Red Fir Flat sits at 6,400 feet on Mt. Shasta's southern slope, tucked into old-growth Shasta red fir forest that blocks views of the peak itself but opens west and south to the Trinity Alps and Castle Crags. This single-group site draws meditation and retreat groups seeking forest solitude, with a seven-day maximum stay that makes longer gatherings possible.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $12
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 6,400 ft
- 📍GPS
- 41.34389, -122.25333
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- summer, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 530-926-4511
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The campground occupies a quiet pocket of old-growth Shasta red fir, where thick canopy provides shade alongside open sunny patches. You won't see Mt. Shasta's summit from camp — the forest blocks that view — but western and southern sightlines take in the Trinity Alps, Mount Eddy, and Castle Crags. The single group site includes several picnic tables, an established fire ring, vault toilet, and bear-proof trash receptacles. No water source exists here; bring what you need.
Limited garbage service means packing out most of your waste. Campfires require a California Campfire Permit, and you can gather dead and down wood within the campground for burning.
What to Know
Snow lingers into late June during heavy years and returns as early as October, sometimes November. The elevation and southern slope exposure create a relatively short season window. Groups book this spot specifically for its retreat-friendly isolation — expect quiet neighbors pursuing similar goals.
The seven-day maximum stay sets this apart from typical campgrounds with shorter limits, making it viable for extended group programs or retreats.
Nearby
Several trails start within a few miles, including the route to Upper and Lower Panther Meadows and the access trail to South Gate Meadows. A trail leads to the historic stone cabin at timberline, owned and operated by the Sierra Club Foundation. Gray Butte trail also starts nearby. Mt. Shasta City sits 10 miles away for resupply, grocery runs, and restaurant meals.
Mountain bike trails and climbing routes to Mt. Shasta's summit are accessible from the area, though the campground itself serves more as a forest basecamp than a technical climbing staging area.