Lakeshore East Introduce
For those of us in California who crave the perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and genuine hospitality, Lakeshore East Campground near Lakehead is an absolute must-visit. Nestled along the picturesque Sacramento Arm of Shasta Lake within the expansive Shasta-Trinity National Forest, this campground offers a delightful escape into the heart of Northern California's wilderness. It's a place where the majestic views of Lake Shasta and even snow-capped Mount Shasta become your daily backdrop, inviting you to create unforgettable memories.
What truly sets Lakeshore East apart, as many fellow Californians have discovered, is the welcoming atmosphere cultivated by its exceptional staff and camp hosts. Their friendly demeanor and helpful local recommendations transform a simple camping trip into a truly memorable stay. This commitment to guest satisfaction, combined with the campground's well-maintained facilities, makes it a favored spot for those seeking a comfortable yet authentic outdoor experience right here in our Golden State.
Whether you're planning a family vacation, a fishing expedition with friends, or a peaceful retreat to reconnect with nature, Lakeshore East offers a versatile setting. Its proximity to one of California's largest reservoirs means endless opportunities for water-based activities, while the surrounding national forest provides a habitat for diverse wildlife. It’s a true Californian gem that promises relaxation, adventure, and the chance to witness the stunning natural beauty that defines our state.
Lakeshore East Campground is conveniently located on Lakeshore Drive, Lakehead, CA 96051, USA. Its prime position along the Sacramento Arm of Shasta Lake places it in a highly desirable area of Northern California, making it easily accessible for many residents across the state. The campground is notably close to Interstate 5, ensuring a straightforward journey for campers traveling from both northern and southern California.
From Redding, California, the drive is approximately 20 minutes north on I-5. Take exit 702 (Antlers Road/Lakeshore Drive), then head west under the I-5 overpass, turn left at the stop sign onto Lakeshore Drive, and continue for about 2.5 miles until you reach the campground entrance. This easy access is a significant advantage, allowing more time for relaxation and recreation upon arrival.
The campground's direct access to Shasta Lake, the largest reservoir in California, is a major draw for water enthusiasts. While getting directly to the water's edge from some sites might involve navigating a "rocky embankment," the overall proximity to the lake and nearby boat ramps (like Antlers and Sugar Loaf, both just a couple of miles away) ensures that boating, fishing, and swimming are readily available. This blend of easy road access and immediate natural access makes Lakeshore East a practical and appealing destination for a wide range of California campers.
Lakeshore East Campground offers a range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for all visitors.
- Well-Maintained Campsites: Each site comes with a paved surface area, a picnic table, a raised fire ring for campfires and cooking, and a dedicated parking spur. Double sites are also available for larger groups.
- Clean Restroom Facilities: The campground features flush toilets that are consistently maintained and kept clean, a frequently praised amenity by visitors.
- Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available within the campground, ensuring campers have access to this essential resource.
- Firewood Sales: For convenience, firewood is available for purchase directly from the friendly camp host, making it easy to enjoy a campfire without having to bring your own supply.
- Yurt Rentals: In addition to traditional tent and RV sites, Lakeshore East also offers yurts for rent. These are modern, sturdy, and weather-tight structures, providing a unique glamping experience with more comfort than a typical tent.
- Friendly Camp Hosts: Dedicated camp hosts are on-site during the reservation season, providing assistance, local recommendations, and ensuring the smooth operation of the campground. Their helpfulness is often highlighted in visitor reviews.
Lakeshore East Campground boasts several features and highlights that contribute to its popularity and make it a standout destination in California.
- Proximity to Shasta Lake: The campground sits directly along the Sacramento Arm of Shasta Lake, offering incredible views and abundant opportunities for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and various water sports. Its location is ideal for those who want to spend their days on or by the water.
- Diverse Wildlife Sightings: Campers often report seeing local wildlife, including deer and skunks, passing through their sites. This provides a wonderful opportunity for nature observation right from your campsite. The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is home to a diverse ecosystem, including black bears, so proper food storage is always recommended.
- Exceptional Camp Hosts and Staff: Consistently highlighted in reviews, the camp hosts and staff, like "Jules," are renowned for their friendliness, helpfulness, and funny/friendly check-ins. Their local recommendations for exploring nearby spots significantly enhance the visitor experience, making stays truly memorable.
- Shaded and Private Sites: Many campsites are partially shaded by a mix of oak and pine trees, with an undergrowth of grass and raspberry bushes providing some natural privacy between sites. This creates a comfortable and secluded feel.
- Year-Round Operation: Lakeshore East Campground is open year-round, offering flexibility for campers to visit during different seasons and experience the changing beauty of the Shasta Lake area.
- Variety of Site Types: With sites accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs, as well as unique yurt rentals, the campground caters to a wide range of camping preferences and group sizes.
- Access to Outdoor Activities: Beyond water sports, the surrounding Shasta-Trinity National Forest provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, and stargazing. The stunning backdrop of snow-capped Mount Shasta adds to the scenic appeal.
For inquiries and to plan your adventure at Lakeshore East Campground, you can use the following contact information:
Address: Lakeshore Dr, Lakehead, CA 96051, USA
Phone: (530) 275-8113
Mobile Phone: +1 530-275-8113
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including current availability, seasonal conditions, and reservation details, it is highly recommended to contact the campground directly or check their official listings through Recreation.gov or the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website. This ensures you have the latest information on site fees, any fire restrictions, and policies regarding additional vehicles or specific site features, guaranteeing a smooth and enjoyable planning process for your California camping trip. The phone number provided is the primary contact for the campground itself.
Lakeshore East Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for California locals, offering a compelling blend of accessibility, diverse activities, and outstanding hospitality right here in our home state.
Firstly, its prime location on Shasta Lake within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest means easy access to one of California's most magnificent natural playgrounds. For residents across California, particularly those in the northern and central regions, the straightforward drive via I-5 minimizes travel time, maximizing precious vacation moments. This convenience allows for spontaneous weekend getaways as well as more extended stays, making it a flexible option for our busy Californian lifestyles.
Secondly, the sheer array of recreational opportunities available directly at or near the campground caters to virtually every type of outdoor enthusiast. From power boating and water skiing on the vast expanse of Shasta Lake to peaceful fishing, kayaking, or exploring nearby hiking and mountain biking trails, there’s something for everyone. This diversity of activities means that families, groups of friends, or solo adventurers can all find their ideal way to connect with California's outdoors. The opportunity to spot local wildlife, from deer to the occasional bear, adds another layer of authentic natural experience that resonates with nature-loving Californians.
Furthermore, the consistently praised friendly and helpful camp hosts, like "Jules," create an incredibly welcoming environment. This level of personal service, where staff go above and beyond with recommendations and a genuinely warm demeanor, transforms a simple campground visit into a truly memorable experience. For Californians who appreciate both stunning natural beauty and a hospitable atmosphere, Lakeshore East delivers on both fronts.
Finally, the combination of clean facilities (especially the well-maintained flush toilets), affordable pricing, and diverse accommodation options (tent, RV, and yurts) makes Lakeshore East a practical and appealing choice. It represents an accessible slice of California's wild beauty, perfectly suited for locals seeking adventure, relaxation, and a chance to make lasting memories without having to venture far from home. Lakeshore East Campground is indeed a California gem, ready to welcome you to its beautiful shores.
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Lakeshore East Reviews
Nice campground. Getting to the water is kinda sketchy as you have to defend down a rocky embankment.The camp hosts were awesome and the bathrooms were clean at all times.We had deer and skunks come through our site.
Jul 19, 2024 · M MagThis was such a great place to stay. Jules and the staff are truly so friendly and made our stay so memorable. From their funny/friendly check-in to all their recommendations to enjoy the local spots. We couldn’t be happier with our stay here and will definitely come back to visit.
Jun 19, 2025 · Bradley KainBeautiful little campground right on the shore of Lake Shasta. All campsites had nice, level, paved pads. There was one drive through site a number of double sites. Most sites were large enough to accommodate decent sized RVs or trailers. Clean restrooms with flush toilets. The only reason I rated it down one star was the area itself, outside of the campground, was a bit run down and we may have been a little hesitant to leave much out at the campsite if we were going to be away from it for an extended period.
Nov 29, 2020 · Dave RossWe stayed at campsite 6 and 7. While the photos to the beach are a little misleading the site itself is nice. The water was great and at 9 people late respectful of noice. Although the locals are not and they yell as they drive by.
Jul 05, 2024 · Heidi KoshmanPretty nice campground. Next to 2 boat ramps and not too far from the water if you hike down the hill. Not the best place to swim but looks great for fishing! Downside is that it's close to highway 5 and a train track so you can hear some noise at night. Other than that a nice place to get away.
Jan 05, 2021 · Jose Lopez
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