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Camp SpotterCamping Near MeCaliforniaSiskiyou CountyCamping in Mount ShastaMcBride Springs Campground
McBride Springs Campground ico

McBride Springs Campground

Mt Shasta, CA 96067, USA

4.0
Nice little campground with great access to Shasta, mountain biking and the town. Very small with only ten or so spots so it fills up fast. - William Brenner
McBride Springs Campground Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

McBride Springs Campground Introduce

For Californians who cherish a quiet, authentic connection with nature and the majestic presence of Mount Shasta, McBride Springs Campground offers an ideal retreat. Tucked away on the slopes of the iconic volcano within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, this small, intimate campground provides a serene and beautiful setting, perfect for those seeking a basic yet deeply rewarding outdoor experience. It's a place where the sounds of the mountain and the rush of fresh spring water replace the noise of everyday life, inviting you to truly unwind and reconnect with the wild.

As locals, we often seek out those special spots that offer genuine tranquility and a direct link to California's breathtaking landscapes, without the overwhelming crowds found in larger parks. McBride Springs Campground perfectly fits this desire. It’s a first-come, first-served gem, emphasizing simplicity and natural beauty. Here, you'll find ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and simply enjoying the crisp mountain air, all while being surprisingly close to the conveniences of the town of Mount Shasta.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of McBride Springs Campground, drawing on publicly available information and valuable insights from fellow campers. We will explore its specific location and how best to access this serene spot, detail the essential yet minimal services it offers, highlight its most appealing features for wilderness lovers, and provide crucial contact information. From its crystal-clear spring water to its direct access to mountain adventures, prepare to discover why McBride Springs Campground is a cherished secret among Californians seeking a truly restorative and memorable outdoor experience.

Location and Accessibility

McBride Springs Campground is located just outside the town of Mt Shasta, CA 96067, USA, specifically within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Its elevated position on the lower slopes of Mount Shasta offers both convenient access and a beautiful mountain setting. The campground is situated at approximately 5,000 feet in elevation, providing a cooler escape during warmer months.

Access to McBride Springs Campground is generally straightforward. From Interstate 5, take the Central Mt. Shasta exit. Head east on Lake Street, then turn right onto Everitt Memorial Highway, which leads directly up the mountain towards the Mt. Shasta Ski Park and eventually to various trailheads. McBride Springs Campground is typically found relatively early on Everitt Memorial Highway, making it easy to reach from town.

Despite its relatively quick access from the town of Mt. Shasta (approximately 5-6 miles "down mountain"), the campground maintains a remote and serene feel. This balance of convenience and wilderness is a major draw.

The campground's strategic location provides excellent accessibility to a multitude of regional attractions and activities:

  • Mount Shasta: Direct access to hiking trails and exploration on the lower slopes of this iconic stratovolcano. The Everitt Memorial Highway continues further up the mountain, providing access to higher elevations and more challenging trails.
  • Mountain Biking: The area around Mount Shasta is well-known for its extensive network of mountain biking trails, some directly accessible or a short ride from the campground.
  • Town of Mount Shasta: This vibrant town offers a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, restaurants, outdoor gear shops, and unique spiritual and cultural attractions. Its proximity means campers can easily resupply or enjoy a meal out.
  • Mossbrae Falls: A beautiful series of springs cascading into the Sacramento River, a popular, though sometimes challenging to access, local attraction.
  • Lake Siskiyou: A larger lake offering swimming, boating, and fishing, located just a short drive from the town of Mount Shasta.
  • Sacramento River Headwaters: The official "source" of the Sacramento River is a sacred and beautiful spot near town.
  • Pacific Crest Trail: Sections of the famous PCT are accessible within the broader region for day hikes or longer backpacking trips.

The excellent accessibility from both I-5 and the town of Mount Shasta, combined with its immediate proximity to outdoor recreation, makes McBride Springs Campground an ideal and highly convenient basecamp for exploring the Northern California Shasta region.

Services Offered

McBride Springs Campground is a rustic, US Forest Service-operated campground designed for a basic, self-sufficient camping experience. It emphasizes natural beauty and tranquility over extensive modern amenities.

  • Campsites: The campground is very small, offering only about ten individual campsites. It operates on a strict first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not possible. This often means it fills up quickly, especially during peak season, so early arrival is recommended. All sites are best suited for tent camping; large RVs or trailers are generally not accommodated, though smaller vans might fit in some spots. Sites are described as "basic, serene and beautiful."
  • Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite is typically equipped with:
    • Picnic tables
    • Fire rings (often with grills) for campfires and cooking (always check for current fire restrictions).
  • Potable Spring Water: A standout feature is the "very cold rapid flowing fresh drinkable spring water from the mountains of Mother Earth." This natural spring provides potable water for campers, eliminating the need to bring large quantities of drinking water.
  • Restroom Facilities: Vault toilets are available. Reviewers note "no showers, no hot water," indicating a primitive restroom experience. These are generally maintained but do not offer modern conveniences.
  • No Trash Service: Campers are typically required to pack out all trash and waste, adhering to Leave No Trace principles. There are no designated trash receptacles, reinforcing the primitive nature of the site.
  • Maximum Stay Limit: There is a maximum stay limit of 7 nights, allowing for fair turnover of the limited number of sites.
  • Fee (Honor System): A "small fee to camp on honor system" is typically required, contributing to the maintenance of the campground. Exact fees should be checked upon arrival.

McBride Springs Campground is ideal for campers who prefer a more rugged experience and are prepared for minimal amenities, valuing solitude and natural beauty above all else.

Features / Highlights

McBride Springs Campground offers several distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for California locals seeking a specific type of outdoor adventure:

  • Direct Access to Pristine Spring Water: A unique and highly praised feature is the "very cold rapid flowing fresh drinkable spring water from the mountains of Mother Earth." This natural, clean water source is a rare commodity at campgrounds and adds to the rustic charm and self-sufficient appeal.
  • Quiet and Serene Atmosphere: Despite its proximity to the town, the campground is consistently described as "quiet beautiful" and "serene." Its small size (only 10 spots) contributes to a peaceful environment with minimal noise and disturbance, allowing for true relaxation.
  • Excellent Access to Mount Shasta Recreation: The campground's location on Everitt Memorial Highway provides "great access to Shasta," including numerous hiking trails on the mountain's lower slopes and higher elevations. It's a fantastic basecamp for exploring the iconic volcano.
  • Mountain Biking Opportunities: The area is well-regarded for its mountain biking trails, with "great access to... mountain biking" from the campground. This makes it an ideal spot for cyclists.
  • Convenient Proximity to Town: While feeling remote, the campground is only "approx 5-6 miles down mountain" from the town of Mount Shasta. This offers the best of both worlds: a wilderness experience with easy access to stores, restaurants, and other amenities when needed.
  • First-Come, First-Served Simplicity: For those who prefer spontaneous trips or appreciate the traditional, non-reservation camping experience, the first-come, first-served system provides flexibility, though it means arriving early to secure one of the limited spots.
  • Beautiful Natural Setting: Surrounded by a mix of trees on the slopes of Mount Shasta, the campground offers a picturesque backdrop. The overall ambiance is described as "beautiful," emphasizing the natural aesthetic.
  • Basic and Authentic Camping: For campers who prefer a more primitive setup without the distractions of modern amenities like showers or electricity, McBride Springs delivers a truly authentic and back-to-basics camping experience.

These highlights make McBride Springs Campground a perfect choice for those who value quiet, natural beauty, direct access to mountain recreation, and the unique amenity of natural spring water.

Contact Information

For the most current information regarding McBride Springs Campground, including road conditions, potential closures (especially outside peak season), and fire restrictions, it is best to contact the managing authority, the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Given its first-come, first-served nature, direct contact can also provide insight into typical availability.

  • Address: Mt Shasta, CA 96067, USA (The campground is located off Everitt Memorial Highway).
  • Mount Shasta Ranger District Phone: (530) 926-4511
  • Shasta-Trinity National Forest Headquarters Phone: (530) 226-2500 (General information)
  • Website: Visit the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website or Recreation.gov for general information on the forest and its campgrounds.

Since the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, calling the Mount Shasta Ranger District is the most effective way to inquire about current conditions and anticipated occupancy, though they cannot guarantee a site. Always check for current fire restrictions before planning to have a campfire.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For California locals, McBride Springs Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing camping experience, particularly for those who cherish tranquility, direct access to iconic natural landmarks, and a return to the essentials of outdoor living. Its unique characteristics cater directly to the desires of residents seeking a peaceful, authentic escape.

Firstly, its intimate size (only about ten spots) and first-come, first-served system create a unique, community-like atmosphere while ensuring a level of peace rarely found in larger, more commercial campgrounds. For Californians tired of battling crowds and needing to book months in advance, McBride Springs offers a refreshing alternative for spontaneous trips, provided they arrive early enough to secure a spot. The "very basic, serene and beautiful" environment allows for a genuine disconnect from daily stressors, where the sounds of nature, rather than neighbors, dominate. This quiet beauty is a significant draw for locals seeking true relaxation.

Secondly, the campground's direct connection to Mount Shasta is a major highlight. For those who live in California, the majestic presence of this volcano is often a beacon for outdoor adventure. McBride Springs provides "great access to Shasta, mountain biking and the town," making it an ideal basecamp for exploring the mountain's extensive network of hiking and biking trails. Whether it's a strenuous climb up the slopes or a leisurely walk amidst the pines, the mountain is literally at your doorstep. This combination of natural beauty and recreational opportunity, combined with the convenience of being just "5-6 miles down mountain" from the town of Mt. Shasta for supplies, offers the best of both worlds.

Finally, the unique amenity of "very cold rapid flowing fresh drinkable spring water from the mountains" is a standout feature that resonates deeply with those who appreciate natural resources. This direct access to pure, potable water enhances the primitive camping experience, adding a touch of rustic luxury. While there are "no showers, no hot water," the emphasis on simple living and self-reliance is precisely what many Californians seek when venturing into the wilderness. McBride Springs Campground isn't just a place to set up a tent; it's an invitation to embrace the raw, serene beauty of Mount Shasta, providing a truly restorative and unforgettable local outdoor adventure.

McBride Springs Campground Photos

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McBride Springs Campground Location

McBride Springs Campground

Mt Shasta, CA 96067, USA

McBride Springs Campground Reviews

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