Jones Valley Inlet Dispersed Area (Ca)
Jones Valley Inlet Dispersed Area (Ca)
$10.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $10.00 for picnic use to $15.00 for standard non-electric overnight rates during peak season. Scan & Pay convenience fees apply.
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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$15.00
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Recreation.gov
Provider530-275-8113
About this campground
Escape to the wild beauty of Jones Valley Inlet Dispersed Area, where pristine shoreline camping awaits along the sparkling waters of the Pit River Arm of Shasta Lake. This year-round destination offers a true back-to-nature experience with seasonal amenities—portable facilities and trash services are provided during peak season, while adventurous souls visiting from mid-September to mid-May embrace the pack-in/pack-out ethic. Without designated campsites, you're free to find your perfect spot along the water's edge, creating your own wilderness sanctuary beneath the stars.
The campground is a dispersed shoreline area without designated sites, operating on a first-come, first-serve basis. It primarily accommodates informal camping setups during its open seasons.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure unfolds within California's crown jewel—the magnificent Shasta National Forest, the state's largest national forest system. This vast wilderness has long served as a testament to California's incredible ecological diversity, protecting ancient forests, pristine waterways, and countless species that have called these lands home for millennia. Every visit connects you to this grand legacy of conservation and natural wonder.
Weather and SeasonsBlessed with California's signature sunshine, Jones Valley Inlet basks in near-perfect camping weather throughout much of the year. Picture yourself waking to crystal-clear mornings where blue skies dominate nearly 90% of the time, with comfortable temperatures averaging 79°F during the day and cooling to a pleasant 53°F for sleeping under the stars. The remarkably dry climate—with less than a 5% chance of rain—makes this an ideal destination for those seeking reliable outdoor adventures, especially during the glorious summer months when warm days invite endless water activities.
ElevationPerched at an ideal 1,067 feet above sea level, Jones Valley Inlet offers the perfect sweet spot for outdoor enthusiasts. This moderate elevation creates comfortable conditions year-round, sparing visitors from the thin air of higher altitudes while still providing that refreshing mountain atmosphere that makes every breath feel cleaner and every sunrise more spectacular.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be captivated by a landscape that seems painted by nature's finest artist. Steep mountainsides rise dramatically from the water's edge, their slopes adorned with fragrant manzanita bushes and towering evergreen forests that whisper ancient stories in the breeze. On clear days, the majestic Mount Shasta commands the horizon, its snow-capped peak serving as a stunning backdrop to your lakeside adventures. The diverse ecosystem of Shasta Lake pulses with life—from soaring eagles to deer tiptoeing to the water's edge at dawn.
Geological RegionNestled within the breathtaking Pit River Arm of Shasta Lake, this dispersed camping area showcases the raw geological beauty of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The dramatic landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where steep mountain walls clothed in manzanita and evergreen forests plunge toward the lake's inviting waters. Dominating the distant skyline stands Mount Shasta, the Cascade Range's second-highest peak, its volcanic presence a constant reminder of the powerful forces that shaped this remarkable region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityDetails about the campground's accessibility for persons with disabilities are not provided.
Sites SizeThe campground does not offer designated sites or descriptions of site sizes.
Sites Privacy"This is a shoreline area and doesn't have designated sites." It is implied that privacy depends on how campers choose to position themselves in the dispersed camping area.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors are encouraged to physically occupy the area upon payment due to first-come, first-served policy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Visitors must occupy sites immediately upon payment.
Stay Limit
Seasonal restrictions apply. No stay limit indicated for peak season or pack-in/pack-out periods.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not explicitly stated due to the lack of formal sites.
Groups
Group camping options are not mentioned in the available details.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNo formal layout due to dispersed camping nature.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. No fees charged from mid-September to mid-May during pack-in/pack-out periods.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov app, Scan & Pay, cash or check payments through Iron Ranger on-site.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors must physically occupy and pay for sites on the same day. Scan & Pay or Iron Ranger are available for walk-up payments.
Cancellation PolicyScan and Pay reservations are non-refundable, non-modifiable, and non-cancellable. Refunds for emergency closures may be processed through Recreation.gov. Refunds for naturally occurring events (e.g., rain, smoke) are not issued. Contact host or facility management for cash or check transaction refunds.
Activities you can enjoy
"Jones Valley Inlet Dispersed Area" offers various water-based and outdoor activities. The campground is popular for water skiing, jet skiing, boating, fishing, and informal mooring depending on water levels. Nearby Lake Shasta provides opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and tubing, among other activities.
Fishing
Lake Shasta offers excellent fishing opportunities for trout, catfish, Chinook salmon, crappie, bluegill, white sturgeon, brown bullhead, and bass.Swimming
Swimming is possible in Lake Shasta, but there are no details about designated swimming areas or safety measures.Boating
A public boat ramp is located approximately 2 miles away at Jones Valley (dependent on water level). Informal mooring is allowed if water levels are sufficient. Boating activities include water skiing and jet skiing.Winter Activities
The area transitions to a pack-in/pack-out site with no amenities during winter months, but no winter-specific recreational activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Water activities include kayaking, paddling, swimming, and tubing on Lake Shasta.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood must be locally sourced and burned on-site.
Hazards
General hazardsPoison oak is abundant. Frequent wildlife encounters necessitate proper food storage.
Weather forecast
47
°F
Oct 11
Saturday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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 located in Redding, approximately 15 miles from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31.
Trash and recyclingTrash service is available in season. There are no details about recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Shasta Lake with informal mooring allowed when water levels permit. Public boat ramp located 2 miles away at Jones Valley.
Common complaintsNo user reviews available.
HostHosts may assist with refunds for walk-up sites. No additional host information provided.
Campground Map
Driving directionsJones Valley Inlet Dispersed Area is located 15 miles north of Redding from I-5. Going Northbound I-5 exit at the Oasis Road exit. Take a right at the stop sign from the ramp follow road for about 3 miles. Turn right onto Bear Mountain Rd for about 5 miles, turn left at the stop sign to stay on Bear Mtn Rd. Turn right onto Jones Valley Rd follow to the dispersed area entrance on the left.
Accessible from I-5 via paved roads. Directions involve multiple turns, including navigating rural roads such as Bear Mountain Rd and Jones Valley Rd.Nearby places
Redding (15 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Redding, 15 miles away.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews

Jones Valley Inlet Dispersed Area (Ca) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no user reviews provided.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No positive user feedback is available.
Common Concerns
No complaints or critical feedback from users are mentioned.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No tips or recommendations from users are included.
Seasonal Insights
User reviews are unavailable, so there is no seasonal trend analysis.
Camper Quotes
No direct user quotes are provided.
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews focus on specific areas or campsites within the dispersed area.
Accessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews or details concerning pet-friendly features or policies are provided.
Last updated August 10, 2025