Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park Campground is located in remote northeastern Shasta County, 80 miles northeast of Redding. 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.
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is a unique, 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.
| 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 | Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park Campground sites all first-come, first-served. |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | Horr Campground dock and restrooms |
| Park Brochure and Map | Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park Brochure and Map |
| 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).
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
| Updates | Last Updated August 2025 |
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.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate
Visitors to Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park spend most of their time exploring the area by trail and on the water.
Check for any park or campground updates:
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park
Reviews from Previous Campers
- 2020 - 2024 -