USDA Forest Service · California

Bailey Cove

USDA Forest Service · California, United States · in Whiskeytown Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Official page Directions
Sites
9
Hookups
7 no hookups
Season
Year-round
Max RV length
45 ft
Drinking water
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Pets
Yes
Elevation
1,115 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
AT&T weak · T-Mobile good · Verizon good (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Access road
BAILEY COVE (NFSR 34N40Y) · asphalt · moderate degree of user comfort
Lake
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Nearest town
Lakehead
Address
Shasta Caverns/OBrien Exit off I-5, Lakehead, CA, 96051
Activities
Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Water Skiing

7 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

Bailey Cove Campground is nestled in a forested area on the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake. The site is a popular destination due to its convenient access from I-5 and the adjacent public boat ramp.

The area surrounding the campground offers an abundance of recreational and sightseeing opportunities.

Recreation

The campground provides access to the 3-mile Bailey Cove Trail. This trail hugs the shoreline and is open to both hikers and mountain bikers.

Lake Shasta attracts anglers due to its wide variety of fish. Boaters can access the lake via the adjacent boat ramp, and boat rentals are available nearby.

Facilities

Each of the 7 sites has a tent pad, picnic table, raised fire ring, bear boxes, and paved parking spur. Brick pavers have been used to provide added accessibility. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided.

There is a day use area adjoined to the campground and boat ramp, which provides parking and restrooms and pic-nic tables with bbq's and hiking trails.

Natural Features

Shasta-Trinity is the largest national forest in California with a diverse landscape encompassing five wilderness areas, hundreds of mountain lakes and 6,278 miles of streams and rivers.

Lake Shasta sits at an elevation of 1,067 feet, with 365 miles of shoreline punctuated by steep mountains blanketed in manzanita and evergreens. A snow-capped Mount Shasta, the second-tallest mountain in the Cascade Range, looms in the distance.

This area boasts abundant wildlife. Osprey nests are often seen in the area around Bailey Cove Campground.

Nearby Attractions

Lake Shasta Caverns are also located on the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake in an area know as the Grey Rocks. Tours are given daily at this privately owned facility.

At an elevation of 3,500 feet, the nearby Hirz Mountain Lookout offers panoramic views of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen and the surrounding area.

Fees

If the reservation was made through recreation.gov please call 1-877-444-6777 to make a refund request. Refunds must be requested no later than 14 days before your scheduled arrival date for a full refund (excluding recreation.gov fee’s).

Reservation Fee: For some facilities, an additional reservation fee is charged. This additional non-refundable fee is $10.00 for the call center and online reservations.

Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for cash payments will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. For cash or check refunds please call us at 530-275-8113. Please Note! Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy.

Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure the Recreation.gov will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates and sites (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be canceled and all fees paid will be refunded.

Refunds for Naturally Occurring Events: Refunds will not be issued for naturally occurring events like rain, snow, wind, smoke, extreme temperature, low lake level, etc.

If you are requesting a refund for a walk-up site, please contact the host on-site or call us 530-275-8113.  All refunds must be approved and issued through our office or processed though Recreation.gov.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January53°37°27°69°3 of 11
February55°36°24°73°5 of 11
March60°38°27°85°5 of 11
April65°42°33°81°0 of 11
May79°51°38°91°0 of 11
June88°59°44°103°0 of 11
July97°67°57°108°0 of 11
August96°66°58°109°0 of 11
September88°58°51°99°0 of 11
October76°50°41°91°0 of 10
November60°41°32°80°2 of 10
December52°36°29°70°6 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.