About Jones Valley Inlet Dispersed Area (CA)
Overview Jones Valley Inlet Dispersed/Day Use Area is located on the Pit River Arm of Shasta Lake, it has trash and portable restrooms provided in season. This is a shoreline area and doesn't have designated sites. This Campground is on a First Come - First Serve Basis, vistors are required to physically be at the campground to purchase and claim a site. You must also occupy the area the day you pay for it, no advance payments. We encourage our visitors to download the recreation.gov app to take advantage of the Scan & Pay Option. There is also a Iron Ranger on site that you can pay with cash or check. Dispersed Area has no facilities and is pack in/pack out in winter months typically Mid September to Mid May - no fees are due during that time. Recreation A public boat ramp is located approximately 2 miles away at Jones Valley (dependent on water level), but informal mooring is allowed if the water levels are sufficient. This area is popular for water skiing and jet skiing. Lake Shasta offers excellent fishing for trout, catfish, Chinook salmon, crappie, bluegill, white sturgeon, brown bullhead and bass. Facilities Provided trash service and portable toilets in season. This is a shoreline area with no formal sites. 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. Wildlife is abundant in the area. Nearby Attractions There are several attractions in the area for a list of a few view our website: Local Attractions Charges & Cancellations Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for cash payments will be issued a check or cash refund. A refund will be processed within 30 d
How to Get There
Jones Valley Inlet Dispersed Area is located 15 miles north of Redding from I-5. Going Northbound I-5 exit at the Oasis Road exit. Take a right at the stop sign from the ramp follow road for about 3 miles. Turn right onto Bear Mountain Rd for about 5 miles, turn left at the stop sign to stay on Bear Mtn Rd. Turn right onto Jones Valley Rd follow to the dispersed area entrance on the left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Jones Valley Inlet Dispersed Area (CA)
Heading to Jones Valley Inlet Dispersed Area (CA)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Jones Valley Inlet Dispersed Area (CA)?
No central reservation system listed for Jones Valley Inlet Dispersed Area (CA). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10157273) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Jones Valley Inlet Dispersed Area (CA)?
Jones Valley Inlet Dispersed Area is located 15 miles north of Redding from I-5. Going Northbound I-5 exit at the Oasis Road exit. Take a right at the stop sign from the ramp follow road for about 3 miles. Turn right onto Bear Mountain Rd for about 5 miles, turn left at the stop sign to stay on Bear Mtn Rd. Turn right onto Jones Valley Rd follow to the dispersed area entrance on the left.
References & Official Resources
