Nelson Point
05 reviewsGilman Road/ Gregory Creek road to Conflict Road West side of Interstate 5
Nelson Point
$120.00 - $120.00 / 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$120.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Standard Nonelectric sites are charged $120.00 per night during peak season (June 2 - September 13). Additional reservation fee of $10 is required for bookings made online or through the call center.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Shasta, Nelson Point Campground beckons adventurers seeking an intimate escape into Northern California's natural splendor. This hidden gem transforms with the seasons, welcoming group gatherings from mid-May through mid-September, while early-season explorers can discover its tranquil beauty through walk-in access. Just moments from the popular Antlers Public Boat Ramp, this lakeside sanctuary serves as your gateway to endless water adventures and mountain serenity.
The campground is designed to cater primarily to group camping, with a strong focus on basic amenities and outdoor recreation. Individual family camping during the peak season is restricted unless the entire campground is reserved.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Nelson Point places you at the heart of the legendary Shasta-Trinity National Forest, where natural wonders and human history intertwine. Just a short journey away, the mystical Lake Shasta Caverns await exploration—these ancient limestone formations have captivated visitors for generations, offering a glimpse into the geological forces that shaped this remarkable landscape millions of years ago.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic personality of the Shasta region, where crisp mountain air greets you year-round. Early spring arrives with rejuvenating rains that nurture the landscape, while the dry humidity creates those perfect, crystal-clear days that make distant peaks seem close enough to touch. Winter's chill gives way to sun-drenched summers, creating an ever-changing canvas of weather that adds drama and beauty to your camping experience.
ElevationPerched at 1,067 feet above sea level, Lake Shasta creates a unique microclimate where mountain meets water. The dramatic topography surrounding the lake—with slopes that plunge and soar—creates breathtaking vistas and sheltered coves that make every view feel like a private discovery.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be mesmerized by Lake Shasta's astounding 365 miles of shoreline—a mile for every day of the year. Towering peaks draped in fragrant manzanita and majestic evergreens rise directly from the water's edge, creating a dramatic amphitheater of nature. On clear days, the snow-crowned summit of Mount Shasta dominates the horizon, its 14,179-foot peak serving as a magnificent backdrop to your outdoor adventures.
Geological RegionNelson Point Campground sits within California's crown jewel—the vast Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the state's largest national forest. This geological wonderland showcases nature's artistry through steep mountainsides adorned with aromatic manzanita bushes and towering evergreen forests. The iconic Mount Shasta, a potentially active volcano, presides over this landscape, its glacial peaks and spiritual presence defining the character of this extraordinary region where ancient geological forces continue to shape the land.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details about accessibility features are available.
Sites SizeThe campsites include tent pads but there is no detailed information about the size of the sites.
Sites PrivacyMixed reviews indicate a lack of privacy at some sites, with reports of visitors experiencing interruptions by strangers.
Total Campsites75 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with proximity to desired features like vault toilets or bear boxes, but privacy concerns should be considered.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsites are not ranked or mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 75 guests for group reservation sites.
Groups
The campground can accommodate groups of up to 75 people. Group rentals are available on a reservation basis from May 13 to September 11.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has paved parking spurs, tent pads, and is organized for group rental.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season begins on April 1 (walk-in basis) and runs through September 13 for reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-ins are available April 1 - May 13. No individual family reservations are allowed during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyReservations may be canceled up to the day of arrival with a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of first night's fees for individual sites or groups. Late cancellations are defined as midnight prior to the day of arrival.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides access to various recreational activities centered around Shasta Lake. Activities include power and non-motorized boating, fishing, and water skiing. The nearby public boat ramp is located 6 miles away at Antlers, and lakeside resorts offer boat rentals and fuel. Wildlife viewing and exploring the lake's diverse shoreline, punctuated by steep mountains and manzanita, are also popular.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Shasta Lake, with anglers targeting species such as trout, catfish, Chinook salmon, crappie, bluegill, white sturgeon, brown bullhead, and bass.Boating
Boating activities are popular, with opportunities for both power and non-motorized boating. The nearest public boat ramp is 6 miles away, and nearby resorts offer boat rentals and fuel.Wildlife viewing
The diverse landscape and ecosystem make wildlife viewing an engaging activity for visitors.Winter Activities
No information about winter recreation activities is provided.Water Sports
Water skiing and other non-motorized water sports are popular activities at Shasta Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are No amplified sound is permitted.
Hazards
General hazardsPoison oak is prevalent; visitors need to exercise caution. Bear boxes are provided for food storage to prevent wildlife issues.
Active alertsThe campground has no drinking water available.
Weather forecast
104
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 14%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.7 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
Nearest emergency services include Shasta Recreation Office (phone: 530-275-8113); hospital and police station details are unspecified.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 2 - September 13
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is provided about trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near the Sacramento Arm of Shasta Lake. The nearest public boat ramp is 6 miles away.
Common complaintsSeveral users mentioned privacy issues due to non-campers entering the campground to view the area or camp overnight without permission.
HostGroup reservation holders must contact the Shasta Recreation Office for access codes to the campground.
Campground Map
Gilman Road/ Gregory Creek road to Conflict Road West side of Interstate 5
Driving directionsFrom Redding, California: Take I-5 to Gilman Road/Gregory Creek Rd. Go west to Salt Creek exit, and then north to Conflict Point Road (From the north, take Salt Creek exit and then go south to Conflict Point Road). Go approximately 0.5 miles to the campground.
Accessible via paved roads. Easily reachable from Interstate 5.Nearby places
Redding (distance not specified), Lakehead (distance not specified)
Nearby supplies
The closest available supplies are likely within the nearby cities of Redding or Lakehead. The campground lacks drinking water facilities, so visitors should plan ahead.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Nelson Point has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews about Nelson Point Campground are mixed, with some highlighting its suitability for group camping and cleanliness, while others note concerns about privacy and interruptions.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Several users praised the campground as a 'great group camping spot' with 'clean facilities and close to water.'
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
There are complaints about lack of privacy, including interruptions by strangers and uninvited visitors entering the campground. One user recounted an incident involving police intervention due to an...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should prepare for the absence of drinking water and ensure they bring sufficient supplies. Group reservation holders should contact the Shasta Recreation Office at least a week prior to...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends in reviews are mentioned.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
Quotes include: 'Great group camping spot. Clean facilities and close to water.' and 'We were constantly interrupted by strangers.'
Based on 5 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite reviews are available, but privacy concerns were noted in general.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are available.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews about pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025