Hirz Bay Campground in Lakehead sits right on Shasta Lake‘s eastern shore, giving you immediate access to water views and the kind of quiet that makes you remember why you wanted to camp in the first place. The campground welcomes dogs of all sizes, and the setup actually works well for traveling with them—each site has a paved parking spur, picnic table, bear box, and fire ring, so you’re not wrestling your dog around gravel or loose ground at night.

The real draw here is the Hirz Bay Trail, which starts practically at your campsite and winds along the lake with decent views. It’s not a strenuous hike, which means you can take your dog out for an hour or two without worrying about them overheating, and the trail stays shaded in sections. The water views break up the walk nicely, and you might spot deer or other wildlife if you’re quiet enough.

If your dog is comfortable on boats, the nearby Hirz Bay boat ramp gives you options for getting out on the water itself. Fishing and swimming are both popular here, though you’ll want to confirm current pet policies before bringing your dog aboard—they can change seasonally. The lake water is usually cool but manageable in summer.

The campground also has two group areas (Group Campgrounds #1 and #2) if you’re bringing a larger crew. These work well for families or friends who want to camp together and share a central gathering space. Firewood and water are available throughout the grounds, and the bear boxes are essential—this is active bear country, so keeping food locked up isn’t optional.

Late spring through early fall is the best window here. Winter weather can close roads, and the area gets busy on summer weekends. The nearest real services are back in Lakehead or Redding, so stock up on supplies before you arrive. The campground itself is fairly basic but well-maintained, which is exactly what you want when you’re primarily there for the lake and trails.