About HIRZ BAY GROUP 1
Overview The Hirz Bay Group 1 Campground sits on the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake in a forest of oak and Manzanita. A variety of recreational activities are offered here, including a nearby boat ramp for water sports and a hiking trail. This camp is ideal for groups of up to 120 people.Recreation The nearest boat launch is about 1 mile away at Hirz Bay. Hikers can access the 2-mile Hirz Bay Trail near the campground. Resorts on the lake have watercraft rentals and marinas with fuel. Popular water activities include power and non-motorized boating, fishing and water skiing. Lake Shasta offers excellent fishing for trout, catfish, Chinook salmon, crappie, bluegill, white sturgeon, brown bullhead and bass.Facilities The camp offers a picnic area, 2 large pedestal grills, 1 large fire ring, 2 large sinks with faucets and a paved parking lot with 21 spaces. The parking area is separate from the camping area. Vault toilets are provided.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. 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. The nearby Hirz Mountain Lookout offers panoramic views of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen and the surrounding area at an elevation of 3,500 feet.
How to Get There
250 miles north of San Francisco. Take I-5 through Sacramento and Redding. Go 25 miles north of Redding and cross Shasta Lake. Remain on I-5 to Gilman Road. From the north, take Salt Creek exit to Gilman Road. Take Gilman Road east 11 miles to entrance of Hirz Bay on right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
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 HIRZ BAY GROUP 1
Heading to HIRZ BAY GROUP 1? 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 HIRZ BAY GROUP 1?
No central reservation system listed for HIRZ BAY GROUP 1. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233096) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to HIRZ BAY GROUP 1?
250 miles north of San Francisco. Take I-5 through Sacramento and Redding. Go 25 miles north of Redding and cross Shasta Lake. Remain on I-5 to Gilman Road. From the north, take Salt Creek exit to Gilman Road. Take Gilman Road east 11 miles to entrance of Hirz Bay on right.
References & Official Resources
