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Chappie/Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Chappie/Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas are unincorporated stretches of public lands set aside for the public to enjoy. These areas often offer a more private, secluded getaway whether you choose to visit the area for a day or spend some time camping there. Many of these regions feature hiking, biking, or off-roading trails; fishing or boating options; or even Bureau of Land Management free camping. To find out more about what each site offers, search for "BLM camping near me."

Located near Shasta Lake between the Shasta and Trinity National Forests in California, the Chappie/Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area offers over 250 roads and off-roading trails for recreational vehicles. The area is open all year, and aside from enjoying the thrill of riding through the landscape, visitors can also stop at one of the area’s overlooks to view the Sacramento River or the Shasta Dam. There are also many opportunities to spot wildlife.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Chamise Peak

One of the most popular hikes in the area around Shasta Lake, Chamise Peak offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Length: 4.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Sacramento River Rail Trail

This beautiful trail winds along the Sacramento River and offers beautiful views and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Length: 10.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Clikapudi Trail

Located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the Clikapudi Trail provides gorgeous views of the landscape.

Length: 8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Bailey Cove Trail

The scenic Bailey Cove Trail is located in the nearby Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

Length: 3.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Backbone Road OHV Trail

Visitors to this trail can hike, mountain bike or ride a vehicle along any stretch of the trail they like.

Length: 22.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Nearby Shasta Lake is perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. Anglers can often catch minnows, carp, bluegill, several types of bass, catfish, and sunfish, and brown and rainbow trout. Chinook salmon are also a popular catch when they’re in season.

Climbing

There are several excellent rock-climbing locations near Shasta Lake and in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Castle Crags are one of the most popular locations, and they offer several options for traditional climbs. Cantera Crags offers a choice between several traditional, sport and top-rope climbs, and the Whiskeytown Dam Boulders, which are right outside of Redding, the closest town to the Chappie/Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area, are excellent for bouldering.

Wildlife Viewing

The Chappie/Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area is, itself, an excellent place to view wildlife during a break or quiet moment. Common animals include mule deer, osprey, bald eagles, mallards, and occasionally mountain lions and bears. The area around Shasta Lake is also excellent for viewing wildlife.

Picnicking

The Fishermans Point Day Use Area, located right near Shasta Lake, offers beautiful views, and there are barbecues and picnic tables available. The Bailey Cove Day Use Area also offers shaded picnic tables, and this area is quiet and peaceful.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There are several RV camping choices near Shasta Lake and Redding, the closest town to the recreation area. Fawndale Oaks RV Park is small and private, and it provides full hookups, easy access to recreational activities, a pool, and a convenience store. Mountain Gate RV Park also offers full hookups, and there is a pool, clubhouse, convenience store and fenced pet park.

Free Camping

The Beehive Dispersed Area near Lake Shasta offers free, private camping spots right on the water. There are also two other nearby dispersed camping areas, the Gregory Beach Dispersed Area and the Lower Salt Creek Dispersed Area, which offer beautiful views and free camping sites. These areas offer few, if any, amenities, so bring everything you need with you.

RV Rentals Near Chappie/Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Chappie/Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area BLM trip

Secluded and quiet, the Chappie/Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area is a fantastic way to explore some of California’s untouched wilderness. The area is relatively remote, so remember to pack any essentials you may need, and always bring water with you when you’re riding or driving the trails. The weather in the area is generally mild with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, although the nights can be quite chilly during the winter months. Most days are clear, although the winter months see some rain. Summer temperatures can exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, but they drop into the 60s and 70s at night.

The area around the Chappie/Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area is home to both bears and mountain lions. Seeing one of these animals can be very exciting, but remember to observe them from a distance as they can be extremely dangerous. Try to disturb them as little as possible.

In general, Bureau of Land Management camping areas permit stays of up to 14 days within 28 days, but the rules vary from location to location. It’s also a good idea to call ahead and make sure there is enough space since many BLM RV camping areas don’t take reservations. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Anytime you’re enjoying Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, wilderness areas, trails, or OHV areas, it’s important to preserve the area as much as possible by leaving as little trace of your stay as you can. There are few amenities in the area, so take any trash with you when you leave, or dispose of it properly at one of the staging areas. Always ensure that the fire danger is low before you make a fire, and always build fires in designated areas, such as fire pits or rings, to maintain control. As you explore the area, try to disturb the local plants and wildlife as little as possible.