Nice and convenient overnight location along I-5. Park is surrounded by nature and a nicely kept…read morepen with chickens, turkeys, pheasants, and goats. From the upper campground you get a wonderful view of Mt Shasta.

I would not say quaint. But quite simple like a parking lot. A turkey adorn the lot but never saw…read moreit but once. Your views are not anything either. I looked around for views showed but didn't see that. They piled up pine needles in my drive way so I jumped out of my drive thru upon them. Jay or Judy was not home around 10:45 Sunday, nor did they answer the phone or call back but 30 mins later. I found the sewer would not take all my black water. The neighbor suggested a container might be found in shed since I had to do something. I found another neighbor to be a good hand when putting the hose into the container so there was hardly any spillage, except at septic receiver which had a few squints. Not being very professional at this I got the hose emptied into container. Cleaned as much as I was was able to. And hopped over the pine needles into our truck and once again that was a ordeal. Finally 30 mins later Jay calls screaming at me for creating a biohazard and was going to send the police to arrest me. What a nice guy. Then he presents me with a 500 dollar bill for using a bird storage bucket to put it in. I think he said I wasn't authorized to use it and now he has to buy another. He said he has policies I should have read. 500 was taken from my card without ailuthorization. The gall. I'd find anyone but this place to stay at. A bathroom light glaring might be real cool part to the whole place. Rudeness and chauvinist personality when someone does you a favor.

I tried to find a listing for the actual Castle Lake but instead just found the campground. To be…read moreclear, the campground is a short distance prior to the actual lake which has its own parking lot and trailheads. Once parked at the lake, you can embark on the moderate trail to Heart Lake. Approaching the lake, the trail is to the left of it and climbs along the lake shore with intermittent views. As you take a gradual but steady climb up, you will start to see views open up and eventually see Mt Shasta itself. Most hikers stop at Heart Lake which is a scenic spot with granite on one side and on the outlet side of the lake for Shasta views. If you're wanting a little bit of a longer hike, when facing the lake, make a right and log hop across its outlet and follow a faint but obvious trail to a rocky outcropping. There you will reach an amazing vista of Castle Lake and Mt Shasta. It's a great spot to have your lunch and take some amazing photos. Take care on the way down as there are some steep drop offs and slippery rocks. Most of the trail is exposed, so I'd go earlier in the day in the warm months. Depending on how far you go, it's 3-4 miles out and back. Wonderful way to have amazing mountain scenery in a short hike. Free parking at the lake and pit toilets (not the best, not the worst I've seen.)

This review is for Heart Lake Trail From Castle Lake which was a ~3 miles round trip that took ~2…read morehour to complete. One of the must do hikes near Dunsmuir. Trail was a steady incline for the most part and becomes very steep near the end. Furthermore, trail transitions from a wooded area to a rocky and exposed terrain. Stunning views of the nearby mountains and lakes at higher elevation! Heart Lake was actually referring to a small lake at the top. At the end of the hike, you get a heart shaped view of Castle Lake! Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/Xc34KEsV1TE By the way, the address on Yelp is incorrect. Use AllTrails or Google.

What a gorgeous place to spend time relaxing with an incredible view of Shasta. We were able to…read morefind parking at one of the public access lots, which is free, and then took a short wander down to the lakeshore to take in the majestic beauty. Highly recommend pulling off the interstate for a rest stop here to stretch your legs and breathe in the crisp air!

I stopped by Lake Siskiyou twice during my recent trip to the Mt Shasta area. Once was to sit by…read morethe water and relax, following a long hike earlier in the day and have lunch at the nearby resorts bar & grill (separate review for that.) The second visit was to hike the trail along the lake. For the beach time, it was a week day and it too crowded. I was able to snag a bench near the resort's public beach and enjoy the iconic views of Mt Shasta. As for the lakeside trail, it goes all the way around and is approximately 7 miles. I was short on time, so did a 3 mile out and back. Along the way, there are forested paths, Mt Shasta views and meadows to enjoy. The trail wasn't well signed and I lost it at some points. Since I was only doing a small section of it, I just followed the lakeshore best I could on my out and back. Early morning, it was a peaceful place. I'd love to come back and see about kayaking the lake or doing the entire trail. Lovely spot and a nice way to unwind near Shasta

I spent the past four nights here, and it was very quiet, dark, and peaceful…read more Quiet with the caveat that there was a TON of train noise. But if you like white noise, that might be a plus. This was the darkest campground I've ever camped at so far. The view of the stars was great. The cold was on another level. I wouldn't recommend tent camping unless you really know what you're doing. Theoretically, this campground has free showers, but they are closed for the season. I couldn't help but notice that the windows have been broken into and boarded back up. There was theoretically potable water, but it tasted a little funky. Most of the pumps were broken, which made it seem like maybe the rest are about to be determined to be broken soon. There was an electric outlet in the bathroom with a sign warning not to leave personal items. In site 25, which is reserved for PCT hikers, I found another sign warning that items are frequently stolen from the bathrooms, and to use the outlets hidden in the amphitheater instead. (There is also a Starbucks about fifteen minutes away in Shasta.) A trail behind site 25 leads to the PCT, but the trail was currently full of fallen trees and hazards. Another trail near Vista Point turned out to be a safer route to the PCT. A 2 mile trail leads from the campground to Vista Point, where you can either keep hiking, or take in the panoramic views of Mt. Shasta, Castle Crags, and the Gray Rocks. I chose site 38 to camp in, which was at the end of the line of sites that are currently open. The first two nights, I paid with the self serve envelope. The rest I purchased from the Ranger Station. Camping was only $25/night, half off with qualifying passes. So it only cost me $50 to stay here 4 nights. The spaces on the main road were huge, and very well spaced. There was a camp host on duty on site 20, and maintenance came through every day to clean the restrooms and empty the trash. I didn't see much wildlife except for a lot of birds. Wildflowers were just beginning to bloom on the trails. There isn't much to do near the campground, but I found this to be a great place to have some relative peace and quiet for a few days.

We opt to hike up to the Castle Dome. It's a gorgeous hike especially the snow cap view of…read moreMr.Shasta and the fall foilage! A must hike

We came Saturday morning around 8:30am. We were greeted with a warm welcome from the gate staff…read more Parking is $10. There is a parking lot, which can be limited when the weather is warmer. In the beginning of the trail, there is a General Store and restroom. The restroom is an actual restroom with toilet and sink. Not a portable potty! The trail to Burney Falls was easy. Different parts of the trail, there is a different view of the fall. The view from bottom of the fall was breathtaking. Be very careful if you want to get close to the fall. The rocks can be very slippery. We went off season so the crowds were not as bad as expected. If visiting Friday-Sunday or during the holidays, reservations are required. This is something new that they implemented on May 15, 2026. Check out their website for more information. Plan accordingly and enjoy the hiking adventures!

This is my second trip to McArthur Burney Falls. Easy access and available parking today, 09.17.25…read moredue to it being the end of season/fall. $10 entrance fee, accept cash or credit cards. I actually received a $1 back as in a senior. I dislike that dog access is limited to parking lot, and observation area. Not allowed on stairs leading down to base of falls, on trails, posted properly. I understand people don't clean up after their pets plus you never know how dogs will interact. Their park, their rules. I love the rule that doesn't allow you to leave your dog(s) in the car, kudos. I think these dog rules apply to all California State Parks. Beautiful falls, great fall weather, friendly rangers.

Our last visit was in March 2019. Hubby planned this weekend trip for us and to celebrate my…read morebirthday. I don't like surprises, but was over joyed to getaway for the weekend. Our kids were bummed when I told them it was just us. I felt guilty seeing their pouting faces, so our reservation for two became one for four. Burney falls was so mesmerizing, I'm glad we brought our kids. I love waterfalls and being outside in the warm Summer months hiking or camping. We lucked out and were there right before the area was shut down for the fires nearby. We were pleasantly surprised that there were cabins and hookups for RVs right there in the park. We totally could have brought our RV instead of staying in town. It's a small town and if you have never visited a small town with any stop lights, you wouldn't understand where I'm going with this analogy. Lol! Iykyk! We had a great time and do look forward to making our way back to do some more hiking and camping. This park is a must see and a family friendly hike to get to the falls! Fun fact: Burney Falls is never dry, 100 million gallons flow daily, so no matter what time of year you visit there will be flow.

Big shout out to Alan for making our stay perfect. This quaint property has all the makings of a…read morefun family resort. Unfortunately this week was in the middle of a 100+ degree heatwave so hanging out wasn't in the cards. We were inside with the AC on or on the Lake. Alan stopped by several times to make sure everything was perfect for us and our dogs. We felt so welcomed. He hauled our trash, provided firewood, and gave us directions to a cool beach spot on Lake Briton. Regardless of the heat, the amenities were exactly what we were looking for! Full hookups, clean, peace & quiet, friendly neighbors, etc. Our shady spot was perfect for our dogs that we had fenced in around our trailer. If Burney Falls is on your bucket list, this is the place to bring your RV!

Hot showers | train | no WiFi…read more We spent one night here on our way back to Oregon. We're in a campervan, so we booked a spot for campsite B, which is located in the back away near extra parking. I liked our spot. It has lots of shade. However, due to our location, we didn't get to connect to their WiFi because it's too far from the main office. What I liked about the campground: pool, mini playground for the kids, hot showers, activity center, shaded camp sites. What I didn't care for: trains are nearby and come frequently. We counted about 6 at night. This KOA is located next to an apartment complex. The road in is very narrow (two-way), so drivers need to be cautious, especially if you're towing. Guy at the front got jokes. This campground is well maintained.

We had a pleasant stay at KOA Mt. Shasta. The check-in process was smooth, and Hanna, the…read morereceptionist, was incredibly accommodating and friendly. The place was clean and spacious, making it a comfortable place to stay.

What a beautiful campground! Our new favorite! Campsites are nicely spaced, laundry and shower…read morefacilities are clean and the wild horses are such a treat. It cost about $85 but it was well worth it. The river running through the campground is lovely and they have Adirondack chairs spaced out along it so you can sit and enjoy. It is off the highway about 6 miles so there is no noise from the freeway just the sound of the river. Very clean and dog/pet friendly. The owners are helpful and friendly. We will definitely be back!

Wild horses/wildife and the absolute cleanliness and quiet of the place made braving the intense…read moreheatwave worth it. We were a bit worried by the road there (lots of fair sized holes) and the weather (California was experiencing a bad heat wave, and it was 105 here), and considered only staying one of our two nights. So so glad we stayed both nights. The wild horses were hanging out the whole time, and much of it in front of our trailer. I'm sure the heat drove them down to the river and tasty lawn. We also saw the blue heron, bats, and two river otters! Baby bird above the men's bathroom. Lots to see and enjoy. This place is pristine and quiet. We'd just come from a gross Thousand Trails and a loud state park. Coming here with the clean (and air conditioned!!) bathrooms and showers was lovely. The hosts were so nice. And it just felt quiet and relaxing, only punctuated by territorial stallions making a fuss. Nice additions are the giant shaded area with picnics tables and Adirondack chairs to hang out in- our space didn't have a tree so the shaded option was much appreciated. This is a way away from us, but we hope to come back and spend more time here. Also- shoutout to the hosts who spend a lot of time cleaning up horse poop to keep the roads clean for us!

We found Juanita Lake through pure luck while scanning a recreational atlas for campgrounds along…read moreour route to Crater Lake since Shasta was over 100 the day we passed through. This campground has been recently renovated and was only about 1/3 occupied when we stopped in on a Tuesday in late July. The sites are spacious with paved parking for your vehicle, a picnic table and a fire ring. The campground host was super friendly and even gave us firewood for s'mores! It appears to be popular with the fishing crowd, and there is a boat ramp at the base of the campground as well as a trail that loops around the small lake. Nice and quiet; clear, clean water; only a few mosquitoes. We would absolutely stay again. Directions: From I-5 at Weed, CA travel northeast on State Hwy 97 approx 35 miles Ball Mtn Road. Turn west (left) on Ball Mtn Road approx 4 miles to Forest Service Road 46N04. Turn right on 46N04 and continue to Juanita Lake and Campground. From the North, traveling south on Hwy. 97, turn west (right) approximately 3.8 miles south of the town of Macdoel on the Ball Mtn. Road approx 4 miles to Forest Service Road 46N04. Turn right on 46N04 and continue to Juanita Lake and Campground.

Juanita lake was a nice little campground. It was recommended by a family member. Not many people…read morewere there when we went but we got there on a Monday. Great fishing in the lake caught a few trout and a lot of bass! Went swimming in the lake water was nice and clear not too cold but there were a lot of tiny fish swimming around. Campsite was okay. Very dirty since it's all dirt and can you say attack of the flies & yellow jackets. So prepare for that I would take a yellow jacket & fly trap because it's insane. Ground squirrels & chipmunks run wild in the camps we actually ged a ground squirrel right from our hand it was a friendly trusting little feller. Got to see deer twice in camp just grazing away. That was cool. Good campsite. $15 a night ain't a bad deal. No showers but they do have porter potty style bathrooms & potable water.

Wasn't too sure what to expect, but was totally enchanted! Frank was great, checking us in, loading…read morefirewood into my car and escorting us to our charming creekside campsite. Had an incredible 5-star dinner prepared by Chef Adam in the lovely dining car with excellent service provided by Suzie. The food was so good, we went back for breakfast and then took our friends to dinner there!

Yuck. Sorry that is not a very sophisticated review. But I have to be honest, chef wonderful, is…read more"average" at best. I am a tad arrogant, having access to the some of the best cuisine by living close to San Francisco. Now to be fair, their price point reflects what you see sitting on the plate before you. The service is polite. Ambiance is fun. I ran around in these train cars as a child while vacationing with family 30 years ago. My advice would be, go with what works. The previous owner had it going on, knew the territory so to speak. This place has "warning Will Robbinson" all over it, like sushi in Kansas. A tuckered out Fly Fisherman would prefer a great steak and baked potato. No shame in that, it is the pillar of American dining. If I want foo-foo, I will go to SFO. But then again, I think the food in Paris is "OK", (specifically their entrees) Paris has great bread, crackers and cheese. Alright, pastry, baguets, and fromage. All the offerings in Italy are amazing and the only thing to eat in the UK are chippies. The best "foo foo food" was Betlenut Pan-Asian on Union Street in San Francisco. Lost their lease however. THAT was the bom-d-idly. Hey if you want a fabulous steak, try Jacks in DT Redding. Great place, but you will wait an hour, maybe two. But it is worth the wait. Has an interesting provenance, the location and building itself, was a house of ill repute back in the FDR days, so the legend goes. Cafe Maddalena in Dunsmuir is excellent as well. This faux fusion/euro/cubano/too cool to be true... might make 2 years max. It is the epitome of "The fastest way to make a small fortune, out of a large fortune is to start a restaurant." Inherited money, I can smell it burning in the kitchen.