Bailey Cove Campground

For Californians yearning for a classic lakeside camping experience that combines natural beauty with convenient access to water activities and trails, Bailey Cove Campground is a beloved destination. Nestled on the scenic McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake within the vast Shasta-Trinity National Forest, this campground offers a delightful escape for both new and long-time campers. It’s a place where generations have made memories, drawn by the allure of Lake Shasta's sparkling waters and the tranquility of the surrounding forest. If you're looking for a well-maintained spot to set up camp, enjoy the water, and explore picturesque trails, Bailey Cove Campground provides an inviting and functional base for your Northern California adventures.

Bailey Cove Campground is a small yet highly regarded campground, featuring seven individual sites designed for a more intimate camping experience. It's perfectly situated in a forested area right next to a public boat ramp, making it exceptionally convenient for those looking to get out on Lake Shasta. The campground is known for being "always well maintained and functional," a testament to its consistent quality. While RVs are welcome, it’s important to note that the sites do not offer hookups, catering to those who are comfortable with self-contained camping or tenting. Campers should also be mindful when navigating their vehicles due to "large rocks when entering campsite" areas.

The natural setting is truly captivating, with spectacular views of the lake and surrounding evergreen-blanketed mountains. In the distance, the snow-capped peak of Mount Shasta often looms majestically, adding to the breathtaking scenery. Wildlife is abundant in the area, and osprey nests are a common sight, providing excellent opportunities for nature observation. The overall ambiance is peaceful and relaxing, despite the convenience of being near a popular boat ramp. It's a place where the focus is on outdoor enjoyment, from fishing and boating to hiking the adjacent trails.

Bailey Cove Campground is conveniently located on Bailey Cove Rd, Lakehead, CA 96051, USA. This places it directly on the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake, making it readily accessible from Interstate 5. For Californians traveling from the north or south, the ease of access from a major highway is a significant advantage. From I-5, visitors should take the O'Brien/Shasta Caverns exit (Exit 695). From there, follow Shasta Caverns Road for a short distance (approximately 0.4 miles) to the Bailey Cove junction on the right. A final turn right and a drive of about 0.6 miles will lead you to the campground and day-use area.

The roads leading to and within the campground are paved, ensuring smooth navigation, even for larger RVs (though maximum RV length is typically 30 feet, and hookups are not available). Its location near Lakehead means that basic supplies, fuel, and some services are available in nearby towns, making it a practical base for extended stays. It's important to remember that this campground operates on a reservation-only basis for its peak season (May to September), so securing your spot in advance through Recreation.gov is essential. While there's a self-pay option mentioned by a reviewer, online reservations are the primary method, and it's not uncommon to not see a ranger at a check-in point if you've already pre-paid.

Bailey Cove Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, provides essential services and facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, focusing on fundamental needs rather than extensive amenities.

• Campsites: The campground features 7 individual sites, including 5 single and 2 double sites. Each site comes with a tent pad, picnic table, raised fire ring with a grate, and bear boxes for safe food storage. Sites also have paved parking spurs.
• No Hookups: Importantly, RV sites do not have electrical, water, or sewer hookups. Campers should be prepared for dry camping for RVs.
• Flush Toilets: Flush toilets are provided, typically available seasonally from May 13th to September 15th, offering a convenient and clean restroom option.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available within the campground, usually during the same operational season as the flush toilets.
• Bear Boxes: Each site is equipped with a bear-proof food locker, which is critical for protecting food and deterring wildlife in this area.
• Adjacent Boat Ramp: A public boat ramp with two launching lanes is directly adjacent to the campground, providing easy access to Lake Shasta for boaters.
• Day-Use Area: A day-use area adjoined to the campground and boat ramp provides additional parking, restrooms, and picnic tables with BBQs.
• Reservations: Camping at Bailey Cove is by reservation only during the peak season (May 13 - September 15) via Recreation.gov or by phone. No first-come, first-served sites.

Bailey Cove Campground shines with several features and highlights that consistently draw campers back year after year, building a loyal following among California locals.

• Direct Lake Shasta Access: The campground's prime location on the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake, coupled with an adjacent public boat ramp, is its biggest draw. This offers unparalleled convenience for boating, water skiing, swimming, and enjoying all the recreational opportunities Lake Shasta provides.
• Excellent Fishing: Lake Shasta is renowned for its diverse and abundant fish populations. Anglers can expect to catch rainbow and brown trout, Chinook salmon (landlocked), largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, as well as channel and white catfish, and bluegill. This makes Bailey Cove a fantastic base for a fishing getaway.
• Adjacent Hiking Trails: A major highlight for visitors is the direct access to hiking trails, most notably the 3-mile Bailey Cove Trail. This scenic loop trail hugs the shoreline, is open to hikers and mountain bikers, and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and stunning lake views.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Consistent positive feedback highlights the campground's cleanliness and functional design, contributing to a comfortable and hassle-free camping experience, even without hookups.
• Secluded yet Accessible: Despite being relatively small with only seven sites, the campground feels private. Its convenient location just off I-5 makes it easy to reach while still providing a sense of escape into nature.
• Spectacular Scenery: The forested setting, the expansive lake, and the distant views of Mount Shasta offer breathtaking natural beauty, providing a picturesque backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife, with regular sightings of osprey (often nesting) and other local fauna.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The long history of families returning for decades underscores its suitability as a safe and enjoyable environment for all ages to create cherished outdoor memories.

For reservations, current conditions, or further information regarding Bailey Cove Campground, please contact the managing U.S. Forest Service office for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest:

Address: Bailey Cove Rd, Lakehead, CA 96051, USA (This is the physical address of the campground.)

Phone: (530) 275-8113 or +1 530-275-8113 (This number connects to the Shasta Lake Ranger Station of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This is the best contact for specific questions about the campground, including current conditions, operational dates, and local regulations. For reservations, always use Recreation.gov.)

Bailey Cove Campground is an ideal choice for California locals, particularly those in Northern California, seeking a convenient yet fulfilling outdoor experience. Its prime location on Lake Shasta, with immediate access to a boat ramp and scenic hiking trails, directly caters to the active Californian lifestyle. For decades, families have returned here, creating traditions around its well-maintained sites and the fantastic bass fishing that Lake Shasta is known for. While RVers should be prepared for no hookups, the overall functionality and the sheer beauty of the surroundings more than make up for it. It's a place where you can easily launch your boat, cast a line, or hit the trails, all while enjoying the stunning views of Mount Shasta. Bailey Cove offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation, ensuring that locals can readily tap into the natural wonders that make California such an incredible place to live and explore. It truly is a spot where you "can't go wrong" for a memorable outdoor getaway.

Bailey Cove Campground

Bailey Cove Rd, Lakehead, CA 96051, USA