facility is very popular. Whether or not the access is difficult depends on the current lake level."Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Gooseneck Cove Boat-In Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the uniqueness of the location and its suitability for houseboats. However, smoke from campfires is noted as a minor inconvenience for nearby houseboaters.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciated the scenic and secluded nature of Gooseneck Cove, as well as its accessibility via houseboat.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Smoke from campfires was mentioned as a slight issue by a reviewer who stayed in a houseboat near the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should consider staying in the designated campground area to avoid issues like smoke from nearby campfires.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends are mentioned in the user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This is a really cool spot. We houseboated into this cove and parked it for the night. Only issue is the smoke from campfires at the campground traveled down to us in the houseboat. Would come here...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews are not provided.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features or reviews are not provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies or related reviews are not mentioned.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025