Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park Campground

California's Best Camping

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, Shasta County, CA
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, Shasta County, CA

Ahjumawi Lava Springs
State Park Campground

Shasta County


Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park Campground

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is located in remote northeastern Shasta County, 80 miles northeast of Redding via Highway 299. The state park itself can only be accessed by non-motorized boats such as canoes or kayaks. Visitors to the park can launch their boats at nearby Big Lake at a PG&E launch ramp known as Ramp Farm. Campgrounds are 1 to 3 miles from the launch ramp. There are no roads into the park.

Unique Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is a rugged lava wilderness along Tule River, Ja She Creek, and Horr Pond. The area is one of the largest fresh water springs in the country with water bubbling out of numerous openings in the lava. The park has 20 miles of trails. Birders enjoy spotting ospreys, northern pygmy owls, bald eagles, woodpeckers, and more. Deer, coyotes, and muskrats are often seen in the park.

The park has three primitive campgrounds - Horr Pond Campground, Crystal Springs Campground, and Ja She Creek Campground. All of them are only accessible by boat. Each campground has 3 campsites. There is no potable water at the campgrounds. Garbage must be packed out.

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Ahjumawi Campground Basics
Ahjumawi Location: 4 miles north of Highway 299 at McArthur
Elevation: 3,300 feet
Mileage and driving time from gateway city: Redding - 78 miles, 1:35
Number of Sites: 9
Camping Season: open year-round
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Pets: Not recommended, although pets are allowed. Dogs on leash and attended at all times.
Operated by California State Parks
Ahjumawi Lave Springs State Park: 530-335-2777

Reservations
No Reservations All campsites at Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park are first-come, first-served.
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: Horr Campground dock and restrooms
Fees: $15 per night
Check-in, check-out: check -in any time, check-out Noon

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, food locker, fire ring
Campground: Vault toilets, no potable water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park: Explore a number of scenic hiking trails. Set out for a day of birding. Try canoeing and kayaking. Test your skill at fishing. Drive to nearby McArthur-Burney Falls State Park (30 miles).

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Sign for Ahjumawi State Park


General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on snow conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate


Ahjumawi State Park

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park
Attractions and Activities

Visitors to Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park spend most of their time exploring the area by trail and on the water.

  • Canoe or kayak around the waterways, enjoying the springs, waterfalls, marshlands, wildlife, and views of Lassen Peak and Mount Shasta.
  • Visit the historic ranch house.
  • Hike along trails through lava beds, past lava tubes, pit craters and pressure ridges.
  • Discover stone fish traps used by Native Americans.
  • Fish for rainbow trout.
  • Visit the Inter-Mountain Fair & Event Center in nearby McArthur. Annual events include the Labor Day weekend fair and the Mountain Jubilee in June.

Key State Park Information

  1. Weather: Temperatures at the park can be very hot in summer and very cold in winter.
  2. Lava: Much of the area is covered in lava. Where sturdy shoes and stay on marked trails.
  3. Bears: Food and similar items must be stored in bear-proof lockers
  4. Pets; Because of the rugged terrain and sharp lava rocks, dogs are not recommended. If dogs are taken to camps the animals must be on leash and confined to tents at night.
  5. Hiking: Before setting out, be sure to tell someone where you will be going and when you expect to return.
  6. Wildlife: Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes. Mosquitoes can be a problem in the spring and early summer.

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