01
Best overall pick
Lake Siskiyou Beach & Swim Area
Southwest Shore Of Lake Siskiyou • Classic Family Beach On A Mountain Lake • Best Overall Pick
A lively, family-friendly beach with big Mount Shasta views, calm water, and plenty of room to spread out.
This is the go-to beach for anyone staying in or near Mount Shasta City, thanks to its easy access, soft shoreline, and postcard view of the peak across the lake. In summer the designated swim area, docks, and nearby amenities make it an easy choice for families and casual visitors. Arrive earlier on hot weekends if you want a quieter patch of sand near the waterline.
02
Alpine escape
Castle Lake Shoreline
High Alpine Basin Southwest Of Mount Shasta City • Alpine Lake Cove With Cold, Clear Water • Best For Mountain Scenery
A compact, rocky “beach” on the edge of a high-elevation lake that trades sand for stunning alpine scenery.
Castle Lake’s shoreline is more granite slabs and small gravel pockets than broad sand, but locals treat it like a mountain beach all the same. The water is colder and clearer than the lower lakes, perfect for a refreshing plunge on a hot afternoon after a hike. Bring sturdy sandals, a camp chair, and a warm layer—the sun sets early behind the surrounding peaks.
03
Big-water hangout
Lake Shasta North Shore Coves
North Arm Of Lake Shasta Near Lakehead • Expansive Reservoir Shoreline With Coves And Inlets • Best For Boating And Long Days On The Water
A sprawling mix of small gravel beaches and boat-in coves where you can swim, sun, and make a full day of it.
An hour or so south of Mount Shasta, Lake Shasta offers a totally different feel: wide-open water, red earth banks, and endless little inlets that become pop-up beaches as the water drops. Many visitors pair swimming with a day of boating or paddling, using the coves as quiet spots to anchor and cool off. It’s less polished than a resort beach, but that’s the appeal—room to roam and pick your own shoreline perch.
04
Laid-back local spot
McCloud Reservoir Lakeside Coves
East Of Mount Shasta Near The Town Of Mccloud • Laid-Back Forested Lakeshore • Quietest Swim Spot
A low-key reservoir with little coves and banks where you can slip into the water away from crowds.
McCloud Reservoir sees far fewer visitors than Lake Siskiyou or Lake Shasta, making it a good choice when you want to trade amenities for quiet. Short paths from pullouts lead down to informal “beach” areas—mostly firm dirt, small gravel, and pine needles right at the water’s edge. It’s a bring-your-own-chair situation, but you’re rewarded with calm water, forested views, and a relaxed, local feel.
05
Best day-trip beach
Lake Britton Swim Beach
Near Burney, East Of Mount Shasta • State Park Swim Beach On A Forested Lake • Best Full-Day Excursion
A sandy swim beach at a forested lake, ideal to pair with a visit to Burney Falls for a full summer day out.
Lake Britton’s designated swim area offers a true sandy beach feel, complete with gentle entry into the water and plenty of room for towels and beach games. Many visitors stop here after walking the short loop around nearby Burney Falls, turning the trip into a mix of sightseeing and lazy lake time. Expect slightly warmer water than the high alpine lakes and a classic state-park setup with picnic tables and easy parking.