California’s Largest Man-Made Lake Offers Miles of Shoreline Camping, Caverns, and Houseboat Rentals

A trip to California wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the state’s beautiful bodies of water. Sure, the Pacific Ocean is probably the most obvious choice. However, the Golden State offers visitors a myriad of other sun-soaked water adventures by way of its more than 3,000 freshwater lakes and reservoirs. You could see Big Bear Lake, one of the most-filmed lakes in California, or take a splash on the wild side at Mono Lake, one of California’s most mesmerizing and dangerous lakes. But for those seeking an unforgettable lake retreat, a vacation on Shasta Lake is a must.

Tucked away in Northern California, about 10 miles north of Redding, this sprawling reservoir is a popular destination for camping and houseboating. Not to mention, the area is renowned for its network of limestone caverns. Nestled in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Shasta Lake was formed by the construction of the Shasta Dam, a 602-foot-tall concrete barrier that was completed in 1945 to trap the rushing waters of Northern California’s Sacramento River. 

Spanning about 30,000 acres, Shasta Lake isn’t your average waterhole; it holds the distinction of being California’s largest man-made lake. And when it’s at full capacity, the teal-toned reservoir has nearly 400 miles of shoreline to explore, making for a thrilling getaway in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. As one Tripadvisor reviewer shared online: “The size of Shasta Lake is amazing. Miles and miles of shoreline. [Lots] of recreational boating etc. Houseboats are a big thing. You can rent one and just stay on the lake for days. There are camping and picnic sites … And be sure to visit the dam.” 

The greater Shasta Lake region has a number of accommodation options. Of course, you could opt to stay in a more luxurious abode in the nearby city of Redding, which offers travelers the nearest point of entry via the Redding Airport. But those desiring one-of-a-kind lodging can enjoy a true getaway on the water by checking into a homey houseboat courtesy of rental companies like Jones Valley Resort and Silverthorn Resort. Houseboats.com offers a variety of houseboat vacation rentals for three, four, or seven-night voyages, with prices ranging from about $2,300 to $6,800, at the time of writing.

For a more relaxing respite in nature, opt to spend the night in one of Shasta Lake’s many campsites. The reservoir has four major arms: the Sacramento, McCloud, Sulanharas Creek, formerly known as the Squaw Arm, and the Pit, and each branch offers its own unique camping areas. Antlers Campground, situated on the upper Sacramento Arm, is perched high on a bluff above the lake, offering guests spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The McCloud Arm’s McCloud Bridge Campground and Ellery Creek Campground — two of the more popular waterfront campsites — offer prime lake access when the reservoir is at its highest. And Mariners Point Group Campground, located at the junction of the Pit and Sulanharas Creek Arms, provides ample opportunities for hiking in the nearby Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It’s important to note that many of Shasta Lake’s campsites are not always open year-round, largely due to inclement weather conditions. So be sure to check the Forest Service’s website for up-to-date availability.