There are endless opportunities for adventure here in Northern California, and one of the greatest places to explore is located right here in Siskiyou County. You can swim, hike and spend quality time with loved ones at Castle Crags State Park, which makes for a marvelous base camp while you visit the area. Read on to learn why you should come here for your next family camping trip.

The state park is located about an hour north of Redding off Highway 5. Castle Crags is a breathtaking granite rock formation that has taken millions of years to create.

Flickr/ Thomas Shahan

The Crags are a popular outdoor recreation destination and were formed by granite being eroded by glaciers over thousands of years.

Flickr/ janinsanfran

The park features 64 campsites where you can pull right in and set up home for the duration of yours stay. It’s a place where you and your loved ones can relax and soak up some good old fashioned family fun.

Flickr/ Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious This family of camping is headed up to Vista Point for a view of the crags and Mount Shasta.

The campgrounds within the park feature flush toilets, showers, and places to buy firewood and other amenities.

Flickr/ Ted Rheingold

Camping here also provides great access to nearby hiking, the Sacramento River, and more outdoor activities.

Flickr/ Don Graham

Many campers and visitors to the state park take the hike up to Castle Crags. It’s a 5.3 mile round trip trek and is considered an intermediate hike. It will burn your legs but the view at the top will be well worth the effort!

Flickr/ Patrick Dirden

If you like exploring small, quaint towns in Northern California, you are also in luck. Castle Crags State Park is located close by the wonderful little town of Dunsmuir.

Flickr/ Bruce Fingerhood

In addition to being a fun overall place to visit, Dunsmuir is also steeped in railroad history. Take a train ride or discover things you didn’t know at a museum.

Flickr/ Patrick Dirden Sights like this are common place in Dunsmuir. A southbound QEDRV (Edmonton, AB - Roseville, CA) freight pulls out of Dunsmuir moments before sunset. The train consists of a long string of Canadian Pacific hoppers.

A Siskiyou county adventure would be incomplete if you also didn’t visit some of the many lovely waterfalls that are sure to delight and amaze you. This is the iconic Burney falls.

Flickr/ Don Graham

Another popular place to look at some incredible cascades is along the McCloud River, which flows along the south side of Mt. Shasta. The Upper, Middle, and Lower falls are all incredible and definitely worth the drive.

Flickr/ Don Graham Note the wild flowers growing in the mist on the far side!

The Castle Crags region of Siskiyou county offers unparalleled opportunities for adventure. Do yourself a favor and plan a weekend adventure there ASAP.

Flickr/ nrg_crisis

Northern Californians seem to have a thirst for adventure, and I wouldn’t be surprised if many people reading this have already camped here! Share your thoughts about Castle Crags and Northern California camping with us on Facebook!

Flickr/ Thomas Shahan

Flickr/ janinsanfran

Flickr/ Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious

This family of camping is headed up to Vista Point for a view of the crags and Mount Shasta.

Flickr/ Ted Rheingold

Flickr/ Don Graham

Flickr/ Patrick Dirden

Flickr/ Bruce Fingerhood

Sights like this are common place in Dunsmuir. A southbound QEDRV (Edmonton, AB - Roseville, CA) freight pulls out of Dunsmuir moments before sunset. The train consists of a long string of Canadian Pacific hoppers.

Note the wild flowers growing in the mist on the far side!

Flickr/ nrg_crisis

If you are ready to take your adventuring to the next level, we think you might like The Secluded Glampground In Northern California That Will Take You A Million Miles Away From It All.

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