California's Largest Artificial Lake Is An Outdoor Gem For Swimming, Camping, And Boating

From shimmering Lake Tahoe to turquoise glacial lakes in "Little Patagonia," California is blessed with spectacular natural scenery for a day on the water. The same can be said for Shasta Lake, the Golden State's largest artificial lake. Resting in view of towering 14,180-foot Mount Shasta, Shasta Lake is a scenic getaway to soak up the sights of ancient caverns, evergreen-lined ridges, and more than 300 days of sunshine a year. At night, you can fall asleep to starry skies at a cozy campsite or drift off to sleep on a houseboat. 

Shasta Lake was created by Shasta Dam, the second-largest concrete dam in the United States, which was completed along the Sacramento River outside Redding in 1945. The 30,000-acre reservoir has four arms, each offering visitors different scenery, vibes, and history. Once you've chosen your spot for the day, cruise or paddle over, swim, fish, or just let the lake vibes take over. The lake also has multiple camping options, from primitive, peaceful boat-in sites to RV parks near houseboat marinas.

Shasta Lake is hidden in the Shasta Cascade region of Northern California, about 100 miles south of the Oregon state line off Interstate 5. If you're coming from out of state, Redding Regional Airport (RDD) is served by Alaska Airlines and United and has rental car facilities on site. From Redding Regional, the lake is about 30 minutes away. The next closest airports include Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) outside of Medford, Oregon, and Sacramento International Airport (SMF), both a few hours away by car.

Unlike the mountainous, rocky cliffs surrounding Oregon's largest artificial lake, Shasta Lake has 365 miles of beautiful tree-lined shoreline. Depending on your interests (and the time of year), you may want to base yourself around a particular area of the lake. The Sacramento Arm of Shasta Lake flooded Kennett, a former mining town. This section of the lake has several large marinas, while Riverview offers a sandy spot for swimming. It's also one of the busier parts of the lake. Also, note that if you do plan to swim in the lake, it's a good idea to wear water shoes due to the rocky lake bed. If you're looking to dodge the crowds and splash the day away on the Sacramento Arm, head to the Charlie Creek Area. 

For visitors eager to explore some of the area's unique geology, head to the McCloud Arm to explore Lake Shasta Caverns near Bailey Cove, which are accessible as part of a guided tour that includes a boat ride. Boaters seeking out wildlife should check out the lake's other two arms, the Sulanharas Creek Arm (formerly the Squaw Creek Arm) and the Pit River, which get more rugged the farther you travel. Access can vary due to water levels on the lake, especially during the summer months.

Houseboating is a quintessential experience on Shasta Lake.  Marinas around the lake offer day and multi-day boat rentals, and some packages can include paddlecraft and other sporting equipment for an enjoyable day on the water. If you're an angler, Shasta Lake is well known for fishing, and you'll likely find plenty of opportunities year-round, whether you're fishing for bass, trout, or trying to crank in a catfish. Visitors planning to fish should check current regulations, which may change. 

Shasta Lake has a wide mix of camping areas, ranging from RV camping resorts with hookups by major houseboat marinas to drive-up campsites tucked into scenic coves and even boat-in campsites on islands. For outdoor enthusiasts looking for scenic lake views, nearby trails and water access, and basic camping amenities, including water, restrooms, garbage disposal, and a boat ramp, check out the Lower Jones Valley Campground in the Pit River Arm. Paddlers seeking a quiet and peaceful adventure can journey over to Gooseneck Cove on the Sacramento Arm. Quieter areas around the lake may also see more wildlife, including black bears. Be sure to store all of your food properly and use a bear box if one is provided at the campsite. In Redding, you'll find several supermarkets and sporting goods stores to pick up any last-minute items. 

Before you decide on your campsite, be sure to check the water levels online. Fluctuating water levels can make the boat ramps at some camping areas, including the Bailey Cove and Antlers campgrounds, unusable if the levels are too low. Also, note that reservation policies vary by campground, with some sites operating on a first-come, first served basis and others accepting reservations.

This part of California gets hot, too. Temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer, with lake temperatures often reaching the 70s and low 80s. If you can't make the trip from Southern California and are looking for a closer spot to cool off, check out Castaic Lake, the largest lake in LA County.